When selling my birthstone pendant necklaces, I find that many people don't particularly like their birthstone. I fall into this category; I have always wanted sapphire, the September birthstone, to be my birthstone. Here are 5 fun facts about my all-time favorite stone: Sapphire!
1. Sapphire, a precious gemstone and a variety of the mineral corundum, is one of the hardest gems, second only to a diamond. Sapphire stones rates 9 of 10 on the Mohs Hardness scale. Because of its hardness, sapphires wear well in any kind of jewelry, especially rings.
2. While the most common color is the blue sapphire, sapphires come in a variety of colors, including pink, green, yellow, white, orange, and the very rare orange-pink called padparadscha. Sapphire color is caused by the trace elements in the mineral corundum.
3. Sapphire comes from the Greek word sappherios, which likely referred to lapis lazuli. Sapphires have been treasured for thousands of years: in ancient times in Rome and Greece, royalty believe sapphires protected them from jealousy and harm. Clergy in the Middle Ages wore sapphires to symbolize heaven.
4. Energetically, sapphire is known as a stone of wisdom, with each color having its own particular wisdom. For example, blue sapphire is a seeker of spiritual truth, and clears the throat chakra. Bringing emotional and mental calm, sapphire balances the mind, body, and spirit.
5. Sapphire is not only popular in engagement rings and birthstone jewelry, but because of its hardness and the fact it can be lab created, sapphire is used in manufacturing. Some uses are in watch lenses, screen monitors, electrical insulators, sand paper, and cutting tools.
Because I love sapphires, I have a unique selection of Montana sapphires as well as vintage blue star sapphires. If you would like a piece custom-designed for you, please contact me today!
(Sources: GIA, Rio Grande, and "The Crystal Bible" by Judy Hall)