The September birthstone is sapphire, a gem historically synonymous with a deep, celestial blue but which occurs in a remarkable spectrum of colors, with the exception of red. As one of the four precious gemstones, sapphire has captivated humanity for millennia, serving as a symbol of wisdom, nobility, and fidelity. Its designation as the birthstone for September was formalized in the early 20th century, yet its lore extends back to ancient civilizations that revered the stone for its perceived protective and healing powers.
This article explores the multifaceted nature of the September birthstone, tracing its journey from ancient lore to modern jewelry boxes. We will examine the history behind its standardization, the geological conditions that create this durable corundum, and the diverse array of stones recognized for the month of September across different cultures and calendars. Additionally, we will detail the gemological properties that define sapphire, its symbolism in metaphysical traditions, and the practical care required to maintain its brilliance.
The History and Standardization of the September Birthstone
The association of specific gemstones with specific months is a tradition that has evolved significantly over time. While ancient lists existed, the modern concept of a standardized birthstone list is a relatively recent development. The journey of sapphire to its status as the premier stone for September began with a commercial initiative that eventually became a global standard.
The Path to Official Recognition
The formalization of sapphire as the September birthstone in the United States and Britain is largely credited to the jewelry industry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. According to sources, the modern formalized lists began in 1870 when Tiffany & Co. published a pamphlet containing birthstone poems, which assigned sapphire to September. This marketing effort paved the way for a more official designation.
The first truly standardized list was created in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewellers (now known as Jewellers of America). This list solidified sapphire's position as the modern birthstone for September. Shortly after, in 1937, the British National Association of Goldsmiths followed suit with their own list, which also included sapphire. This standardization ensured that sapphire became the primary stone associated with September birthdays in the Western world.
Historical Beliefs and Lore
Long before its official standardization, sapphire held a revered place in history. The September birthstone has traditionally symbolized sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. For countless centuries, sapphire adorned the royalty and the robes of the clergy. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. In the Middle Ages, clerics wore sapphires because they symbolized Heaven, and ancient Persians believed the earth actually rested on a giant sapphire, which was thought to make the sky blue.
The stone was also reputed to possess healing powers. Medieval Europeans believed that sapphire cured plague boils and diseases of the eye. It was also thought to be an antidote to poison. These historical beliefs underscore the deep cultural significance attached to the gemstone.
Ancient and Alternative Lists
While sapphire is the modern standard, historical and cultural lists offer a variety of stones for September. Sources note that ancient birthstone lists actually designated peridot for September instead of August. Furthermore, different cultures have their own traditional stones for the month.
- Roman and Polish Calendars: Sardonyx was the designated birthstone. This variety of onyx features red bands of sard and was worn by Ancient Roman soldiers to enhance courage.
- Hindu Calendar: Zircon is the traditional birthstone. Before zircon, moonstone was the September birthstone in the old Hindu (Ayurvedic) calendar.
- Old Tibetan Calendar: Agate is listed as the birthstone for September.
- British Alternate: Lapis lazuli is listed as an alternate modern birthstone for September in Britain.
This variety highlights that the "September birthstone" is not a singular concept across all history and cultures, though sapphire remains the most recognized today.
Geological Formation and Mining Sources
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is composed of aluminum oxide ($Al2O3$). The gemstone's formation requires specific geological conditions, typically occurring in metamorphic rocks or certain alluvial deposits.
How Sapphire Forms
Sapphires form under high temperatures and pressures, usually within metamorphic rocks such as gneiss and schist, or in igneous rocks like basalt. The presence of trace elements, primarily iron and titanium, is responsible for the classic blue color of sapphire. Other trace elements produce different colors; for example, chromium produces pink sapphire, and vanadium produces a similar hue.
The crystals typically form as prismatic or tabular crystals with a hexagonal cross-section. These crystals can be found embedded in their host rock or, more commonly for gem miners, washed into alluvial deposits by erosion and water movement.
Global Mining Locations
Sapphire is mined in various locations around the world, each producing stones with distinct characteristics. Sources mention a few specific locations and famous stones:
- Myanmar (Burma): Known for producing high-quality rubies, Myanmar is also a source of sapphires. A famous example is the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone that was unearthed in Myanmar.
- Global Deposits: While specific locations are not exhaustively detailed in the provided sources, it is known that major sapphire deposits are also found in Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Kashmir, Thailand, Australia, and parts of Africa (such as Madagascar and Tanzania). The geographic origin of a sapphire can significantly influence its value and market perception.
Gemological Properties of Sapphire
Sapphire is prized not only for its beauty but also for its exceptional physical properties, which make it one of the most durable gemstones suitable for jewelry.
Chemical and Physical Characteristics
The fundamental properties of sapphire are defined by its mineral classification as corundum.
- Chemical Composition: Aluminum oxide ($Al2O3$).
- Crystal System: Trigonal.
- Hardness: Sapphire scores a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes it the hardest gemstone on earth next to diamond. This exceptional hardness means it is highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, making it an ideal choice for rings and daily-wear jewelry.
- Refractive Index: 1.760 - 1.770.
- Specific Gravity: 3.95 - 4.03.
