Sapphire, the captivating birthstone of September, has been revered for millennia for its rich color, enduring hardness, and symbolic significance. Traditionally associated with royalty, faithfulness, and the heavens, this gemstone continues to enchant and inspire. While most commonly recognized in its classic blue hues, sapphire encompasses a spectrum of colors, each with its own unique appeal and history. This article delves into the fascinating world of sapphire, exploring its geological origins, historical lore, gemological properties, and enduring legacy.
History and Lore
The history of sapphire is deeply interwoven with human culture and belief. The name “sapphire” originates from the Greek word sappheiros, though it is believed this term was originally used to describe lapis lazuli. Ancient civilizations held sapphire in high esteem. In ancient Greece and Rome, blue sapphires were believed to offer protection from harm and envy. Ancient Persians even held the belief that the earth rested upon a giant sapphire, which imparted the blue color to the sky.
Medieval Europeans attributed healing properties to the September birthstone, believing it could cure plague boils and eye diseases, and even serve as an antidote to poison. Clerics of the Middle Ages favored sapphires, associating the gem with Heaven and wearing them as a symbol of spiritual devotion.
Throughout history, sapphire has been linked to royalty and nobility. Deep blue sapphires contributed to the coining of the color “royal blue,” and the gem has frequently adorned the robes and jewelry of kings and queens. More recently, the 18-carat oval blue sapphire set in a diamond cluster, originally belonging to Princess Diana and now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, has cemented the gemstone’s association with regal elegance.
Ancient Hebrews believed the Ten Commandments were inscribed on tablets of sapphire, although modern historians suggest the biblical reference may actually pertain to lapis lazuli. Buddhists believed sapphire brought spiritual enlightenment, while Hindus used the gem during worship.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire belongs to the corundum mineral family, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. Its color arises from trace elements within the crystal structure; titanium and iron are responsible for the characteristic blue hues. The formation of sapphire requires specific geological conditions, notably the absence of silicon, as its presence inhibits sapphire development.
Historically significant sources of sapphire include Kashmir, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and Sri Lanka. Kashmir sapphires, particularly those with a velvety blue color, are highly prized and command exceptional prices, with a record price of $242,000 per carat set in 2015 for a gemstone from this region. Sri Lanka has been a source of notable star sapphires, including the Star of Adam (1404.49 carats), the Star of India (563.4 carats), and the Star of Bombay (182 carats).
Australia was once a major sapphire producer, but Madagascar has emerged as the leading source of sapphire gemstones since the 1990s. Significant quantities are also found in Thailand, Cambodia, and the United States (Montana), as well as other locations in Asia and Africa. 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
Sapphire is renowned for its exceptional hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale – second only to diamond. This durability makes it an ideal gemstone for everyday wear. It is a transparent precious stone, and while blue is the most common color, sapphires occur in a wide range of hues, including violet, purple, green, pink, yellow, grey, black, and even colorless.
Any corundum that is red is classified as ruby, while all other colors are considered “fancy color” sapphires. The rarest of these fancy sapphires is the padparadscha, a pinkish-orange variety derived from the Sinhalese word for lotus flower. Some sapphires exhibit a phenomenon known as color change, appearing blue in daylight or fluorescent light and purple under incandescent light.
The intensity of a sapphire’s blue color is determined by the amount of titanium present; greater titanium content results in a deeper blue shade. Sapphires can also display asterism, a star-like effect caused by the presence of microscopic inclusions.
Here's a table summarizing key gemological properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Color | Blue, Violet, Purple, Green, Pink, Yellow, Grey, Black, Colorless |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Transparency | Transparent |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.778 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been imbued with symbolic meaning. It has traditionally represented sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. The September birthstone was believed to facilitate communication with the divine, and ancient Greeks wore sapphires when seeking guidance from oracles.
Sapphires were also thought to possess protective qualities, shielding wearers from harm and promoting wise judgment. Medieval beliefs extended to the gem’s healing powers, with sapphires being used to treat various ailments.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, sapphire is a durable gemstone suitable for all types of jewelry. However, like all gemstones, it requires proper care to maintain its brilliance. Sapphires can be safely cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated sapphires, but caution should be exercised with stones that have been fracture-filled or heat-treated. Regular cleaning will help preserve the sapphire’s luster and beauty for generations to come.
Conclusion
Sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its ancient origins steeped in mythology and royalty to its modern-day status as a beloved birthstone and jewelry staple, sapphire continues to captivate with its beauty, durability, and rich symbolism. Its diverse range of colors, coupled with its exceptional hardness, ensures its place as one of the most cherished and sought-after gemstones in the world. The September birthstone remains a symbol of truth, faithfulness, and enduring beauty, a gem truly worthy of its regal reputation.