Sapphire, the primary birthstone for September, is a gemstone renowned for its deep blue hues and profound historical significance. As a variety of the mineral corundum, it has adorned royalty and clergy for millennia, symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. While the classic blue sapphire is most recognized, this birthstone appears in a spectrum of colors, each with its own allure. This article explores the sapphire’s journey from ancient lore to modern gemology, detailing its geological origins, gemological properties, and enduring cultural symbolism, providing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
History and Lore
The sapphire’s history is deeply intertwined with human civilization, with its name derived from the Greek word sappheiros, which originally described a blue gemstone. Ancient cultures revered sapphire for its perceived protective and divine qualities. In ancient Greece and Rome, the elite believed that blue sapphires could shield the wearer from harm and envy. Priests and rulers favored the stone, attributing to it the power to ensure loyalty and honesty in their dealings. This association with integrity made sapphire a favored gem for signet rings and official seals.
During the Middle Ages, sapphire held a significant place in the Christian world. Clerics wore the gemstone as a symbol of Heaven, believing it reflected the purity of the sky and the heavens. The stone was also attributed with miraculous healing powers. Medieval Europeans believed sapphire could cure plague boils and diseases of the eye, and it was even thought to serve as an antidote to poison. These beliefs underscore the gemstone’s role not just as an ornament, but as a talisman for health and spiritual protection.
The formalization of birthstones began in the modern era. A pivotal moment was in 1870, when Tiffany & Co. published a pamphlet of birthstone poems, explicitly linking sapphire to the month of September. This commercial and cultural promotion was solidified in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America), which created the first official standardized list of birthstones. This list, and subsequent versions such as the 1937 list by the British National Association of Goldsmiths, cemented sapphire’s status as the definitive September birthstone. It is noteworthy that ancient birthstone lists sometimes designated peridot for September instead of August, but the modern consensus firmly establishes sapphire.
The lore of sapphire extends to ancient Persia, where a captivating belief held that the earth rested upon a giant sapphire, which in turn colored the sky blue. This myth highlights the gemstone’s profound connection to the natural world and the cosmos. Famous historical sapphires further illustrate its esteemed place in history. One notable example is the Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone unearthed in Myanmar (Burma), which has passed through the hands of prominent figures and symbolizes the gem’s enduring value and allure.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, which has a chemical composition of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The blue color in sapphire is primarily caused by trace amounts of iron and titanium within the crystal lattice. While sapphire can form in metamorphic and igneous rocks, the most significant commercial deposits are found in alluvial (placer) deposits, where water has eroded the host rock and concentrated the durable sapphire crystals.
Historically, Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been one of the most important sources for high-quality blue sapphires, particularly those from the Mogok region, known for their vibrant "Burmese blue." The Rockefeller Sapphire mentioned earlier is a testament to the quality of Burmese gems. Other notable sources include Sri Lanka (Ceylon), which produces sapphires in a lighter, more delicate blue hue, and Kashmir, a region on the border of India and Pakistan famous for its rare, velvety "cornflower blue" sapphires. Madagascar has also emerged as a major producer in recent decades, yielding a wide range of sapphire colors and qualities.
The process of locating and mining sapphires is often labor-intensive. In many traditional mining areas, such as those in Southeast Asia, mining involves digging and sifting through gravel and riverbeds. The durability of corundum (Mohs hardness 9) allows it to survive these transport processes, making alluvial deposits a primary source. The gemstone’s formation requires specific geological conditions—high temperatures and pressures combined with the presence of aluminum and trace elements—conditions found in metamorphic rocks like marble and in certain igneous rocks such as basalt.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of sapphire is essential for appreciating its value and durability. As a member of the corundum family, sapphire shares key characteristics with ruby, differing primarily in color.
Color: While "sapphire" most commonly refers to the blue variety, corundum occurs in every color of the rainbow. The blue sapphire’s color ranges from light to deep royal blue, with the most valued hues being a vivid, medium to medium-dark blue with a velvety texture. Trace elements are responsible for other colors: chromium can produce pink or red (ruby), vanadium yields purple, iron and chromium create yellow, and iron alone can produce green. Sapphires that are not blue are often prefixed with their color (e.g., pink sapphire, yellow sapphire). A rare and highly prized variety is the padparadscha sapphire, which exhibits a delicate pink-orange hue reminiscent of a sunset.
