September is unique in the modern birthstone calendar, traditionally represented by a single, iconic gemstone: the blue sapphire. This magnificent gem, celebrated for its celestial hue and enduring hardness, has captivated humanity for millennia. Its status as the official September birthstone is undisputed, but historical and cultural narratives reveal a richer tapestry. Alongside the sapphire, lapis lazuli—a metamorphic rock prized for its intense blue color flecked with golden pyrite—serves as a significant alternative, carrying its own profound legacy. This article explores the geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and cultural symbolism of these two remarkable blue stones, providing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking to understand the science and stories behind September's birthstones.
History and Lore: From Ancient Heavens to Royal Treasures
The history of the sapphire is as deep and layered as its color. The word "sapphire" is believed to derive from the Latin sapphirus and Greek sappheiros, meaning "blue" or "precious stones." For centuries, this gem has been synonymous with royalty, wisdom, and divine favor. In ancient Greece and Rome, elite societies cherished blue sapphires, believing they offered protection from harm and envy. The stone's association with the heavens was particularly strong; medieval clergy wore sapphires as symbols of Heaven, and ancient Persians held a cosmological belief that the earth rested upon a giant sapphire, which in turn colored the sky blue.
The sapphire's lore extends into the realm of healing and mysticism. Medieval Europeans attributed to it the power to cure plague boils and diseases of the eye, and it was also considered an antidote to poison. Its symbolism evolved to represent sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility, making it a favored gem for engagement rings and royal regalia. The Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone from Myanmar (Burma), stands as a famous testament to its enduring allure and value.
Lapis lazuli, the alternative September birthstone, shares an equally ancient and storied past. Its name, from the Latin lapis (stone) and lazuli (blue), directly describes its most striking feature. For over 6,000 years, lapis lazuli has been mined in Afghanistan, a source that remains active today. The stone was a treasure of Egyptian royalty; the burial mask and sarcophagus of Pharaoh Tutankhamun were adorned with lapis lazuli. In medieval Europe, its significance shifted from jewelry to art. The stone was ground into a fine powder to create ultramarine, a pigment of unparalleled vibrancy and cost, reserved for the most important religious paintings and manuscripts. Culturally, lapis lazuli was believed to promote mental clarity, serenity, and spiritual insight, making it a favorite among scholars and spiritual seekers.
While sapphire and lapis lazuli are the primary stones for September, historical calendars and cultural traditions have linked other gemstones to this month. Peridot, now firmly associated with August, appears in some ancient calendars as a September stone, valued for its vibrant green color and believed to ward off nightmares. Sardonyx, a banded chalcedony, was used in protective amulets for strength and determination. In Tibetan tradition, agate is considered a September birthstone, prized for enhancing intelligence and eloquence. Zircon, known for its brilliance and often mistaken for diamond, is linked to September in Indian tradition. However, the official modern list, as established by the American Jewelers Association in 1912, recognizes only sapphire as the primary birthstone for September.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the origin of these stones requires a look at their distinct geological contexts. Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, with a chemical composition of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Its signature blue color is typically caused by trace amounts of iron and titanium within its crystal structure. Sapphires form under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, often in metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss, or in certain igneous rocks. Major sources for gem-quality blue sapphire include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Kashmir, though commercial-grade sapphires are also mined in East Africa, Australia, and Montana, USA.
Lapis lazuli, in contrast, is not a single mineral but a metamorphic rock. Its composition is primarily the dark blue mineral lazurite, along with golden flecks of pyrite and white veins of calcite. It forms in limestone that has been subjected to high pressure and heat, a process known as metamorphism. The most famous and historically significant source is the Sar-e-Sang mines in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan, which have been operational for millennia. Other sources include Chile, Russia, and the United States, but the Afghan deposits are renowned for producing the highest quality lapis lazuli with the most intense blue color.
Gemological Properties
The physical and optical properties of sapphire and lapis lazuli are fundamental to their identification, valuation, and care. Sapphire, as a member of the corundum family, is exceptionally durable, scoring a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes it second only to diamond in hardness, ensuring it is highly resistant to scratching and suitable for daily wear in jewelry. Its refractive index is between 1.76 and 1.77, and it exhibits a vitreous luster. While blue is the classic color, sapphires occur in a full spectrum of colors (except red, which is ruby), including yellow, pink, green, and color-change varieties. Some sapphires display asterism, a six-rayed star pattern that appears when the stone is cut into a cabochon, due to the presence of microscopic needle-like inclusions of rutile.
