Birthstones by Month Explained September : Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli
September is unique in that it has two beautiful and historically significant birthstones: sapphire and lapis lazuli. Each of these gemstones carries its own distinct meanings, characteristics, and healing properties, making them treasured choices for those born in this month.
Sapphire
Characteristics
- Color: While sapphires are typically known for their deep blue hue, they can actually be found in a variety of colors including pink, yellow, green, and white. The most prized sapphires are a rich, velvety blue, often referred to as "cornflower blue."
- Hardness: Sapphires are incredibly durable, ranking 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, just below diamonds. This makes them ideal for everyday wear.
- Luster: Sapphires possess a beautiful, vitreous luster, giving them a brilliant, almost metallic shine.
Symbolism and Meaning
- Wisdom and Royalty: Historically, sapphires have been associated with wisdom, virtue, and good fortune. They were favored by royalty and clergy for their believed powers to impart wisdom and clarity.
- Loyalty and Trust: Sapphires symbolize loyalty, honesty, and trust, making them popular choices for engagement rings and commitment jewelry.
- Protection: In ancient times, sapphires were thought to protect against envy and harm, bringing peace and happiness to the wearer.
Healing Properties
- Emotional Healing: Sapphires are believed to calm the mind, alleviate mental tension, and promote a balanced perspective. They help in focusing and maintaining a calm, serene outlook.
- Physical Healing: Sapphires are said to aid in treating blood disorders, eye problems, and cellular disorders. They are also thought to strengthen veins and improve their elasticity.
- Spiritual Healing: Sapphires enhance meditation, psychic abilities, and spiritual insight. They are associated with the throat chakra, promoting communication and self-expression.
Lapis Lazuli
Characteristics
- Color: Lapis lazuli is renowned for its deep blue color, often flecked with golden pyrite inclusions that give it a starry, night-sky appearance.
- Hardness: Lapis lazuli has a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, making it softer than sapphires but still suitable for many types of jewelry.
- Luster: It has a waxy to vitreous luster, giving it a unique, rich glow.
Symbolism and Meaning
- Truth and Enlightenment: Lapis lazuli has been a symbol of truth, wisdom, and enlightenment since ancient times. It was highly prized by the ancient Egyptians and used by pharaohs and priests.
- Royalty and Honor: This gemstone has been associated with royalty and honor, often used in the regalia and jewelry of kings and queens.
- Inner Power: Lapis lazuli is thought to enhance intellectual ability, stimulate the desire for knowledge, and aid the process of learning.
Healing Properties
- Emotional Healing: Lapis lazuli is known to promote inner peace, relieve stress, and bring deep inner self-knowledge. It encourages self-awareness and self-expression, helping to reveal inner truth.
- Physical Healing: It is believed to boost the immune system, purify blood, lower blood pressure, and alleviate insomnia and vertigo.
- Spiritual Healing: Lapis lazuli activates the third eye and throat chakras, enhancing intuition, psychic abilities, and spiritual insight. It aids in communication with higher spirits and accessing deeper levels of consciousness.
Conclusion
September's birthstones, sapphire and lapis lazuli, both offer a wealth of beauty, symbolism, and healing properties. Whether you are drawn to the deep blue hues of sapphire and its association with wisdom and protection, or the rich, starry appearance of lapis lazuli and its connection to truth and enlightenment, these gemstones provide a meaningful and timeless choice for those born in September.
