The sapphire, with its profound and captivating blue, has been cherished for centuries as a symbol of wisdom, royalty, and divine favor. As the traditional birthstone for the month of September, it holds a special place in the world of gemology and jewelry. This article provides a detailed exploration of the sapphire, drawing upon its rich history, geological origins, and distinctive gemological properties to offer a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone captivated by its celestial hue.
While the provided commercial sources focus on modern sapphire jewelry, they highlight the stone's enduring appeal in contemporary settings, such as the classic stud earring. To fully appreciate this gem, we will delve into the broader context that defines its significance, from its formation deep within the earth to its esteemed place in royal regalia and modern jewelry boxes.
History and Lore: The Gem of Kings and Heaven
The history of sapphire is woven into the tapestry of human civilization, with its name derived from the Latin sapphirus and the Greek sappheiros, both meaning "blue stone." Ancient civilizations revered this gem for its celestial color, which they associated with the sky and heaven. The Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, and its reflection painted the sky blue. In the Middle Ages, clergy wore sapphire to symbolize their connection to the divine, and it was thought to attract divine favor and protect against earthly temptations.
Sapphire's association with royalty is perhaps its most enduring legacy. It was a staple in the crowns, scepters, and jewelry of monarchs across the globe, symbolizing wisdom, virtue, and good fortune. The British Crown Jewels, for instance, feature several magnificent sapphires, including the Stuart Sapphire and the sapphire adorning the Imperial State Crown. This royal patronage cemented the sapphire's status as a gem of unparalleled prestige and power.
The journey of sapphire to its modern designation as a September birthstone is more recent. The practice of assigning specific gems to each month evolved over centuries, but the standard list widely recognized in the United States today was formalized by the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) in 1912. Sapphire was chosen for September, a fitting tribute to a stone that has long been synonymous with clarity of thought and heavenly blue.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Its formation is a testament to the immense geological forces at work beneath the Earth's surface. Corundum requires a specific set of conditions to crystallize: it forms in metamorphic rocks, such as gneiss and schist, or in certain igneous rocks like basalt, under high temperatures and pressures. The presence of trace elements during its formation is what gives sapphire its signature color. While chromium imparts a red color to create ruby, iron and titanium impurities are responsible for the classic blue hues of sapphire. The intensity and shade of the blue depend on the concentration of these elements and the way they are bound within the crystal lattice.
The world's most renowned sapphire deposits are found in a handful of key locations, each known for producing stones with distinct characteristics:
- Kashmir, India: Historically the most celebrated source, the sapphires from this region are legendary for their velvety, cornflower-blue color and a soft, diffuse light that seems to emanate from within the stone. The discovery of these deposits in the late 19th century led to a brief but intense mining period, and today, Kashmir sapphires are exceptionally rare and command the highest prices at auction.
- Myanmar (Burma): Another source of historically significant sapphires, Burmese deposits produce stones with a rich, intense blue, often with a subtle violet undertone. These gems are prized for their saturation and clarity.
- Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Sri Lanka is a major producer of sapphires, known for yielding a wide range of colors and qualities. Ceylon sapphires are often lighter and brighter in hue than those from other localities, but they can also produce stones of exceptional depth and vibrancy.
- Madagascar: In recent decades, Madagascar has emerged as a significant source of high-quality sapphires, including some that rival the colors of the historic Kashmir and Burmese stones.
- Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, and the United States (Montana): These locations also contribute to the global supply of sapphire, often producing stones in different shades of blue, as well as "fancy" colors like yellow, green, and pink.
