Sapphire, the celebrated birthstone of September, is a gem renowned for its profound depth of color, enduring hardness, and a history interwoven with royalty, spirituality, and scientific fascination. As a variety of the mineral corundum, it is most famous for its brilliant blue hues, though it exists in a vast spectrum of colors known as "fancy sapphires." This gem has been cherished for millennia, symbolizing wisdom, truth, and fidelity. Its journey from the ancient world, where it was believed to hold celestial powers, to its modern status as a cornerstone of fine jewelry, is a testament to its timeless appeal. This article will delve into the rich history and lore of the sapphire, explore its geological origins and global sources, detail its essential gemological properties, and provide practical guidance for its care and maintenance.
History and Lore: The Gem of Royalty and Clergy
The sapphire's storied past is as deep and compelling as its signature blue color. The very name "sapphire" is derived from the Greek word sappheiros, an ancient term that likely referred to lapis lazuli before being applied to the blue variety of corundum. For countless centuries, this September birthstone has been a symbol of nobility, sincerity, and faithfulness, adorning the robes of clergy and the crowns of royalty.
Ancient civilizations attributed powerful protective qualities to the sapphire. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires could shield their owners from harm and envy. This protective reputation was shared by the ancient Persians, who held a grand cosmological belief that the Earth rested upon a giant sapphire, and that the reflection of this stone was what gave the sky its blue color. In the Middle Ages, the gem took on a sacred significance. Clerics wore sapphires as they symbolized Heaven and were believed to bring divine favor.
Beyond its protective and symbolic roles, the sapphire was also reputed to possess healing powers. Medieval Europeans were convinced that the gem could cure plague boils and diseases of the eye. It was also widely thought to be a potent antidote to poison, making it a highly sought-after talisman in treacherous courtly environments. Among the most famous historical examples is the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone unearthed in Myanmar (Burma), which exemplifies the gem's desirability among the world's most discerning collectors.
The formalization of sapphire as September's birthstone began in the modern era. In 1870, the luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. published a pamphlet of birthstone poems, which included sapphire for September. This was followed by the first official standardized list in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America), cementing the sapphire's position as the definitive birthstone for the ninth month.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire is a member of the corundum mineral family, which also includes ruby. Its formation is a testament to the immense geological forces of our planet. Corundum is composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and requires specific, extreme conditions to form. It crystallizes in a metamorphic environment, typically within aluminum-rich rocks that have been subjected to high temperatures and pressures deep within the Earth's crust. Trace elements are responsible for the gem's color; chromium is the element that produces the red of a ruby, while iron and titanium are the primary causes of the classic blue sapphire. Other trace elements can create the full range of "fancy" sapphires, including yellow, green, pink, and purple.
The world's most significant sapphire deposits are found in a variety of locations, each often producing stones with distinct characteristics:
- Myanmar (Burma): Historically the most renowned source for the finest "Burmese" sapphires, known for their rich, velvety blue color.
- Sri Lanka (Ceylon): A source of sapphires for over 2,000 years, Ceylon sapphires are prized for their lighter, vibrant blue hues and exceptional clarity.
- Kashmir (India): The source of the most legendary sapphires, which are characterized by a unique, velvety texture and a cornflower blue color. Production from this region is extremely rare and highly valued.
- Thailand: A major commercial center for sapphires, often dealing in stones that have been heat-treated to enhance their color. Thai cutters are world-renowned for their skill.
- Australia: A significant source of darker, inky blue sapphires, often used in commercial jewelry.
- United States (Montana): Produces sapphires in a range of colors, from light blue to greenish-yellow, found in placer deposits.
Alternative and Historical Birthstones
While sapphire is the modern and widely accepted birthstone for September, historical and cultural lists have offered a variety of alternatives. The old Roman and Polish calendars designated Sardonyx as the September birthstone. Sardonyx is a banded variety of onyx, featuring layers of reddish-brown sard and black or white onyx. It was highly valued by Roman soldiers, who wore it to enhance courage and protection in battle.
In the Hindu calendar, Zircon is the traditional birthstone for September. This transparent gemstone is available in many colors, though the blue variety is the most popular and is often used as a diamond substitute. Zircon is believed to bring peace of mind and prosperity. Before zircon, Moonstone held the position in the older Ayurvedic calendar. Moonstone, with its unique adularescence (a glowing, billowy light effect), was thought to relieve anxiety.
