The sapphire, renowned for its profound blue hue, stands as the designated birthstone for the month of September. This gemstone is not merely a beautiful adornment but is deeply embedded in history, lore, and modern gemology. While the deep blue variety is the most iconic, the sapphire belongs to the mineral species corundum, which encompasses a stunning spectrum of colors known as "fancy sapphires," excluding red (which is classified as ruby). As a symbol of wisdom, loyalty, and nobility, the sapphire has been cherished by royalty and religious leaders for centuries. Its exceptional hardness, second only to the diamond on the Mohs scale, makes it an ideal choice for jewelry that is meant to be worn daily, particularly in engagement rings and pendants.
This article explores the multifaceted nature of the sapphire, tracing its journey from ancient geological formations to the hands of modern jewelers and wearers. We will delve into the rich history and lore that elevated this gem to its prestigious status, examine the geological conditions that create its captivating color, and detail the specific gemological properties that define its value. Furthermore, we will discuss the symbolic meanings attributed to the sapphire across various cultures and provide practical guidance on the care and maintenance of this durable yet precious stone. By synthesizing information from historical texts and contemporary gemological sources, we aim to provide a complete portrait of the sapphire, the quintessential stone of September.
History and Lore
The history of the sapphire is as deep and layered as its signature color. For millennia, this gemstone has been associated with divine favor, truth, and protection. Ancient civilizations looked to the heavens and saw the sapphire’s color reflected in the sky, believing it to be a fragment of the celestial dome. This connection imbued the stone with a sacred significance that has endured through the ages.
In the Middle Ages, sapphires were favored by clergy and nobility. They were believed to symbolize heavenly grace and were often used in ecclesiastical rings and on religious vestments. The stone was thought to represent the purity of the soul and was a conduit for divine wisdom. It was also widely believed to possess protective powers. Kings and queens would wear sapphires into battle or have them set into their crowns, not just for their beauty, but for the conviction that the gem would shield them from harm and envy. The sapphire was also considered a powerful antidote to poison and a guard against infection, beliefs that persisted well into the Renaissance.
The journey of the sapphire to its modern status as a September birthstone is a more recent development, though one rooted in ancient traditions. The concept of birthstones is believed to have originated from the Breastplate of Aaron, a ceremonial garment described in the Old Testament, which was set with twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones were associated with the twelve signs of the zodiac and, subsequently, the twelve months of the year. The sapphire has long been linked to September, a connection solidified in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelry Information Center) in the United States, which published an official list of birthstones. This list, which has undergone minor revisions, has cemented the sapphire’s place as the primary birthstone for September, a status it holds to this day.
Beyond its historical and astrological significance, the sapphire has been the stone of choice for some of the world's most famous engagement rings, most notably that of Princess Diana, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. This association has further cemented the sapphire's reputation as a symbol of loyalty and enduring love in the modern consciousness.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are formed under extraordinary geological conditions, deep within the Earth's crust. They are a variety of the mineral corundum, which has the chemical composition Al₂O₃ (aluminum oxide). The presence of trace impurities within the crystal lattice is what gives sapphire its various colors. The iconic blue of a sapphire is primarily caused by trace amounts of iron (Fe) and titanium (Ti). This coloration process requires a specific environment: the corundum must form in an igneous or metamorphic rock that is low in silica and rich in aluminum. The rock must also be free of silica, as the presence of silica would cause the aluminum to form other minerals, such as feldspar, instead of corundum.
The formation process typically occurs in metamorphic rocks like gneiss and schist, or in igneous rocks such as basalt and syenite. Temperatures must be exceptionally high, typically between 1,100 and 1,300 degrees Celsius, and the rock must be under immense pressure for millions of years. This allows the aluminum and oxygen atoms to arrange themselves into the corundum crystal structure. The trace elements that cause color are introduced during this process. This demanding formation environment means that gem-quality sapphires are relatively rare.
