September is unique in the calendar of birthstones, offering a choice between two distinct gems: the classic blue Sapphire and the historically rich Lapis Lazuli. While blue Sapphire holds the position as the official and modern birthstone, Lapis Lazuli is recognized as a traditional alternative, providing September-born individuals with a spectrum of deep blue options. This duality reflects the evolution of birthstone traditions, balancing precious gemstone prestige with ancient cultural significance.
The official September birthstone is blue Sapphire, a gem renowned for its deep, celestial hue. Its name is derived from the Latin sapphirus and Greek sappheiros, meaning "blue" or "precious stones." As a member of the corundum family, Sapphire is one of the hardest minerals on Earth, prized for its durability and brilliance. It is traditionally associated with truth, sincerity, constancy, and purity of the soul. Beyond its role as a birthstone, Sapphire is also the designated gem for celebrating the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, with the Star Sapphire variety marking the 65th anniversary.
In contrast, Lapis Lazuli is not a single mineral but a metamorphic rock composed primarily of dark blue lazurite, with golden pyrite flecks and white calcite veins. Its name comes from the Latin lapis (stone) and the Arabic lazaward (blue). While not a crystalline gemstone in the traditional sense, its exquisite coloring has made it a cornerstone of jewelry, sculpture, and decorative arts for millennia. Lapis Lazuli is more affordable than Sapphire and carries a profound historical weight, having been mined in Afghanistan for over 6,000 years.
The existence of two birthstones for September is part of a broader trend in gemstone history. Modern lists, largely standardized in the early 20th century, were later expanded to include alternative stones, making birthstones more accessible, affordable, and inclusive of diverse tastes and cultural preferences. For September, this means a choice between the precious luxury of Sapphire and the ancient, artistic heritage of Lapis Lazuli.
History and Lore
The history of September's birthstones spans continents and millennia, each with its own narrative of discovery, trade, and cultural significance.
The Sapphire Legacy
Sapphire has been a gem of royalty and religion for centuries. Its deep blue color, often compared to the sky, has led to its association with divine favor and wisdom. Historically, it was believed to protect its wearer from envy and harm, and to attract divine blessings. The gem's name, rooted in ancient languages, underscores its long-standing status as a premier precious stone. In the context of the modern birthstone list, blue Sapphire was established as the primary stone for September, a designation that highlights its enduring appeal and gemological prestige.
The Ancient Journey of Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli’s history is even more ancient and geographically specific. Evidence shows that it has been mined in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan for more than 6,000 years. This region was the primary source for the stone in antiquity, supplying civilizations from Mesopotamia to Egypt, and later, the Roman Empire. The stone was so valued that it was often reserved for royalty and the elite. In ancient Egypt, it was used for jewelry, amulets, and the iconic death mask of Tutankhamun. During the Renaissance, ground Lapis Lazuli was the source of the precious pigment ultramarine, used by artists like Michelangelo and Vermeer to depict the robes of the Virgin Mary. Its use in jewelry and sculpture continued through the centuries, cementing its role as a stone of artistry and spiritual depth.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological origins of these stones reveals why they are so different in composition and appearance.
Sapphire: The Corundum Crystal
Blue Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃), colored by trace elements of iron and titanium. It forms under high-pressure and high-temperature metamorphic conditions, typically within certain types of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The most famous sources include Kashmir (India), Myanmar (Burma), and Sri Lanka, known for producing gems of exceptional color and clarity. However, commercial-grade Sapphires are also mined in East Africa, Australia, and Montana, USA. The gem's hardness, ranking a 9 on the Mohs scale, makes it exceptionally durable for everyday wear.
Lapis Lazuli: A Metamorphic Rock
Lapis Lazuli is not a single mineral but a rock composed of multiple minerals. Its primary component is lazurite, which gives it the characteristic blue color. The presence of golden pyrite crystals and white calcite veins creates its distinctive appearance. It forms in the contact zones of limestone subjected to high heat and pressure from magma intrusion. As noted, the most significant and historically continuous source is Afghanistan, particularly the Sar-e-Sang mines in Badakhshan. Other notable locations include Italy, Russia, Argentina, Chile, Canada, and the United States. Its hardness is lower than Sapphire's, typically around 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, making it softer and more susceptible to scratching.
