Sapphire, a gemstone celebrated for its captivating blue hues, holds a prominent place in the world of gemstones and is recognized as the birthstone for September. While often associated with the color blue, sapphires actually occur in a wide spectrum of colors, each with its own unique appeal. This article delves into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of this remarkable gem, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The history of sapphire is deeply interwoven with human culture and belief. The name “sapphire” is believed to originate from the Latin word sapphirus and the Greek word sappheiros, both referring to the blue stone. However, historical accounts reveal a degree of confusion regarding identification. As noted in historical texts, stones now known as peridot were often referred to as “topazios,” but were, in fact, peridot. Similarly, for centuries, spinel was frequently mistaken for ruby and sapphire.
A particularly striking example of this misidentification involves the “Black Prince’s Ruby,” a large red stone that adorned the British Imperial State Crown for centuries. It was only in the 18th century that this gem was correctly identified as a spinel, not a ruby as previously believed.
Sapphires have long been associated with royalty, wisdom, and virtue. Ancient Greeks believed sapphires bestowed prophecy and protection from disease. Europeans considered the stone a symbol of purity, hope, and truth. The association with royalty is evident in historical artifacts; a sapphire is featured in a 1975 cocktail ring crafted by P.D.T in Birmingham, UK, showcasing the gem’s enduring appeal in fine jewelry.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are formed under specific geological conditions, often found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Peridot, another August birthstone, is known for its formation under extreme conditions, found in hardened lava carried from deep within the Earth’s mantle and even within meteorites. While the provided sources do not detail sapphire’s specific formation process, they do highlight its diverse origins.
Sapphires are mined in various locations around the world. Historically, sources included regions in India. Today, significant deposits are found in countries like Myanmar (formerly Burma), Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Pakistan. The sources indicate that Myanmar is known for producing spinel of arresting color, including hot pink and red varieties. Arizona is a primary source of peridot within the United States, found in volcanic landscapes.
Gemological Properties
The sources provide limited detail regarding the gemological properties of sapphire. However, they do offer some insights. Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, known for its exceptional hardness. Peridot, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, is softer than many gems and not recommended for daily wear in rings. This suggests sapphire possesses a greater durability.
The sources emphasize the importance of color in evaluating gemstones. Sapphires are known for their range of colors, including intense red, vibrant pink, orange, purple, violet, blue, and bluish-green. The play-of-color, a phenomenon where shifting rainbow hues are displayed, is particularly valued in opals, the other October birthstone. Sapphires, however, are prized for their consistent and vibrant color. The 1975 sapphire ring described features a “deep blue Sapphire” with “spectrum of colour flashes,” highlighting the gem’s brilliance.
The sources also mention different cuts used for gemstones. Emeralds are traditionally cut in a rectangular step-cut known as the “emerald cut,” while sapphires can be cut into various shapes, including rounds, ovals, and squares.
Here's a table summarizing the hardness of the mentioned gemstones:
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Peridot | 6.5 - 7 |
| Sapphire | (Implied to be higher than 6.5-7 based on durability) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, gemstones have been imbued with symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties. Sapphires have been associated with wisdom, royalty, and protection. Red gems, including spinel and ruby, were believed to be remedies for blood loss and inflammatory diseases, promoting harmony and easing anger.
Opal, the other October birthstone, is believed to bring confidence and hope to the wearer. Ancient Bedouins believed opal held lightning, while ancient Greeks thought it bestowed the gift of prophecy. These beliefs demonstrate the enduring human fascination with the perceived powers of gemstones.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and integrity of any gemstone. Peridot, being relatively soft, requires gentle handling. Steam or ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided due to the risk of thermal shock. Instead, a soft-bristle brush with mild dish soap and warm water is recommended. Peridot should also be stored carefully to prevent scratching from harder gems.
While specific care instructions for sapphire are not detailed in the provided sources, its greater hardness suggests it is more durable than peridot. However, all gemstones should be handled with care and protected from harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Conclusion
Sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its historical associations with royalty and wisdom to its captivating colors and geological origins, sapphire continues to fascinate and inspire. As a September birthstone, it represents a symbol of hope, purity, and truth. While the provided sources offer a glimpse into the world of sapphire, further research would undoubtedly reveal even more about this remarkable gem.