Sapphire, the captivating birthstone for September, has held a place of prominence in human history and culture for millennia. Revered for its rich hues, particularly its classic deep blue, sapphire symbolizes nobility, truth, and faithfulness. While most commonly associated with blue, this remarkable gemstone actually occurs in a spectrum of colors, each with its own unique appeal. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of sapphire, drawing upon centuries of lore and modern gemological understanding.
History and Lore
Throughout history, sapphire has been intrinsically linked to royalty, faith, and protection. Ancient civilizations held the gemstone in high regard, attributing to it a multitude of powers and meanings. In ancient Greece, sapphires were believed to offer the wearer safety from harm and envy. These cultures also associated sapphire with the heavens, with some believing the Earth rested upon a giant sapphire, imbuing the sky with its characteristic blue color.
Medieval Europeans shared similar beliefs, attributing healing properties to the stone, claiming it could cure plague boils and alleviate eye diseases. It was even considered an effective antidote to poison. The clergy of the Middle Ages valued sapphires for their symbolic representation of Heaven, often incorporating them into religious garments and artifacts.
Ancient Persians held a particularly striking belief, positing that the world itself was supported by a massive sapphire, explaining the blue hue of the sky. This celestial connection continued through various cultures, with some Buddhists believing sapphires promoted inner peace and the seven heavens of Islam being adorned with these precious stones. The Ten Commandments are even rumored to have been inscribed upon tablets of sapphire, highlighting the stone’s association with divine law and enduring strength.
More recently, sapphires have become synonymous with romance and commitment, most notably through the iconic engagement ring first worn by Princess Diana and later by Kate Middleton, featuring a 12-carat blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire belongs to the corundum mineral species, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. Red corundum is classified as ruby, while all other colors are known as sapphire. The presence of trace elements, such as iron and titanium, creates the diverse range of colors seen in sapphires. A sapphire’s color is evaluated based on its hue, tone, and saturation.
Historically significant sources of sapphire include Kashmir, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and Sri Lanka. These locations were renowned for producing exceptional quality stones. However, significant quantities have also been discovered in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, and the United States, particularly in Montana. The Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone, originated in Myanmar and was acquired from an Indian maharaja in 1934.
Gemological Properties
Sapphires are exceptionally durable gemstones, ranking nine on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamond. This hardness makes them well-suited for everyday wear in jewelry. The chemical formula for corundum, and therefore sapphire, is Al₂O₃.
While blue is the most recognized color, sapphires occur in a wide array of hues, including pink, yellow, green, orange, and purple. These “fancy colored” sapphires are explicitly identified by their specific color. The most valuable sapphires are those with a velvety blue or violet color, commanding the highest price per carat. A high-quality 1-carat blue sapphire can range in price from $3000 to $5000, though prices fluctuate.
Sapphires are part of the “Big Three” of colored gemstones, alongside rubies and emeralds, signifying their importance in the gem world. Blue sapphire is the most abundant and affordable of these three, making it widely accessible to consumers.
Here's a table summarizing key gemological properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Common Colors | Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, Purple |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism associated with sapphire is rich and varied. Traditionally, the September birthstone represents sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. Throughout the centuries, sapphire has adorned royalty and the robes of the clergy, reinforcing its association with power and spiritual authority.
Ancient Greeks believed sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy, while also symbolizing Apollo, the god of prophecy. They thought wearing a sapphire could open a “third eye,” and the stone was used for fortune-telling until the 17th century.
Beyond historical beliefs, sapphires are often associated with wisdom, learning, and mental clarity. Some believe they promote inner peace and spiritual growth. The deep blue color is often linked to tranquility, stability, and focus.
Care and Cleaning
Sapphires are a durable gemstone, but proper care is essential to maintain their brilliance. Due to their hardness, sapphires are suitable for everyday wear. However, they can still be scratched by harder materials like diamonds.
Cleaning sapphires is relatively straightforward. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are generally sufficient to remove dirt and grime. For more stubborn residue, ultrasonic cleaners can be used, but caution should be exercised with stones that have been fracture-filled. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone’s surface.
Some sapphires undergo common treatments to enhance their color or clarity. These treatments may include heat treatment, which is widely accepted, or fracture filling, which requires more careful handling during cleaning.
Conclusion
Sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its historical associations with royalty and divinity to its modern appeal as a symbol of love and commitment, sapphire continues to captivate and inspire. Its remarkable durability, coupled with its stunning array of colors, makes it a cherished gemstone for generations to come. As the birthstone for September, sapphire embodies qualities of truth, faithfulness, and nobility, making it a truly special and meaningful gem.