HISTORY AND LORE OF SAPPHIRE

Sapphire - [saf-ahyr]

Origin:  [Middle English saphir, from Old French safir, from Latin sapphīrus, from Greek sappheiros, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew sappîr, a precious stone.]

     Traditionally this birthstone is associated with the month of September.  It’s the anniversary gemstone for the 5th and 45th year of marriage. 

     Sapphire is a member of the corundum family and gets its name from the Latin sapphirus and the Greek sappheiros (blue).  It gets its color from titanium and iron oxides.  The depth of the color comes from the amount of oxides present.

     Though not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, Sapphire is used for clear thinking. Kings used to wear sapphire around their necks as a powerful defense against harm. The stone preserved the wearer from envy and attracted divine favor. 

     Sapphire represents truth, sincerity and consistency. The stone was used by the Greeks to stimulate the opening of the third eye and to tap into the subconscious and super conscious. Clear sapphires, like diamonds, are the guardians of love. In the old days, it was used to banish envy and jealousy. It also promotes chastity in virgins and insures fidelity in marriage.