Sapphires: September’s Birthstone in Every Colour of the Rainbow
When you think of sapphires, chances are you picture a deep, velvety blue. But did you know sapphires come in almost every colour of the rainbow?
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. The different hues are created by trace elements within the stone: titanium gives us rich blues, chromium creates vivid reds (better known as rubies!) and pinks, and iron brings out golden yellows. When multiple elements mix, we get striking greens and purples.
The Rare Beauty of Padparadscha
Among the rarest sapphires is the Padparadscha—a soft pinkish-orange gem whose name comes from the Sanskrit word for "lotus flower." Their dreamy colour and rarity make them highly prized by collectors and jewellery lovers alike.
A Stone with History and Symbolism
Sapphires have long been associated with sincerity, faithfulness, nobility, and protection. In medieval Europe, people even believed sapphires could heal plague boils and eye diseases! The gemstone’s deep blue has also been linked to royalty for centuries—hence the term "royal blue."
Famous Sources of Sapphires
Kashmir, India: Famous for its legendary cornflower blue sapphires, first uncovered by a landslide in 1881.
Myanmar (Burma): Known for intensely rich blue stones found near ruby deposits.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon): A source for over 2,000 years, producing vibrant sapphires in a variety of shades—including the elusive Padparadscha.
Other important sources include Australia, Thailand, and the USA.
A Gemstone for Everyday Wear
Sapphires are rated 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness (just below diamonds), making them one of the most durable gemstones. This makes sapphire jewellery not only beautiful but also practical for daily wear.
💎 With colours ranging from royal blue to sunset orange, which sapphire would you choose?
