The month of September is uniquely associated with two distinct and historically significant birthstones: the sapphire and lapis lazuli. This dual representation reflects a fascinating evolution in cultural and commercial traditions, offering a spectrum of color, meaning, and geological wonder. The deep, celestial blue of the sapphire has been a symbol of wisdom, royalty, and divine favor for millennia, while the vibrant, speckled lapis lazuli, with its history stretching back to the dawn of civilization, carries its own legacy as a stone of truth and artistic inspiration. This article delves into the rich history, geological origins, gemological properties, and enduring symbolism of these two remarkable gemstones, providing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone captivated by the stories held within the earth's treasures.
History and Lore: From Ancient Kings to Modern Lists
The historical journey of both sapphire and lapis lazuli is deeply intertwined with human civilization, though their paths to becoming September's birthstones followed different trajectories.
Sapphire boasts an ancient and regal pedigree. Its name is derived from the Latin sapphirus and the Greek sappheiros, both meaning "blue stone," though historically, the term was sometimes applied to lapis lazuli as well. For centuries, sapphire has been associated with the heavens, the divine, and the elite. Ancient Persian and Greek rulers believed the stone was a fragment of the sky itself, and its deep blue was thought to ward off evil and protect the wearer. In the Middle Ages, clergy wore sapphire to symbolize Heaven, and it was believed to have protective properties for the eyes. The most famous sapphire in history is the St. Edward's Sapphire, a large, uncut stone set into the British Imperial State Crown, which has a history tracing back to the 11th century. The stone's association with royalty and nobility is further cemented by its presence in the engagement ring of Princess Diana, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, making it one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry in the modern world.
Lapis Lazuli, on the other hand, has an even older and more artistic history. The name comes from the Latin lapis (stone) and the Persian lazhuward (blue). It was one of the first gemstones ever used by humans for ornament and decoration. Archaeological evidence places its use as far back as 7,000 BC in Mesopotamia. The ancient Egyptians prized lapis lazuli, believing it held the power of the gods and the night sky; it was used in jewelry, cosmetics (the famous kohl), and funerary objects. The Tutankhamun's funeral mask is adorned with lapis lazuli, and the stone was heavily traded along the ancient routes between Afghanistan (the primary source for millennia) and the Mediterranean. Its most significant artistic contribution came during the Renaissance, when ground lapis lazuli was used to create ultramarine, the most expensive and prized blue pigment for painting. This pigment was used by masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo to depict the robes of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing her holiness and the celestial.
The modern birthstone lists are a more recent development. The National Association of Jewelers (NAJ) in the United States established the first standardized list in 1912, with sapphire as the primary September stone. Lapis lazuli was added as a secondary, traditional birthstone in the 1950s by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), reflecting a desire to include stones with deep historical and cultural significance beyond the more commercially prominent sapphire. This dual designation allows September-born individuals a choice between a classic, high-value gem and a stone with profound ancient roots.
Geological Formation and Sources
The formation of these two gemstones occurs under vastly different geological conditions, leading to their unique appearances and properties.
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃). Its iconic blue color is caused by trace amounts of iron and titanium within its crystal structure. Sapphires form in metamorphic rocks, particularly in bauxite deposits and in silica-rich metamorphic rocks like mica schist. The most significant and historically important source of blue sapphire is Kashmir in India. The Kashmir sapphires, discovered in the 1880s, are famed for their velvety, cornflower-blue hue and are among the most valuable in the world today. Other major sources include Myanmar (Burma), known for its rich, royal blue stones; Sri Lanka, which produces a wide range of colors and qualities; and Madagascar, which has become a major source in recent decades. Australia, Thailand, and Cambodia also produce commercial quantities of sapphire, though often with darker or greener hues.
Lapis Lazuli is not a single mineral but a metamorphic rock, a composite of several minerals. Its primary component is the blue mineral lazurite, with calcite (white veins) and pyrite (golden flecks) being common inclusions. Lapis lazuli forms in contact metamorphic zones where limestone is altered by magma intrusions. The most famous and historically significant source is the Sar-e-Sang mines in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan, which have been operational for over 6,000 years. The "Afghan Blue" from these mines is considered the finest quality. Other sources include Chile (which produces a lighter, more greenish-blue variety due to higher calcite content), Russia, and Myanmar. The stone's value is often determined by the intensity of its blue color, the uniformity, and the presence of pyrite (which is considered desirable if not excessive) and calcite (which is generally seen as a detractor).
