September Birthstone-Sapphire

The sapphire is a product of the mineral corundum. Red corundum is called  a ruby, while all other shades of this mineral are known as sapphires.  Typically seen as a very pale blue to deep indigo due to the presence of small amounts of titanium and iron within the crystal structure.  The most valued is the deep cornflower blue. Sapphires come in an array of other natural colors and tints; colorless, grey, yellow, pale pink, orange, green, violet and brown. The different colors are caused by different kinds of impurities within the crystal.

The sapphire was said to represent the purity of the soul. Before and during the middle ages, sapphires were worn by priests as protection from impure thoughts and tempatations. Medieval Kings believed that it protected them from harm and envy.  Warriors gifted them to their young wives so they would remain faithful.  It was believed that the stones color would darken if worn by an adulterer/ess or by an unworthy person.

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