Sapphire, the captivating birthstone of September, has held a place of prominence in human history and culture for millennia. Revered for its stunning beauty, particularly its signature blue hues, sapphire is more than just a gemstone; it is a symbol of wisdom, royalty, and divine favor. This article delves into the fascinating world of sapphire, exploring its geological origins, historical significance, gemological properties, and enduring symbolism.
History and Lore
The story of sapphire is interwoven with mythology, religion, and royal tradition. The name “sapphire” itself originates from the Greek word sappheiros, though it’s believed this term was originally used to refer to lapis lazuli. Ancient Greeks associated sapphire with the gods Zeus and Apollo, and wore the stone when seeking guidance from oracles, believing it would enhance the clarity of prophecies. Buddhists held sapphire in high regard, considering it a stone of spiritual enlightenment, while Hindus utilized it in religious worship.
Early Christian kings cherished sapphires for their protective qualities, often incorporating them into ecclesiastical rings. A compelling, though now debated, belief held that the Ten Commandments were inscribed upon tablets of sapphire, though modern historians suggest the biblical references likely pertain to lapis lazuli. Throughout the Middle Ages, sapphire remained a symbol of heaven and attracted divine wisdom and judgment.
Sapphire’s association with royalty continued into more recent history. The gemstone’s deep blue shades became synonymous with “royal blue,” and a magnificent 18-carat oval blue sapphire takes center stage in one of the world’s most iconic engagement rings – originally given by Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer and now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. This association further cemented sapphire’s status as a stone of prestige and power.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire belongs to the corundum family, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The formation of sapphire requires a unique geological environment devoid of silicone. The presence of trace elements, such as iron and titanium, is responsible for the gemstone’s diverse range of colors, with titanium and iron specifically contributing to the characteristic blue hues.
Historically, classical violet-blue sapphires were sourced from the Kashmir region of India, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sapphires from Kashmir are particularly prized for their exceptional quality and rarity, commanding record-breaking prices – a Kashmir sapphire sold for $242,000 per carat in 2015. Sri Lanka has also been a significant source of star sapphires, notable for their asterism, a phenomenon caused by the presence of rutile inclusions.
Australia was a major sapphire producer for a time, but Madagascar has emerged as the leading source of sapphire gemstones since the 1990s. While blue is the most well-known color, sapphires can occur in a spectrum of shades, including violet, purple, green, pink, yellow, grey, black, brown, and even colorless varieties. Red corundum, however, is classified as ruby. Sapphires exhibiting multiple colors are known as “parti-colored sapphires,” and those that change color depending on the light source are particularly rare. A unique variety, the padparadscha sapphire, displays a delicate pinkish-orange hue reminiscent of a lotus flower.
Gemological Properties
Sapphires are renowned for their exceptional hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, making them highly durable and suitable for everyday wear. This hardness is identical to that of ruby, as both are varieties of corundum. The chemical formula for sapphire is Al2O3, indicating its composition of aluminum and oxygen arranged in a hexagonal crystal structure.
While sapphires are typically known for their blue coloration, the intensity and shade of blue can vary significantly. Cornflower blue sapphires, possessing a vivid, slightly violetish-blue hue, are considered the most valuable. The depth of the blue color is directly related to the amount of titanium present within the gemstone; higher titanium content results in a deeper, more saturated blue.
Sapphires can also exhibit optical phenomena beyond color, such as asterism (star effect) and color change. Asterism is caused by the presence of microscopic rutile inclusions aligned in a specific pattern, creating a six-rayed star when the stone is cut en cabochon. Color-changing sapphires display different colors depending on the light source, shifting from blue in daylight or fluorescent light to purple under incandescent light.
Here's a table summarizing key gemological properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al2O3 (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.99 – 4.00 |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.778 |
| Color | Blue, Violet, Purple, Green, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Grey, Black, Brown, Colorless |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been imbued with a wealth of symbolic meaning. Beyond its association with royalty and divine favor, sapphire is often linked to wisdom, truth, and faithfulness. It is believed to promote mental clarity, focus, and spiritual enlightenment. Some traditions suggest that sapphire can protect against negative energies and promote inner peace.
In ancient times, sapphire rings were worn while visiting oracles, with the belief that the stone would increase the likelihood of receiving a true prophecy. The gemstone is also connected to the fifth and forty-fifth wedding anniversaries, symbolizing enduring love and commitment. Alternative birthstones for September, lapis lazuli and aventurine, also carry their own unique symbolism. Lapis lazuli is associated with illumination, communication, and protection, while aventurine is believed to bring abundance, empathy, and creativity.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, sapphire is a relatively durable gemstone. However, it is still susceptible to damage from sharp blows or abrasive materials. To maintain its brilliance, sapphire jewelry should be cleaned regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can potentially damage the stone. It is also advisable to remove sapphire jewelry before engaging in strenuous activities to prevent scratches or chipping.
Conclusion
Sapphire, September’s magnificent birthstone, is a gemstone steeped in history, symbolism, and geological wonder. From its ancient associations with royalty and prophecy to its modern-day appeal as a timeless jewel, sapphire continues to captivate and inspire. Its exceptional durability, stunning colors, and rich cultural heritage make it a treasured gemstone for generations to come. Whether admired for its beauty, cherished for its symbolism, or appreciated for its scientific properties, sapphire remains a truly remarkable gem.