The Aquarius Birthstone from the Bible: Sapphire

Astrology and the Aquarius Birthstone Sapphire

Astrology is a belief system that explains a connection between the positions of celestial bodies and events on earth, particularly human behaviors. Central to astrology is the zodiac, which consists of 12 signs, each associated with specific personality traits.

Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac. Symbolized by the Water Bearer, Aquarius exhibits humanitarianism, innovation and independence. They are highly intellectual individuals who value freedom and equality, and often seek to make a positive impact on society.

For every sign in the zodiac, there is a gemstone associated. While birthstones popularly belong to the months of the year, the oldest of month stones also accompanied the zodiac signs. For Aquarius, the birthstone is sapphire.

Origin of the Aquarius Birthstone Sapphire in the Bible

The recognition of sapphire as the Aquarius birthstone stems from an interpretation of the Bible. Under the Greek name hyakinthos, sapphire comes up in the Book of Revelation 21:19-30, which describes the foundations of the New Jerusalem. The blue gemstone adorned the eleventh foundation of the heavenly city’s walls. Its place as the eleventh foundation stone made sapphire the birthstone of the eleventh sign of the zodiac, Aquarius.

Physical Characteristics of the Aquarius Birthstone Sapphire

The combination of hardness, brilliance and colors makes sapphire a versatile and highly prized gemstone. Some of its physical properties also make sapphire suitable for watches and industrial uses.

1. Chemical Composition

As a mineral, sapphire belongs to the corundum family, and consists of aluminum oxide.

2. Transparency

Sapphire is typically transparent to translucent, allowing light to pass through.

3. Color

While sapphire is typically associated with a deep blue color, the stone occurs in a rather wide range of colors, making it one of the most diverse gemstones in the world.

4. Luster

When polished, sapphire exhibits a vitreous or glassy luster.

5. Optical Properties

Sapphire has a high refractive index, resulting in strong brilliance when cut and polished. The stone also displays pleochroism, meaning it can exhibit different colors when viewed from different angles.

6. Hardness

Scoring 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphire is one of the hardest naturally occurring minerals. This makes it extremely durable and suitable for use in jewelry.

7. Crystal Structure

Sapphire crystallizes in the hexagonal system, forming prismatic or tabular crystals.

8. Absence of Cleavage

Sapphire has no cleavage, and thus tends to fracture rather than cleave along specific planes.

9. Varieties

The great variety of colors that sapphire come in offers a wide array of options for jewelry, with each having its own distinctive beauty.

1. Blue Sapphire

A rich velvety blue is the color originally associated with sapphire. This accordingly became the most iconic and widely recognized hue for this gemstone. The blue color ranges from deep navy to lighter shades reminiscent of the sky. The presence of iron and titanium causes such blue coloration.

2. Padparadscha Sapphire

The name ‘padparadscha’ comes from the Sinhalese word for lotus blossom. This rare and highly sought-after variety displays a unique blend of pink and orange tones, resembling the color of a lotus flower.

3. Pink Sapphire

Ranging from delicate pastel pinks to vibrant magentas, pink sapphire is treasured for its romantic hues. The stone derives its color from trace amounts of chromium.

4. Yellow Sapphire

With shades ranging from pale lemon to deep golden yellow, yellow sapphire exudes warmth and vitality. Iron impurities contribute to its yellow coloration.

5. Green Sapphire

Green sapphire showcases a range of green shades, from subtle mint and olive tones to intense forest green hues. The presence of iron and chromium determines its green color.

6. Purple Sapphire

Exhibiting hues ranging from soft lavender to deep violet, purple sapphire is captivating and valuable. Trace amounts of vanadium contribute to its purple coloration.

7. Colorless Sapphire

Also known as ‘white sapphire,’ this variety is prized for its clarity and brilliance. Though lacking a distinct color, white sapphire can display exceptional sparkle.

8. Bi-colored and Parti Sapphires

Known as ‘bi-colored’ or ‘parti-colored sapphires,’ some sapphires exhibit two or more colors within the same stone. These unique combinations add to the gemstone’s rarity.

9. Star Sapphire

Star sapphire is a variety of sapphire that exhibits asterism, a phenomenon where a star-shaped pattern of light appears across the surface of the stone. This effect comes from needle-like inclusions of rutile within the crystal. Star sapphires can occur in various colors, but blue and black are the most common. The star typically has six rays, although variations with twelve rays exist.

Historical Use of the Aquarius Birthstone Sapphire

Throughout history, blue sapphire has been revered in various cultures for its beauty, symbolisms and perceived mystical properties.

1. Ancient Greece and Rome

In ancient Greece and Rome, blue sapphire was associated with the god Apollo, and was believed to bring divine favor and protection. A symbol of power and prosperity, sapphire was often worn by royalty and nobility.

2. Ancient Persia (Iran)

Blue sapphire was highly valued in ancient Persia, where the stone was thought to protect people from harm. Associated with wisdom and royalty, sapphire adorned the regalia of Persian rulers.

3. India

Blue sapphire holds significant cultural and religious importance in India, where the stone is known as nila or neelam. In Hindu tradition, blue sapphire is associated with the planet Saturn, and is believed to bring blessings and prosperity. The stone is often worn as a talisman to ward off negative influences and bring good fortune.

4. Islamic Culture

Blue sapphire holds significance in Islamic culture, whose peoples were the first to realize that sapphire and ruby were the same mineral, which they called yacut. Believed to bring blessings and protection, sapphire was often used in jewelry and ornaments, including the inlay work on the walls of Taj Mahal.

