The sapphire, the designated birthstone for September, is a gemstone of profound historical resonance and striking visual beauty. Revered for millennia for its celestial blue hue, it has been a symbol of wisdom, truth, and nobility across diverse cultures. While the term "sapphire" most commonly evokes images of deep blue stones, it is technically defined as any gem-quality corundum that is not red (the red variety being ruby). This article explores the multifaceted nature of the sapphire, delving into its geological origins, gemological properties, rich historical lore, and its enduring role in both ancient belief systems and modern fine jewelry.
History and Lore
The sapphire’s history is as deep and layered as its signature color. Its name is derived from the Greek word sappheiros and the Latin sapphirus, both terms historically associated with the color blue. Ancient civilizations were captivated by the stone’s perceived connection to the heavens. In ancient Greece and Rome, the elite believed that blue sapphires offered protection from harm and envy, a belief rooted in the stone’s color, which was directly linked to the sky. This association extended into ancient Persian mythology, where it was believed that the earth rested upon a giant sapphire, and that this celestial foundation was what made the sky blue.
The reverence for sapphire continued through the Middle Ages, where it took on a deeply spiritual significance. Clerics of the time frequently wore sapphires, interpreting the gem’s color as a symbol of Heaven and divine favor. This period also saw the stone imbued with therapeutic properties. Medieval Europeans held the belief that sapphire could cure ailments, including plague boils and diseases of the eye, and that it served as an antidote to poison. The stone’s perceived permanence and constancy of color further cemented its symbolic value, leading to its use in rings, signets, and ceremonial ornaments as a representation of honesty and integrity.
The sapphire’s journey into the modern lexicon of birthstones is a more recent development. While the concept of birthstones has ancient roots, the formalization of a specific stone for each month is largely a product of 19th and 20th-century commercial and cultural organization. The sapphire was solidified as the birthstone for September during this period, a designation that has endured due to the gem’s established historical and cultural significance. Its association with royalty and romance has only strengthened its status. The most famous modern example is the sapphire engagement ring first worn by Princess Diana and now worn by Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. This 12-carat blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds has become an iconic piece of jewelry, linking the stone’s ancient symbolism of fidelity and nobility to contemporary culture.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sapphires are formed under specific geological conditions. As a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃), sapphires require a combination of aluminum and oxygen, along with trace elements that impart color, to crystallize. This process occurs in metamorphic and igneous rocks, typically under high temperatures and pressures. The presence of trace elements like iron and titanium is responsible for the classic blue color, while other elements like chromium, iron, and vanadium can produce the full spectrum of "fancy" sapphires, including yellow, pink, green, and purple varieties.
The geographic sources of sapphire are as storied as the stone itself. Historically, three regions are considered the most important sources for the finest blue sapphires: Kashmir, Myanmar (Burma), and Sri Lanka.
- Kashmir: Sapphires from this region are particularly prized for their velvety "cornflower" blue hue and exceptional clarity. Their discovery is attributed to a landslide in the Himalayas around 1881, which exposed a pocket of these remarkable crystals. From 1882 to 1887, under the control of the Maharaja of Kashmir, thousands of large, beautiful crystals were recovered from this high-altitude locality. Kashmir sapphires are now exceptionally rare and command premium prices in the market.
- Myanmar (Burma): Known for producing sapphires with a rich, intense blue color, Myanmar has been a significant source for centuries. The famous Rockefeller Sapphire, a 62.02-carat rectangular step-cut stone, was unearthed in Myanmar. This gem, acquired in 1934 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., has been recut and remounted over the years, serving as a testament to the enduring quality of Burmese sapphires.
- Sri Lanka: Often referred to as the "Island of Gems," Sri Lanka is another historically significant source. Sri Lankan sapphires are known for their vibrant blue colors and are often found in alluvial deposits, making them accessible to artisanal miners.
Beyond these legendary sources, significant quantities of sapphire are also mined in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, and the United States, particularly in Montana. Each location produces stones with slightly different characteristics, contributing to the global diversity of sapphires available in the market.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of sapphire is key to appreciating its value and durability. As a member of the corundum family, sapphire shares many characteristics with ruby but is distinguished primarily by its color.
Color: While blue is the signature color, sapphires exist in a rainbow of hues. The blue variety ranges from light to deep shades, influenced by the concentration of iron and titanium. The most desirable blue sapphires exhibit a vivid, intense color with strong saturation. "Fancy sapphires" encompass all other colors of corundum, including: * Yellow and Orange: Colored by iron and chromium. * Pink: Colored by high amounts of chromium. * Purple: A combination of iron, titanium, and chromium. * Green: Typically a result of trace iron, though often considered less valuable than other colors. * Padparadscha: A rare and highly prized variety of sapphire with a delicate pinkish-orange hue, often described as a "sunset" color.
