The month of September is uniquely graced by the sapphire, a gemstone whose deep blue hue has captivated humanity for millennia. For those born on September 17th, this gem holds an even more profound significance, serving as a personal talisman of wisdom, truth, and enduring elegance. As a variety of the mineral corundum, the sapphire is renowned for its exceptional hardness, second only to diamond, making it a durable choice for fine jewelry. Its most celebrated color, a vibrant blue, stems from trace amounts of iron and titanium within its crystal structure. However, the sapphire’s story extends far beyond its physical properties. It is a stone steeped in history, from ancient protective amulets to royal regalia, and is imbued with metaphysical beliefs that speak to spiritual growth and mental clarity. This article explores the multifaceted nature of the September 17th birthstone, delving into its geological origins, gemological characteristics, historical lore, and practical care, providing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts, collectors, and students of gemology alike.
History and Lore
The sapphire’s legacy is as deep and rich as its signature color, tracing back to ancient civilizations that revered it for its perceived protective powers. In antiquity, the Greeks and Romans held the sapphire in high esteem, believing the gemstone offered protection from harm and envy. This ancient belief established a foundational lore that would persist for centuries. The elite of these classical societies adorned themselves with sapphires, not only for their beauty but also as a safeguard against malevolent forces.
The Middle Ages saw the sapphire’s symbolism evolve within a religious context. Clerics of this era wore sapphires, which came to symbolize Heaven itself. This association with the divine and the celestial further elevated the gemstone’s status, linking it to purity, faith, and spiritual enlightenment. The Persians contributed another layer to the sapphire’s mythological significance with a grand cosmological belief: they thought the Earth rested upon a giant sapphire, and it was the reflection of this colossal gem that colored the sky blue. This powerful imagery cemented the sapphire’s connection to the vastness of the heavens and the stability of the world.
The sapphire’s historical narrative is also punctuated by famous, tangible examples. One such renowned gem is the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone. Its origin, unearthed in Myanmar (Burma), highlights the historical importance of that region as a source for high-quality sapphires. These legendary stones and the stories attached to them have helped maintain the sapphire’s esteemed position in the collective imagination, transitioning from ancient protector to a modern symbol of romance and fidelity. The September birthstone has traditionally symbolized sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility, attributes that have been consistently associated with it throughout its long and storied history.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The gem’s iconic blue color is the result of trace impurities, specifically iron and titanium, incorporated into the corundum’s crystal lattice during its formation. The conditions required for sapphire creation are extreme, typically forming in metamorphic rocks or in certain igneous environments under high heat and pressure. This demanding geological process contributes to the gem’s rarity and value.
While sapphires can be found in a variety of colors, the classic blue sapphire is most famously sourced from specific regions around the world. Historically, Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been a premier source, producing sapphires of exceptional quality and depth of color, as evidenced by the origin of the famous Rockefeller Sapphire. The geological formations of Myanmar have yielded some of the most sought-after blue sapphires in the gem trade.
Beyond Myanmar, other significant mining locations for sapphire include Sri Lanka (Ceylon), which is renowned for producing sapphires with a lighter, more vibrant blue hue, and Kashmir, a region that historically produced sapphires with a velvety, cornflower blue color, though production from this area is now extremely limited. Madagascar, Australia, Thailand, and Cambodia also contribute to the global supply of sapphires, each region producing stones with distinct color characteristics influenced by local geological conditions. The global distribution of sapphire deposits means that the gemstone’s appearance can vary subtly based on its origin, offering a spectrum of blue hues to collectors and jewelers.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of sapphire is essential for appreciating its value, durability, and suitability for jewelry. As a member of the corundum family, sapphire shares many characteristics with ruby, its red counterpart. The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of sapphire, based on established standards within the field.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9 |
| Refractive Index | 1.759 - 1.770 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.95 - 4.03 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Common Treatments | Heat treatment, lattice diffusion |
Hardness and Durability: With a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is exceptionally hard and resistant to scratching. This makes it an excellent choice for rings and other jewelry that may encounter daily wear. Only diamond (Mohs 10) and moissanite (also 9.25) are harder. However, despite its hardness, sapphire can still be damaged by sharp blows due to its cleavage properties, and it is always advisable to handle it with care.
