Sapphire is chemically and structurally the same as Ruby - both are varieties of the mineral corundum. They exist in nearly every color except red, because red corundum is always called ruby. But the most prized color of Sapphire is a rich, deep blue. Sapphires are found today in Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Myanmar, Thailand, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China, Madagascar, and the United States.
The heavenly blue color of sapphires is symbolic of a joyful devotion to God. According to a legend the Ten Commandments were inscribed upon tablets made of sapphire, giving this birthstone a royal place among gemstones. The significant properties of sapphire are trust, loyalty, wisdom, faith, and understanding.
The Sapphire is second only to the Diamond in hardness, making it extremely durable gemstone for setting into jewelry. It is one of the four precious gemstones, the other three being diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.
Sapphire is associated with truth, sincerity, constancy, fidelity, loyalty and faithfulness because of these reasons sapphires are second only to diamonds in their popularity in engagement rings, signifying long term relationships.
The September birthstone is believed to be effective in healing health problems relating to lowering fevers and inflammation, hearing problems, cancer and burns. It is also used to enhance the influences of Venus and banish evil thoughts. Sapphire is also said to inspire clarity of thoughts and improve problem solving capacity.
