Sapphire Gemstone Origin
The name sapphire is derived from the Latin word "saphirus" and the Greek word "sapheiros" which both means blue. Although this corundum is generally known for its blue color, it also comes in a wide range of color variations, including pink, yellow, pinkish orange (known as Padparadscha), and red (known as Ruby). Most fine quality blue sapphires seen today come from Sri Lanka.
Sapphire as the September Birthstone
July 1 - 31
Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gem of the 5th and 45th anniversaries. This rare stone is also the Zodiac birthstone for Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 23).
Color, Shades, and Varieties
Sapphire comes in a wide range of different colors, from blue to black to colorless to every other color in between. It is one of the only known gems that exist without color limitations.
Blue sapphires are the most recognizable and popular type of sapphire, coming in different hues, from very light pale blue to rich royal blue. A sapphire is marked as "blue sapphire" when only less than 15% of the secondary color is within the tones. Some blue sapphire appears as star sapphire with its six-rayed star reflection.
Red sapphires or rubies fall under the type of sapphire. They are scientifically the same material. Due to its popularity, this variety of corundum is differently classified. Click here for information on rubies.
Sapphire also comes in pink color. Pink sapphires are widely available in regions across the globe. Pink sapphires are in high demand due to their appealing color and light reflection. In some regions, pink sapphires are considered to be subcategories of rubies.
Yellow sapphires come in very light canary to an ultra golden color tone. People usually eye for the reflecting medium vibrant canary color. Although it appears clean and very bright, this class of sapphire is undervalued in the market.
The rarest type of sapphire is padparadscha sapphires. For beginners, this stone may appear similar to pink sapphires. Padparadscha has more tropical sunset or lotus flower pinkish-orange tone in color, differentiating from a regular pink color.
All in all, the colors of sapphires are unlimited. Lavender, violet, white, color-changing, reddish-pink/orange, purple, orange, green, cognac, and all other unimaginable colors can be the color of a sapphire.
Sapphire Symbolism:
Sapphire is a gemstone associated with royalty
Blue sapphires signified the height of celestial faith and hope
Believed to have properties of protection, bringing spiritual insight, and good fortune
Having the power to release mental tension, dispel depression, facilitate meditation, calm the mind, and provide mental clarity.
Also believed to focus and calm the mind and remove unwanted thoughts, depression, and mental tension.