Color and Clarity: The most prized color for sapphire is a rich, velvety blue, but the gemstone occurs in a veritable rainbow of colors. Sapphires can be found in pink, yellow, green, and even colorless varieties (often referred to as "white sapphire"). The blue color is caused by trace elements of iron and titanium. Clarity can vary; inclusions are common in natural sapphires and can sometimes affect the evenness of the color. Some inclusions, such as fine silk (rutile needles), can create a star effect (asterism) in cabochon-cut stones, producing a six-rayed star sapphire, a highly valued phenomenon.
Cut and Carat: Sapphires are cut into a wide variety of shapes, including oval, cushion, round, and emerald cuts, to maximize color and brilliance. The cut is critical in displaying the gem’s best hue and minimizing the visibility of inclusions. Carat weight significantly impacts price, with larger, high-quality blue sapphires becoming exponentially more valuable. The weight should be considered in relation to the jewelry design to ensure balance and proportion.
Treatments: It is important to note that many sapphires on the market have undergone treatments to enhance their color and clarity. The most common and widely accepted treatment is heat treatment, which can improve color and remove inclusions. Other treatments, such as lattice diffusion, can alter the color more dramatically but are less stable and must be disclosed. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and other reputable labs provide certification that details a sapphire’s origin and any treatments it has received.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sapphire’s symbolism is as multifaceted as its color range, encompassing attributes of wisdom, truth, and spiritual connection. Historically, it has been a stone of royalty and clergy, symbolizing sincerity, faithfulness, and nobility. For those born on September 17th, the sapphire is more than a birthstone; it is a personal emblem of their intellectual and emotional strengths.
Metaphysically, sapphires are believed to enhance spiritual growth and provide a sense of inner peace. They are associated with opening the third eye chakra, which is linked to intuition, insight, and higher consciousness. This quality makes sapphires a popular choice among individuals seeking to deepen their spiritual practice or gain a clearer understanding of themselves and their environment.
The deep blue color of the sapphire is particularly associated with serenity and calmness, providing emotional balance and stability. This connection to tranquility makes it a favored stone for meditation and mindfulness practices. Furthermore, sapphires are linked to the planet Saturn in astrology, which is traditionally associated with discipline, responsibility, and mental acuity. As such, the energy of the sapphire is believed to enhance clarity of thought, focus, and the ability to make wise decisions. For those born on September 17th, the sapphire can serve as a powerful tool for harnessing these inherent qualities.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its exceptional hardness and durability, sapphire is relatively easy to maintain, but proper care is essential to preserve its beauty and structural integrity for generations. Following these guidelines will ensure that sapphire jewelry remains in pristine condition.
Cleaning: The safest method for cleaning sapphire jewelry is to use a mild solution of soap and lukewarm water. Gently scrub the stone with a soft brush, such as a soft-bristled toothbrush, to remove any dirt or oil that may have accumulated. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. It is critical to avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, which can damage the stone or its setting. Additionally, ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are not recommended for sapphires, especially if the stone has been fracture-filled or if it contains inclusions, as the vibrations or heat could cause damage.
Storage: To prevent scratches, sapphire jewelry should be stored separately from other pieces. A soft cloth pouch or a dedicated compartment in a jewelry box is ideal. While sapphire is hard enough to scratch most other materials, it can still be scratched by other sapphires or diamonds if they are stored together.
Inspection and Maintenance: Regularly inspect sapphire jewelry for any signs of damage, such as chips or cracks, and ensure that the setting is secure. Prongs can wear down over time, potentially risking the loss of the stone. It is advisable to have the piece professionally inspected and cleaned by a jeweler at least once a year. A jeweler can check the integrity of the setting, perform a deep clean, and re-polish the metal if necessary, ensuring the jewelry remains secure and radiant.
Conclusion
The sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring allure of nature’s artistry, combining remarkable durability with a captivating palette of colors, most famously the deep, celestial blue. For those born on September 17th, this gemstone is a personal symbol of wisdom, truth, and serenity, with a legacy that connects them to a history of royalty, spirituality, and intellectual pursuit. From its formation deep within the Earth to its journey into fine jewelry, the sapphire’s story is one of geological wonder and human admiration. Its exceptional hardness makes it a practical choice for everyday wear, while its rich lore and metaphysical associations provide a deeper layer of meaning. Whether appreciated for its scientific properties, its historical significance, or its symbolic power, the sapphire remains a timeless and majestic gemstone, perfectly embodying the essence of the September birth.