Color and Clarity
While "sapphire" is most often associated with blue, the term technically applies to all corundum varieties that are not red (red corundum is classified as ruby). Sapphires occur in a rainbow of colors, including pink, yellow, green, and orange. The most prized blue sapphires exhibit a vivid, velvety blue to violet-blue hue.
Clarity is another critical factor. Sapphires are "eye-clean" if they lack visible inclusions, though some inclusions are common. The presence and type of inclusions can affect both the value and the durability of the stone.
Comparative Durability
To understand the durability of sapphire, it is helpful to compare it to other popular gemstones. The following table illustrates its position on the Mohs scale relative to other common birthstones.
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness | Durability Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 | Excellent |
| Sapphire | 9 | Excellent |
| Ruby | 9 | Excellent |
| Emerald | 7.5 - 8 | Good |
| Peridot | 6.5 - 7 | Fair to Good |
| Aquamarine | 7.5 - 8 | Good |
This high hardness rating ensures that sapphire jewelry will withstand the rigors of daily wear better than many other gemstones.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, sapphire has been attributed with a wide range of symbolic meanings and metaphysical powers. These beliefs span from ancient protection charms to modern crystal healing practices.
Traditional Symbolism
The traditional symbolism of sapphire is rooted in its association with the heavens and royalty. It has long been considered a stone of wisdom and inner peace. Sources indicate that sapphire is believed to: * Bring inner peace and stave off depression. * Relieve anxiety (a belief shared with moonstone, another traditional September stone). * Enhance intelligence and increase eloquence (associated with agate). * Protect the wearer from negativity and harm.
Modern Metaphysical Beliefs
In modern metaphysical circles, sapphire is often linked to the Third Eye Chakra, which is associated with intuition and spiritual insight. It is believed to facilitate mental clarity and focus, helping the wearer to access deeper truths and maintain emotional balance.
Other traditional stones for September also carry specific metaphysical attributes: * Sardonyx: Believed to enhance courage and valor. * Zircon: Said to bring peace of mind and prosperity. * Moonstone: Believed to relieve anxiety. * Agate: Thought to enhance intelligence and eloquence.
These diverse beliefs reflect the rich tapestry of cultural interpretations attached to the stones of September.
Care and Cleaning of Sapphire Jewelry
Given its exceptional hardness and stability, sapphire is relatively easy to care for, but it still requires proper maintenance to retain its luster.
Cleaning Methods
Sapphire can be safely cleaned using warm water, mild soap (such as dish soap), and a soft brush (like a toothbrush). It is important to scrub gently, particularly around the setting where dirt and oils can accumulate. After scrubbing, rinse the jewelry thoroughly in clean water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are generally safe for sapphire, provided the stone has no significant fractures or inclusions that could be exacerbated by the vibration or heat. However, if the sapphire has been treated (a common practice to enhance color and clarity), specific cleaning instructions from a professional gemologist may be necessary.
Durability and Handling
With a hardness of 9, sapphire is resistant to scratching by almost all other materials, including sand and dust. However, it is not indestructible. It can be chipped or fractured by a hard blow, especially at its cleavage planes. Therefore, it is advisable to remove sapphire jewelry during heavy manual labor or high-impact sports.
When storing sapphire jewelry, keep it separate from other gemstones to prevent scratching. A soft cloth pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box is ideal.
Alternative September Birthstones
While sapphire is the dominant birthstone for September, several other stones have historical and cultural claims to the month. These alternatives offer a range of colors, price points, and symbolic meanings.
Peridot
Peridot is listed as a traditional birthstone for September. Interestingly, sources note that ancient birthstone lists actually designated peridot for September rather than August. Peridot is a light green gemstone, distinct from the blue hues of sapphire.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is an alternate modern birthstone for September in Britain. It is an opaque deep blue rock composed of multiple minerals, often featuring golden speckling from pyrite inclusions. It has been prized since antiquity for its intense color.
Zircon
Zircon is the birthstone for September in the Hindu calendar. It is a transparent gemstone available in various colors, though the blue variety is most popular. Zircon is sometimes used as a diamond substitute due to its high refractive index and brilliance. It is believed to bring peace of mind and prosperity.
Moonstone
Moonstone was the September birthstone in the old Hindu (Ayurvedic) calendar before zircon. It is composed of alternating layers of orthoclase and albite, which creates a glowing, adularescent effect. It is associated with relieving anxiety.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a variety of onyx characterized by red bands of sard. It was the birthstone for September in the old Roman and Polish calendars. It is associated with courage and valor.
Agate
Agate is the birthstone for September in the old Tibetan calendar. It is a banded chalcedony that occurs in practically all colors. It is believed to enhance intelligence and eloquence.
Conclusion
The September birthstone, sapphire, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. Its journey from the ancient belief systems of Persia and Rome to the standardized lists of the 20th century highlights a consistent thread of reverence for its beauty and perceived power. As a member of the corundum family, sapphire possesses a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the most durable gemstones available, suitable for generations of wear.
While sapphire is the modern standard, the rich history of September is also reflected in the variety of alternative stones such as peridot, lapis lazuli, zircon, moonstone, sardonyx, and agate. Each of these stones contributes to the diverse cultural tapestry surrounding the ninth month. Whether chosen for its deep blue color, its symbolism of wisdom and nobility, or its exceptional durability, the September birthstone remains a cherished gem for enthusiasts and collectors alike.