Sapphire
Latin: sapphirus and Greek: sápheiros
September's Birthstone
Image created by M. Driessen, photo taken from: Cipriani and Borelli (1986).

Geologic Properties
Chemistry: Al2O3 Specific Gravity: 3.9-4.1
Crystal System: Hexagonal Streak: white
Luster: Vitreous or adamantine Hardness: 9
Cleavage/Fracture: Conchoidal Color: All colors, excludng blood-red or red with a purple tinge.
Habit: Can be found as tapering prismatic, pyramidal, or tabular, often is striated. Star sapphire has rutile inclusions that form four, five or six-pointed stars. Environment of Origin: Sapphires are the non-red variety of corundum, which is formed in nepheline syenite pegmatites, in contact metamorphic rocks and metamorphic terrains that are aluminum-rich and silica-poor.

Lore and Magik

Sapphire, also known as astrae, was sacred to the god Apollo. It was often called the "celestial stone" because of its deep blue color. Religion plays a large role in the lore of the sapphire, as it is believed to expand wisdom, and scare away "devils and demons." It is the stone used in the Cardinal's ring for his badge of office in the Catholic religion. It was an ecclesiastical gem, symbolic of purity. Sapphire was worn to banish envy, reconcile with foes, and promote fidelity. To derive the most benefit from this stone, it was necessary to be pure oneself. Sapphires were used to cure all eye ailments, purify the blood, fortify the heart, and relieve flatulence. Mixed with milk, this gem dried up ulcers, boils, and pustules. Sapphire was lethal to venomous insects and reptiles. They were believed to have gender: dark stones were designated female, light ones were male. Sapphire is thought to make its wearers amiable, wise, virtuous, and strong. Like ruby, it is more potent as a star sapphire.

Magikal Statistics
Energy: Receptive Planets: Moon
Element: Water Deities: Apollo
Powers: Psychism, Love, Money, Meditation, Peace, Defensive Magic, Healing, Power

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