In ancient India, it was given as offerings to the gods to gain favor with them and to align astrological fortunes. A stone of wisdom across many cultures, sapphire (from the Greek word sapheiros, meaning “blue”) was worn by ancient Greeks while visiting the Temple of Apollo, seeking answers from the Oracle of Delphi. With all of its fascinating shades and features however, it is the royal blue sapphire that has had a unique place in history. In fact, one of the largest and most valuable gemstones in the world, named “The Star of India”, is one such stone, weighing in at 563.35 carats. These are referred to as “star sapphires”. Similar to ruby, it’s hexagonal mineral structure causes some specimens to exhibit an optical effect called asterism, a six-rayed star-like concentration of reflected light that shimmers across the surface of the stone when moved. As a corundum-based stone, it rates a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, with only diamonds being harder. While the blue variety most commonly comes to mind, sapphire actually occurs in colorless (clear/white), as well as a wide array of nearly every other color except red, a color reserved for its closest cousin, ruby.

This rare gem keeps good company as one of only four precious gemstones in the world, including diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. Mesmerizing deep-blue sapphire is the birthstone that represents those born in September.

Sapphire birthstone meaning