September marks a pivotal moment in the annual cycle, a transition from the vibrancy of summer to the reflective cool of autumn. It is a month associated with harvest, new beginnings, and the pursuit of wisdom. For those born in this month, the birthstones reflect these themes of transformation and clarity. While the deep blue sapphire stands as the undisputed modern symbol of September, the month's gemological heritage is far richer and more complex, encompassing a diverse array of stones that have been revered across cultures and centuries.
The primary birthstone for September is sapphire, a gem cherished for thousands of years and synonymous with royalty, romance, and fidelity. However, historical and cultural traditions have also linked other gemstones to this month, including the vibrant peridot, the protective sardonyx, the celestial lapis lazuli, the fiery zircon, the ethereal moonstone, and the banded agate. Each of these stones offers a unique window into the geological wonders of our planet and the enduring human desire to find meaning and power in the natural world. This article delves into the geological properties, historical lore, and cultural significance of these remarkable September birthstones, with a special focus on the magnificent sapphire.
The Royal Standard: Sapphire
As the modern birthstone for September in both the United States and Britain, sapphire is the most recognized gem of the month. Its name is derived from the Greek word sappheiros, and it is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide). While the term "sapphire" typically refers to the blue variety of corundum, it is important to note that corundum occurs in a vast spectrum of colors, with the red variety being classified as ruby. The deep, velvety blue of a fine sapphire, however, remains the most iconic and sought-after hue.
History and Lore of Sapphire
Sapphire's history is as deep and layered as its color. For countless centuries, it has been a favorite of royalty and the clergy. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires offered protection against harm and envy. In the Middle Ages, clerics wore the gem as it was said to symbolize Heaven, and the Persians held a poetic belief that the Earth rested upon a giant sapphire, which was responsible for the sky's blue color.
Beyond its protective qualities, the September birthstone has been reputed to possess healing powers. Medieval Europeans believed sapphire could cure plague, boils, and diseases of the eye, and it was also thought to serve as an antidote to poison. The gem has long been associated with sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility, making it a powerful symbol of commitment and integrity. This association with truth and clarity of mind is echoed in a traditional Gregorian birthstone poem: "A maiden born when September leaves / Are rustling in September’s breeze, / A sapphire on her brow should bind / `Twill cure diseases of the mind."
Modern Standardization
The formalization of birthstones is a relatively modern practice. The journey toward a standardized list began in 1870 when Tiffany & Co. published a pamphlet featuring birthstone poems, which assigned sapphire to September. This was followed by the creation of the first official standardized list in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewellers (now the Jewellers of America). A subsequent list was established in 1937 by the British National Association of Goldsmiths, further cementing sapphire's position as the primary September gem.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire is prized not only for its color but also for its exceptional durability. It registers a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamond. This makes it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear. Its chemical composition is aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), and its color is derived from trace impurities of elements like iron, titanium, chromium, and vanadium. The most valuable sapphires are those with a rich, velvety blue color, often described as "cornflower blue," though stones from certain localities, like Kashmir, are renowned for their unique velvety texture.
Famous Sapphires
Throughout history, several notable sapphires have captured public imagination. One such gem is the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone unearthed in Myanmar (Burma), which exemplifies the gem's regal appeal and historical provenance.
The Vibrant Alternative: Peridot
While sapphire is the modern standard, peridot has a long and sometimes controversial history as a September birthstone. This olive-green gem is a variety of the mineral olivine, and its color is a direct result of its chemical composition, without the need for trace impurities. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color, though its shades can range from yellowish-green to a deep, intense olive.
Historical Complexities
The history of peridot's association with September is multifaceted. It is listed as a traditional birthstone for the month. Ancient sources often referred to peridot as "topaz," leading to some historical confusion. The gem was known to the ancient Egyptians, who mined it on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, and it was used in the jewelry of Pharaohs. Its connection to September may also stem from its identification as the gemstone for the zodiac sign of Virgo, which falls partly in September.
Ancient Protective Stones: Sardonyx and Agate
The tradition of September birthstones extends deep into antiquity with stones like sardonyx and agate, both varieties of banded chalcedony (a microcrystalline form of quartz).
