The birthstone for September 18th is sapphire, a gemstone celebrated for its deep blue hue, historical significance, and enduring cultural appeal. While sapphire is recognized as the official birthstone for the entire month of September, its role as the specific birthstone for September 18th carries unique resonance, especially in its symbolic associations and the rich tapestry of lore surrounding it. As one of the most revered gemstones in the world, sapphire is not only valued for its hardness and brilliance but also for its long-standing connections to truth, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.
Sapphire belongs to the mineral species corundum, an aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). While the term "sapphire" typically refers to the blue variety of corundum, it encompasses a spectrum of colors known as "fancy sapphires," excluding red, which is classified as ruby. The gem's designation as the September birthstone originated in the United States, stemming from a standardized list created by the American National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) in 1912. This designation has prevailed over the years, solidifying sapphire's place in both modern jewelry and historical tradition. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its captivating beauty, remarkable durability, and the profound meanings ascribed to it across millennia.
History and Lore
Sapphire has long been associated with royalty, divinity, and profound wisdom. Ancient civilizations revered it not only for its beauty but also for the mystical qualities they attributed to it. The name "sapphire" is derived from the Greek word sappheiros, which referred to a blue stone. This etymology highlights the historical primacy of the blue variety.
Throughout history, sapphire has adorned the elite and the devout. In ancient Greece and Rome, the ruling classes believed that blue sapphires offered protection against harm and envy. The gem was considered a powerful talisman, a shield against negative forces. This belief in its protective power extended into the Middle Ages, where clerics wore sapphires to symbolize Heaven. The stone’s celestial blue hue was seen as a direct link to the divine, a representation of spiritual purity and enlightenment.
The lore surrounding sapphire is rich with fascinating beliefs. Ancient Persians held a cosmological view that the earth rested upon a giant sapphire, and it was the reflection of this massive gem that gave the sky its blue color. This myth underscores the stone's perceived immense power and its connection to the very fabric of the universe.
Beyond its spiritual and protective attributes, sapphire was also believed to possess potent healing powers. Medieval Europeans prescribed the gemstone as a cure for plague boils and diseases of the eye. It was also thought to be an effective antidote to poison, a belief that persisted for centuries. These multifaceted associations—from protection and divine favor to healing and wisdom—cemented sapphire's status as one of the most significant and sought-after gems in the ancient and medieval worlds. Its reputation for sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility has been passed down through generations, making it a timeless symbol of virtue and integrity.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are formed under extraordinary geological conditions, contributing to their rarity and value. They are typically found in alluvial deposits and metamorphic rocks. The most prized blue sapphires originate from a few key locations around the world, each known for producing gems with distinct characteristics.
Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a historically significant source of fine sapphires. The country has produced some of the world's most famous specimens, including the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone. Sapphires from this region are renowned for their rich, velvety blue color.
Kashmir, a region in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, is legendary for producing the most valuable sapphires. Gems from this locality, often referred to as "Kashmir sapphires," are prized for their exceptionally fine "cornflower" blue color and a characteristic velvety texture. Due to the limited and largely exhausted nature of the Kashmiri deposits, these sapphires command premium prices at auction.
Sri Lanka is another major source, producing a wide range of sapphires, including the coveted "cornflower blue" variety. The gemological properties of Sri Lankan sapphires are highly regarded, and the country has been a consistent source for centuries.
Thailand and Australia are also significant producers of sapphires, though these sources often yield darker, more inky blue stones compared to the vibrant hues of Kashmir or Burma. In recent years, new deposits have been discovered and commercialized in Madagascar and East Africa, which now supply a substantial portion of the global market for sapphires of various colors and qualities.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire is a member of the corundum species, with a chemical composition of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Its exceptional durability is a primary reason for its popularity in jewelry, particularly for pieces worn daily like engagement rings.
