The month of September is uniquely distinguished in the world of gemstones by its association with two primary birthstones: the precious blue sapphire and the noble lapis lazuli. Both stones are celebrated for their profound deep blue hues, which have captivated human imagination for millennia. While sapphire holds the position as the modern, traditional birthstone, lapis lazuli serves as its esteemed alternative, each possessing distinct histories, geological origins, and cultural significance. This article explores the rich tapestry of these two remarkable gems, delving into their historical lore, geological formation, gemological properties, and the symbolism that has cemented their place in the hearts of gemstone enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
The tradition of assigning specific stones to months is rooted in ancient beliefs and has evolved over centuries. For September, the consensus among modern sources points to a dual inheritance. Sapphire, particularly its blue variety, is recognized as the official birthstone for September in the United States and Britain, a designation that aligns with its status as one of the four precious gemstones. Lapis lazuli, a rock composed of multiple minerals, is its primary alternative, especially in British tradition. However, historical records reveal a more complex picture, with other stones like sardonyx, zircon, and peridot also being cited as birthstones for September in various ancient and cultural calendars. This article will navigate these layers of history and gemology to provide a comprehensive overview of September's most iconic blue gems.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The lore surrounding September's birthstones is deeply woven into the fabric of ancient civilizations, with each stone carrying a legacy of royalty, wisdom, and spiritual insight.
The Ancient Legacy of Sapphire
The term "sapphire" is derived from the Greek word sappheiros and the Latin sapphirus, both meaning "blue" or "precious stone." Its historical narrative is one of reverence and power. In ancient Greece and Rome, sapphire was believed to offer protection against harm and envy, and was associated with the heavens. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder noted that the stone was thought to represent the celestial spheres, a belief that persisted through the Middle Ages. During that period, sapphire became a symbol of heavenly grace and purity, frequently used in religious garments and ecclesiastical jewelry by clergy.
Beyond its religious significance, sapphire has long been a stone of royalty and wisdom. Its enduring symbolism encompasses truth, sincerity, constancy, and the purity of the soul. The stone's connection to higher consciousness and mental clarity has made it a sought-after gem for those seeking spiritual insight. This historical weight is reflected in its modern role as a celebratory stone for significant anniversaries, notably the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, with the Star Sapphire holding special significance for the 65th.
The Royal Blue of Lapis Lazuli
While sapphire's history is one of precious gemstone royalty, lapis lazuli's story is that of a royal blue rock, a composite material revered for its intense color. As the alternative September birthstone, lapis lazuli shares the deep blue coloration that defines the month's gemological palette. Its use dates back to antiquity, where it was prized not only for its beauty but also for its perceived spiritual and healing properties. Like sapphire, lapis lazuli is linked to wisdom, truth, and spiritual insight, offering mental clarity and a connection to higher consciousness. Its history as a pigment in fine art and a material for ceremonial objects further underscores its cultural importance.
A Complex Historical Tapestry
The modern assignment of sapphire and lapis lazuli to September is a relatively recent standardization. Historical sources reveal a diverse array of stones that have been traditionally associated with the month. For instance, in the old Roman and Polish calendars, sardonyx was the birthstone for September. Sardonyx, a variety of onyx with bands of red sard, was believed to enhance courage and was worn by Roman soldiers. In the Hindu calendar, zircon—particularly its blue variety—is the designated September birthstone, and it is also considered a talismanic stone for Virgo, which spans part of September. Before zircon, moonstone was the September birthstone in the Hindu tradition, valued for its luminous appearance and believed to relieve anxiety. Additionally, agate holds the position of September birthstone in the old Tibetan calendar. Agate, a banded chalcedony, is believed to enhance intelligence and eloquence. In some traditions, peridot is also listed as a traditional or ancient birthstone for September, though it is more commonly associated with August. This historical multiplicity highlights that the concept of a "birthstone" is fluid, shaped by cultural and calendrical systems across different eras and regions.
Geological Formation and Sources
The origins of sapphire and lapis lazuli are fundamentally different, reflecting their distinct compositions and formation processes.
Sapphire: A Mineral of Corundum
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Its blue color is primarily due to trace impurities of iron and titanium. Sapphire forms under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, typically within metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss, or in certain igneous rocks such as basalt. The gemstone is mined from alluvial deposits (secondary sources) where erosion has transported and concentrated the crystals, as well as from primary hard-rock mines.
While the provided sources do not specify current mining locations, sapphire is historically known from regions such as Kashmir (India), Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Madagascar, and Australia. The quality and hue of blue sapphire can vary significantly based on its geographic origin.
Lapis Lazuli: A Rock of Many Minerals
Unlike sapphire, lapis lazuli is not a single mineral but a metamorphic rock. Its primary component is the blue mineral lazurite, but it also contains calcite (white veins) and pyrite (golden flecks). Lapis lazuli forms under high-pressure conditions in the presence of alkaline fluids, typically in marble or skarn deposits. The most famous and historically significant source of high-quality lapis lazuli is the Sar-i Sang mines in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan, which have been operational for over 6,000 years. Other sources include Chile, Russia, and the United States, but Afghan lapis is renowned for its intense, uniform blue color.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and chemical characteristics of these gems is essential for identification, valuation, and care.