Historically, the primary sources of sapphires were in Asia. The most legendary source is the Kashmir region of the Pakistan-India border, where sapphires were discovered in the late 19th century. These stones are prized for their velvety, soft blue color and are now largely depleted, making Kashmir sapphires among the most valuable in the world. Burma (Myanmar) is another historic source, known for producing sapphires with a rich, intense blue, often with a slight violet undertone.
In more recent times, Sri Lanka has become a leading source of high-quality sapphires. The island nation's gem gravels yield a wide range of colors and qualities, including the highly sought-after "padparadscha" sapphire, a delicate pinkish-orange variety. Other significant modern sources include Thailand, which is a major center for cutting and trading sapphires, as well as Australia, Cambodia, Madagascar, and the United States (specifically Montana). The sources also mention that many modern sapphires are lab-grown. These synthetic sapphires possess the same physical and chemical attributes as their natural counterparts but are created in a controlled environment, making them a more affordable option for jewelry.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of sapphire is essential for appreciating its value and durability. As a member of the corundum family, it shares characteristics with ruby but is distinguished by its color.
Hardness and Durability The most significant property of sapphire is its exceptional hardness. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, sapphire ranks at 9. This makes it the second-hardest naturally occurring mineral, surpassed only by diamond (which ranks at 10). This extraordinary hardness means that sapphire is highly resistant to scratching and abrasion. It is an excellent choice for jewelry that is worn daily, such as engagement rings, as it can withstand the rigors of everyday life without showing signs of wear. However, it is important to note that despite its hardness, sapphire has a cleavage property. Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along specific planes of weakness. While sapphire does not have prominent cleavage, it can still be fractured if subjected to a hard blow. Therefore, caution is still advised to prevent impact against hard surfaces.
Color While blue is the classic and most famous color, sapphire occurs in a vast array of colors known as "fancy sapphires." These include: * Yellow Sapphire: Colored by traces of iron. * Pink Sapphire: Colored by chromium, with higher chromium content resulting in a ruby. * Padparadscha Sapphire: A rare and highly prized pinkish-orange variety. * Green Sapphire: Colored by iron and titanium. * White Sapphire: Colorless corundum, often used as a diamond alternative.
The value of a blue sapphire is determined by the depth and saturation of its color. The most prized blues are a vivid, intense medium-deep blue to violetish blue. Sapphires that are too light or too dark in color are generally less valuable.
Clarity Sapphires often contain inclusions, which are internal characteristics that can affect their clarity and value. Unlike diamonds, which are graded on the "Four Cs" with a strong emphasis on clarity, the presence of inclusions in sapphires is often more accepted, and in some cases, can even be a sign of authenticity. Some specific inclusions, like fine silk (tiny rutile needles) in a Kashmir sapphire, can actually enhance the stone's value by creating a desirable velvety appearance. However, inclusions that compromise the stone's transparency or durability will lower its value.
Cut and Carat Sapphires are cut in a variety of shapes to maximize color and minimize the appearance of inclusions. Common cuts include oval, cushion, round, and pear. The weight of gemstones is measured in carats (1 carat = 0.2 grams). Large sapphires of high quality are exceptionally rare and command prices per carat that increase exponentially with size.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.770 |
| Specific Gravity | 4.00 (+/- 0.05) |
| Sources | Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir, Madagascar, Australia, Thailand, USA (Montana) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sapphire has been imbued with profound symbolism and metaphysical beliefs throughout history, extending far beyond its physical beauty. These beliefs, passed down through generations, have contributed to the gem's enduring mystique and desirability.
The most prevalent symbolic associations of the sapphire are wisdom, truth, and loyalty. In ancient Greece and Rome, sapphires were believed to be the gems of Apollo, the god of prophecy, and were worn by those seeking clarity of thought and divine guidance when visiting oracles. This connection to wisdom has made sapphire a favorite among scholars, judges, and philosophers. Its association with loyalty and sincerity has also made it a popular choice for engagement rings and a traditional gift for a 5th or 45th wedding anniversary, symbolizing the faithfulness and deep commitment of a long-term relationship.
