September Birthstone – Sapphire

Named after the Greek word “sapphires”, meaning blue, Sapphires have long been a favorite among kings, who considered them symbolic of wisdom and purity. In ancient times, Sapphires were thought to be protective against envy, and even against poisoning. A common belief was that a venomous snake placed in a Sapphire vessel would rapidly die! Ground to powder, the blue stone was believed to cure colic, rheumatism and mental illness and to strengthen eyesight.

 

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. Corundum is found in every color of the rainbow, with red designated as ruby and all other hues Sapphire. The Sapphire is second only to the Diamond in hardness.

A large number of sapphires have been listed in history. Harry Winston possesses a 337.10-carat sapphire. A 536-carat sapphire, known as the Star of India, and a smaller gem of 116 carats, called the Midnight Star reside in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The National Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C. houses the 422.99-carat Logan Sapphire and the 183-carat Star of Bombay.

 

 Links: EMG Creations