Sapphire, the birthstone for September, holds a prominent place in the world of gemstones, celebrated for its rich history, enduring beauty, and remarkable durability. While most readily recognized for its classic blue hues, sapphire encompasses a rainbow of colors, making it a versatile and captivating gem. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of this esteemed gemstone, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
Throughout history, sapphire has been associated with nobility, faith, and protection. During the Middle Ages, it was believed that sapphires preserved chastity, revealed fraud and treachery, and offered protection against poison, plague, fever, and skin diseases. Its association with purity and virtue led to its frequent use by clergy, with blue sapphires specifically considered a highly spiritual stone worn by priests. This long-held reverence underscores the sapphire’s enduring appeal across cultures and eras.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires belong to the mineral family of corundum, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. All colors of corundum, except for red (which is ruby), are classified as sapphires. These gemstones form in metamorphic and igneous rocks, requiring specific geological conditions to develop their characteristic color and clarity.
While blue is the most well-known color for sapphires, they naturally occur in a full rainbow of hues, including pink, yellow, green, and purple. Sapphires marketed by color are described accordingly – “green sapphire,” “yellow sapphire,” and “purple sapphire” – with the exception of the rare pinkish-orange stones known as padparadscha. The sources do not specify particular mining locations beyond Sri Lanka, which is noted for yellow sapphires that often glow apricot or orange under ultraviolet light. Australia is also mentioned as a source of sapphires that do not fluoresce and exhibit a typical sapphire iron spectrum.
Gemological Properties
Sapphires are renowned for their exceptional hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamonds. This durability makes them ideal for everyday wear and ensures their longevity. The highest value stones exhibit a rich color, relative clarity (freedom from inclusions), and a bright, lively appearance.
Sapphires are dichroic, meaning they display different shades of their body color when viewed from different angles. This property is particularly noticeable in varieties other than yellow. Testing with a dichroscope can reveal these differing shades. Ultraviolet (UV) light can also be used to identify sapphires, with yellow and golden sapphires from Sri Lanka often glowing apricot or orange under long-wave UV light.
The spectrum analysis of green and golden sapphires can be similar to that of blue sapphires, requiring careful examination for accurate identification. Sapphires can also exhibit a natural optical phenomenon called asterism, appearing as a six-rayed star within the gemstone.
Here's a table summarizing key gemological properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Mohs Hardness | 9 |
| Colors | Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, Purple, etc. |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
| Transparency | Transparent to Translucent |
| Dichroism | Present in most varieties |
| Asterism | Possible in some stones |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, sapphires have long been imbued with symbolic meaning. They are considered protective gemstones, believed to shield the wearer from both physical harm and negative intentions. The symbolism extends to safeguarding against envy and promoting mental clarity. Blue sapphires, in particular, are associated with spirituality and were historically worn by priests.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific care and cleaning instructions for sapphires. However, given their hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, they are relatively durable and can withstand regular wear.
Conclusion
Sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its historical significance as a symbol of protection and virtue to its exceptional durability and captivating colors, sapphire continues to fascinate and inspire. Its versatility, ranging from the classic blue to a spectrum of other hues, ensures its continued popularity among gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry lovers alike. The sapphire’s place as the September birthstone is well-deserved, representing a gem of both beauty and enduring strength.