In addition to these virtues, the sapphire is widely regarded as a stone of protection. It was believed to guard the wearer against harm, envy, and negative energies. The belief that sapphire could ward off evil and protect one's physical health was so strong that it was often used as a talisman against poison and illness. This protective quality is said to extend to the spiritual realm as well. Some modern metaphysical beliefs suggest that the sapphire has a calming effect on the mind. As noted in some sources, it is believed to possess the "power to calm the mind and to protect the wearer from all the ill energies that surround him or her." This makes it a popular stone for those seeking to reduce stress, anxiety, and unwanted thoughts, promoting mental clarity and inner peace.
The sapphire is also associated with good fortune. In some traditions, it is considered a "good luck stone," bringing prosperity and attracting gifts and opportunities to its bearer. This belief ties back to its historical use by royalty, who saw the gem as a symbol of divine favor and a conduit for blessings. Whether worn as a piece of jewelry or carried as a talisman, the sapphire is believed by many to be a powerful tool for enhancing one's life through its symbolic virtues.
Care and Cleaning
Given its exceptional hardness and durability, sapphire jewelry is relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for both special occasion and everyday wear. However, proper care is still necessary to maintain its brilliance and ensure its longevity.
The primary rule for cleaning sapphire is to use warm water and a gentle soap. A mild dish soap or a specialized jewelry cleaning solution mixed with warm water is ideal. The jewelry can be gently scrubbed with a soft-bristled brush, such as a baby toothbrush, to remove any accumulated dirt, oil, or lotion from the surface of the stone and its setting. After scrubbing, it should be rinsed thoroughly under warm running water to remove all soap residue. It is crucial to plug the sink drain or clean the jewelry over a bowl to prevent accidental loss. The piece should then be dried with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Sapphires can also be cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners. These machines use high-frequency sound waves to create vibrations that shake loose dirt from the jewelry. Sapphires, with their hardness and lack of cleavage, are generally safe in an ultrasonic cleaner, provided the jewelry's setting is also secure and not composed of fragile materials. However, if the sapphire has significant fractures or the setting is delicate, an ultrasonic cleaner may not be advisable.
Steam cleaning is another effective method for cleaning sapphires. Steam cleaners use high-pressure steam to blast away dirt. Like ultrasonic cleaning, this is generally safe for the gemstone itself. However, caution is advised as the intense heat can potentially damage certain types of settings or other gemstones that may be paired with the sapphire in a piece of jewelry.
What to avoid? While sapphire is highly resistant to chemicals, harsh cleaners such as bleach or chlorine should be avoided as they can damage the metal settings (especially gold). Abrasive cleaners or powders should also be avoided, as they could potentially scratch the metal setting, even though they will not scratch the sapphire itself. With these simple care instructions, a sapphire can remain a brilliant and beautiful heirloom for generations.
Conclusion
The sapphire is a gemstone of remarkable depth, combining extraordinary physical durability with a rich tapestry of history, lore, and symbolism. As the birthstone for September, it represents wisdom, loyalty, and protection, virtues that have been associated with the gem for centuries. From its formation deep within the Earth's crust under intense heat and pressure to its journey through the hands of ancient kings, clergy, and modern jewelers, the sapphire has consistently been a stone of significance and prestige.
Its gemological properties, particularly its Mohs hardness of 9, make it a practical and enduring choice for all forms of jewelry, while its stunning range of colors, from the classic deep blue to fancy pinks, yellows, and greens, offers a gem for every taste. Whether a natural stone sourced from the historic mines of Sri Lanka or a precisely engineered lab-grown gem, the sapphire retains its captivating allure. Its care is straightforward, ensuring that its beauty can be preserved with simple, mindful cleaning. Ultimately, the sapphire remains a timeless treasure, a celestial fragment of the Earth that continues to captivate and inspire.