Sapphire
The Sapphire - September birthstone
"A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A Sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind."
- Anonymous
Definition
The word Sapphire is derived from the Greek word "sappheiros" which means "precious stone".
Characteristics
For those who were born in the month of September the Sapphire is the traditional birthstone. The properties with which the Sapphire is associated are truth, sincerity and constancy. The Traditional Metaphysical Properties for the September Birthstone Sapphire are clairvoyance, insight and interpretation. The healing properties of the September birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to lowering fevers and inflammation, hearing problems, cancer and burns. The Sapphire is also said to enhance the influences of Venus and and banish evil thoughts.
Physical Properties
Sapphires are the blue transparent variety of corundum, highly prized as a gem. The Sapphire is a member of the Corundum (aluminium oxide) family. Crystal structure of the Sapphire, the September birthstone, is hexagonal (trigonal), dipyramidal. Sapphires can be found in a variety of colours, not just different shades of blue, these include yellow, pink and white. Sapphires with colours other than blue are generally referred to as fancy sapphires. The distinctive blue of the sapphire is due to minute amounts of oxide of iron and titanium in the stone. One of the four precious gemstones. The other three are diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. Sapphires are found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Kasmir, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China and the U.S.
History
The symbolic meaning of the colour blue has a Biblical meaning symbolizing heavenly grace.
For centuries, sapphire has been associated with royalty and romance. The association was reinforced in 1981, when Britain’s Prince Charles gave a blue sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer. Until her death in 1997, Princess Di, as she was known, charmed and captivated the world. Her sapphire ring helped link modern events with history and fairy tales.
In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens were convinced that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm. During the Middle Ages, the clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolize Heaven, and ordinary folks thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings. In other times and places, people instilled sapphires with the power to guard chastity, make peace between enemies, influence spirits, and reveal the secrets of oracles.
"A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A Sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind."
- Anonymous
Definition
The word Sapphire is derived from the Greek word "sappheiros" which means "precious stone".
Characteristics
For those who were born in the month of September the Sapphire is the traditional birthstone. The properties with which the Sapphire is associated are truth, sincerity and constancy. The Traditional Metaphysical Properties for the September Birthstone Sapphire are clairvoyance, insight and interpretation. The healing properties of the September birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to lowering fevers and inflammation, hearing problems, cancer and burns. The Sapphire is also said to enhance the influences of Venus and and banish evil thoughts.
Physical Properties
Sapphires are the blue transparent variety of corundum, highly prized as a gem. The Sapphire is a member of the Corundum (aluminium oxide) family. Crystal structure of the Sapphire, the September birthstone, is hexagonal (trigonal), dipyramidal. Sapphires can be found in a variety of colours, not just different shades of blue, these include yellow, pink and white. Sapphires with colours other than blue are generally referred to as fancy sapphires. The distinctive blue of the sapphire is due to minute amounts of oxide of iron and titanium in the stone. One of the four precious gemstones. The other three are diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. Sapphires are found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Kasmir, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China and the U.S.
History
The symbolic meaning of the colour blue has a Biblical meaning symbolizing heavenly grace.
For centuries, sapphire has been associated with royalty and romance. The association was reinforced in 1981, when Britain’s Prince Charles gave a blue sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer. Until her death in 1997, Princess Di, as she was known, charmed and captivated the world. Her sapphire ring helped link modern events with history and fairy tales.
In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens were convinced that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm. During the Middle Ages, the clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolize Heaven, and ordinary folks thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings. In other times and places, people instilled sapphires with the power to guard chastity, make peace between enemies, influence spirits, and reveal the secrets of oracles.
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