Sapphire, the captivating birthstone of September, has held a place of prominence in human history and culture for millennia. Revered for its rich hues, particularly its signature blue, and exceptional durability, sapphire is more than just a beautiful gem; it is a symbol of wisdom, royalty, and faithfulness. This article delves into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of this remarkable gemstone, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The story of sapphire is deeply interwoven with the beliefs and traditions of ancient civilizations. The name “sapphire” itself originates from the Greek word sappheiros, though it’s noted that this term was likely used to refer to lapis lazuli in early Greek writings. The Latin sapphirus further solidified the name, eventually becoming the term we use today. Throughout history, sapphire has been associated with the heavens, with many cultures believing its celestial blue color reflected the divine.
Ancient Greeks wore sapphires when seeking guidance from oracles, believing the stone aided in receiving clear answers. Buddhists held sapphire in high regard, associating it with spiritual enlightenment, while Hindus incorporated it into religious worship. Early Christian kings prized sapphire for its protective qualities, often featuring it in ecclesiastical rings. A fascinating, though potentially apocryphal, belief held by ancient Hebrews was that the Ten Commandments were inscribed upon tablets of sapphire, though modern historians suggest the blue gemstone referenced in biblical texts was more likely lapis lazuli.
Medieval European lapidaries adopted “sapphire” to describe blue corundum crystals, solidifying its association with the color blue. Sapphire became a symbol of nobility and virtue, adorning the robes and crowns of royalty and the elite. This association continued through the ages, with sapphire becoming the traditional gift for the 45th wedding anniversary and marking a sapphire jubilee after 65 years, as exemplified by Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne in 2017. Even more recently, in 1985, sapphire was officially designated as the state gem of Queensland, Australia.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide (α-Al2O3) with trace elements that give it color. While most commonly known for its blue hues, sapphires occur in a remarkable range of colors – yellow, purple, orange, and green – and can even exhibit multiple colors in what are known as “parti sapphires.” Red corundum, however, is classified as ruby, not sapphire.
Historically, classical violet-blue sapphires were sourced from the Kashmir region of India, particularly between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A sapphire from Kashmir set a world record price-per-carat in 2015, selling for $242,000 per carat, totaling over $6.74 million. Sri Lanka has also been a significant source of notable sapphires, including many famous star sapphires like the 1404.49-carat Star of Adam, the 563.4-carat Star of India, and the 182-carat Star of Bombay.
Australia was a major sapphire producer until the 1990s, when Madagascar emerged as the world’s leading source of sapphire gemstones. Other locations where sapphires are found include Myanmar, Cambodia, and parts of the United States and Australia. Sapphires are often found in association with other minerals such as ruby, zircon, biotite, muscovite, calcite, dravite, and quartz.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire boasts exceptional physical and optical properties that contribute to its desirability as a gemstone. It registers a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the third-hardest mineral, surpassed only by diamond (10) and moissanite (9.5). This remarkable hardness makes sapphire exceptionally durable and suitable for everyday wear.
The chemical formula of sapphire is α-Al2O3, with trace amounts of elements like iron, titanium, cobalt, lead, chromium, vanadium, magnesium, boron, and silicon influencing its color. While blue is the most well-known color, the presence and concentration of these trace elements determine the specific hue and intensity of the sapphire.
Sapphires are commonly cut and polished into gemstones for use in jewelry. They are also utilized in industrial applications due to their hardness, including infrared optical components, durable windows, wristwatch crystals and bearings, and as insulating substrates for specialized electronics.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been imbued with profound symbolic meaning. It is often associated with wisdom, royalty, protection, and good fortune. Some cultures believed the sky was blue because of sapphire’s connection to deities and creation myths.
Sapphires were thought to facilitate a connection to the spiritual world, and in modern times, they are believed to activate the mind, promoting wisdom and learning. The gemstone is also associated with the throat and third eye chakras, believed to unlock deeper levels of consciousness.
Various superstitions surround sapphire. An Italian belief suggests sapphires protect against eye problems and melancholy, and historical accounts tell of Mary, Queen of Scots, using a sapphire pendant to soothe sore eyes. Pope Innocent III even decreed that bishops’ rings should be set with unengraved sapphires, symbolizing the secrets and dignity of their position. Furthermore, a traditional Hindu belief holds that sapphire brings favor from the planet Saturn (Shani) to the wearer.
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 using 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 beauty for generations.
Conclusion
Sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its ancient origins steeped in mythology and royalty to its modern applications in both jewelry and technology, sapphire continues to captivate and inspire. Its exceptional durability, combined with its rich symbolism and breathtaking beauty, ensures its place as a treasured gemstone for centuries to come. As the birthstone of September, sapphire represents sincerity, faithfulness, and truth – qualities as timeless and enduring as the gem itself.