Sapphire: The Durable Precious Gem
As a member of the corundum family, sapphire is one of the hardest minerals on Earth, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This exceptional hardness makes it highly resistant to scratching and ideal for everyday jewelry, particularly rings. Its chemical composition is aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), and it crystallizes in the trigonal system. The refractive index of sapphire ranges from 1.760 to 1.770, and it exhibits strong dichroism, meaning it shows different shades of blue when viewed from different crystal directions. While blue is the most famous color, corundum occurs in a spectrum of hues (yellow, pink, green, etc.), but only those that are not red are classified as sapphire. The value of a blue sapphire is determined by the intensity and evenness of its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Lapis Lazuli: The Composite Rock
Lapis lazuli is softer than sapphire, with a Mohs hardness of 5 to 5.5, due to its composite nature. Its primary mineral, lazurite, has a hardness of 5-5.5, while calcite is 3 and pyrite is 6-6.5. This variation means lapis lazuli can be scratched by harder materials and requires careful handling. It has a specific gravity of 2.7 to 3.0 and a refractive index of approximately 1.50. Its composition is complex, primarily consisting of lazurite ((Na,Ca)₈(AlSiO₄)₆(S,SO₄,Cl)₁₋₂), with calcite (CaCO₃) and pyrite (FeS₂) as common inclusions. The presence of pyrite can sometimes be mistaken for gold, and the calcite veins, known as "denim," can affect the stone's uniformity and value.
Comparative Properties Table
| Property | Sapphire (Blue) | Lapis Lazuli |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Corundum | Rock (Metamorphic) |
| Primary Mineral | Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃) | Lazurite ((Na,Ca)₈(AlSiO₄)₆(S,SO₄,Cl)₁₋₂) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 | 5 - 5.5 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal | Amorphous / Composite |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ | Complex (see above) |
| Typical Color | Deep, velvety blue | Intense royal blue with pyrite and calcite |
| Refractive Index | 1.760 - 1.770 | ~1.50 |
| Key Inclusions | Silk (rutile needles), crystals | Pyrite, calcite veins |
| Durability | Excellent (high hardness) | Fair (soft, can be scratched) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Both sapphire and lapis lazuli are steeped in symbolism, often overlapping in themes of wisdom and truth, yet each carries unique metaphysical associations.
Sapphire: The Stone of Wisdom and Royalty
Sapphire is universally recognized as a stone of wisdom, truth, and loyalty. Its deep blue color is associated with the sky and the heavens, leading to beliefs in its ability to facilitate divine connection and spiritual insight. It is said to promote mental clarity, focus, and calm, making it a favored stone for meditation and scholarly pursuits. Historically, it was believed to protect its wearer from harm and envy, and to attract divine favor and blessings. In modern metaphysical practices, blue sapphire is linked to the throat and third eye chakras, enhancing communication and intuition.
Lapis Lazuli: The Stone of Truth and Inner Vision
Lapis lazuli shares many symbolic attributes with sapphire, including the promotion of wisdom, truth, and spiritual insight. It is often called the "Stone of Truth" and is believed to encourage honesty and self-awareness. Its deep blue color is associated with the night sky and the universe, fostering a connection to higher consciousness and inner vision. Lapis lazuli is also credited with enhancing intellectual ability, memory, and creativity. It is said to relieve anxiety and stress, promoting a sense of peace and tranquility. In ancient Egypt, it was used to adorn the pharaohs and was believed to connect the wearer to the gods.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their differing physical properties, sapphire and lapis lazuli require distinct care regimens.
Caring for Sapphire
With a hardness of 9, sapphire is exceptionally durable and suitable for all types of jewelry. It can be cleaned safely with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for untreated or heat-treated sapphire, but caution is advised for stones with fractures or inclusions, as the heat and vibrations could cause damage. It is best to avoid sudden temperature changes. Due to its hardness, sapphire should be stored separately from softer gems to prevent scratching them, but it is unlikely to be scratched by other jewelry items.
Caring for Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli's lower hardness (5-5.5) and composite nature make it more susceptible to damage. It should be protected from blows, abrasions, and harsh chemicals. Cleaning should be done with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap; avoid brushes or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can scratch the surface or loosen the stone's components. It is also advisable to remove lapis lazuli jewelry before engaging in physical activities or household chores. The stone should be stored separately in a soft pouch to avoid scratches from harder materials.
Conclusion
September's birthstones, sapphire and lapis lazuli, offer a compelling study in contrast and continuity. Sapphire stands as a testament to geological perfection—a mineral of exceptional hardness, clarity, and color, steeped in a history of royalty and spiritual reverence. Lapis lazuli, a composite rock of profound beauty, represents a different kind of perfection, one found in its rich, celestial blue and its ancient legacy as a stone of wisdom and inner truth. While their origins and physical properties differ, both gems are united by their deep blue hues and their enduring symbolism of clarity, loyalty, and higher consciousness. For those born in September, the choice between these two stones is not merely one of preference but an invitation to connect with a rich heritage that spans the mineral kingdom, ancient civilizations, and the enduring human quest for meaning and beauty.