The month of September is uniquely distinguished in the world of gemology by its association with two distinct and historically significant birthstones: the noble Sapphire and the ancient Lapis Lazuli. While the brilliant blue Sapphire holds the position of the official modern birthstone, Lapis Lazuli serves as a revered alternative, each offering a deep well of history, lore, and scientific intrigue. For those born in this transitional month, the choice between these two gems offers a connection to different facets of heritage and symbolism. The primary September birthstone color is an unequivocal deep, celestial blue, a hue shared by both of its principal stones, reflecting the vastness of the sky and sea. This article will explore the rich histories, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of both Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli, providing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts, collectors, and September-born individuals alike.
Sapphire: The Jewel of Royalty and Wisdom
Sapphire, the official modern birthstone for September, is a gem renowned for its regal bearing and profound symbolism. Its very name is rooted in ancient languages, believed to derive from the Latin sapphirus and Greek sappheiros, meaning 'blue' or more broadly, 'precious stones'. This etymological foundation underscores the stone's long-standing association with the color blue, which has captivated humanity for millennia.
History and Lore of Sapphire
For centuries, the rich blue hue of sapphire has been inextricably linked with royalty, romance, and divine favor. It was a stone worn by kings and emperors, believed to protect them from envy and harm. The deep blue of the sapphire was seen as a reflection of the heavens, making it a symbol of truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. These associations have made it a powerful emblem in both secular and religious contexts. Beyond its connection to royalty, sapphire is also deeply tied to matters of the heart and mind. It is traditionally associated with truth, constancy, and the purity of the soul. This symbolism extends to its role in milestone celebrations; Sapphire is the designated gift for both the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, representing enduring fidelity and the depth of a long-shared life. Furthermore, the Star Sapphire is recognized as the traditional gift for the 65th anniversary, its asterism a captivating display of a guiding light.
Geological Formation and Sources
As a variety of the mineral corundum, sapphire is composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) with trace impurities that give it its characteristic blue color, primarily iron and titanium. It forms in metamorphic rocks, particularly in gem-quality gravel and clay deposits. The most prized sapphires originate from specific regions known for their geological conditions, including areas in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Kashmir. While the provided sources do not detail specific modern mining locations, the gem's historical prevalence in royal collections from across the globe attests to its widespread, albeit often scarce, availability throughout history.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire is a member of the corundum family, making it an exceptionally durable gemstone, second only to the diamond on the Mohs scale of hardness. This resilience makes it an ideal choice for all types of jewelry, especially pieces worn daily like engagement rings and bracelets, which are subject to potential knocks and scratches. Its hardness ensures that it will retain its polish and luster for generations. The most sought-after color is a deep, velvety blue, but it is important to note that corundum occurs in a rainbow of hues, with any corundum that is not red being classified as a sapphire (e.g., pink sapphire, yellow sapphire). Red corundum is, of course, the ruby. Some sapphires also exhibit a rare and captivating optical phenomenon known as asterism, where a star-like pattern appears to glide across the surface of the cabochon-cut stone. These are known as Star Sapphires and are highly valued by collectors.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The metaphysical attributes of sapphire are as brilliant as its physical appearance. It is widely regarded as a stone of wisdom and intellectual clarity, believed to bring inner peace and help stave off depression and unwanted thoughts. Its calming energy is thought to align with the sophisticated, wise, and calm aura associated with those born in September. By promoting truth and sincerity, sapphire is believed to be a powerful tool for those seeking to live an authentic life, free from pretense. It is a gem that encourages focus and discipline, making it a favored talisman for students and professionals alike.
Lapis Lazuli: The Ancient Stone of Kings and Gods
As the alternative modern birthstone for September, Lapis Lazuli offers a different, yet equally compelling, narrative. Its deep royal blue color, often flecked with golden pyrite inclusions, evokes images of twilight skies and ancient royalty. While sapphire is a single mineral, Lapis Lazuli is a rock, a composite of multiple minerals, primarily lazurite, calcite, and pyrite, which gives it its unique character.
History and Lore of Lapis Lazuli
The history of Lapis Lazuli is one of the most ancient and storied in all of gemology. Its use dates back over 6,000 years, with evidence of its presence in the burial masks of Egyptian pharaohs, most famously Tutankhamun's golden mask, which was inlaid with Lapis. In Ancient Mesopotamia, it was a prized gem of royalty and divinity. The stone was believed to represent the night sky, and its powdered form was used as a pigment for paint and cosmetics, most notably in the creation of the ultramarine pigment used by Renaissance painters for the robes of the Virgin Mary, signifying its immense value. This deep connection to the divine and the celestial made it a powerful symbol of truth and wisdom across many ancient cultures.
