Sapphire, the captivating birthstone of September, has been revered for millennia for its beauty, durability, and rich symbolism. While most readily recognized in its classic blue hue, this remarkable gem presents a spectrum of colors, known as fancy sapphires, and boasts a history intertwined with royalty, romance, and protective beliefs. This article delves into the geological origins, historical significance, gemological properties, and modern appreciation of the September birthstone.
History and Lore
The story of sapphire stretches back thousands of years. The name ‘sapphire’ itself originates from the Greek word ‘sappheiros,’ and for centuries, any blue gemstone was generally referred to as such. Ancient cultures held sapphire in high esteem. As early as the second century BCE, peridot and sapphire were valued and featured in the jewelry of priests. Throughout medieval Europe, sapphire was not only admired for its aesthetic qualities but also believed to possess potent healing properties. It was thought to cure plague boils, alleviate eye diseases, and even act as an antidote to poison.
Beyond its medicinal applications, sapphire symbolized fidelity and the soul, becoming associated with royalty and romance. This association continues to this day, perhaps most famously exemplified by Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring, now worn by Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, a testament to the gem’s enduring charm and elegance. The gem was also considered a protective talisman, shielding the wearer from evil spirits and terrors of the night.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) crystal. Ruby, the red variety of corundum, shares the same chemical composition and hardness. The formation of sapphires requires specific geological conditions, typically occurring in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
For over 2,000 years, Sri Lanka has been a significant source of sapphires, often described as a “jewel box of the Indian Ocean.” The island yields blue and fancy-colored stones renowned for their brilliance and saturation. The milky white “geuda” sapphires found in Sri Lanka can be heat-treated to achieve a rich blue color. Historically important sources also include Kashmir, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and Sri Lanka.
More recently, significant sapphire deposits have been discovered in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, and even the United States, specifically in Montana. The Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat stone, originated in Myanmar.
Gemological Properties
Sapphires are exceptionally durable gemstones, scoring a 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making them well-suited for everyday wear, including engagement rings. They possess excellent toughness and lack cleavage, meaning they resist breaking when struck.
While blue is the most recognizable color, sapphires occur in a wide range of hues, including pink, yellow, orange, green, peach, and violet. These colored varieties are known as fancy sapphires. Red corundum, however, is classified as ruby. Some sapphires exhibit a remarkable color-change effect, appearing blue in daylight and shifting to reddish-purple under incandescent light, a phenomenon similar to that seen in alexandrite.
The most sought-after fancy sapphire is the Padparadscha, a rare pink-orange corundum resembling a tropical sunset. Sapphires can also display asterism, a star-like effect caused by the presence of microscopic inclusions. The Star of India, a 563-carat sapphire approximately 2 billion years old, is a prime example of this phenomenon.
Sapphires are often treated to enhance their color or clarity. Heat treatment is a common and widely accepted practice, permanently improving the gem’s appearance. Less common treatments, such as lattice diffusion, fracture filling, and dyeing, require special care and may affect the stone’s long-term stability. It is crucial to inquire about any treatments before purchasing a sapphire.
Here's a table summarizing key gemological properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Mohs Hardness | 9 |
| Toughness | Excellent |
| Cleavage | None |
| Color | Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, Orange, Violet, etc. |
| Luster | Vitreous |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been imbued with symbolic meaning. As previously mentioned, it represents fidelity, the soul, and royalty. The gem is also associated with harmony, good health, restful sleep, and peacefulness. Known as the stone of compassion, peridot is believed to calm anger and promote renewal. Some believe sapphires instill power and influence.
In ancient times, sapphires were considered gifts from mother nature, celebrating the annual creation of a new world. Presenting a sapphire as a gift was thought to bestow magical powers and healing properties upon the recipient, protecting them from nightmares.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its hardness, sapphire is a relatively easy gemstone to care for. Warm, soapy water is generally a safe and effective cleaning method. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are typically safe for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice diffusion-treated stones. However, fracture-filled or dyed sapphires should only be cleaned with a damp cloth, as they are more susceptible to damage from chemicals or harsh cleaning methods. It’s important to avoid contact with strong acids, such as lemon juice, which can harm treated sapphires.
Conclusion
Sapphire remains a gemstone of enduring appeal, captivating jewelry lovers and gem enthusiasts alike. From its ancient origins and association with royalty to its remarkable durability and vibrant colors, the September birthstone embodies elegance, loyalty, and power. Whether admired for its historical significance, its scientific properties, or its aesthetic beauty, sapphire continues to hold a prominent place in the world of gemstones.