Zodiac Stones for the month of September.
Virgo - Aug 23 – Sept 22 – Carnelian
Libra – Sept 23 – Oct 23 – Chrysolite (Peridot)
Cabochon – Lapis Lazuli
SAPPHIRE – pronounced sap·phire (săf‘īr’)
Sapphire (from Hebrew: Sapir) is the single-crystal form of aluminium oxide (Al2O3), a mineral known as corundum. It is the second hardest natural mineral known to man. Still Sapphires can be chipped or fractured if handled roughly. It can be found naturally as gemstones or manufactured in large crystal boules for a variety of applications.
Sapphire is said to be the gem of destiny. It can bring out the best within you and help make your dreams come true.
In ancient times people believed that the sky was just a gigantic blue Sapphire stone into which the earth was embedded . When one gazes into a beautiful blue sapphire gem you can easily see why this belief came about. Sapphire exists in all the shades of blue skies, from the deep blue of evening skies to the bright blue of a clear summer sky. Sapphire also comes in many other colors, not only in the transparent blues, but also displaying the bright fireworks of sunset colors – yellow, pink, orange and purple. So Sapphire is truly a heavenly stone.
Blue is also the favorite color of about 50 per cent of the population, men and women alike. The color blue is linked to emotions such as sympathy and harmony, friendship and loyalty. Sapphire blue has thus become a color related to anything permanent and reliable, and this is one of the reasons why women in many countries settle on Sapphire for their engagement rings. Sapphire symbolizes loyalty and faithfulness, while at the same time expressing love and yearning.
Sapphire includes any gemstone of the mineral corundum other than the red ruby. Sapphire is most commonly blue but also occurs as purple, yellow, orange, pink, green, color shift and white varieties. A sapphire that is colored orange-red is sometimes called a padparadsha. Sapphires have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and do not cleave which makes them perfect for faceted gemstones.
Lore
Sapphire was said to represent truth, sincerity and consistency and therefore many engagement rings of old were made with Sapphire to convey the commitment and loyalty of the giver. Kings wore large sapphires around their necks as powerful defense against harm. Sapphire was also said to preserve the wearer from envy and attracted divine favor. Sapphire’s healing properties are said to relieve mental depression, promotes peace and happiness, and stimulates motivation and goal orientation.
Sources
Originally, the best sapphires and rubies came from Burma, where they are believed to have been mined possibly from prehistoric times. Kashmir is another source of very fine sapphires, famous for its cornflower blue stones. Thailand, previously called Siam, is an important source of attractive sapphire. The term Ceylon sapphire is frequently used to denote pale to medium sapphires. Unless the stone is known to originate from Sri Lanka, as it is now called, such sapphire should accurately be called “Ceylon-type” sapphire. Darker colored sapphire is mined in Thailand, Australia, and Nigeria. Other mines are in Brazil, Cambodia, Columbia, Kenya, and Malawi. Currently most dark sapphires come from Australia, and the term “Australian sapphire” is often used to denote dark colored sapphires, in a similar way to the term “Ceylon sapphire” for lighter stones. Sapphires are also found in Montana (noted for the cornflower blue color stones) and Colorado in the USA, India, with small quantities being found in numerous other countries.
Cleaning
Sapphire jewelry can be cleaned using mild dish liquid with a little ammonia, rinse thoroughly afterwards as detergents can cause dermatitis and allergic reactions. Enzyme cleaners should be avoided for the same reasons. Brushing with an old tooth brush to remove dirt and grease will also help. Cleaning agents containing chlorine may have a detrimental effect on low carat gold alloys, so are best avoided.
The following terms are misleading and shouldn’t be used. However, for your protection, I am listing them:
“Brazilian sapphire” is really blue topaz or similar color tourmaline.
“Lux sapphire”, “Lynx sapphire” and “Water Sapphire” are really Iolite.