Sapphire Stone -- Sapphire Jewelry

THE SAPPHIRE STONE

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September.

It is a member of the Corundum family, along with ruby. Both are basically aluminum oxide. It's chemistry is Al2O3.

All colors of Corundum are considered to be this type of gemstone unless they are red, "Ruby." It ranges in color from pink, blue, green, violet, gray, yellow and many shades in between.

Black sapphire is colored by an admixture of magnetite, hematite or spinel (emery). The streak is white and Corundum is one of the hardest stones, rated at 9.

This September birth stone has been associated with divine favor. The Buddhists believed that this stone favored devotion and spiritual enlightenment.

The ancient Greeks linked this blue gemstone with the god Apollo and the powers of Love, Meditation, Peace, and Healing. They wore sapphire when consulting oracles such as the one at Delphi. For this reason, it is considered an aid for developing the "third eye".

It was also considered to be able to guard its owner from being captured. It is worn and utilized in rituals to strengthen the ability to tap and send forth power.

Anciently it was also worn to banish envy, to promote positive social interaction and to reconcile with foes; sapphire can be used for all those purposes within any kind of relationship, not just marital. It promotes fidelity and attunes the feelings between lovers.

It has been use as an aide to healing ailments of the eyes. It is also considered a booster for the immune system, protecting the body in general from disease. Strengthens heart and kidneys. Activates pituitary gland, thereby aiding entire glandular system.

Gem quality sapphires have been found at only a few places in North America: at Yogo Gulch, Judith Basin Co., Montana, and at several places in North Carolina. Thailand, Ceylon, and Burma are the principal sources.

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