September Birthstone - Sapphire

The majestic blue gemstone symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility

About September's Birthstone

Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a variety of the mineral corundum. While sapphires are most famous for their deep blue color, they actually come in nearly every color of the rainbow except red (red corundum is known as ruby). The name "sapphire" comes from the Latin word "saphirus" and the Greek word "sapheiros," both meaning blue.

Throughout history, sapphires have been associated with royalty and romance. Ancient Persian rulers believed that the sky was blue because it reflected the color of sapphires. In medieval times, clergy wore sapphires to symbolize Heaven, and ordinary citizens believed the gem attracted heavenly blessings.

As the September birthstone, sapphire is believed to protect those born in this month from harm and envy. It's also traditionally given as a gift for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, symbolizing the deepening of trust and commitment in a relationship over time.

September Birthstone - Sapphire

Sapphire Properties

Physical Properties

  • Mineral: Corundum (Al₂O₃)
  • Color: Blue (classic), but also pink, yellow, green, purple, and more
  • Hardness: 9 on Mohs scale
  • Transparency: Transparent to translucent
  • Refractive Index: 1.762-1.770
  • Crystal System: Hexagonal
  • Specific Gravity: 3.95-4.03

Symbolic Meaning

  • Wisdom: Represents clear thinking and mental acuity
  • Loyalty: Symbolizes faithfulness and commitment
  • Nobility: Associated with royalty and dignified character
  • Truth: Believed to reveal truth and bring inner peace
  • Protection: Historically worn as protection against harm
  • Divine Favor: Thought to attract blessings and spiritual insight

Sources & Origins

  • Major Sources: Myanmar (Burma), Kashmir, Sri Lanka
  • Other Sources: Madagascar, Thailand, Australia, Montana (USA)
  • Historical Source: Kashmir sapphires discovered in the 1880s
  • Notable Mines: Mogok Valley in Myanmar, Ratnapura in Sri Lanka
  • Modern Source: Madagascar has become a significant producer
  • Formation: Typically in metamorphic rocks, pegmatites, and alluvial deposits

Care & Maintenance

  • Cleaning: Warm, soapy water and soft brush
  • Ultrasonic: Generally safe except for heavily included stones
  • Steam Cleaning: Generally safe for natural sapphires
  • Chemicals: Resistant to most chemicals but avoid harsh solutions
  • Heat Sensitivity: Natural sapphires are generally heat resistant
  • Storage: Store separately to prevent scratching other gemstones

The Rich History of Sapphire

Sapphires have been treasured for thousands of years, with some of the oldest sapphire jewelry dating back to ancient Rome. The ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire, and its reflection colored the sky blue. In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens were convinced that sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm.

During the Middle Ages, sapphires were worn by Medieval clergy to symbolize heaven and were believed to have powerful medicinal and protective properties. The stone was thought to have the power to cure eye diseases, preserve chastity, discover fraud and treachery, protect against poison, and influence spirits.

One of the most famous sapphires in history is the 563-carat Star of India, discovered approximately 300 years ago in Sri Lanka and now housed in the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Another notable sapphire is the 423-carat Logan Sapphire, one of the largest faceted blue sapphires in the world, displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

In more recent history, sapphires gained renewed popularity when Prince Charles gave Lady Diana Spencer a blue sapphire engagement ring in 1981. This tradition continued when Prince William gave the same ring to Kate Middleton in 2010, sparking a modern revival of sapphire engagement rings.

Historical Sapphire Mining

Sapphire Varieties

While blue is the most well-known color, sapphires actually come in a stunning array of colors and varieties, each with its own unique characteristics:

Blue Sapphire

The classic sapphire, ranging from light to deep blue. The most prized blue sapphires have a pure, intense blue color known as "cornflower blue" or "Kashmir blue," named after the legendary Kashmir mines that produced sapphires with a velvety, intense blue color.

Fancy Sapphires

Sapphires in colors other than blue are known as "fancy sapphires." These include yellow, green, purple, orange, and pink varieties. Each color has its own unique appeal and value, with padparadscha (a rare pinkish-orange variety) being among the most valuable.

Padparadscha Sapphire

One of the rarest and most valuable sapphires, padparadscha displays a unique pinkish-orange to orange-pink color reminiscent of a lotus flower. The name comes from the Sinhalese word for lotus blossom. These gems are primarily found in Sri Lanka and are highly sought after by collectors.

Star Sapphire

Star sapphires exhibit a phenomenon called asterism, where a six-rayed star appears to float across the surface of the stone when it's moved under light. This effect is caused by the reflection of light from tiny needle-like inclusions of rutile within the stone.

Color-Change Sapphire

These rare sapphires change color under different lighting conditions. Typically, they appear blue in daylight or fluorescent light and purple in incandescent light. This color-change phenomenon is similar to that seen in alexandrite.

Kashmir Sapphire

Named after their origin in the Kashmir region between India and Pakistan, these sapphires are known for their exceptional cornflower blue color and velvety appearance. Kashmir sapphires were only mined for a brief period in the late 19th century, making them extremely rare and valuable today.

Fascinating Facts About Sapphire

Second Hardest Gemstone

With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is the second hardest natural mineral after diamond. This exceptional durability makes it ideal for everyday wear in jewelry, including engagement rings.

Royal Connections

Sapphires have long been associated with royalty. Perhaps the most famous royal sapphire is the 12-carat blue sapphire engagement ring that belonged to Princess Diana and is now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Industrial Applications

Beyond jewelry, synthetic sapphires are used in a variety of industrial applications, including scratch-resistant watch crystals, high-durability windows, and as substrates in LED production and semiconductor manufacturing.

Record-Breaking Gems

The largest gem-quality sapphire ever discovered is the "Blue Giant of the Orient," weighing 486.52 carats. The Star of Adam, a star sapphire found in Sri Lanka in 2015, weighs 1,404.49 carats and is valued at approximately $300 million.

Sapphire in Jewelry

Sapphire's exceptional hardness, brilliance, and range of colors make it a versatile and popular choice for various types of jewelry. Here are some popular ways sapphire is used in jewelry:

Popular Settings

  • Engagement Rings: Blue sapphires are a popular alternative to diamonds for engagement rings, offering both durability and a unique, colorful statement.
  • Earrings: Sapphire studs or drop earrings provide a pop of color that complements many outfits and skin tones.
  • Necklaces: Sapphire pendants, especially in classic blue, create an elegant focal point for both casual and formal attire.
  • Bracelets: Tennis bracelets featuring sapphires offer sophisticated color that works well for special occasions.

Styling Tips

  • Blue sapphires pair beautifully with both white metals (platinum, white gold) and yellow gold, with white metals often enhancing the blue color.
  • For a complementary color scheme, combine blue sapphires with diamonds for a classic look, or with yellow sapphires for a striking contrast.
  • Sapphire jewelry looks particularly striking against neutral-colored clothing, especially white, black, and navy.
  • For a modern look, consider fancy-colored sapphires in contemporary settings that showcase their unique colors.

Care Tips for Sapphire Jewelry

  • Clean sapphire jewelry with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush.
  • Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for sapphires, but avoid using them on heavily included stones or those that have been treated.
  • While sapphires are durable, they can still be chipped by hard blows, so remove sapphire jewelry during high-impact activities.
  • Store sapphire pieces separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching softer gemstones.

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Monthly Birthstone Chart

Looking for a quick reference to all birthstones? Check out our printable birthstone chart featuring all 12 months and their corresponding gemstones.

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