Sapphire, the recognized birthstone for September, has captivated humanity for millennia with its rich hues and enduring symbolism. Primarily known for its striking blue varieties, sapphire encompasses a spectrum of colors, excluding red, which is reserved for the ruby – also a member of the corundum family. Throughout history, this gemstone has been associated with royalty, faith, and protection, holding significant cultural and spiritual meaning across diverse civilizations. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and enduring symbolism of the September birthstone.
History and Lore
Sapphires boast a history steeped in reverence and symbolism. Ancient civilizations held the gemstone in high regard, attributing various powers and protective qualities to it. In ancient Greece, sapphires were believed to offer safety from harm, while ancient Greeks and Romans believed the stone protected owners from envy and harm. Ancient Persians held a particularly striking belief, positing that the Earth rested upon a colossal sapphire, which imbued the sky with its characteristic blue color.
Medieval Europeans attributed healing properties to the sapphire, believing it could cure plague boils and alleviate eye ailments, even serving as an antidote to poison. The stone held particular significance for religious figures; medieval clergy wore sapphires, associating the gem with Heaven, symbolizing spiritual insight and divine favor. The association with nobility and high society continued through the Middle Ages, and into more recent history. Princess Diana’s iconic 12-carat Ceylon sapphire engagement ring, now worn by Princess Kate Middleton, exemplifies the gemstone’s enduring connection to royalty and romance. Some sources even suggest a connection to sacred texts, claiming the Ten Commandments were inscribed upon tablets of sapphire, highlighting its perceived strength and enduring nature.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are formed from the mineral corundum, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. The presence of trace elements – chromium, titanium, vanadium, iron, and/or magnesium – within the corundum structure gives rise to the diverse range of sapphire colors. While blue is the most well-known color, sapphires can also be found in orange, purple, black, pink, yellow, and even colorless varieties. Red corundum is classified as ruby, a distinct gemstone.
Historically, Kashmir was a significant source of sapphires, with discoveries made in the late 1800s following a landslide that revealed a rich deposit of large, blue crystals. However, today, sapphires are sourced from various locations worldwide. Sri Lanka, Australia, Cambodia, and Thailand are all notable sources. The specific origin can influence the sapphire’s color and value, with certain regions known for producing particularly desirable shades.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire’s exceptional durability and beauty stem from its unique gemological properties. Ranking 9.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphire is second only to diamond in terms of resistance to scratching. This makes it an ideal gemstone for everyday wear, suitable for rings, pendants, and other jewelry pieces. Sapphires are also highly resistant to heat, light, and chemical degradation.
The chemical formula for sapphire is Al₂O₃. The color of a sapphire is evaluated based on its hue, tone, and saturation. While “sapphire” generally refers to the blue variety, other colors are designated as “fancy colored” sapphires, such as “purple sapphire” or “green sapphire.” Sapphires are measured in carats, with the price per carat increasing for velvety blue or violet shades, considered among the most sought-after colors.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.0 |
| Color | Blue, Orange, Purple, Black, Pink, Yellow |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been imbued with profound symbolic meaning. It traditionally represents sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. Beyond these core attributes, different cultures have assigned additional layers of meaning to the gemstone. Buddhists believed sapphires promoted inner peace, while in Islam, sapphires were associated with the seven heavens.
The association with fidelity and romance makes sapphire a popular choice for engagement rings, symbolizing a lasting and devoted relationship. The stone is also believed to offer protection, a belief rooted in ancient traditions where sapphires were worn to ward off harm and envy. Some metaphysical beliefs suggest sapphires can enhance intuition, promote clarity of thought, and foster spiritual growth.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, sapphire is a relatively durable gemstone. However, proper care is essential to maintain its brilliance and prevent damage. Routine cleaning can be performed with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice diffusion-treated sapphires. However, caution is advised for fracture-filled or dyed sapphires, which should only be cleaned with a damp cloth to avoid damaging the treatments. Regular cleaning will help preserve the sapphire’s luster and ensure it continues to sparkle for generations.
Conclusion
Sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its ancient origins as a symbol of royalty and protection to its modern-day status as a beloved birthstone and jewelry staple, sapphire continues to captivate with its beauty, durability, and rich history. Its association with truth, faithfulness, and nobility, combined with its stunning range of colors, ensures that sapphire will remain a cherished gemstone for centuries to come.