Gemological Properties
The scientific characteristics of Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli are fundamentally different, reflecting their distinct mineralogical identities.
Blue Sapphire (Corundum): * Chemical Formula: Al₂O₃ (aluminum oxide) * Crystal System: Trigonal * Hardness (Mohs Scale): 9 * Refractive Index: 1.760–1.770 * Specific Gravity: 3.95–4.03 * Key Features: Exceptionally hard and durable, often exhibits strong dichroism (showing two different shades of blue when viewed from different angles). Can display asterism (a star-like pattern) when cut en cabochon.
Lapis Lazuli (Rock): * Composition: Primarily lazurite (a complex feldspathoid silicate mineral), with calcite and pyrite. * Hardness (Mohs Scale): 5–5.5 * Specific Gravity: 2.7–3.0 * Key Features: Opaque, with a characteristic deep blue color interrupted by golden pyrite flecks and white calcite veins. It is softer than most gemstones and requires careful handling.
Comparative Gemological Summary
| Property | Blue Sapphire (Official Birthstone) | Lapis Lazuli (Alternative Birthstone) |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Type | Single mineral (Corundum) | Metamorphic rock |
| Primary Mineral | Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) | Lazurite |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 (Very hard) | 5–5.5 (Softer) |
| Color | Deep, uniform blue | Deep blue with pyrite & calcite inclusions |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | Opaque |
| Durability | Excellent for daily wear | Requires careful handling |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Both stones carry deep symbolic meanings, though they stem from different cultural traditions.
Sapphire: Truth and Constancy
Blue Sapphire is universally associated with wisdom, truth, and sincerity. Its association with the sky and heavens has linked it to divine favor and spiritual insight. Metaphysically, it is considered a stone of focus, clarity, and mental discipline. It is believed to calm the mind, release mental tension, and promote a state of inner peace. Its connection to constancy and purity makes it a powerful symbol for loyalty in relationships, which is why it is chosen for significant wedding anniversaries.
Lapis Lazuli: Wisdom and Protection
Lapis Lazuli has a rich history of use in spiritual and protective practices. Ancient civilizations believed it held the power of the night sky, offering protection and spiritual guidance. It is often associated with wisdom, truth, and self-awareness. The golden pyrite flecks are sometimes seen as "sparks of light" within the darkness, symbolizing knowledge and enlightenment. In modern crystal healing, it is used to enhance communication, promote honesty, and foster a deep sense of inner knowing. Its historical use as a pigment for ultramarine, the color of the Virgin Mary, also imbues it with a connection to divine love and purity.
Care and Cleaning
The differing hardness and composition of these stones necessitate different care routines.
Caring for Sapphire
Due to its exceptional hardness (Mohs 9), Sapphire is very resistant to scratching and abrasion. It can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for untreated Sapphires, but caution is advised for stones that have been fracture-filled or dyed. It is durable enough for rings, bracelets, and daily-wear jewelry.
Caring for Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is much softer (Moids 5–5.5) and can be scratched by harder materials, including dust. It should be stored separately from other jewelry. Clean it only with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, and harsh chemicals, as they can damage the stone or its surface treatments (such as dyeing or waxing). It is best suited for earrings, pendants, and other jewelry that receives less impact.
Conclusion
The choice between Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli for September offers a fascinating study in contrast. Blue Sapphire represents the pinnacle of gemological luxury—a hard, brilliant, and precious crystal with a legacy of royalty and spiritual significance. Lapis Lazuli, on the other hand, is a stone of profound historical and artistic heritage—a composite rock that has been a medium for art, jewelry, and spiritual expression for over six millennia. The inclusion of both as September birthstones reflects the modern birthstone tradition's evolution, embracing both precious and traditional stones to provide a meaningful choice for every individual born in this month. Whether one is drawn to the enduring brilliance of Sapphire or the ancient wisdom of Lapis Lazuli, September's birthstones offer a deep connection to the colors of the sky and the earth.