Print Month Birthstone

September

Sapphire

Symbolizes truth, sincerity, and loyalty.

The name sapphire comes from the Latin word sapphirus and Greek word sappheiros meaning “blue stone”. Generally thought of as blue, sapphires actually come in all colors, although red sapphires are classified as rubies. Sapphires and rubies are comprised of the naturally colorless mineral corundum with trace elements like iron, titanium, chromium, copper and magnesium to give the mineral its color. Corundum measures 9 on the Mohs scale which makes it second only to diamond in hardness.

The sapphire has been popular since the Middle Ages when its celestial blue color symbolized heaven and attracted divine favor and wise judgement. Blue sapphires were thought to clear the mind and skin; cure fevers, colds, cataracts, and ulcers; and were taken as an antidote for poison and poisonous bites. In medieval Christian mythology the three crossbars of a star sapphire represented Faith, Home, and Charity and was used to ward off bad omens and the “evil eye”. Star sapphires were also considered powerful talismans that could protect travelers and seekers, so powerful that they would continue protecting the first wearer even after they had been passed on to another person.