Other historical lists include Agate from the old Tibetan calendar. Agate is a banded chalcedony believed to enhance intelligence and eloquence. The alternate modern birthstone in Britain is Lapis Lazuli, an opaque deep blue stone with golden speckles. Furthermore, some ancient birthstone lists actually designated Peridot for September instead of its modern placement for August. For those born under the zodiac signs of Libra (September 1-22) or Virgo, other stones like white sapphire, ametrine, peridot, and morganite are also considered beneficial.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of sapphire is crucial for gemologists, jewelers, and collectors. Its combination of hardness, refractive index, and chemical stability makes it one of the most durable and desirable gemstones.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9 |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.770 |
| Specific Gravity | 4.00 (+/- 0.05) |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Sources | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Thailand, Australia, USA (Montana) |
Hardness and Durability: With a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is the second hardest natural mineral after diamond. This exceptional hardness makes it an ideal choice for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear. Its resistance to scratching and abrasion ensures its longevity.
Color: While blue is the signature color, sapphire is known for its incredible color variety. The blue color is caused by trace amounts of iron and titanium within the crystal structure. The most prized blue sapphires exhibit a rich, velvety, medium-deep blue with strong saturation. "Fancy" sapphires, which are any sapphire that is not blue, get their colors from different trace elements. For example, yellow sapphires contain iron, while pink and red sapphires (which are technically rubies if the color is predominantly red) get their hue from chromium.
Clarity and Treatment: Most natural sapphires contain some inclusions (internal characteristics). Type II gems on the GIA clarity grading system, they are typically "eye-clean" but may have minute inclusions like silk (rutile needles) or fingerprints. Heat treatment is a standard and widely accepted industry practice used to improve the color and clarity of sapphires. This process involves heating the stones to high temperatures to dissolve silk inclusions and intensify their blue color. Untreated, natural-color sapphires of high quality command a significant premium in the market.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sapphire has been a vessel for human belief and aspiration for ages. Its primary symbolic associations are with wisdom, truth, and faithfulness. This has made it a popular choice for engagement rings and other symbolic jewelry, as it is believed to foster loyalty and commitment.
Metaphysical traditions attribute a wide range of powers to the September birthstone. It is considered a stone of mental focus and clarity, said to aid in concentration and help the wearer find a path to truth. Some believe it can calm an overactive mind and bring inner peace, staving off depression and unwanted thoughts. Historically, it was worn to protect against negative energies and to bring divine favor. The belief that sapphire can cure diseases of the eye and act as an antidote to poison, while not scientifically substantiated, highlights the deep faith ancient cultures placed in the stone's power.
Care and Cleaning
Thanks to its exceptional hardness and stability, sapphire is relatively easy to care for, making it a practical choice for everyday jewelry. However, proper care will ensure it remains brilliant for generations.
Cleaning: The safest method for cleaning sapphire is with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, such as a baby toothbrush. Gently scrub the back and front of the stone and the setting to remove any oil or dirt. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated and heat-treated sapphires, but should be avoided if the stone has been fracture-filled or has extensive "silk" inclusions, as the vibrations could potentially damage them. Steam cleaning is also safe for most sapphires.
Storage: When not being worn, store sapphire jewelry separately from other gems and metals to prevent scratching. A soft cloth pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box is ideal.
Durability Considerations: While sapphire is very hard, it is not indestructible. It can be chipped or fractured by a hard blow, particularly at its pavilion points or along cleavage directions, though corundum has no distinct cleavage. It is always wise to remove sapphire jewelry before engaging in heavy physical activity or work that could subject it to impact.
Conclusion
The sapphire stands as a preeminent gemstone, a true marvel of the mineral world that has captivated humanity for millennia. Its status as the primary birthstone for September is well-earned, backed by a rich tapestry of history, lore, and unparalleled gemological properties. From its ancient role as a divine protector to its modern embodiment of romance and wisdom, the sapphire continues to be a symbol of integrity and enlightenment. Its remarkable hardness and stunning array of colors ensure its place as a timeless favorite in the world of fine jewelry. Whether a deep blue Ceylon sapphire or a delicate pink fancy variety, this gem offers a connection to both the Earth's powerful geological forces and humanity's most enduring beliefs.