The sourcing of sapphire is a critical factor in its value, with the legendary Kashmir sapphires representing the pinnacle of desirability among collectors and connoisseurs.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of sapphire is essential for appreciating its durability, beauty, and value. As a member of the corundum family, it is second only to diamond in hardness, making it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including pieces intended for daily wear.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9 |
| Toughness | Excellent |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.770 |
| Specific Gravity | 4.00 (+/- 0.10) |
| Crystal Habit | Hexagonal Prisms |
Color: While blue is the quintessential sapphire color, the gem occurs in a spectacular array of hues, known as "fancy sapphires." These include pink, yellow, orange, green, and purple. The only color corundum does not produce is red (which is classified as ruby). The most valued blue sapphires exhibit a velvety, medium to medium-dark blue to violetish blue color with strong to vivid saturation.
Clarity: Sapphires typically contain inclusions. Natural silk (fine, needle-like rutile inclusions) is common and can affect the stone's clarity and color saturation. While flawless sapphires are rare, some inclusions are accepted as evidence of a natural origin. Sapphire inclusions can be diverse, including color zoning, fingerprint inclusions, and crystals of other minerals.
Cut: Sapphires are cut into a variety of shapes to maximize color and minimize the visibility of inclusions. The most common cuts are oval, cushion, round, and pear. The cut must be executed with precision to ensure the best possible light return and to display the stone's color to its full advantage.
Treatments: It is common practice in the gem trade to heat sapphires to improve their color and clarity. This process, known as heat treatment, involves heating the stone to high temperatures to dissolve minute inclusions and intensify its blue color. This treatment is stable and widely accepted, but it must be disclosed to the consumer. Other, less common treatments include diffusion (adding color-bearing elements to the surface) and fracture filling, which are not as durable and are less desirable.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond its physical properties, sapphire is steeped in symbolism and has been attributed with various metaphysical powers throughout history. It is primarily known as a stone of wisdom, truth, and clarity. It is believed to enhance mental focus, aid in decision-making, and promote spiritual enlightenment.
In the realm of personal well-being, sapphire is often associated with calming the mind and relieving mental tension. It is said to release unwanted thoughts and bring peace of mind, making it a popular stone for meditation. Historically, it was also considered a powerful protective stone, shielding its wearer from harm and envy.
For centuries, sapphire has also been linked to love and fidelity. It was a traditional gem for engagement rings before the widespread popularity of diamonds and is still chosen by couples who seek a symbol of enduring commitment. This association, combined with its royal connotations, makes it a powerful emblem of both romantic and sovereign authority.
Care and Cleaning
The exceptional hardness of sapphire (9 on the Mohs scale) and its excellent toughness make it a very durable gemstone, well-suited for a wide range of jewelry applications. It is resistant to scratching and chipping, making it an ideal choice for rings, earrings, and pendants that are worn regularly.
However, despite its durability, proper care is necessary to maintain its brilliance.
Cleaning: Sapphires can be safely cleaned using warm water, a mild soap (such as dish soap), and a soft brush (like a baby toothbrush). Gently scrub the back and front of the stone and its setting to remove any oil or dirt buildup. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated and heat-treated sapphires, but stones with significant fractures or fracture fillings should not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. Steam cleaning is also acceptable, provided the stone is free of significant inclusions that could be affected by rapid temperature changes.
Storage: When storing sapphire jewelry, keep it separate from other gems and metals to prevent scratching. While sapphire can scratch other softer stones, diamonds and other sapphires can scratch it. A fabric-lined jewelry box with individual compartments is ideal.
Settings: As with any piece of jewelry, it is wise to have the setting checked periodically by a professional jeweler to ensure the stone is secure, especially for rings that are subject to daily wear.
Conclusion
The sapphire remains one of the world's most revered and desirable gemstones. Its journey from the ancient world's celestial symbol to the modern September birthstone is a testament to its timeless appeal. Defined by its remarkable hardness, captivating blue color, and rich historical significance, the sapphire embodies a unique combination of beauty and resilience. Whether set in a simple stud earring or the centerpiece of a royal crown, it continues to command admiration for its profound depth and the wisdom it is said to represent. For those born in September, it offers a connection to a legacy of royalty and a symbol of clarity and truth that endures through the ages.