Sapphire, the cherished birthstone of September, has captivated humanity for millennia with its rich hues and enduring symbolism. While most commonly recognized for its vibrant blue shades, this remarkable gem actually occurs in a spectrum of colors, with red varieties being classified as ruby. Throughout history, sapphire has been associated with royalty, faith, and the pursuit of wisdom, making it a gemstone of profound cultural and historical significance. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and enduring symbolism of the September birthstone.
History and Lore
The history of sapphire is deeply interwoven with tales of royalty, religion, and healing. Ancient civilizations held the gem in high esteem, believing it possessed protective qualities. In ancient Greece and Rome, blue sapphires were thought to safeguard their wearers from harm and envy. Ancient Persians held a particularly striking belief, imagining the earth rested upon a colossal sapphire, which imbued the sky with its characteristic blue color.
Medieval Europeans attributed healing powers to the September birthstone, believing it could cure plague boils, alleviate eye ailments, and even serve as an antidote to poison. This belief in sapphire’s medicinal properties highlights its perceived value beyond mere aesthetic appeal. For the clergy of the Middle Ages, sapphire symbolized Heaven, and it was frequently incorporated into religious garments and artifacts. The gem’s association with faith and divinity further cemented its status as a stone of great importance.
The sapphire’s historical significance extends to legendary tales. Some accounts suggest the Ten Commandments were inscribed upon tablets of sapphire, a testament to the gem’s perceived strength and enduring nature. This association with divine law and unbreakable principles underscores the stone’s symbolic weight throughout history.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) crystal. The presence of trace elements, such as iron and titanium, creates the characteristic blue hues. Other trace elements result in sapphires of different colors, excluding red, which is classified as ruby.
Historically significant sources of sapphire include Kashmir, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and Sri Lanka. These regions were renowned for producing exceptional quality stones. Kashmir sapphires, in particular, are highly prized for their velvety blue color. Myanmar has also been a long-standing source of fine sapphires, contributing significantly to the gem’s historical legacy. Sri Lanka, known as the “Island of Gems,” continues to be a prominent source of sapphires in various colors.
More recently, significant quantities of sapphire have been discovered in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, and even the United States, specifically in Montana. These diverse sources demonstrate the gem’s widespread geological occurrence, though the quality and characteristics can vary considerably between locations. The Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone, originated in Myanmar and was acquired from an Indian maharaja in 1934. Another famous example is the 12-carat blue sapphire featured in Princess Diana’s engagement ring, later worn by Kate Middleton, showcasing the enduring appeal of this gemstone.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire’s exceptional durability and beauty stem from its unique gemological properties. While the provided sources do not detail specific refractive indices or chemical formulas beyond its composition as aluminum oxide, they emphasize its strength and suitability for jewelry. Sapphire is a remarkably hard gemstone, making it ideal for everyday wear.
The color of sapphire is its most defining characteristic, though it occurs in nearly every hue except red. Blue sapphires are the most popular and widely recognized, but pink, yellow, green, purple, and even colorless sapphires are also found. The intensity and evenness of color significantly impact a sapphire’s value.
Sapphires are often treated to enhance their color and clarity. Common treatments include heat treatment, which can improve color saturation, and lattice diffusion, which introduces color-causing elements into the stone. Fracture filling is also used to improve clarity, but this treatment requires careful handling during cleaning.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been imbued with rich symbolism. Traditionally, the September birthstone represents sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. These qualities have contributed to its association with royalty and religious figures. In the Middle Ages, Christian clergy wore blue sapphires as symbols of Heaven, reinforcing the gem’s spiritual significance.
Beyond its religious connotations, sapphire has also been linked to wisdom, purity, and faith. For many gem enthusiasts, the stone embodies these virtues, making it a meaningful and cherished possession. Ancient Buddhists believed sapphires promoted inner peace, while in Islamic tradition, sapphires were among the precious stones adorning the seven heavens.
The belief in sapphire’s healing powers persisted for centuries. Medieval Europeans believed it could cure various ailments, from plague boils to eye diseases, and even act as an antidote to poison. While these beliefs are not scientifically substantiated, they reflect the profound respect and reverence accorded to the gemstone throughout history.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of a sapphire requires proper care and cleaning. Warm, soapy water is generally a safe and effective method for cleaning the September birthstone. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are typically safe for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice diffusion-treated stones. However, stones that have undergone fracture filling or dyeing should only be cleaned with a damp cloth to avoid damaging the treatment. This highlights the importance of understanding any treatments applied to a sapphire before attempting to clean it.
Conclusion
Sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its ancient origins as a symbol of protection and healing to its modern status as a cherished birthstone and a prized possession, sapphire continues to captivate and inspire. Its rich history, diverse geological sources, and profound symbolism make it a gemstone of exceptional significance. Whether admired for its breathtaking beauty, its historical legacy, or its metaphysical properties, the September birthstone remains a timeless treasure.