Sapphires, the September birthstone, are among the most celebrated gemstones in the world. Renowned for their deep blue hue and enduring allure, sapphires have fascinated civilizations for millennia. While sapphire is the primary birthstone for September, it is not the only one. The month is also associated with alternative stones such as lapis lazuli, peridot, sardonyx, and moonstone. These gemstones reflect the rich and varied history of September’s symbolic stones and their evolving roles in different cultures.
This article explores the history and lore surrounding the September birthstone, the geological properties of sapphires and their alternatives, the cultural significance of these gemstones, and practical considerations for their care and use in jewelry. Drawing on historical records, geological data, and cultural traditions, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the September birthstone.
Historical & Cultural Significance of September Birthstones
The association of sapphires with September has a long and storied history. Ancient lists of birthstones, often inspired by biblical references to the 12 stones of the High Priest’s breastplate, once attributed different gems to different months. In these early records, sapphire was linked to April rather than September, with peridot being the September birthstone. However, by the 19th century, the modern list of birthstones was formalized, and sapphire became the designated September birthstone.
The transition began in 1870 when the renowned jeweler Tiffany & Co. published a pamphlet containing a poem that assigned sapphire to September. This marked a turning point in the popularization of the sapphire as the September birthstone. Sapphires have long been associated with nobility, wisdom, and divine favor. In ancient Greece and Rome, sapphires were believed to offer protection from harm and envy. During the Middle Ages, clergymen wore sapphires as symbols of Heaven and divine truth. In Persian mythology, it was believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire, which gave the sky its blue color.
While sapphire is the most widely recognized September birthstone, other stones have also been historically significant. Lapis lazuli, for example, is an alternative September birthstone in the United Kingdom. Revered by ancient royalty, lapis lazuli was believed to bring calm and peace to a household. It was also associated with the heavens and starry skies, making it a symbol of celestial wisdom.
Peridot, another traditional September birthstone, has roots in Arabic, Russian, Italian, and Hebrew calendars. Though it is now the modern birthstone of August, peridot has been linked to September for centuries. It is associated with positive energy and the opening of the heart chakra, helping to clear blockages in one’s life.
Sardonyx, a banded agate, was the September birthstone in the Roman Empire and modern Italy. It was believed to be a powerful protective stone that enhanced optimism, confidence, and joy. Sardonyx was also thought to aid students in focusing and retaining knowledge, making it a popular stone among scholars.
Moonstone, another alternative September birthstone, was considered a talisman of protection and was believed to open the heart to love and passion. In some cultures, it was thought to bring blessings of health, wealth, and friendship. Its connection to moon energy made it especially significant for nighttime travelers.
Geological Formation and Sources of Sapphires and Alternative September Birthstones
Sapphires belong to the corundum family, a mineral composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The characteristic blue color of sapphires is due to trace amounts of iron and titanium. Sapphires are among the hardest gemstones, with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamonds. This high hardness makes sapphires durable and suitable for use in a wide range of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that are worn daily.
Sapphires are found in various locations around the world, including Kashmir, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and Sri Lanka. These regions are historically significant sources of high-quality sapphires. Other notable sources include Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, and the United States (Montana). Each of these locations produces sapphires with unique characteristics, such as the famous "Kashmir blue" sapphires, which are known for their intense color and velvety appearance.
In addition to sapphires, the alternative September birthstones also have distinct geological properties. Lapis lazuli, for example, is a metamorphic rock composed of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. It is known for its deep blue color and golden flecks of pyrite. Lapis lazuli is primarily found in Afghanistan, though it is also mined in Russia, Canada, and the United States.
Peridot is a silicate mineral known for its olive-green color. It is found in volcanic rocks and is often mined in Arizona, Hawaii, and Pakistan. Peridot is relatively soft, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for jewelry but requiring careful handling to avoid scratches.
Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz. It is characterized by its banded patterns of white and brown or red. Sardonyx is found in various locations, including Brazil, India, and the United States. It is a durable stone with a hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it suitable for use in rings and pendants.
Moonstone is a type of feldspar mineral known for its iridescent sheen, called adularescence. It is primarily found in India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. Moonstone has a hardness of 6 to 6.5, making it more delicate than sapphires and requiring careful handling.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs of September Birthstones
The September birthstones have long been associated with various symbolic and metaphysical beliefs. Sapphires, in particular, have been linked to wisdom, truth, and divine favor. In ancient Greece and Rome, sapphires were believed to offer protection from harm and envy. During the Middle Ages, clergymen wore sapphires as symbols of Heaven and divine truth. Sapphires were also thought to have healing properties, with medieval Europeans believing that sapphires could cure plague boils and diseases of the eye. They were also considered an antidote to poison.
Lapis lazuli, as an alternative September birthstone, was believed to bring calm and peace to a household. Its connection to the heavens and starry skies made it a symbol of celestial wisdom and spiritual insight. In some cultures, lapis lazuli was used in rituals and ceremonies to promote mental clarity and emotional balance.
Peridot, another traditional September birthstone, is associated with positive energy and the opening of the heart chakra. It is believed to help clear blockages in one’s life and promote emotional healing. Peridot is also thought to bring prosperity and success, making it a popular stone for those seeking to enhance their fortunes.
Sardonyx, as a September birthstone in the Roman Empire and modern Italy, was considered a powerful protective stone. It was believed to enhance optimism, confidence, and joy. Sardonyx was also thought to aid students in focusing and retaining knowledge, making it a valuable stone for those engaged in learning and education.
Moonstone, with its connection to moon energy, was considered a talisman of protection and was believed to open the heart to love and passion. In some cultures, it was thought to bring blessings of health, wealth, and friendship. Moonstone is also associated with intuition and emotional balance, making it a popular stone for those seeking to enhance their inner wisdom.
Care and Cleaning of September Birthstones
Proper care and cleaning are essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of September birthstones. Sapphires, being one of the hardest gemstones, are relatively durable and can withstand daily wear. However, they should be cleaned with care to avoid damage. Sapphires can be cleaned using a mild detergent and warm water, followed by a gentle scrub with a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners can also be used, but it is important to check for any inclusions or fractures that may be sensitive to vibrations. Sapphires should be stored separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching.
Lapis lazuli, while beautiful, is a softer stone and requires more careful handling. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage its surface. Lapis lazuli should be stored in a soft pouch to prevent scratches and should not be exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity.
Peridot, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7, is relatively durable but should still be handled with care. It can be cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water, using a soft brush to remove dirt. Peridot should be stored separately from harder gemstones to avoid scratches.
Sardonyx, a durable stone with a hardness of 6.5 to 7, can be cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water. It is also suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. Sardonyx should be stored in a soft pouch to prevent scratches and should not be exposed to harsh chemicals.
Moonstone, being a softer gemstone with a hardness of 6 to 6.5, requires gentle cleaning. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. Moonstone should be stored in a soft pouch to prevent scratches and should not be exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity.
Conclusion
The September birthstone, sapphire, is a gemstone of enduring beauty and historical significance. Its association with royalty, wisdom, and divine favor has made it a symbol of nobility and truth for centuries. While sapphire is the primary birthstone for September, alternative stones such as lapis lazuli, peridot, sardonyx, and moonstone also hold rich cultural and symbolic meanings. Each of these gemstones reflects the diverse history and traditions surrounding September’s birthstones.
From their geological properties and sources to their symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs, the September birthstones offer a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of science, culture, and history. Whether worn as jewelry, used in rituals, or cherished for their beauty, these gemstones continue to captivate and inspire. Understanding their properties and significance allows for a deeper appreciation of their enduring appeal.