The Birthstone of the month September – Sapphire

The zodiac sign for the month of September is Virgo. September is also called the harvest month.  The birthstone for the month of September is Blue Sapphire.

What is the first thing that strikes your mind as you see a blue sapphire? Is it a lucky stone or brings misfortune? How will I know that Blue Sapphire is fortunate stone?

For your ease I am sharing the folklore, origins and history of Blue Sapphire in this blog for you.

FOLKLORE

The name SAPPHIRE is derived from the Latin word ‘Saphirus’ and the Greek word ‘Sapherios’ both the words mean blue. People believed that the name blue sapphire is associated with the planet Saturn. Sapphire is a prized gemstone since 800 BC.

The Persians believed that the Erath was balanced on a giant blue sapphire that was reflected in the colours of the heavens. Buddhists believed that the sapphire had a calming effect on people which helped them in meditation. The seventh heaven of Islam is bathed in the light of sapphires. For Early Christians Sapphire symbolises heaven and the yearning of eternal life. It is also believed that Moses’ wrote the Ten Commandments on the Sapphire tablet and it was called St. Pauls stone.

ORIGINS

The scientific name of sapphire is called corundum. It is made up of aluminium oxide (Al203) mineral. Corundum comes in all types of colours like red, pink, yellow, orange and violet. The crystal is in a hexagonal shape. On a MOH’s scale the hardness of a Corundum is 9. The refractive index is 1.75 – 1.76.

Sapphire is found all over the world – Ceylon, Burma, Kashmir, Thailand and Australia to name a few sources. Ceylon is still a top source for natural sapphire.

HISTORY

Blue sapphire is said to bring luck, loyalty, happiness and love. The blue sapphire is associated with loyalty and royalty. The ancient Greeks associated sapphire with Apollo. The British Royal Family has many crown jewels made up of Sapphires. During the modern times King Charles III gifted an engagement ring made out of Blue Sapphire to Princess Diana which is now worn by Kate Middleton, the Duchess Of Cambridge.

In Hindu Mythology, the Kalpavriksha is a wish fulfilling divine tree made up of precious gemstones. The fruits of the tree are rubies, the base of the trunk is made up of diamonds, and the roots are made up of sapphires.

HEALING PROPERTIES

Sapphire is known as wisdom stone. It releases mental tension, unwanted thoughts and spiritual confusion. It stimulates concentration and brings joy in our life. It has a very good effect on emotional, mental and physical planes of our body.

Blue Sapphire is associated with purity and love. It opens up the throat chakra having a balancing effect on our body.

FAMOUS BLUE SAPPHIRES IN THE WORLD

1. The star of India – It is one of the largest star sapphires in the world weighing 563.35 cts.
2. Princess Diana’s Engagement ring – has been in the eye of the public since she got engaged at the age of 19. It is a 12 ct oval ceylon sapphire. She had selected it personally from the crowm jeweller. And it is now worn by Kate Middleton.
3. Queen of Asia – is the world largest natural Corundum sapphire. It was discovered in Sri Lanka by some men trying to dig a well. It weighs 310 kgs. It is valued at over $100 million.
4. The George IV sapphires – they were gifted to Queen Elizabeth by her father. It is said to be created in the 19^th century (Victorian Era).
5. Blue Giant of the Orient – is a mysterious stone discovered in Sri Lanka in 1907. It remains hidden from the public eye.
6. The Blue Belle of Asia – was auctioned for $ 17 Million at Christie’s in 2004 and set a record for the most expensive sapphire sold.
7. Stuart Sapphire – It is set in the State Crown of Britian. It weighs 104 cts and was acquired by the Queen’s ancestors in the 14t Century.
8. Rockefeller Sapphire – Rockefeller purchased the 62.02 cts directly from the Nizam of Hyderabad. It is one of the most famous sapphires in the world as it is natural and not heat treated cornflower blue sapphire.

Author: My family is in the business of gems and diamonds exports since 1962. I am in the trade of gems and jewelry from the last 15 yrs and learnt various aspects pertaining to the trade.  Being a part of this industry I garnered insights on gems, diamonds and jewelry.  I have knowledge of manufacturing jewelry. I have authored a handbook on casting techniques. I write blogs on various methods of healing and meditation with gemstones.