| September Birthstone - Sapphire | ||
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Sapphire is a gem-quality crystal of the mineral corundum (with any color except red). Sapphires are originally clear and colorless. When traces of elements such as iron or titanium find their way into the crystals they achieve amazing colors such as blue, green, yellow, orange, and pink. When corundum is found in a red color, it is called ruby. The name sapphire is derived from the Persian word Safir which means Beloved of Saturn or the Latin word sapphirus, which means blue gem. Sapphire is sometimes refered to the "Celestial" gem. This stems from the Persian belief that the earth was supported by a pedestal made from Sapphire. The reflections from the pedestal gave our sky its blue color. Sapphires come in the many different hues of the sky throughout the day. They can be a vibrant pink like an early sunrise. Sapphires can be a crisp cornflower blue like the sky on a clear day. They can be a stunning orange like a fiery sunset, and sapphires can be the captivating deep navy blue mixed with black of midnight. Sapphire is the stone of destiny and luck. It was often worn by kings as a symbol for prosperity. Sapphires represent truth, faithfulness and sincerity. They are a good gem choice for engagement rings. The origin of the tradition of birthstones is sometimes attributed to the Breastplate of Aaron, the high priest of Hebrews. The breastplate of the high priest was a ceremonial garment set with 12 gemstones, each stone representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve gems corresponded to the twelve months of the year, and the twelve signs of the zodiac. Sapphire is the modern birthstone for September, the mystical birthstone for May, and the traditional birthstone for September. Sapphire is the Planetary stone for October (Libra). Sapphire has a Mohs scale hardness rating of 9. Sapphire Jewelry |