Gemological Properties: A Scientific Comparison
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of these stones is crucial for identification, valuation, and care. The following table summarizes key gemological data for both stones, based on standard gemological references.
| Property | Sapphire (Blue) | Lapis Lazuli |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Corundum (single mineral) | Rock (composite: Lazurite, Calcite, Pyrite) |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (with Fe, Ti impurities) | Complex; primarily (Na,Ca)₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)S₂ (Lazurite) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal | Isometric (Lazurite component) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 | 5 - 5.5 (Varies due to composite nature) |
| Specific Gravity | 3.99 - 4.10 | 2.7 - 3.0 |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.770 (Uniaxial) | 1.50 (Lazurite) |
| Durability | Excellent; very resistant to scratching and chemicals. | Fair; relatively soft and porous, susceptible to acids and heat. |
| Color | Deep, velvety blue to violetish-blue. | Intense, deep azure blue with white calcite veins and golden pyrite specks. |
Sapphire is renowned for its exceptional hardness (9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond), making it highly durable and suitable for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets. Its refractive index gives it a brilliant luster. The most prized color is a rich, velvety "cornflower" blue, often described as "silk" when viewed under magnification due to minute silk inclusions of rutile.
Lapis Lazuli, being a rock, has variable properties. Its hardness is lower (5-5.5), making it more susceptible to scratching and wear. It is also more porous and can be damaged by chemicals, heat, and prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can fade its color. The finest lapis lazuli exhibits a uniform, intense blue color with minimal white calcite and a scattering of fine pyrite crystals that resemble gold dust.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Both stones are steeped in symbolism, though their meanings differ significantly.
Sapphire has long been associated with wisdom, truth, and mental clarity. In ancient times, it was believed to protect against envy and slander and to bring peace of mind. Medieval kings wore sapphire to guard their virtue and to gain divine favor. In modern crystal healing, sapphire is said to promote focus, intuition, and spiritual enlightenment. It is considered a stone of communication and self-expression, helping to articulate one's truth.
Lapis Lazuli is often called the "Stone of Truth and Friendship." Its deep blue has been linked to the night sky and the heavens, symbolizing universal truth and cosmic knowledge. Ancient Egyptians believed it offered protection and guidance in the afterlife. In spiritual practices, lapis lazuli is thought to enhance intellectual ability, stimulate the third eye chakra for intuition, and encourage honesty and self-awareness. It is also associated with harmony and the resolution of conflict, making it a popular gift for friends.
It is important to note that while these metaphysical beliefs are widely held in alternative healing communities, they are not supported by scientific evidence and are considered cultural or folkloric interpretations.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of these gemstones, and their differing properties require distinct approaches.
Sapphire Care: Due to its high hardness and chemical stability, sapphire is very easy to care for. - Cleaning: It can be safely cleaned with warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe, but caution is advised if the stone has significant fractures or inclusions. - Storage: Store separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching (though it is more likely to scratch other stones than be scratched itself). - Precautions: Avoid sudden extreme temperature changes, which could potentially damage any inclusions.
Lapis Lazuli Care: Lapis lazuli requires more gentle handling due to its lower hardness and porosity. - Cleaning: Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam, or harsh chemicals (like ammonia or bleach). Clean only with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Dry thoroughly immediately. - Storage: Store separately in a soft cloth pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches. Keep away from direct sunlight and high heat to prevent fading. - Precautions: Avoid contact with cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays, as the porous surface can absorb oils and chemicals, dulling its luster over time.
Conclusion
The September birthstones, sapphire and lapis lazuli, offer a captivating study in contrast. Sapphire, the noble mineral of corundum, represents timeless elegance, scientific durability, and a legacy of royalty and wisdom. Lapis lazuli, the ancient composite rock, speaks to humanity's earliest artistic and spiritual endeavors, carrying the colors of the sky and the stars. Together, they provide September-born individuals with a choice between a gem of supreme hardness and value and a stone of profound historical depth and vibrant color. Whether drawn to the regal blue of a Kashmir sapphire or the celestial, golden-speckled canvas of Afghan lapis lazuli, one is connecting with gemstones that have shaped human culture, art, and belief for millennia.