For millennia, the sapphire has captivated humanity with its rich hues and enduring symbolism. As the birthstone for September, this gemstone represents sincerity, faithfulness, and nobility, qualities that have cemented its place in history and culture. While most commonly recognized for its deep blue shades, the sapphire actually encompasses a spectrum of colors, with red corundum being classified as ruby. This article delves into the fascinating world of sapphire, exploring its history, geological origins, gemological properties, and enduring appeal.
History and Lore
The history of sapphire is deeply intertwined with royalty, religion, and ancient beliefs. Ancient Greeks and Romans prized blue sapphires, believing they offered protection from harm and envy. Within the elite circles of these civilizations, sapphires were not merely adornments but safeguards against misfortune. During the Middle Ages, sapphire held a sacred place within the clergy, symbolizing Heaven and representing divine favor. Medieval Europeans attributed healing powers to the stone, believing it could cure plague boils and alleviate eye ailments, even serving as an antidote to poison.
Ancient Persian lore held a particularly striking belief: the earth rested upon a giant sapphire, which was responsible for the blue color of the sky. This illustrates the profound connection ancient cultures felt to the gemstone, imbuing it with cosmological significance. The sapphire’s association with the divine continued into other cultures; Buddhists believed sapphires promoted inner peace, while in Islam, sapphires adorned the seven heavens.
Remarkably, the Ten Commandments are thought by some to have been inscribed on tablets of sapphire, highlighting the stone’s association with strength and enduring principles. The historical record also reveals the use of lapis lazuli, sometimes mistakenly identified as sapphire in ancient texts, dating back 6500 years, with early applications in art, jewelry, cosmetics, and even medicine. Cleopatra famously used powdered lapis lazuli as eyeshadow, demonstrating its value beyond mere ornamentation.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires belong to the corundum mineral species, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide. The presence of trace elements, such as iron and titanium, creates the characteristic blue hues. Sapphires form in metamorphic and igneous rocks, requiring specific geological conditions of high temperature and pressure.
While specific mining locations are not detailed in the provided sources, the origins of lapis lazuli are noted as beginning in the Afghan region, spreading to Asia, the Middle East, and the Roman world. Marco Polo documented lapis lazuli mines as early as 1271. The sources do not provide a comprehensive list of sapphire mining locations, but the gem’s global presence suggests diverse sources worldwide.
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, particularly in engagement rings and other frequently worn jewelry. The chemical formula for corundum, the mineral species of sapphire, is Al₂O₃.
Sapphires exhibit a wide range of colors, with blue being the most well-known. However, sapphires can also be found in shades of purple, green, and other hues, referred to as “fancy colored” sapphires. The evaluation of a sapphire’s color considers its hue, tone, and saturation. Red corundum is specifically classified as ruby, distinguishing it from other sapphire colors. The term “sapphire” without further qualification typically refers to the blue variety.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been imbued with rich symbolism. It traditionally represents sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. These qualities have made it a popular choice for engagement rings, symbolizing enduring love and commitment. Beyond its association with romantic love, sapphire is also believed to promote wisdom and truth. Lapis lazuli, an alternative September birthstone, is similarly associated with wisdom and truth, and is considered a symbol of kings, honor, queens, power, spirit, and vision.
The stone’s historical and cultural significance has contributed to a variety of metaphysical beliefs. Some believe sapphires possess healing properties, while others associate them with spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, sapphire is a relatively durable gemstone. However, proper care is essential to maintain its brilliance. Sapphires can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the stone’s surface. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated sapphires, but caution should be exercised with stones that have been fracture-filled or heat-treated. Regular cleaning will help preserve the sapphire’s luster and ensure its enduring beauty.
September Birthstone Specifics
Those born in September are fortunate to have sapphire as their birthstone, regardless of the specific date of their birth. While sapphire is the primary birthstone for September, lapis lazuli serves as a semi-precious alternative. Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed of lazurite, pyrite, and calcite, responsible for its distinctive deep blue color. To be classified as lapis lazuli, a rock must contain at least 25% blue lazurite.
Sapphire vs. Lapis Lazuli
While both are September birthstones, sapphire and lapis lazuli differ significantly in composition and properties. Sapphire is a single mineral (corundum), while lapis lazuli is a rock composed of multiple minerals. Sapphire boasts exceptional hardness (9 on the Mohs scale), while lapis lazuli is considerably softer. Sapphire exhibits a wider range of colors, while lapis lazuli is primarily known for its deep blue hue with pyrite inclusions.
Conclusion
Sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its ancient origins steeped in mythology and royalty to its modern-day status as a symbol of love and commitment, the sapphire continues to captivate and inspire. Its exceptional beauty, durability, and rich symbolism ensure its place as a treasured gemstone for generations to come. Whether chosen as a birthstone, an heirloom, or a statement piece, sapphire embodies a timeless elegance and profound significance.