Birthstones - September 

Sapphire

Chemical Compostion: Al2O3, Corundum
Mohs Hardness: 9

Sapphire is the official birthstone for the month of September. Sapphire is traditionally given as a gift for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, while a star sapphire is presented on the 65th wedding anniversary.

Sapphire, a member of the corundum family, gets its name from the Latin "sapphirus" and the Greek "sappheiros" (blue). Blue sapphire gets its color from the presence of titanium and iron oxides; the depth of its color depends on the amount of oxides present.
 

Color is of paramount importance when judging the value of sapphire. The purer the blue of a natural sapphire, the greater the price the gemstone can command. Gems that are too dark or too pale are usually less valuable, but not necessarily less appealing.
While sapphire has become the ultimate blue stone, it actually comes in virtually every color except red, including colorless and white, and such fancy colors as yellow, peach, orange, cognac, pink, violet, purple and green. A rare orange-pink variety, known as padparadscha, is even more highly valued than blue sapphire.

Star sapphires usually exhibit six ray stars, but twelve ray stars are also known. Very rarely, sapphire also exhibits a cat's eye effect. Colorless and pale blue sapphires from certain localities may be heat-treated to give them an intense blue color. Heat-treatment may also improve the clarity of some sapphires by removing tiny inner inclusions.

Natural gem-quality sapphire is found in many parts of the world, but the rarest gems are from Kashmir and Myanmar (Burma), most prized because their color is closest to pure spectral blue. Fine sapphire is also produced in Sri Lanka in limited supply, both in blue and fancy color. Sapphire is also found in Thailand, Cambodia, Tanzania, Madagascar, Australia and the United States (Montana). Most genuine sapphires today owe the purity and clarity of their colors to heat treatment.


Care & Cleaning of Sapphire

The beautiful color of your sapphire will last indefinitely, if the gem is properly cared for. As with all gems, protect sapphire from scratches and sharp blows. Sapphire may be cleaned in a home ultrasonic machine, or you may use mild soap and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning. We suggest that you bring your jewelry to Gillespie Jewelers at least three times each year for a complimentary inspection and cleaning.