For millennia, the sapphire has captivated humanity with its rich hues and enduring symbolism. As the September birthstone, this gem embodies sincerity, faithfulness, and nobility, a legacy woven through history, lore, and the very fabric of royal courts and spiritual practices. While most readily recognized in its classic blue form, the sapphire reveals a spectrum of colors, each with its own unique appeal. This article delves into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of this remarkable gemstone.
History and Lore
The story of the sapphire stretches back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, including those of Greece and Rome, held blue sapphires in high esteem, believing they offered protection from harm and envy. These early cultures associated the gem with the elite, adorning themselves with sapphires as symbols of status and power. In the Middle Ages, sapphire held a sacred place within the Christian church, worn by clerics as a representation of Heaven. Ancient Persians even held the belief that the earth rested upon a colossal sapphire, responsible for the blue color of the sky.
Beyond its association with royalty and religion, the sapphire was also attributed with healing properties. Medieval Europeans believed the stone could cure plague boils, alleviate eye ailments, and even serve as an antidote to poison. This belief in the sapphire’s medicinal power highlights the reverence with which it was held throughout history.
The sapphire’s enduring appeal is reflected in numerous famous examples. The Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut gem originating from Myanmar (Burma), stands as a testament to the gem’s allure. Acquired by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1934, it has been re-cut and re-mounted over the years, first as a brooch and later as a ring. More recently, the 12-carat blue sapphire engagement ring, initially worn by Princess Diana and later given to Kate Middleton, has cemented the sapphire’s place in modern popular culture.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire belongs to the corundum family, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Its remarkable hardness, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale – second only to diamond – contributes to its durability and suitability for jewelry. While typically known for its blue hue, the presence of trace elements like iron and titanium creates the characteristic color. Interestingly, red corundum is classified as ruby, not sapphire. Sapphires can also occur in a rainbow of other colors, including pink, yellow, green, violet, and even black, with some exhibiting a color-change effect.
Historically significant sources of sapphire include Kashmir, Myanmar (Burma), and Sri Lanka. Kashmir sapphires, particularly those with a velvety blue color, are highly prized and command exceptional prices, with one gemstone selling for $242,000 per carat in 2015. Sri Lanka has also been a prolific source of star sapphires, exhibiting a six-rayed asterism.
Australia was a major producer of sapphires for a time, but Madagascar has emerged as the leading source in recent decades. Other notable sources include Thailand, Cambodia, and the United States, specifically Montana.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire’s gemological properties contribute to its beauty and value. As previously mentioned, its hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale makes it exceptionally durable. The gem occurs in a variety of colors, with blue being the most well-known. However, sapphires are marketed according to their color – yellow sapphire, purple sapphire, and so on. The term "sapphire" alone typically refers to the blue variety.
Sapphires can also exhibit optical phenomena, such as asterism (star effect) and color change. Asterism occurs when the gem contains intersecting needle-like inclusions that create a six-rayed star when the stone is cut en cabochon. Color-change sapphires, a rarer variety, shift color depending on the light source.
Here's a summary of key gemological properties:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum (Al₂O₃) |
| Hardness | 9 on the Mohs scale |
| Classic Color | Deep “royal” blue |
| Other Hues | Pink, yellow, green, violet, black, color-change |
| Major Sources | Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, Thailand, Australia, Montana (USA) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been imbued with rich symbolism. It traditionally represents sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. Ancient Greeks wore sapphires when seeking guidance from the oracle, believing the gem aided in clarity and insight. Buddhists associated sapphire with spiritual enlightenment, while Hindus utilized it during worship.
Beyond its religious and spiritual connotations, sapphire is also considered a protective gemstone, believed to shield the wearer from both physical harm and negative intentions. This belief stems from ancient traditions that saw the gem as a ward against envy and ill will.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness, sapphire is a relatively durable gemstone. However, it is still susceptible to damage from sharp blows and abrasions. To maintain its brilliance, sapphires should be cleaned regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, as these can potentially damage the stone. For particularly stubborn dirt, a professional jeweler can provide specialized cleaning services.
Conclusion
The sapphire, September’s birthstone, is a gem steeped in history, symbolism, and geological wonder. From its ancient origins as a symbol of royalty and protection to its modern-day appeal as a stunning piece of jewelry, the sapphire continues to captivate and inspire. Its durability, combined with its breathtaking range of colors, ensures its enduring legacy as one of the world’s most cherished gemstones. The sapphire’s association with wisdom, loyalty, and divine favor solidifies its place not only as a beautiful adornment but also as a meaningful symbol of enduring values.