The sapphire, with its legendary blue hue, stands as the designated birthstone for the month of September. This remarkable gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, is celebrated not only for its captivating color but also for its exceptional durability and profound historical significance. While blue is its most iconic shade, sapphire encompasses a spectrum of colors, excluding red, which is reserved for the ruby. As a symbol of wisdom, nobility, and fidelity, sapphire has been cherished for millennia, adorning royalty, clergy, and modern jewelry connoisseurs alike. Its journey from ancient lore to a modern birthstone designation is a testament to its enduring appeal. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural symbolism of sapphire, providing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts and collectors.
History and Lore
The association of sapphire with September is a relatively modern development, yet the gemstone’s history stretches back thousands of years. The formal recognition of sapphire as the September birthstone originated in the United States. The American National Association of Jewelers, now known as Jewelers of America, led an initiative to create a standardized list of birthstones. Their chart, established in 1912, assigned sapphire to the month of September, a designation that has prevailed both within America and internationally over the years.
Beyond its official birthstone status, sapphire is deeply woven into the fabric of human history and belief systems. The name “sapphire” is derived from the Greek word sappheiros, which originally referred to a blue stone. For countless centuries, this gem has adorned royalty and the robes of the clergy. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. In the Middle Ages, clerics wore sapphires as they symbolized Heaven. Ancient Persians held a cosmological belief that the earth rested upon a giant sapphire, which was responsible for the blue color of the sky.
Sapphire was also reputed to possess healing powers. Medieval Europeans believed it could cure plague boils and diseases of the eye, and it was thought to be an antidote to poison. These beliefs underscore the stone’s long-standing reputation for purity and protective qualities. The tradition of sapphire as a token of love predates the modern prominence of diamonds. Historically, sapphires were used to symbolize love and loyalty, a role later overshadowed by diamond marketing for engagement rings.
A notable historical example is the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone unearthed in Myanmar (Burma). Its provenance and quality highlight the gem’s historical value and desirability among the world’s elite. Furthermore, some sources note that sapphire is one of the twelve stones featured on the breastplate of the high priest Aaron in the Bible, providing a religious foundation for its significance as a birthstone. This connection, linking twelve stones to twelve months, is considered a predecessor to the modern birthstone list.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire is a variety of corundum, a mineral composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Its formation occurs under specific geological conditions, typically in metamorphic or igneous rocks. The gem’s color is not inherent to the mineral itself; corundum is naturally colorless. The vibrant hues are the result of trace elements incorporated into its crystal structure during formation. For blue sapphires, the presence of iron and titanium is responsible for the coloration, with the amount of iron influencing the darkness of the blue. Other colors in the sapphire spectrum are caused by different trace elements: yellow and orange sapphires derive their color from iron and chromium, pink sapphires from high amounts of chromium, and purple sapphires from a combination of iron, titanium, and chromium.
While sapphires are mined in various locations around the globe, the sources provided specifically mention Myanmar (Burma) as a notable origin for a famous historical sapphire. The Rockefeller Sapphire, for instance, was unearthed in Myanmar. This region has a long-standing reputation for producing some of the world’s finest blue sapphires, often characterized by a rich, velvety blue. Other significant global sources for sapphire include Sri Lanka, Kashmir, and Thailand, though the provided materials focus on the historical example from Myanmar.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire is renowned for its exceptional physical and optical properties, which contribute to its durability and beauty as a gemstone.
Hardness and Durability On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, sapphire registers a 9, making it the hardest gemstone on earth after diamond. This remarkable hardness makes sapphire highly resistant to scratching and suitable for everyday wear in jewelry, such as engagement rings, which are subject to frequent use. Its durability is a key factor in its popularity for various jewelry applications, from rings and earrings to bracelets and pendants.
Crystal Structure and Chemical Composition Sapphires typically form in prismatic or tabular crystals with a hexagonal cross-section. As a member of the corundum species, its chemical composition is aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃).
Color Spectrum While blue is the most famous and sought-after color, sapphires occur in a rainbow of hues, excluding red. All corundum varieties except red are classified as sapphires. The blue sapphire is particularly prized, with the "cornflower-blue" variety known for its vivid, medium-dark blue with a slight violet undertone. This specific shade is highly valued for its pure and intense color and is often used as a benchmark for quality among blue sapphires. Fancy sapphires—those in violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, and purple—are also celebrated. Some sapphires even exhibit color changes depending on the lighting.
Clarity and Cut The provided sources do not detail specific clarity characteristics or common inclusions for sapphire. However, the gem’s durability allows for a variety of cuts that maximize its brilliance and color. The Rockefeller Sapphire, for example, was cut in a rectangular step style. Modern sapphires are cut into numerous shapes, including oval, cushion, round, and pear, to enhance their visual appeal in different jewelry settings.
Summary of Key Gemological Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal |
| Typical Colors | Blue (most famous), also pink, yellow, green, purple, orange, and colorless (excluding red) |
| Cause of Color | Trace elements: Iron & Titanium (blue), Iron & Chromium (yellow/orange), Chromium (pink), combination (purple) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Sapphire’s symbolism is as rich and varied as its color palette. Traditionally, the September birthstone, especially in its blue form, has symbolized sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. These attributes have made it a favorite among rulers and religious figures throughout history.
Metaphysically, people believe that sapphires possess a range of properties that can influence the wearer. Blue sapphire, in particular, is associated with: * Wisdom and Tranquility: Believed to enhance intuition, bring inner peace, and serve as a powerful aid in meditation and spiritual work. * Nobility: Its deep blue color and historical use in royal regalia have cemented its association with purity and regal bearing. * Loyalty and Love: As a traditional token of love and commitment, sapphire symbolizes fidelity and enduring affection.
Beyond its role as a birthstone, sapphire is also designated as the gemstone for the 5th, 45th, and 65th wedding anniversaries, marking it as a significant milestone gift. In some belief systems, sapphire is considered a guardian stone for the zodiac signs of Taurus, Virgo, Libra, and Sagittarius.
Care and Cleaning
Despite its exceptional hardness, sapphire still requires proper care to maintain its clarity and color. The gem is durable but not indestructible. To preserve its beauty, owners should: * Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Prolonged exposure to chemicals found in household cleaners or cosmetics can damage the stone or its setting. * Protect from Extreme Light and Heat: While sapphire is generally stable, extreme conditions should be avoided. * Prevent Rough Impacts: Although hard, a sharp blow could potentially chip the stone, especially at its facet junctions. * Proper Storage: Store sapphire jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratching. Using a soft cloth or a padded jewelry box is ideal.
For cleaning, warm soapy water and a soft brush are generally safe methods. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually acceptable for sapphires, but it is always prudent to consult with a professional jeweler, especially if the stone has been treated or has inclusions.
Conclusion
The sapphire is a gemstone of extraordinary beauty, durability, and historical depth. As the official birthstone for September, it carries a legacy of wisdom, nobility, and protection that has been celebrated since antiquity. From its formation deep within the earth, colored by trace elements, to its journey into royal crowns and modern engagement rings, sapphire remains a symbol of sincerity and fidelity. Its wide range of colors, from the classic deep blue to vibrant fancy hues, offers a personal choice for every individual. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, it is a practical and enduring gem for jewelry, though it merits careful maintenance. Ultimately, sapphire’s significance extends far beyond its physical properties, embodying a timeless connection between the earth’s geological wonders and human culture.