The September birthstone, sapphire, is a gemstone steeped in history, symbolism, and enduring beauty. Primarily recognized for its captivating shades of blue, sapphire encompasses a spectrum of colors within the corundum mineral family, with red corundum being classified as ruby. This precious stone, celebrated for its exceptional hardness and durability, has adorned royalty, inspired folklore, and continues to be a favored choice for jewelry and commemorative gifts. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of sapphire, the esteemed birthstone of September.
History and Lore
Sapphires boast a rich and storied past, with associations stretching back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Greece and Rome, blue sapphires were believed to offer protection from harm and ward off envy. The elite of these societies treasured the gemstone, incorporating it into their adornments and believing in its protective qualities. Similarly, medieval Europeans attributed healing powers to the September birthstone, believing it could cure plague boils and alleviate eye ailments, even serving as an antidote to poison.
Ancient Persians held a particularly striking belief, positing that the earth rested upon a giant sapphire, which was responsible for the blue hue of the sky. This illustrates the profound reverence for the stone and its connection to the natural world. Throughout the Middle Ages, sapphire held a special place within the clergy, symbolizing Heaven and representing faith and piety. The stone’s association with nobility and royalty continued for centuries, solidifying its status as a gem of distinction.
Beyond its protective and healing properties, sapphire has long symbolized sincerity, faithfulness, and nobility. This symbolism has extended to modern traditions, with sapphire being the traditional gift for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, and Star Sapphire marking the 65th.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are formed from the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) crystal structure. The presence of trace elements, such as iron and titanium, is responsible for the characteristic blue color of most sapphires. Pure corundum is actually colorless, and varying trace elements create the “fancy sapphires” in other hues.
Historically, some of the most prized blue sapphires originated from the remote, mountainous regions of Kashmir in northern India. However, today, high-quality sapphires are sourced from several key locations across Asia and Africa. Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Cambodia are significant sources of fine sapphires. Madagascar also contributes substantially to the global sapphire supply. Commercial-grade sapphires are also found in East Africa, Australia, and even Montana, USA. The increasing demand for ethically sourced gemstones has also led to the growth of lab-created sapphire as a viable alternative.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire is renowned for its exceptional hardness, registering a 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This places it third only to diamond and moissanite, making it exceptionally durable and suitable for everyday wear. This toughness ensures that sapphires can maintain their luster and resist scratching over time.
The chemical composition of sapphire is aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). While blue is the most recognizable color, sapphires occur in a wide range of hues, including pink, yellow, green, purple, and orange. The intensity and purity of color significantly impact a sapphire’s value.
Sapphires are typically evaluated using the “4Cs”: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Color is arguably the most important factor, with vibrant, saturated blues commanding the highest prices. Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions, and while some inclusions are acceptable, excessive flaws can diminish a sapphire’s value. Cut refers to the proportions, symmetry, and polish of the gemstone, maximizing its brilliance and fire. Carat weight measures the size of the sapphire, with larger stones generally being more valuable.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism associated with sapphire is deeply rooted in its history and color. The deep blue hue is often linked to truth, sincerity, constancy, and purity of the soul. This association has made sapphire a popular choice for engagement rings, symbolizing enduring love and faithfulness.
Sapphire is also known as the “Stone of Wisdom,” representing knowledge, learning, and spiritual awakening. It is believed to promote clarity of thought, enhance intuition, and foster inner peace. Some believe sapphire can protect against negative thoughts and envy, promoting a sense of serenity and balance.
In astrology, sapphire is associated with both Virgo (August 23 – September 23) and Libra (September 24 – October 23), the zodiac signs that fall within September. Crystals are often paired with these signs to enhance their positive qualities and mitigate negative energies. For Virgos, stones like amazonite, moss agate, and amethyst are believed to complement their systematic nature. Libras are thought to benefit from ametrine, citrine, and labradorite, enhancing their charming and diplomatic qualities.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, sapphire is a relatively durable gemstone. However, proper care is essential to maintain its brilliance and prevent damage. Sapphires can be safely cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners, as these can potentially damage the stone or its setting.
It is also advisable to remove sapphire jewelry before engaging in strenuous activities or when exposed to harsh chemicals. While sapphire is resistant to scratching, it can still be chipped or fractured with a sharp blow. Regular cleaning and careful handling will ensure that your sapphire jewelry remains beautiful for generations.
Conclusion
Sapphire, the September birthstone, is a gemstone of remarkable beauty, enduring strength, and profound symbolism. From its ancient associations with royalty and protection to its modern representation of truth and wisdom, sapphire continues to captivate and inspire. Its exceptional hardness, coupled with its vibrant colors, makes it a prized possession for jewelry enthusiasts and a meaningful gift for those born in September. The legacy of sapphire, woven through centuries of history and lore, solidifies its place as one of the world’s most cherished gemstones.