The sapphire gem, which has been prized for thousands of years, is the birthstone for September. The term sapphire typically refers to the blue variation of corundum, whereas ruby is the red version, but this birthstone is available in a wide range of different hues. “Sapphire derives from the Greek word sappheiros, and blue sapphire is one of the most popular colored stones. Sapphires have long been connected with monarchy and romance. They are also thought to represent fidelity and the soul. Continue reading to find out more about the September birthstone, including its origins and locations.
In This Article...
What are September’s two birthstones?
The sapphire, the birthstone for September, is related to the ruby, the birthstone for July. Both are crystalline variations of the mineral corundum, which is composed of aluminum oxide. Ruby is the name for red corundum. And sapphires are the name for all other corundum crystals with gem-quality. On the Mohs scale, all corundum, including sapphire, has a hardness of 9. In terms of toughness, sapphire is now only second to diamond.
Sapphires typically come in blue gems. The exact colour varies depending on how much titanium and iron are contained inside the crystal structure, and they range from a very light blue to a deep indigo. The medium-deep cornflower blue is the blue that is most valuable. Fancy sapphires are sapphires that have additional natural colors and tints, such as colorless, gray, yellow, pale pink, orange, green, and violet. The varied colors of gemstones are caused by distinct types of impurities within the crystal. For instance, ferric iron gives yellow sapphires their color, whereas colorless stones are free of impurities.
In particular, New South Wales and Queensland in Australia are the largest sources of sapphires in the world. Australian sapphires are generally blue gemstones with a dark and inky appearance that are found in alluvial deposits of worn basalt. The Indian region of Kashmir was once well-known for producing the cornflower-blue stones. The Yogo Gulch Mine in Montana is a significant source of coal in the United States. Small stones for industrial usage are the main output.
Sapphire lore
The word sapphire has ancient language origins. It comes from the Latin word sapphirus, which means “blue,” the Greek word sappheiros, which refers to the island of Sappherine in the Arabian Sea, where sapphires were discovered in ancient Greece, and the Arabic word safir. Sapphire was known as the “Celestial Stone” in ancient Persia. It was Apollo’s diamond, the Greek god of prophecy. People who visited his shrine in Delphi to ask for his assistance wore sapphires. Sapphires were employed by the ancient Etruscans as early as the 7th century B.C.
The sapphire was said to stand for the purity of the soul in addition to being the birthstone for September. Priests wore it before and during the Middle Ages to guard against immoral thoughts and physical temptations. The kings of medieval Europe prized these stones for their use in rings and brooches because they thought it would protect them from harm and enmity. Warriors gave sapphire necklaces to their young wives in order to ensure their loyalty. The color of the stone was said to darken if worn by an adulterer, adulteress, or someone who was worthless.
Sapphires were long thought to offer serpent protection. People used to think that putting venomous spiders and reptiles in a jar with the stone would cause the animals to die right away. In the 13th century, the French believed that sapphire could change bad temper into good temper and ignorance into wisdom.
On Queen Victoria’s 1838 Imperial State Crown is one of the most renowned sapphires. It is kept in the Tower of London’s collection of British Crown Jewels. This gem is known as St. Edward’s Sapphire because it previously belonged to Edward the Confessor, who wore it on a ring during his coronation in 1042.
The birthstones for the other months of the year can be found here:
Which three stones are September’s birthstones?
September is symbolized by these three gemstones. Find out why they are the birthstones for September and what they symbolize symbolically.
The ninth month of the Gregorian calendar is September. September is the start of fall in the northern hemisphere and the start of spring in the southern hemisphere. Since September was originally the seventh month in the Roman calendar, the term September is derived from the Latin word septem, which means “seven.” The Virgo and Libra zodiac signs are both represented in September. Aster and morning glory are September’s birth flowers.
Three distinctive gemstones serve as the birthstones for the month of September. We’ve chosen three distinctive gemstonessapphire, lapis lazuli, and carnelianas the greatest representations of September for this post. Let’s examine these wonderful September jewels in more detail.
September’s Birthstone: The Sapphire
We all imagine the birthstone for September to be a vivid blue. It’s true that sapphire IS blue. However, it can also appear in a rainbow of hues, from the golden hue of a dawn to the blazing reddish-orange of a sunset to the delicate violet of dusk. In reality, the Graduate Gemologists from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) here at Jewelers Mutual informed me that sapphire comes in all colors except red since a “Ruby, Sapphire’s gem brother, is a red sapphire.
We also found that the hue of corundum, the crystalline form of aluminum oxide, is what distinguishes sapphires from rubies. The term “pure aluminum oxide” refers to a colorless material that contains trace amounts of all known colors “Elegant Sapphire.
Has September a distinct color?
The birthstone for September is the sapphire, which is famous for its entrancingly deep blue hue.
However, the shades of clear blue have always been linked to majesty, loyalty, and the soul.
But sapphires are a promising option whether you’re looking for regality or just a means to show your devotion.
Sapphires have grown to be one of the most well-known and highly valued jewels due to its long history and alluring colors.
How does sapphire appear?
Although sapphire is typically thought of as a blue gemstone, it actually comes in a surprising number of colors and quality variations. Generally speaking, the value of the stone increases with color intensity and uniformity.
Fancy sapphires are sapphires that are not blue and can be any hue, with the exception of red (which is a ruby). Pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, and violet are the fancy sapphire hues. There is a sapphire in a color to fit everyone’s preference, in fact!
The most important factor determining a sapphire’s value is color, and desirable sapphires have intense to brilliant color saturation. Velvety blue to violetish blue stones with medium to medium-dark undertones are the most expensive blue sapphires. The most expensive sapphires per carat are those with these characteristics. Additionally, blue sapphires that are too light, too dark, or grey may be less desirable.
Alexandrite’s meaning?
Alexandrite is a gemstone with variable colors that shifts from a deep aqua green to a magenta to a lavender eggplant purple. The gemstone of good fortune, wealth, and intelligence is alexandrite. It can help you find the balance of who you are by representing the harmony between the physical and the spiritual.
The gemstone alexandrite is quite recent. In the 1830s, it was discovered in Russia. Due to the stone’s rich green color and the fact that the miners were actively looking for emeralds at the time, they initially believed it to be one. They didn’t realize they had found a brand-new gemstone until the light shifted and the stone became purple. Because its red and green hues mirrored those of Imperial Russia, it was given the name “Alexandrite” in honor of Alexander the II, the Tzar of Russia.
Today, however, the majority of alexandrites are from Brazil, East Africa, and Sri Lanka. In a laboratory, alexandrites can also be grown.
What is the Virgo flower?
Virgos are thought to be cheerful and exuberant, exuding excellence. They have a thoughtful demeanor and a pleasant outlook on life. Unsurprisingly, the chrysanthemum and buttercup are bright and tiny flowers that are best assigned to Virgos.
The vibrant features of the buttercup and chrysanthemum are a good representation of the Virgos’ sunny and upbeat view on life.
What colors suit Virgos?
The Virgo sign is represented by the colors green and brown, which emphasize stability and ongoing development. Green in nature promotes growth, while brown stands for stability, supporting Virgo’s lifelong goal of self-improvement.