Geological Formation and Sources
Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock formed under conditions of high pressure and heat. Its primary component, the blue mineral lazurite, is responsible for its signature color. The golden flecks within the stone are pyrite, which often form in a scattered pattern, resembling a starry night sky. The most significant and historically continuous source of high-quality Lapis Lazuli is the Sar-e-Sang mine in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan, which has been in operation for millennia. Other notable sources include mines in Chile and Russia.
Gemological Properties
Lapis Lazuli has a Mohs hardness of around 5 to 5.5, making it significantly softer and more fragile than sapphire. This requires careful handling to prevent scratching and breakage. It is typically cut into cabochons or beads and used in beads, pendants, and other decorative objects where it is less likely to be subjected to hard wear. Its composition is a complex mix of minerals, and its value is often determined by the intensity and uniformity of its blue color, with fewer white calcite and golden pyrite inclusions being more desirable.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Lapis Lazuli has long been associated with intellectual ability, truth, and introspection. It is known as the "Stone of Truth" and is believed to enhance objectivity and clarity of thought. For those born in September, it is said to encourage self-awareness and the ability to speak one's truth. It is also believed to relieve anxiety and bring peace and tranquility to its wearer. Its connection to the throat chakra makes it a popular stone for those seeking to improve communication and express themselves more freely and honestly.
A Spectrum of Historical Birthstones
While Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli are the primary birthstones for September in modern lists, historical traditions from around the world offer a fascinating array of alternative gems associated with the month. These stones provide further insight into the cultural evolution of birthstone lore.
- Peridot: Listed as a traditional birthstone for September, Peridot is a vibrant olive-green gem. As a variety of olivine, it is one of the few gems that occurs in only one color. Its history is also ancient, with sources pointing to its use in ancient Egypt.
- Sardonyx: This ancient Roman and Polish birthstone is a variety of onyx, characterized by layers of reddish-brown sard and black onyx. It was highly valued by Roman soldiers for its association with courage and valor.
- Zircon: The birthstone for September in the Hindu calendar, Zircon is a transparent gemstone known for its brilliance and fire. While it occurs in various colors, the blue variety is most popular for its resemblance to sapphire. It is believed to bring peace of mind and prosperity.
- Moonstone: Before Zircon, Moonstone was the birthstone for September in the old Hindu (Ayurvedic) calendar. This gem, a variety of feldspar, exhibits a unique glowing or "adularescence" effect. It is associated with relieving anxiety and promoting a sense of security.
- Agate: In the old Tibetan calendar, Agate, a banded variety of chalcedony, was the designated birthstone for September. It is believed to enhance intelligence and eloquence.
Caring for Your September Birthstones
Due to their differing hardness and composition, Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli require distinct care regimens to maintain their beauty and integrity.
Caring for Sapphire: With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, Sapphire is exceptionally tough and resistant to scratching. It can be safely cleaned using warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. It is also stable under normal temperatures and exposure to light, making it a low-maintenance gemstone suitable for everyday wear. However, like all fine jewelry, it should be stored carefully to avoid contact with harder materials like diamonds, which could potentially scratch its surface.
Caring for Lapis Lazuli: Due to its lower hardness (5-5.5) and composite nature, Lapis Lazuli requires more gentle care. It should be protected from hard blows and sharp objects. It is also susceptible to chemical damage; therefore, it should never be cleaned with harsh detergents, acids, or ultrasonic cleaners. The safest method for cleaning Lapis Lazuli is a simple wipe with a soft, damp cloth. To prevent the porous stone from absorbing oils and lotions, it is best to put on jewelry featuring Lapis Lazuli after applying cosmetics.
Conclusion
September offers a choice between two magnificent and deeply meaningful birthstones. Sapphire, the official modern gem, is a stone of unparalleled hardness, celestial blue, and regal symbolism, representing truth, wisdom, and faithfulness. Its legacy is woven through the history of royalty and romance. Lapis Lazuli, its celebrated alternative, is an ancient rock of profound historical depth, connecting its wearer to the wisdom of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Its deep royal blue, flecked with golden pyrite, serves as a symbol of truth, objectivity, and intellectual power. The existence of other historical stones like Peridot, Sardonyx, and Zircon only enriches this heritage. Ultimately, the choice of a September birthstone is a personal one, allowing an individual to connect with the gem that most powerfully resonates with their own character and story.