Sapphire, the captivating birthstone of September, has long been celebrated for its rich history, enduring beauty, and symbolic significance. While most readily recognized in its classic blue hues, sapphire encompasses a spectrum of colors, with red corundum being classified as ruby. This gemstone’s association with royalty, faithfulness, and wisdom has cemented its place in both historical lore and modern jewelry, particularly as a favored choice for engagement rings. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of this remarkable gemstone, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The name “sapphire” originates from the Greek word sappheiros, which likely originally referred to lapis lazuli. Throughout history, sapphire has been revered for its perceived protective and healing properties. Medieval Europeans believed the September birthstone could cure plague boils and alleviate eye ailments, even serving as an antidote to poison.
Its association with royalty dates back centuries. Before diamonds became the predominant choice for engagement rings, sapphires were frequently selected by royal families. A notable example is Napoleon Bonaparte, who gifted his fiancée a sapphire engagement ring in 1796. This tradition continued into the 20th century, most famously with Princess Diana’s iconic 12-carat blue Ceylon sapphire engagement ring, presented to her by Prince Charles in 1981. The ring, sourced from Garrard’s jewelry catalog, challenged royal traditions by making a readily available jewel accessible to non-royals. The ring now graces the finger of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, continuing its legacy. The deep blue color of fine sapphires has even lent its name to the color “royal blue,” further solidifying its connection to nobility and prestige.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) crystal. The presence of trace elements, specifically titanium and iron, imparts the characteristic blue coloration. The intensity of the blue depends on the amount of titanium present – more titanium results in a deeper blue hue. Sapphires can also occur in a range of other colors, including pink, violet, green, yellow, orange, purple, gray, black, and brown, and even exhibit “parti-colored” combinations. Some sapphires display a color change effect, appearing blue in daylight or fluorescent light and purple under incandescent light.
Historically significant sources of sapphire include Kashmir, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and Sri Lanka. However, substantial quantities have also been found in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, and the United States (Montana), as well as other locations in Asia and Africa. Thailand serves as both a mining location and a major center for sapphire cutting and treatment. In Chanthaburi Province, miners dig for sapphires in dense jungle terrain, while sapphires from Myanmar and Cambodia are often sent to Chanthaburi and Bangkok for cutting and treatment.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire is a remarkably durable gemstone, ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. This high hardness, combined with its excellent toughness and lack of cleavage, makes it an ideal choice for jewelry, particularly rings intended for daily wear. Cleavage refers to a tendency to break along specific planes; sapphire’s lack of cleavage contributes to its resilience.
Sapphires are typically found in various sizes, as exemplified by the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone originally acquired from an Indian maharaja. Princess Diana’s engagement ring featured a 12-carat blue gem. Sapphires can be found in a wide range of cuts and shapes, depending on the quality of the rough stone and the desired aesthetic.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Toughness | Excellent |
| Cleavage | None |
| Color | Primarily blue, but can be various colors |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Sapphire has long been associated with wisdom, nobility, faithfulness, and sincerity. It symbolizes a love that remains steadfast through time, making it a particularly meaningful choice for engagement rings. The gemstone’s historical connection to royalty further reinforces its association with dignity and prestige.
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 sapphires. However, caution is advised for sapphires that have undergone fracture filling or dyeing, as these treatments can be damaged by even mild acids like lemon juice. Such stones should only be cleaned with a damp cloth.
It is important to note that sapphires are often treated to enhance their color or clarity. Heat treatment is a common and widely accepted practice, resulting in permanent improvements. Less common treatments, such as lattice diffusion and fracture filling, require more careful handling. Lattice diffusion can sometimes result in color that is only superficial and could be removed if the stone is chipped or recut. Fracture-filled sapphires are particularly vulnerable to damage. Therefore, it is crucial to inquire about any treatments applied to a sapphire before purchase.
Conclusion
Sapphire, the September birthstone, stands as a testament to enduring beauty, historical significance, and symbolic power. From its ancient roots in mythology and royalty to its modern prominence in engagement rings, this gemstone continues to captivate and inspire. Its remarkable durability, coupled with its stunning range of colors, ensures its continued appeal for generations to come. The sapphire remains a cherished symbol of wisdom, faithfulness, and enduring love.