September's Birthstone: Black Star Sapphire

 
Sapphire is a precious gemstone that is a type of corundum, consisting of aluminum oxide (α-Al2O3) with trace amounts of elements such as iron, titanium, chromium, vanadium, or magnesium. 
 Sapphires are typically blue, but can also be in fancy colors like purple, pink, yellow, orange and green. Some even have two colors and called "Parti" sapphires.

This month though, we are talking black star sapphires, stones that due to their unique crystal structures reflect light in the shape of a star. This stone’s black color is a result of iron and titanium traces present in the mineral.

Susan's Pick of the Month, has it all - An original necklace featuring black star sapphire, crazy lace agate, freshwater pearl, coconut druzy geodes, black onyx, faceted quartz crystal - all captured in a sterling silver "Circle of Life" design.


Where Found: Sapphires have been found in Kashmir, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, the world leader for the source of sapphires for over 2,000 years. Black Star Sapphire is mostly mined in Thailand, West Africa and India
Legend and Lore: depending on the color, sapphires can symbolize different things, sincerity, truth, faithfulness and nobility. Black Star sapphire symbolizes strength and confidence, and brings calm in stressful situations. 
Care: Because Sapphire is a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale it is an excellent choice in jewelry. Warm, soapy water is always a safe choice for cleaning the September birthstone.