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a distinctive variety of onyx characterized by its bands of reddish-brown sard and black onyx. Its name is a combination of the two words, sard and onyx. This stone was highly significant in the ancient world, particularly in Rome. It was believed to enhance courage and was widely worn by soldiers and orators for protection and confidence. In the old Roman and Polish calendars, sardonyx was designated as the birthstone for September.
Agate
Agate, another banded chalcedony, appears as a birthstone for September in the old Tibetan calendar. This versatile gem occurs in a wide spectrum of colors and is known for its intricate, layered patterns. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, agate was attributed with the power to enhance intelligence and increase eloquence, earning it the title "Stone of Prudence."
Celestial and Fiery Gems: Lapis Lazuli and Zircon
Other stones associated with September offer their own unique geological and cultural stories.
Lapis Lazuli
A deep, opaque blue stone flecked with golden pyrite, lapis lazuli has been revered since antiquity. It is listed as an alternate modern birthstone for September in Britain. Ancient Egyptian royalty, including Tutankhamun, adorned their sarcophagi and jewelry with this gemstone. In medieval Europe, ground lapis lazuli was the source of the precious ultramarine pigment used in religious art. It was believed to promote mental clarity, serenity, and a connection to the heavens.
Zircon
Zircon is the birthstone for September in the Hindu calendar. This transparent gemstone occurs in a variety of colors, but its blue variety is the most popular for jewelry. Zircon is sometimes confused with the synthetic cubic zirconia, but it is a naturally occurring and distinct mineral (zirconium silicate). It is a brilliant stone with a high refractive index, and historically, it was believed to bring peace of mind and prosperity to its wearer.
Ethereal and Mysterious Stones: Moonstone
Moonstone, an ancient birthstone for September in the Hindu (Ayurvedic) calendar, is a member of the feldspar group. Its most captivating feature is its adularescence—a billowy, blue or white light that seems to glide across the surface of the stone, giving it an ethereal glow as if lit from within. This effect is caused by the intergrowth of two different feldspar minerals, orthoclase and albite, in microscopic layers. Moonstone was believed to be a talisman for protection, and it is associated with relieving anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.
Geological Formation and Mining Sources
Understanding the origin of these gems adds to their appreciation. Sapphire, like all corundum, forms in metamorphic rocks under conditions of high temperature and pressure. Significant sources for sapphire include Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir (noted for its velvety blue stones), Sri Lanka, and Australia. Peridot, formed deep within the Earth's mantle, is brought to the surface by volcanic activity. It is mined in locations such as Pakistan, Arizona (USA), and the ancient Egyptian source of Zabargad Island. The banded chalcedony gems, sardonyx and agate, are formed in volcanic rock cavities, with major sources including Brazil, India, and Uruguay. Lapis lazuli forms in metamorphic rocks and is primarily mined in Afghanistan, while zircon is found in placer deposits and igneous rocks in countries like Australia, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka.
Care and Cleaning
The durability of these gemstones varies, and proper care is essential for maintaining their beauty.
- Sapphire: With a hardness of 9, sapphire is very durable and can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. It is resistant to scratching by most other materials.
- Peridot: Softer than sapphire, peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. It is more susceptible to scratches and should be handled with care. It is also sensitive to rapid temperature changes.
- Zircon: Although it has a high hardness (6.5 to 7.5), zircon is brittle and can be chipped. It is best to avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning for this stone.
- Moonstone: With a hardness of only 6, moonstone is relatively soft and should be protected from hard knocks. It is also sensitive to heat and sudden temperature changes.
- Lapis Lazuli: As an aggregate with a hardness of 5 to 5.5, lapis is quite soft and porous. It should be cleaned gently with a damp cloth and kept away from chemicals and harsh detergents.
- Sardonyx and Agate: Both are varieties of chalcedony with a hardness of 6.5 to 7, making them fairly durable and easy to care for with standard jewelry cleaning methods.
Conclusion
The birthstones of September offer a remarkable diversity that reflects the month's themes of transition and depth. From the world-renowned blue sapphire, a symbol of wisdom and royalty, to the protective sardonyx of ancient Roman soldiers, the serene lapis lazuli of Egyptian pharaohs, and the ethereal glow of moonstone, each gem tells a story. While sapphire remains the modern standard, the rich history of peridot, zircon, and agate adds layers of cultural and geological significance. Together, these stones form a tapestry of color and meaning, providing those born in September with a wide array of beautiful and meaningful choices to connect with the unique character of their birth month.