September's birthstone, the sapphire, is one of the most revered and iconic gemstones in the world. Known for its mesmerizing blue hue and enduring symbolism, the sapphire has captivated people for centuries. This article provides an in-depth look at the September birthstone, exploring its color, geological formation, historical significance, gemological properties, and cultural symbolism.
Introduction
Sapphires, the birthstone of September, are renowned for their deep blue color, which has made them a favorite in jewelry and a symbol of royalty and wisdom. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the sapphire carries a rich history of cultural, religious, and scientific significance. This article delves into the sapphire's color and the factors that influence it, its formation and sources, its gemological properties, and the many meanings attributed to it across different cultures and eras.
History and Lore
Sapphires have been treasured for millennia, with their history intertwined with the cultures and beliefs of ancient civilizations. The name "sapphire" derives from the Greek word sappheiros, which originally referred to lapis lazuli. The term was later applied to the blue corundum mineral we now know as sapphire. This shift in naming occurred as gemologists in medieval Europe began to distinguish between different blue gemstones.
The sapphire has long been associated with the heavens and divine favor. Ancient Greeks wore sapphires for guidance when consulting oracles, and early Christian kings used sapphires in ecclesiastical rings to invoke divine protection. In medieval Europe, sapphires were believed to symbolize Heaven and were often worn by clerics and royalty. The ancient Persians even believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire, which gave the sky its blue color.
In the context of religious texts, sapphires have a significant place. Ancient Hebrew texts claim that Noah’s Ark was illuminated by a giant sapphire used as a window, and the same stone was said to be placed in the Jewish High Priest’s breastplate. The Ten Commandments themselves were said to have been engraved on giant sapphire tablets, although some historians now believe the blue gemstone referenced in the Bible may have been lapis lazuli.
The association of sapphires with royalty and divine favor continued into the modern era. Sapphires have been featured in royal jewels and have become symbols of nobility and wisdom. One of the most famous sapphire rings is the one given by Britain’s Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. This ring, now worn by Kate Middleton, features a stunning 18-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, which has the chemical formula Al₂O₃. Corundum is one of the hardest minerals on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond. The deep blue color of sapphires is due to trace amounts of titanium and iron within the corundum crystal structure. The intensity of the blue color depends on the concentration of these elements; the more titanium present, the deeper the blue.
Sapphires can form in a variety of colors, but the most prized are the deep blue sapphires. These sapphires are typically found in specific geological environments where the right combination of minerals and trace elements is present. The formation of sapphires involves high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, often in metamorphic rocks such as marble or in igneous rocks like basalt.
Historically, sapphires were primarily sourced from the Kashmir region of India, known for producing some of the finest sapphires with a cornflower blue color. These Kashmir sapphires are highly sought after and command premium prices due to their rarity and exceptional quality. The world record price-per-carat for a sapphire was set by a gemstone from Kashmir, which sold at auction for $242,000 per carat in 2015.
Other significant sources of sapphires include Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Australia, and Thailand. Sri Lanka is particularly famous for its star sapphires, which display an asterism due to the presence of tiny needle-like inclusions. The 1404.49-carat Star of Adam, the 563.4-carat Star of India, and the 182-carat Star of Bombay are notable examples of star sapphires from Sri Lanka.
Australia was once a major source of sapphires, but the discovery of sapphire deposits in Madagascar during the 1990s shifted the center of production. Madagascar now leads the world in sapphire gemstone production. These sapphires are often less expensive than their Kashmir counterparts but can still display excellent color and clarity.
The rarity and quality of sapphires from specific regions have influenced their market value. Cornflower blue sapphires from Kashmir are particularly rare and expensive due to the region's geographic isolation and political instability. These factors, combined with high demand, make Kashmir sapphires some of the most valuable gemstones in the world.
Gemological Properties
Sapphires are highly valued for their durability and brilliance, making them ideal for use in jewelry. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphires are among the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds. This high hardness makes sapphires resistant to scratches and ideal for everyday wear in rings and other jewelry.
