For millennia, the sapphire has captivated humanity with its rich hues and enduring allure. As the recognized birthstone of September, this gemstone embodies sincerity, faithfulness, and nobility – qualities that have cemented its place in history, lore, and the hearts of those who cherish its beauty. While most readily associated with a vibrant blue, the sapphire presents itself in a spectrum of colors, each possessing its own unique charm. This article delves into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of the September sapphire, drawing upon established knowledge of this remarkable gem.
History and Lore
The sapphire’s history is deeply interwoven with the beliefs and practices of ancient civilizations. In ancient Greece and Rome, blue sapphires were believed to offer protection from harm and envy, adorning those of high status and influence. The elite of these societies sought the gem’s perceived safeguarding powers. During the Middle Ages, sapphire held a sacred place within the Christian church, symbolizing Heaven and attracting divine favor. Clergymen often wore sapphires in ecclesiastical rings, believing the stone facilitated wise judgment.
Ancient Persians held a particularly striking belief, imagining the earth rested upon a colossal sapphire, responsible for the sky’s azure hue. Across cultures, the sapphire was reputed to possess healing properties; medieval Europeans believed it could cure plague boils and eye diseases, even acting as an antidote to poison.
Historical accounts suggest the Ten Commandments may have been inscribed on sapphire tablets, though modern historians now believe the biblical reference likely pertains to lapis lazuli. The Kashmir region of India, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, became renowned for producing classical violet-blue sapphires, with a specimen selling for a record $242,000 per carat in 2015. Notable sapphires have also been linked to prominent figures, such as one acquired by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in 1934, initially set as a brooch and later as a ring.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires, along with rubies, belong to the corundum family – a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. These gemstones are formed through metamorphic processes, originating from rocks within the Earth’s crust subjected to intense pressure and high temperatures over millions of years. The presence of trace elements like iron, chromium, and titanium within the corundum structure dictates the resulting color. Interestingly, corundum is inherently colorless; it is these trace elements that give rise to the sapphire’s diverse palette.
Historically significant sources of sapphires include Kashmir, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar (formerly Burma). Sapphires originating from these regions are often prized for their exceptional appearance. Kashmir sapphires, discovered in 1881 following a landslide in the Himalayas, are particularly celebrated for their velvety “cornflower” blue crystals.
While Australia was once a major sapphire producer, Madagascar has emerged as the leading source of sapphire gemstones since the 1990s. The specific geographic origin can influence a sapphire’s characteristics and value.
Gemological Properties
Sapphires are renowned for their exceptional durability, making them suitable for everyday wear. They are a remarkably hard stone, falling close to the top of the Mohs scale of hardness.
Sapphires occur in a full rainbow of colors, excluding red – red corundum is classified as ruby. The most recognized and commercially valuable sapphire is the blue variety. However, “fancy sapphires” encompass a range of hues, including violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, and purple. The color of a sapphire can even appear to shift depending on the lighting conditions.
The value of a sapphire is determined by several factors, including its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. High-quality sapphires in colors other than blue can also command significant prices. Some sapphires exhibit a phenomenon called asterism, displaying a six-rayed star when cut en cabochon.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Color | Blue, Violet, Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Purple |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Luster | Vitreous |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, the sapphire has been imbued with profound symbolism. Traditionally, it represents sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. It is considered a protective gemstone, believed to shield the wearer from both physical harm and negative intentions.
In Buddhist traditions, sapphires are associated with spiritual enlightenment, while Hindus utilized them during worship. Ancient beliefs attributed the power to ward off evil to sapphires, with some cultures even powdering the stone and applying it to the eyes to enhance eyesight.
The sapphire is also seen as a stone of wisdom, attracting blessings and miracles, and calming the mind. It is believed to be a suitable gem for attracting abundance and protecting against negative energies.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, sapphire is a durable gemstone. However, proper care is essential 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 stone’s 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 ensure its enduring beauty.
Alternate Birthstones
While sapphire is the primary birthstone for September, two other alluring gemstones are associated with the month: lapis lazuli and carnelian. Lapis lazuli, known for its sensational blue color, has been linked to strength, courage, royalty, and wisdom since antiquity. It was believed to ward off evil and, in ancient Egypt, was even powdered and worn around the eyes to improve vision. Carnelian, with its warm red-orange hue, was associated with courage and confidence by the Romans and was used by ancient Egyptians to aid the dead in their journey to immortality.
Conclusion
The September sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of gemstones. From its historical associations with royalty and faith to its remarkable gemological properties and symbolic significance, the sapphire continues to captivate and inspire. Whether chosen for its aesthetic appeal, its perceived metaphysical benefits, or its status as a cherished birthstone, the sapphire remains a timeless treasure, embodying wisdom, truth, and loyalty for generations to come. Its versatility and durability ensure its continued popularity in jewelry, from elegant engagement rings to everyday wear, adding a touch of sophistication and colorful charm to any collection.