Sapphire, most recognized for its captivating blue shades, holds a prominent place in the world of gemstones and is celebrated as the birthstone for September. Revered for millennia, this durable and beautiful gem has symbolized sincerity, faithfulness, and nobility, adorning royalty and religious figures alike. While blue is the most iconic color, sapphires actually occur in a remarkable spectrum of hues, making them a versatile and cherished choice for jewelry and collectors. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of this extraordinary gemstone, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The history of sapphire is deeply interwoven with human culture, stretching back centuries. Ancient civilizations held the stone in high esteem, attributing to it protective powers and spiritual significance. In ancient Greece, sapphire was worn by those seeking guidance from the oracle, believed to aid in receiving clear answers. Similarly, Buddhists considered sapphire a pathway to spiritual enlightenment, while Hindus incorporated it into their religious practices. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy.
Medieval Europeans attributed healing properties to sapphire, believing it could cure plague boils and eye diseases, and even serve as an antidote to poison. Early Christian kings valued sapphires for their protective qualities, often incorporating them into ecclesiastical rings. A fascinating, though potentially apocryphal, belief held by ancient Hebrews was that the Ten Commandments were inscribed on tablets of sapphire, though modern historians suggest lapis lazuli may have been the stone referenced in biblical texts.
The association of sapphire with royalty and nobility continued through the ages. The stone’s celestial blue color was seen as symbolic of Heaven, attracting divine favor and wise judgment. This connection to the divine and the upper classes solidified sapphire’s status as a gemstone of prestige and power.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire belongs to the corundum mineral species, composed of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) with a hexagonal crystal structure. All corundum that isn’t red is considered sapphire, with the exception of pink corundum, which is classified as sapphire by the United States Federal Trade Commission. Ruby, the red variety, shares the same chemical and physical properties as sapphire, differing only in its color-causing trace elements.
Historically, classical violet-blue sapphires originated from the Kashmir region of India, particularly between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sapphires from Kashmir are exceptionally prized, and a gemstone from this region set a world record price-per-carat of $242,000 in 2015. Sri Lanka has also been a significant source of sapphires, notably producing the famous star sapphires like the Star of Adam, the Star of India, and the Star of Bombay.
Australia was a major sapphire producer until the 1990s, when substantial deposits were discovered in Madagascar. Madagascar now leads the world in sapphire production, offering a diverse range of colors and qualities. Other sources include Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and certain areas within the United States. Cornflower blue sapphires, considered the most expensive variety, are particularly rare and originate from Kashmir.
Gemological Properties
Sapphires are renowned for their exceptional durability, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them suitable for everyday wear. Like rubies, sapphires are corundum gems, and their physical and optical properties are nearly identical except for color.
While blue is the most well-known color, sapphires occur in a full rainbow of hues, including pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, and violet. These colored varieties are known as “fancy sapphires.” The intensity and uniformity of color significantly impact a sapphire’s value, with vivid, saturated colors commanding the highest prices.
A particularly sought-after variety is the Padparadscha sapphire, exhibiting a delicate pinkish-orange hue. Blue sapphires are valued for their velvety blue to violetish-blue shades in medium to medium-dark tones. Lighter or grayish blue sapphires are generally less valuable. Sapphires can also exhibit asterism, a phenomenon where a six-rayed star appears on the surface of the gem due to the presence of microscopic inclusions.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been imbued with rich symbolism. Traditionally, the September birthstone symbolizes sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. Its association with the heavens and divine favor led to its use by clergy and royalty. Sapphires were believed to shield the wearer from harm, both physical and from negative intentions or envy.
Beyond protection, sapphires were also thought to possess medicinal properties. Blue sapphires are considered a highly spiritual stone, often worn by priests. The gem is also linked to promoting happiness and good fortune in marriage, making it a popular choice for engagement rings. Sapphires are considered a protective gemstone, shielding the wearer from harm and negative energies.
Care and Cleaning
Sapphires’ exceptional hardness makes them a durable choice for jewelry. However, like all gemstones, they require proper care to maintain their brilliance. Due to their durability, sapphires are suitable for all types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, and are well-suited for everyday wear.
Cleaning sapphires is relatively straightforward. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are generally sufficient to remove dirt and grime. For more stubborn residue, ultrasonic cleaners can be used, but caution should be exercised with stones that have been fracture-filled. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone’s surface.
Conclusion
Sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. From its ancient origins steeped in mythology and symbolism to its modern-day popularity as a birthstone and jewelry staple, sapphire continues to captivate and inspire. Its remarkable durability, diverse color palette, and rich history ensure its place as one of the world’s most cherished and valuable gems. The September birthstone’s association with faithfulness, sincerity, and nobility further enhances its significance, making it a truly exceptional and timeless treasure.