The gem's physical characteristics are remarkable: * Hardness: On the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphire ranks a 9, making it second only to diamond in terms of scratch resistance. This hardness ensures that a sapphire jewelry piece can withstand daily wear and maintain its polish for generations. * Crystal Structure: Sapphires typically form in prismatic or tabular crystals with a hexagonal cross-section. * Color: While blue is the quintessential sapphire color, the gem occurs in a rainbow of hues. The blue color is caused by trace amounts of iron and titanium within the crystal lattice. The intensity of the blue is directly related to the concentration of these elements; more iron results in a darker blue. * Fancy Sapphires: Any corundum that is not red (ruby) is classified as a sapphire. Therefore, sapphires can be found in violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, and purple. These are known as "fancy sapphires." Pink sapphires derive their color from high amounts of chromium, while yellow and orange sapphires get their color from the presence of iron and chromium. A purple sapphire is a result of a combination of these trace elements. * Color Change: Some sapphires exhibit a color-change phenomenon, appearing blue in one type of light (e.g., daylight) and violet or purple in another (e.g., incandescent light).
The combination of its stunning color, exceptional hardness, and brilliance makes sapphire one of the most desirable colored gemstones in the world.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism of sapphire is as deep and rich as its color. For thousands of years, it has been a powerful emblem of truth, sincerity, and nobility. Its association with royalty is not merely a matter of aesthetics but is rooted in these symbolic meanings. Kings and queens wore the stones as symbols of power and protection, believing they bestowed knowledge, insight, and good judgment.
In the metaphysical realm, sapphires are highly valued for their perceived ability to influence the mind and spirit. * Wisdom and Enlightenment: Sapphires are strongly linked to wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. In Buddhist culture, the stone's deep blue is reminiscent of the vast sky, making it a focus for deep meditation and a catalyst for spiritual growth. * Protection and Good Fortune: The belief in sapphire's protective power has endured from ancient times to the present. It is considered a talisman that wards off envy, evil spirits, and curses, thereby bringing good fortune to the wearer. * Love and Commitment: Sapphires carry a romantic meaning and are often associated with fidelity and commitment. This symbolism has made them a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry intended to symbolize everlasting love and devotion. The most famous modern example is the sapphire engagement ring worn by Princess Diana and now by Catherine, Princess of Wales. * Integrity and Trust: As a symbol of integrity and honesty, sapphires are believed to inspire loyalty and trust in relationships. This makes the gem a meaningful and significant gift for loved ones. * Healing and Clarity: In metaphysical traditions, sapphires are thought to possess healing properties for both the body and mind. They are believed to promote mental clarity, calmness, and spiritual awareness, facilitating clear communication and alignment of one's thoughts and feelings.
Care and Cleaning
Given its exceptional hardness, sapphire is a durable gemstone suitable for all types of jewelry. However, proper care is still necessary to maintain its beauty and integrity.
Due to its high ranking on the Mohs scale, sapphire is resistant to scratching by all substances except diamond. This durability makes it an excellent choice for rings, earrings, and bracelets that are subject to daily wear.
Cleaning sapphire jewelry is straightforward. The most effective method is to use warm water, a mild soap (such as dish soap), and a soft brush (like a toothbrush). Gently scrub the gemstone and its setting, then rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue. It is important to ensure that the jewelry is completely dry before storing it.
Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for sapphire, but caution is advised if the stone has been subjected to fracture filling or other treatments. Steam cleaning should be avoided if the stone has been treated with heat or fracture filling. As with any valuable piece of jewelry, it is always best to consult a professional jeweler if you are unsure about the best cleaning method for a specific piece.
Conclusion
Sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the natural world. Its journey from the deep geological formations of the Earth to the hands of royalty, spiritual leaders, and modern jewelry lovers is a story of beauty, science, and symbolism. As the birthstone for September and specifically for those born on September 18th, it represents a confluence of desirable qualities: the strength and resilience of a 9 on the Mohs scale, the mesmerizing beauty of a cornflower blue hue, and a rich history steeped in lore that speaks to wisdom, truth, and protection.
Whether valued for its scientific properties, its historical significance, or its metaphysical beliefs, sapphire remains one of the most important and meaningful gems in human history. Its capacity to inspire romance, denote nobility, and facilitate spiritual insight ensures that its legacy will continue to shine brightly for generations to come. For anyone born in September, or on the 18th day of the month, sapphire is not merely a gemstone but a profound symbol of their identity and potential.