The refractive index of sapphires ranges from 1.76 to 1.78, which contributes to their brilliance and fire. Sapphires are typically cut in a brilliant or step cut to enhance their optical properties. The most popular cut for sapphires is the round brilliant cut, which maximizes the stone's fire and sparkle. However, sapphires can also be cut in a variety of other styles, including oval, pear, and emerald cuts.
The color of sapphires can vary significantly, with blue sapphires being the most well-known. However, sapphires can also be found in shades of pink, yellow, green, orange, and even colorless. These non-blue sapphires are sometimes referred to as "fancy sapphires." Some sapphires exhibit a color change depending on the lighting conditions, appearing blue in daylight and purple under incandescent light. These color-changing sapphires are highly valued for their unique optical properties.
Clarity in sapphires can range from eye-clean to visibly included. Most sapphires contain inclusions, which are natural characteristics that can affect the stone's appearance and value. However, inclusions are often considered part of a sapphire's natural beauty and can add character to the gemstone. Some sapphires, such as star sapphires, are prized for their inclusions, which create the distinctive star-like effect known as asterism.
Sapphires are typically evaluated for quality based on the "4 C's" – color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Color is the most important factor in determining the value of a sapphire. The most valuable sapphires are those with a deep, cornflower blue color and high transparency. Clarity is also important, with eye-clean sapphires being the most desirable. The cut of a sapphire can significantly affect its appearance, with well-proportioned cuts enhancing the stone's brilliance and color. Carat weight influences the price of sapphires, with larger stones being rarer and more valuable.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Sapphires have long been associated with spiritual and metaphysical properties. In ancient times, sapphires were believed to offer protection and divine favor. The Greeks wore sapphires for guidance when consulting oracles, and medieval Europeans believed that sapphires could protect against harm and envy. The sapphire was also thought to have healing properties, with medieval Europeans believing that it could cure plague boils and diseases of the eye.
In Buddhist traditions, sapphires were believed to bring spiritual enlightenment, and Hindus used sapphires during worship. The sapphire's association with wisdom and clarity has made it a popular gemstone for those seeking mental and emotional balance. In the modern era, sapphires are often used in meditation and are believed to enhance intuition and psychic abilities.
Sapphires have also been associated with loyalty and fidelity. The September birthstone is said to symbolize sincerity, truth, and faithfulness. These qualities have made sapphires a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding jewelry. Sapphires are also used to commemorate significant anniversaries, such as the 5th, 23rd, and 45th wedding anniversaries. A more rare form of sapphire, the star sapphire, is used to mark the 65th wedding anniversary.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their high hardness, sapphires are relatively easy to care for and maintain. However, it is important to avoid exposing sapphires to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, which can damage the stone or affect its appearance. Sapphires should be cleaned with a soft brush, mild soap, and warm water. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used for sapphires, but they should be avoided for sapphires with inclusions or treatments that may be sensitive to vibrations.
When storing sapphires, it is best to keep them separate from other gemstones to prevent scratches. Sapphires can be stored in a soft cloth or a padded jewelry box. It is also important to avoid exposing sapphires to sudden temperature changes, which can cause thermal shock and potentially crack the stone.
For sapphires with inclusions or treatments, such as heat-treated sapphires or star sapphires, it is important to follow specific care instructions. Heat-treated sapphires are generally stable, but it is best to avoid exposing them to high temperatures. Star sapphires should be cleaned gently to avoid disturbing the needle-like inclusions that create the asterism.
Conclusion
The sapphire, September's birthstone, is a gemstone of extraordinary beauty and enduring significance. From its deep blue color and exceptional hardness to its rich history and cultural symbolism, the sapphire has captivated people for centuries. Whether used in jewelry, as a symbol of royalty, or for its spiritual properties, the sapphire remains one of the most cherished gemstones in the world. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless beauty and the many meanings it carries across different cultures and eras.