For those born in September, the month offers a unique duality in its birthstone selection. While the primary September birthstone is the renowned sapphire, the secondary gemstone, Lapis Lazuli, holds its own rich history and symbolism. This article explores the gemological, historical, and cultural significance of both sapphires and Lapis Lazuli, offering an in-depth look at their properties, origins, and enduring appeal.
History and Lore
Sapphire: A Gemstone of Royalty and Nobility
Sapphire, the official birthstone for September, has long been associated with royalty and nobility. The word "sapphire" originates from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning "blue," and its historical use dates back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Greece and Rome, sapphires were believed to offer protection from harm and envy. The elite of these societies adorned themselves with sapphires, considering them not only as symbols of status but also as talismans of divine favor.
In medieval Europe, sapphires were worn by clergy as symbols of heaven and faith. The gemstone was also thought to possess healing properties, particularly in treating diseases of the eye and as an antidote to poison. The belief in the sapphire's protective and healing powers contributed to its widespread use in both personal adornment and sacred relics.
One of the most famous sapphires is the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat gem acquired by John D. Rockefeller Jr. from an Indian maharaja in 1934. Another notable example is the sapphire engagement ring once worn by Princess Diana and later presented to Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge. These high-profile associations have reinforced the sapphire's reputation as a gemstone of enduring elegance and historical significance.
Sapphire is also the gemstone that commemorates the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, further cementing its place in cultural traditions around the world.
Lapis Lazuli: A Stone of the Ancients
While sapphire holds the primary status as the September birthstone, Lapis Lazuli is recognized as an alternative gemstone for the month. Lapis Lazuli is not a true crystal but a metamorphic rock composed of lazurite, pyrite, and calcite. Its deep royal blue color, often flecked with golden pyrite, has made it a favored material for jewelry and decorative objects for millennia.
The use of Lapis Lazuli dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used in amulets and ornaments. It has also been found in artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. The most significant source of Lapis Lazuli has been Afghanistan, where it has been mined for over 6,000 years. Other notable sources include Russia, Italy, and parts of South America.
Lapis Lazuli has been used in religious and spiritual contexts, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. It was often associated with wisdom and truth and was believed to enhance spiritual insight and promote calmness and peace. In modern times, Lapis Lazuli remains a popular gemstone, particularly for those who appreciate its affordability compared to sapphires while still enjoying its striking appearance.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire: A Hard, Colorful Corundum
Sapphires belong to the corundum family, a mineral composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The color of sapphires is primarily due to trace elements such as iron, titanium, and chromium. While sapphires are most commonly known for their blue hue, they can also be found in a wide range of colors, including yellow, green, pink, and purple. These are often referred to as "fancy sapphires."
Sapphires are formed under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth's crust. They are typically found in metamorphic rocks such as gneiss and schist, as well as in igneous rocks like basalt and granite. The gemstone is also found in sedimentary deposits formed by the erosion of its primary source rocks.
Historically significant sources of sapphires include Kashmir, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and Sri Lanka. These regions are known for producing some of the finest sapphires in the world, characterized by their intense color and clarity. Other notable sources include Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, and the United States (particularly Montana).
Lapis Lazuli: A Metamorphic Rock with a Rich History
Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of lazurite, a sodium calcium aluminum silicate that gives the stone its deep blue color. It also contains smaller amounts of other minerals, including pyrite (which appears as golden flecks) and calcite (which appears as white veins). The presence of these minerals creates a visually striking pattern that is unique to each piece of Lapis Lazuli.
The formation of Lapis Lazuli occurs through the metamorphism of limestone and other sedimentary rocks. This process takes place under high pressure and moderate temperature conditions, often in the presence of hydrothermal fluids. The result is a stone that is relatively soft compared to sapphires, with a hardness of around 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.
The primary source of Lapis Lazuli has been Afghanistan, where it has been mined for thousands of years. Other important sources include Russia, Italy, and South America. The mining of Lapis Lazuli continues to be an important industry in these regions, with the stone being used in a variety of applications, from jewelry to decorative objects.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire: A Durable and Diverse Gemstone
Sapphires are among the hardest gemstones, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes them highly durable and suitable for use in jewelry that is worn regularly, such as engagement rings and earrings. Sapphires also have a refractive index of 1.76 to 1.78, which contributes to their brilliance and sparkle.
The color of sapphires is determined by the presence of trace elements. The most common blue sapphires owe their color to the presence of iron and titanium. Other colors, such as yellow, green, and pink, are caused by different combinations of trace elements. For example, yellow sapphires are often colored by iron, while pink sapphires are colored by chromium.
Sapphires are typically found in a range of cuts, including round, oval, emerald, and cushion cuts. The choice of cut often depends on the shape and clarity of the rough stone. Sapphires are also known for their excellent clarity, with many high-quality stones being free of visible inclusions.
Lapis Lazuli: A Softer, Yet Striking Stone
Lapis Lazuli has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively softer compared to sapphires. This makes it less suitable for jewelry that is worn frequently, as it is more prone to scratches and abrasions. However, its softness also allows it to be carved and shaped into intricate designs, making it a popular choice for decorative items and ornamental objects.
