September's Birthstone: The Sapphire

Sapphire and ruby are the same material, the mineral corundum.  They are the second hardest gemstone after diamond.  Red corundum is known as ruby.  All other colors are known as sapphire.

Blue is the most famous of the sapphire colors. Sri Lankan and Madagascar sapphires are the most common today, with a wide range of colors from light sky blue to dark blue. Other producers of blue sapphire are Australia, Tanzania, Thailand, Cambodia, and the USA (Montana).

Large sapphires are rare and attract fame. The largest star sapphire is the Star of India at 536 carats. Discovered about three hundred years ago in Sri Lanka, the Star of India was donated to the American Museum of Natural History by J.P. Morgan. Later burglar Jack Murphy stole the stone. Its recovery two months later only added to its fame.

The 423 carat Logan Sapphire is displayed in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. It is the largest faceted sapphire on public display and may be the largest blue sapphire known. This egg-sized stone from Sri Lanka is set in a brooch surrounded by 16 carats of diamonds. It was donated by Mrs. John A. Logan to the Smithsonian Institute in 1960.

Other famous sapphires include the Midnight Star, a 116 carat black star sapphire. The intensely blue 330ct. Star of Asia can be found in American Museum of Natural History. Also, the English Crown Jewels contain two famous sapphires: the St. Edward's and the Stuart Sapphire (104 carats).

Through history, sapphire symbolizes truth, sincerity, and faithfulness in relationships, and to bring peace, joy and wisdom to the wearer and owner. In the past, the sapphire was also believed to be a talisman that would protect you against evil spirits and other unsavory creatures of the night. The ancients regarded star sapphires as a powerful talisman protecting travelers and seekers. They were so powerful, they would continue protecting the wearer even after being passed on to another person."

Sapphire The blue sister of ruby. Ruby and sapphire are the same material, the mineral corundum, and the second hardest gemstone after diamond. Red corundum is known as ruby, while all other colors are referred to as sapphire. While blue is the classic sapphire color, sapphire is actually found in a wide range of colors.