Hardness and Durability: Sapphire scores a 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, second only to diamond. This exceptional hardness makes sapphire highly resistant to scratching and ideal for everyday jewelry, such as engagement rings and daily-wear pieces. Its toughness is also good, though it can be prone to cleavage if struck with significant force along certain crystal directions.
Clarity: Most natural sapphires contain inclusions, which are internal characteristics that can affect transparency. Common inclusions in sapphires include fine needles of rutile (silk), which can soften the color and create a gentle glow, and fingerprint-like fluid inclusions. While some inclusions are acceptable and even expected in natural stones, the clarity grade can influence the gem’s value. Sapphires with very few visible inclusions are rarer and more expensive.
Cut and Carat Weight: Sapphires are cut into various shapes to maximize color and minimize inclusions. Popular cuts include oval, cushion, round, and emerald cuts. The gemstone’s strong color saturation often dictates the cut, with deeper cuts used to enhance the intensity of the color. Sapphires are available in a wide range of carat weights, from small accent stones to large centerpieces. The price per carat increases significantly with size, especially for stones with exceptional color and clarity.
Refractive Index and Other Properties: As a member of the trigonal crystal system, sapphire has a refractive index ranging from 1.762 to 1.770, contributing to its brilliance. It is doubly refractive and exhibits strong pleochroism, meaning it can show different shades of blue when viewed from different crystal directions. This property is carefully considered by gem cutters to orient the stone for the best color display.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Mohs Hardness | 9 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.770 |
| Specific Gravity | 4.00 (±0.05) |
| Common Inclusions | Rutile needles (silk), fingerprint inclusions, color zoning |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond its physical beauty, sapphire is steeped in symbolism and metaphysical lore that spans cultures and centuries. Traditionally, the September birthstone has symbolized sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. These attributes made it a favorite for royal jewelry and ecclesiastical adornments, as it was believed to reflect the wearer’s virtuous character.
In metaphysical circles, sapphire is often associated with mental clarity and spiritual enlightenment. It is believed to promote wisdom, focus, and intuition, helping the wearer to access deeper truths and maintain a calm, centered mind. The stone is also linked to loyalty and commitment, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and anniversary gifts, symbolizing enduring love and fidelity.
Different colors of sapphire carry distinct meanings. While blue sapphire is the most traditional, other varieties have their own associations. For example, yellow sapphire is thought to attract prosperity and success, while pink sapphire is associated with love and compassion. The padparadscha sapphire, with its unique blend of pink and orange, is sometimes considered a stone of balance and joy.
It is important to note that while these symbolic meanings are widely held and culturally significant, they are part of the gemstone’s lore and not scientific properties. For many, the symbolism enhances the personal value of the gem, connecting it to individual beliefs and aspirations.
Care and Cleaning
Given its exceptional hardness and durability, sapphire is relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for jewelry intended for regular wear. However, proper maintenance is essential to preserve its brilliance and longevity.
Cleaning: Sapphires can be safely cleaned using warm water, a mild detergent, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for sapphires, but caution is advised if the stone has significant inclusions or fractures, as the vibrations could potentially cause damage. Steam cleaning is also typically safe for untreated sapphires. It is crucial to avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach or chlorine, which can damage the metal settings and, in rare cases, affect the gemstone.
Storage: When not worn, sapphire jewelry should be stored separately from other pieces to prevent scratching. While sapphire is hard enough to scratch most other gems, it can be scratched by diamond and other sapphires. A soft cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box with individual compartments is ideal.
Professional Check-ups: For jewelry with sapphires set in prongs or pavé settings, it is advisable to have the setting checked periodically by a professional jeweler. This ensures that the stones are secure and that the metal is not worn, which could lead to stone loss.
Conclusion
Sapphire stands as a timeless gemstone, embodying a rich tapestry of history, science, and symbolism. As the birthstone for September, it carries the weight of ancient beliefs—protection, healing, and divine favor—while its modern significance is rooted in its remarkable physical properties and enduring beauty. From the deep blue hues of Burmese and Kashmiri sapphires to the vibrant spectrum of colors found in other varieties, this corundum gem offers a world of choice for collectors and jewelry lovers. Its journey from the earth’s depths to a piece of fine jewelry is a testament to nature’s artistry and humanity’s enduring fascination with gemstones. Whether appreciated for its gemological excellence, its historical stature, or its personal meaning, sapphire remains a cornerstone of the gem world and a cherished symbol of the month of September.