Hardness and Durability: On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, corundum ranks at 9, second only to diamond (10). This exceptional hardness makes sapphire an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear. Its resistance to scratching and abrasion ensures that a sapphire piece can retain its beauty for generations.
Clarity and Inclusions: Natural sapphires, like most colored gemstones, typically contain inclusions (internal features). These inclusions are often accepted as proof of the stone's natural origin. The type, size, and location of inclusions affect a sapphire's clarity grade and, consequently, its value. Some inclusions, such as fine silk (tiny needle-like rutile inclusions) in Kashmir sapphires, can actually enhance the stone's appearance by softening the color and adding a velvety texture.
Cut and Carat Weight: Sapphires are cut into a variety of shapes to maximize color and minimize the visibility of inclusions. Common cuts include oval, cushion, round, and emerald cuts. The carat weight of a sapphire significantly impacts its price, with larger stones becoming exponentially more valuable, especially if they possess a high-quality color and clarity.
The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of sapphire:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Corundum |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Mohs Hardness | 9 |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 - 1.770 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.99 - 4.01 |
| Sources of Color | Trace elements: Iron (Fe) and Titanium (Ti) for blue; Chromium (Cr) for red/pink; Iron (Fe) for yellow/orange; Vanadium (V) for green/pink. |
| Common Inclusions | Silk (rutile needles), fingerprints, crystals, color zoning. |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sapphire's symbolism is deeply intertwined with its historical use and perceived properties. For thousands of years, it has been associated with sincerity, truth, faithfulness, and nobility. These attributes made it a favorite among royalty and the clergy, who saw the stone as a reflection of divine wisdom and moral integrity.
Beyond its symbolic meaning, sapphire has been attributed with metaphysical and healing powers throughout history. As previously noted, medieval Europeans believed it could cure physical ailments and act as an antidote to poison. In modern crystal healing and metaphysical practices, blue sapphire is often associated with the third eye chakra, believed to enhance intuition, mental clarity, and spiritual enlightenment. It is also said to promote calmness, focus, and the ability to manifest one's goals. While these beliefs are not supported by scientific evidence, they contribute to the stone's enduring allure and its use in jewelry intended to convey specific intentions or meanings.
The stone's color, constant and permanent, further solidified its role as a symbol of honesty and loyalty. This association explains its enduring popularity in engagement rings and other commitment jewelry, where it represents the permanence of love and fidelity.
Care and Cleaning
Given its exceptional hardness and durability, sapphire is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for everyday wear. However, proper maintenance is essential to preserve its brilliance and luster.
- Cleaning: The safest method for cleaning sapphire jewelry is with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. A mild dish soap diluted in lukewarm water is effective for removing oils and dirt. Gently scrub the stone and its setting with a soft toothbrush, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated sapphire, but caution is advised for stones that have been fracture-filled or heat-treated, as the vibrations could potentially damage the stone or its treatments. Steam cleaning is not recommended for sapphires that may have undergone fracture filling, as heat can cause the filler to deteriorate.
- Storage: To prevent scratching, sapphire jewelry should be stored separately from other jewelry pieces, ideally in a fabric-lined box or a soft pouch. While sapphire is hard, it can still be scratched by other sapphires or harder materials like diamond.
- Setting and Wear: While sapphire is durable, the setting should be checked periodically to ensure the stone is secure. A prong or bezel setting that is worn or damaged can lead to the loss of the gemstone. It is also advisable to remove sapphire jewelry during activities that could subject it to hard impacts or exposure to harsh chemicals, such as gardening, cleaning, or swimming.
Conclusion
The sapphire stands as a testament to the enduring connection between nature's artistry and human culture. From its ancient origins as a celestial symbol to its modern status as a revered birthstone and a cornerstone of fine jewelry, the sapphire has captivated humanity for millennia. Its remarkable geological formation, yielding a spectrum of colors from the classic deep blue to the rare padparadscha, provides a diverse palette for gemologists and jewelers. The stone's exceptional hardness ensures its longevity, allowing it to be passed down as a cherished heirloom.
The historical lore surrounding the sapphire—from its perceived protective powers in antiquity to its symbolic association with wisdom, truth, and nobility—adds a layer of profound meaning that transcends its physical beauty. As the birthstone for September, it offers individuals born in that month a personal connection to this rich tapestry of history and symbolism. Whether appreciated for its scientific properties, its historical significance, or its metaphysical beliefs, the sapphire remains a gemstone of unparalleled elegance and depth, continuing to inspire and enchant all who encounter it.