The word sapphire derives from the Latin and Greek words for blue, the vivid hue that the September birthstone is known for. Popular in ancient Rome, ancient Persia and throughout the Middle Ages, the sapphire has never lost its high status. Loved throughout the agesĭesired by royalty and coveted by civilisations for millennia, sapphires are prized precious gems, which can take millions, and sometimes billions, of years to form. On the Mohs scale of hardness, it is rated a 9, second to diamond in its resistance to scratching. This, along with its rarity and brilliance, makes it the perfect jewellery stone. These stunningly feminine stones have been famously worn by Grace Kelly and Queen Elizabeth II.Īs well as lustrous beauty, the sapphire has exceptional hardness and durability. Trace elements of chromium can even create a rare pink sapphire. However, iron can also give the corundum a yellow or green colour. Together, iron and titanium create the blue colour that sapphires are best known for. Gem-quality corundum stones of any other hue are considered sapphire, but violet shades are particularly sought after.

Deep blue sapphires contain iron and titanium, while gem-quality red corundum is better known as ruby. Although sapphire is generally thought of as blue, pure corundum (aluminium oxide) is in fact colourless. Like rubies, sapphires are a member of the corundum family. A sapphire’s true coloursĬommonly known as an iconic blue stone, sapphires in fact come in almost every colour of the rainbow. It is said this much-loved stone represents loyalty, fidelity and truth, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.īut there is so much more to September’s birthstone than simply being the world’s most popular blue gem. Today, September’s birthstone continues to capture hearts with its dazzling beauty.īrilliant and timeless, the sapphire is the traditional birthstone for September. Treasured as one of Earth’s most precious gemstones, in ancient times the sapphire was believed to protect the wearer from evil.

September sapphire birthstone