Lapis lazuli, being a rock, has variable properties. Its hardness is lower, ranging from 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, making it more susceptible to scratches and wear. It has a specific gravity of 2.7 to 2.9 and a refractive index of approximately 1.50. Its most prized characteristic is its deep, uniform blue color from the lazurite content. The presence of golden pyrite flecks (often mistaken for gold) and white calcite veins are natural inclusions that can affect both its appearance and value. High-quality lapis lazuli has minimal calcite and a rich, even blue color.
The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of these two September birthstones based on the provided sources:
| Property | Sapphire (Blue Corundum) | Lapis Lazuli (Metamorphic Rock) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃) with Fe, Ti impurities | Primarily Lazurite (Na,Ca)₈(Al,Si)₁₂O₂₄(S,SO₄)₂, with Calcite & Pyrite |
| Mohs Hardness | 9 | 5 - 5.5 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal | Rock (Aggregate of minerals) |
| Refractive Index | 1.76 - 1.77 | ~1.50 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.95 - 4.03 | 2.7 - 2.9 |
| Primary Color Cause | Trace elements (Fe, Ti) | Lazurite mineral content |
| Common Inclusions | Silk (rutile needles), crystals, zoning | Pyrite (golden flecks), white calcite veins |
| Typical Sources | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kashmir, East Africa, Australia, USA | Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, USA |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolic meanings of the September birthstones are deeply intertwined with their historical uses and perceived properties. Sapphire, with its association with the heavens and royalty, has long been a symbol of wisdom, truth, and fidelity. It is believed to promote mental clarity, focus, and spiritual enlightenment. In modern metaphysical practices, blue sapphire is considered a stone of the third eye and throat chakras, enhancing intuition and honest communication. Its protective qualities, dating back to ancient beliefs, are still cited by crystal healers as a shield against negative energies and psychic attacks.
Lapis lazuli carries a powerful symbolism of truth, wisdom, and inner vision. Its deep blue color is linked to the night sky and the vastness of the universe, encouraging self-awareness and self-expression. The golden pyrite flecks are often seen as "sparks of light in the darkness," symbolizing the illumination of truth. In spiritual traditions, lapis lazuli is used to enhance dream work, facilitate deep meditation, and stimulate the higher mind. It is also associated with courage and overcoming fear, making it a stone for those seeking to speak their truth.
It is important to note that while these metaphysical beliefs are part of the cultural heritage of these stones, they fall outside the scope of scientific gemology. The provided sources acknowledge these historical and popular beliefs, distinguishing them from the gemological properties that define the stones.
Care and Cleaning
The durability of a gemstone dictates how it should be cared for. Sapphire's exceptional hardness (Mohs 9) makes it relatively easy to maintain. It can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water, a soft brush, and a lint-free cloth. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for untreated and heat-treated sapphires, but caution is advised for stones with significant fractures or inclusions. As with all fine jewelry, it is wise to avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes.
Lapis lazuli, due to its lower hardness (5-5.5) and porous nature, requires more gentle care. It should never be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners or steam, as the vibrations and heat can cause cracking or damage. The safest method is to wipe it with a soft, damp cloth. It is also advisable to remove lapis lazuli jewelry before engaging in activities that could subject it to blows or abrasion. The stone can be sensitive to acids, heat, and prolonged exposure to sunlight, which may fade its color over time. Store it separately from harder stones to prevent scratches.
Conclusion
The September birthstones, led by the majestic blue sapphire and supported by the profound lapis lazuli, offer a fascinating study in geology, history, and cultural symbolism. Sapphire stands as the pinnacle of durability and classic beauty, a gemstone that has been revered by civilizations for its protective qualities and its connection to the divine. Lapis lazuli, a rock of deep blue and golden sparkles, tells a story of artistry, spirituality, and ancient trade. While other stones have been historically linked to September, these two blue gems remain the definitive representations of the month. Whether chosen for a birthday gift, an anniversary, or simply an appreciation of their beauty, understanding their origins, properties, and stories enriches the connection between the wearer and the stone.