September Birthstone: Sapphire Meaning, Colors & Rings (2026 Guide)
Sapphire is the birthstone for September. Best known for its rich royal blue, sapphire actually comes in almost every color except red (red corundum is ruby), including teal, lavender, pink, yellow, and peach. At 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is one of the hardest natural gemstones, which makes it an ideal everyday September birthstone ring. Sapphire is also the traditional gemstone for the 45th wedding anniversary.
This guide covers sapphire's meaning, colors, history, and value, how to care for it, and our best-selling sapphire engagement rings.
September Birthstone at a Glance
| Birthstone | Sapphire |
| Mineral | Corundum (aluminum oxide) |
| Colors | Blue, teal, lavender, pink, yellow, peach, white, green, and more (every color except red) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9 |
| Main sources | Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, Australia, Thailand, Montana (USA) |
| Symbolism | Wisdom, loyalty, truth, and faithfulness |
| Anniversary | 45th |
What Is Sapphire?
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. Pure corundum is colorless; tiny amounts of trace elements create its colors. Iron and titanium produce blue, iron alone creates yellow and green tones, and chromium produces pink. When chromium is strong enough to turn the stone red, it is called ruby instead of sapphire. Sapphires in colors other than blue are known as fancy sapphires.
Many sapphires are gently heat-treated to improve color and clarity, a long-accepted practice in the gem trade. Lab-grown sapphire has the same chemical composition and hardness as mined sapphire.
Sapphire Colors
- Royal blue is the classic, deep, velvety blue most people picture. Shop blue sapphire engagement rings.
- Cornflower blue is a lighter, softer medium blue named after the cornflower. Shop cornflower sapphire rings or read why cornflower sapphires are gaining popularity.
- Teal blends blue and green and has become one of the most popular alternative engagement ring colors. Shop teal sapphire engagement rings.
- Lavender and purple range from soft lilac to violet. Shop lavender sapphire engagement rings.
- Mint green is a pale, fresh green. Shop mint sapphire rings.
- Yellow ranges from lemon to golden. Shop yellow sapphire engagement rings.
- Peach and padparadscha are warm apricot to pink-orange tones. Padparadscha, from the Sinhalese word for lotus blossom, is the rarest sapphire of all. Shop peach sapphire rings.
- Pink ranges from blush to hot pink. Read our pink sapphire guide.
- White (colorless) sapphire is a diamond alternative. Compare white sapphire vs moissanite.
- Champagne offers soft, warm neutrals. Shop champagne sapphire rings.
Sapphire Meaning and History
For thousands of years, sapphire has symbolized wisdom, truth, and loyalty. Ancient Persian legend held that the earth rested on a giant sapphire whose reflection colored the sky blue. In medieval Europe, clergy wore blue sapphires to represent heaven, and royalty believed the stone protected them from harm and envy.
Sapphire's most famous modern moment came in 1981, when Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer with a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by diamonds. That ring, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, made sapphire engagement rings popular around the world.
Is Sapphire Good for an Engagement Ring?
Yes. At 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is extremely resistant to scratches and has excellent toughness, so it handles everyday wear beautifully. It is one of the best colored gemstones for engagement rings. Read more in is sapphire OK for an engagement ring?
How Much Is a Sapphire Worth?
Sapphire value depends mainly on color, clarity, cut, carat weight, origin, and treatment. The most valuable blue sapphires have a vivid, evenly saturated color, and untreated stones from famous sources command premiums. For a full breakdown, see how much sapphires are really worth.
Best-Selling Sapphire Rings for September
Shop all sapphire engagement rings →
How to Care for Sapphire Jewelry
- Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush to remove lotion and skin oils that dull the sparkle.
- Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe for untreated and heat-treated sapphires, but avoid them for stones that are fracture-filled or dyed.
- Store separately from softer gems, since sapphire can scratch them.
- Have prongs checked once a year, as with any engagement ring.
September Birthstone FAQ
What is the birthstone for September?
Sapphire is the birthstone for September. It is best known in blue but comes in almost every color except red.
What does the September birthstone mean?
Sapphire symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, truth, and faithfulness, which is why it has long been a favorite for engagement rings.
What colors does sapphire come in?
Sapphire comes in blue, teal, lavender, purple, pink, yellow, peach, green, white, and champagne. Red corundum is called ruby, not sapphire.
Is sapphire a good engagement ring stone?
Yes. At 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is extremely durable and well suited to everyday wear.
What is the rarest color of sapphire?
Padparadscha, a delicate pink-orange sapphire named after the Sinhalese word for lotus blossom, is considered the rarest sapphire color.
What anniversary is sapphire for?
Sapphire is the traditional gemstone for the 45th wedding anniversary.
Explore more birthstones: August (peridot) and October (opal and tourmaline), or compare blue sapphire vs aquamarine.
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