The refractive index of Lapis Lazuli is lower than that of sapphires, ranging from 1.5 to 1.7. This, combined with its opaque to translucent nature, gives the stone a different type of luster compared to sapphires. The presence of lazurite, pyrite, and calcite also creates a unique visual effect, with the golden flecks of pyrite adding a shimmer to the deep blue background.
Lapis Lazuli is typically cut into cabochons or beads, as these cuts enhance its natural beauty without requiring the precision of faceting. It is also commonly used in inlays and mosaics, where its striking color and texture can be showcased.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Sapphire: A Symbol of Wisdom, Nobility, and Fidelity
Sapphires have long been associated with wisdom, nobility, and fidelity. In ancient times, they were believed to protect the wearer from harm and envy, and to promote truth and sincerity. The gemstone was also thought to enhance spiritual insight and promote inner peace.
Sapphires have been used in various cultural traditions to symbolize different virtues. In medieval Europe, they were associated with divine favor and were often worn by clergy as symbols of heaven. In ancient Persia, it was believed that the earth was supported by a giant sapphire, which gave the sky its blue color. This belief reflected the gemstone's association with the divine and the celestial.
In modern times, sapphires continue to be valued for their symbolic meaning. They are often given as gifts to celebrate love, commitment, and enduring friendship. The association of sapphires with the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries further reinforces their role as symbols of lasting love and devotion.
Lapis Lazuli: A Stone of Wisdom, Truth, and Spiritual Insight
Lapis Lazuli has been associated with wisdom, truth, and spiritual insight for centuries. In ancient Egypt, it was used in amulets and ornaments to promote protection and divine favor. In medieval Europe, it was believed to enhance intellectual abilities and promote a sense of calm and clarity.
Lapis Lazuli is often used in meditation and spiritual practices to promote inner peace and emotional balance. It is believed to stimulate the third eye chakra, which is associated with intuition and higher consciousness. The stone is also thought to enhance communication and self-expression, making it a popular choice for those who seek to improve their ability to convey their thoughts and feelings.
In modern times, Lapis Lazuli remains a popular gemstone for its symbolic meaning and aesthetic appeal. It is often used in jewelry, decorative objects, and spiritual tools to promote a sense of calm and connection with the divine.
Care and Cleaning
Sapphire: A Durable Gemstone Requiring Gentle Care
Sapphires are highly durable due to their hardness on the Mohs scale, but they can still be damaged if exposed to harsh conditions. To maintain the beauty of sapphires, it is important to clean them with care.
Sapphires can be cleaned using warm water and mild dish soap. A soft-bristled brush can be used to gently remove dirt and debris from the surface of the stone. It is important to avoid using abrasive materials, as these can scratch the surface of the gemstone.
Sapphires can also be professionally cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners. These methods are effective for removing stubborn dirt and debris without damaging the stone. However, it is important to have the gemstone inspected by a professional jeweler before using these methods, as some sapphires may have treatments that could be affected by the cleaning process.
When storing sapphires, it is best to keep them in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent them from coming into contact with other gemstones, which could cause scratches. It is also advisable to remove sapphires before engaging in activities that could expose them to impact or harsh chemicals.
Lapis Lazuli: A Softer Stone Requiring Extra Care
Lapis Lazuli is a softer gemstone that requires more careful handling and cleaning. Due to its lower hardness on the Mohs scale, it is more prone to scratches and abrasions, especially when worn in rings or bracelets.
To clean Lapis Lazuli, it is best to use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. A soft-bristled brush can be used to gently remove dirt and debris from the surface of the stone. It is important to avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the surface of the gemstone.
Lapis Lazuli should not be cleaned using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as these methods can cause damage to the stone. It is also advisable to avoid exposing Lapis Lazuli to high temperatures or direct sunlight, as these can cause the stone to fade or lose its luster.
When storing Lapis Lazuli, it is best to keep it in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent it from coming into contact with other gemstones or objects that could scratch the surface. It is also advisable to remove Lapis Lazuli before engaging in activities that could expose it to impact or harsh chemicals.
Conclusion
September birthstones offer a rich and diverse selection of gemstones, with sapphire and Lapis Lazuli each bringing their own unique charm and significance. Sapphires, with their deep blue color and exceptional hardness, have long been associated with royalty, nobility, and enduring love. Their use in jewelry and their historical significance make them a timeless and valuable gemstone.
Lapis Lazuli, while not as hard as sapphires, holds its own special place in the world of gemstones. Its striking blue color and golden flecks make it a visually appealing stone, and its long history of use in jewelry and spiritual practices adds to its allure. Both sapphires and Lapis Lazuli continue to be cherished by gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry collectors around the world.
Whether you are a jewelry buyer, a gemstone enthusiast, or a student of gemology, the September birthstones offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of colored gemstones. Their beauty, history, and symbolism make them a valuable addition to any collection or piece of jewelry.