Sapphire for those born in September

This ‘royal’ gem is often described as one of the ‘big three’ – sapphire, ruby and emerald – or perhaps ‘big four’ – sapphire, ruby, emerald and tanzanite’ – in the world of coloured gemstones.

The word sapphire originates from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning ‘blue stone’. Sapphires are traditionally associated with the blue variety of the mineral corundum but they can occur in a variety of rainbow colours aside from the red variety which would be a ruby.

There are purple sapphires, yellow sapphires, pink and even green sapphires but arguably, the most valuable and rarest variety of sapphire is a natural, untreated padparadscha (orangey-pink), which means ‘lotus flower’ in Sinhalese. Such sapphires are traditionally sifted from Sri Lankan rivers. 

The colour spectrum of sapphire

Sapphires get their colour from the trace elements in the mineral corundum. Typically, sapphires appear as vivid blue stones, ranging from very pale blue to deep indigo due to the presence of iron and titanium in the crystal structure.

Different kinds of impurities within the crystal result in other natural colours and hints. Also known as fancy sapphires, these colours range from colourless, grey, yellow, pale pink, orange, green, violet and brown. For example, trace elements of chromium can turn corundum pink while more chromium again will turn corundum into a ruby.

Many remain surprised to find that some sapphires can display an asterism or "star-effect", which occurs when inclusions within the structure create a pattern of rays in the shape of a star on a dome-like surface of a cabochon-cut stone. Perhaps, however, the most exquisite type of sapphires are the colour-change variety which exhibits a variety of different colours depending on the lighting that the gemstone is exposed to.

Sapphire origins

Kashmir, Myanmar (Burma) and Sri Lanka are historically three of the most important sources for the velvety cornflower-blue September birthstone. New South Wales and Queensland in Australia along with Thailand, Cambodia and Madagascar are also known as some of the biggest sources of sapphire world-wide. Burmese sapphire as it is often still called by many, are prized for their rich and intense inky blue hue, as are Australian sapphires.

Sapphires that are mined within Sri Lanka or Thailand have been considered by many to be the most valuable due to their clarity and brilliance of colour. Like many natural stones, it is the presence of visible inclusions within the crystal structure that can sometimes - but not always - indicate where in the world the sapphire has been mined. The origin of a sapphire can vastly affect its value just as much as its clarity, cut, colour and carat size. 

Sapphire durability

Whilst for centuries, many cultures have recognised the beauty and brilliance of Sapphires, their rarity and more notably, their durability has also been highly celebrated.

Corundum typically has an exceptionally hard crystal structure, beaten only slightly by the cubic crystal structure of diamond in terms of durability. With diamonds being ranked as the hardest mineral at a 10, sapphires are ranked just below at a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale along with a refractive index of 1.76 to 1.78. What this means for Sapphire is that it is a gemstone not prone to scratching, chipping, cracking or abrasions.

The inherently strong structure makes sapphire an incredibly popular choice for everyday jewellery with this beautiful September birthstone being the second most popular choice of gemstone after diamond for bridal jewellery and engagement collections.

History and lore of Sapphire

Whilst sapphires have always been prized for their colour, they have also been used amongst many beliefs and traditions throughout the centuries from magic and alchemy to astrology and mystical healing. Because of its celestial blue hues, sapphire has been long associated as a symbol of heaven with many early priests and scholars believing it to attract wise judgement and divine favour.

Historically, Buddhists believed that sapphires brought about spiritual enlightenment, early Christian kings favoured its powers of protection by commonly using them in ecclesiastical rings and Greeks often wore them when seeking answers from an Oracle.

Sapphires later became a symbol of royal love when Prince Charles of Great Britain gave Lady Diana a blue sapphire engagement ring in 1981; a ring that was later given to Kate Middleton by Prince William. This ring remains to be the most famous royal sapphire today, featuring a 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

Image and source credits: gia, earthsky, brilliantearth, americangemsociety, gem-a, pinterest