5. Medieval Europe

During the Middle Ages, blue sapphire was regarded as a stone of protection and spiritual enlightenment. Believed to guard against poison and evil, sapphire adorned the crowns and scepters of European monarchs, as well as the jewelry of the clergy.

Metaphysical Properties of the Aquarius Birthstone Sapphire

Various symbolisms and beliefs have surrounded sapphire throughout history.

1. Wisdom and Mental Clarity

Sapphire is often associated with wisdom, mental clarity and insight. The stone is believed to enhance intellectual abilities, promote critical thinking, and stimulate the mind.

2. Inner Peace and Spiritual Enlightenment

Sapphire is a stone of inner peace and spiritual enlightenment. The gem calms the mind, soothe emotional turmoil, and facilitate meditation and spiritual growth.

3. Protection and Divine Guidance

Sapphire is a protective stone that wards off negative energies and shields against harm. The gem offers divine guidance and spiritual protection to those who wear it.

4. Royalty and Nobility

Sapphire has long been associated with royalty, nobility and divine favor.  Symbolizing power, authority and prestige, the blue gem has adorned the crowns, scepters and jewelry of monarchs.

5. Truth and Integrity

Sapphire promotes honesty, integrity and truthfulness. The stone encourages sincerity in communication, strengthens moral character, and fosters trust.

6. Healing and Well-being

Sapphire is associated with physical and emotional healing. The stone alleviates stress, anxiety and depression, thus promoting emotional balance and overall well-being.

7. Creativity and Inspiration

Sapphire stimulates creativity, imagination and inspiration. The stone enhances artistic expression, encourages innovation, and sparks new ideas.

8. Balance and Harmony

Sapphire balances the mind, body and spirit, thus promoting harmony and equilibrium in all aspects of life.

Astrological Significance of the Aquarius Birthstone Sapphire

The metaphysical properties of sapphire resonate with the multifaceted nature of Aquarius individuals, and offer them support and guidance.

1. Wisdom and Mental Clarity

Aquarians possess intellectual curiosity and innovative thinking. The wisdom-enhancing properties of sapphire can complement this natural inclination towards seeking knowledge and understanding complex concepts.

2. Inner Peace and Spiritual Enlightenment

Sapphire’s calming influence can help Aquarians find inner peace amidst their active minds, and facilitate their journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

3. Protection and Divine Guidance

Aquarians are humanitarians who strive to make the world a better place. Sapphire’s association with divine guidance can inspire them to pursue their altruistic endeavors with confidence, while the stone’s protective properties offer them a sense of security as they navigate through life.

4. Royalty and Nobility

While not necessarily seeking royal status, Aquarians often exude a sense of nobility and dignity in their demeanor. Sapphire’s association with royalty can resonate with this innate sense of self-worth and integrity.

5. Truth and Integrity

Aquarians value authenticity and honesty in their interactions with others. Sapphire’s association with truthfulness and integrity can reinforce these qualities, thus encouraging Aquarians to uphold their principles and speak their minds with sincerity.

6. Healing and Well-being

Sapphire’s healing properties can support Aquarians in maintaining emotional balance and resilience, allowing them to continue their efforts in promoting positive change without feeling overwhelmed.

7. Creativity and Inspiration

Aquarians possess a strong creative streak, and often gravitate towards unconventional ideas and pursuits. Sapphire’s ability to stimulate creativity and inspire new ideas can fuel this innovative spirit, and encourage Aquarians to explore new avenues of expression.

8. Balance and Harmony

Aquarians strive for fairness and equality in their interactions, and sapphire’s balancing properties can help Aquarians maintain harmony within themselves and in their relationships, thus fostering a sense of equilibrium amidst their dynamic lifestyles.

Most Suitable Variety of Aquarius Birthstone Sapphire

While all varieties of sapphire can be meaningful for Aquarius individuals, a certain color resonates more strongly with the zodiac sign. Blue is the hue closely associated with sapphire since antiquity. Thus, when the Bible mentioned hyakinthos as the eleventh foundation stone of the New Jerusalem – later making it the birthstone of the eleventh sign of the zodiac – the stone in question is the blue sapphire.

The Aquarius birthstone therefore referred especially to the blue variety of the gem. Known for their intellectual depth and humanitarian ideals, Aquarians may find resonance with the calming and enlightening properties of sapphire, whose deep blue hues are associated with wisdom, truth and spirituality.

Care and Maintenance of Aquarius Birthstone Sapphire

Caring for sapphire jewelry is essential to maintain its beauty and durability over time. By following these tips and dispelling common myths, one can ensure that their sapphire jewelry remains beautiful and pristine for years to come.

1. Regular Cleaning

While sapphire is a durable gemstone, this gem still requires regular cleaning to maintain its brilliance and luster. Dirt, oils and debris can accumulate on the surface, thus dulling its appearance over time. Using a soft brush or cloth, clean your sapphire jewelry regularly with mild soap and warm water.

2. Avoid Physical Impact

While sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones, this stone is not indestructible. Sapphire can still chip, get scratched or suffer damage from improper care or harsh treatment. Thus, avoid wearing sapphire jewelry during activities that may expose it to impact, such as gardening or sports.

3. Storage

To prevent scratching, store your sapphire jewelry separately from other gemstones, particularly diamond. Consider storing your sapphire in a soft pouch or in a separate jewelry box.

4. Avoid Extreme Changes in Temperature

Sudden changes in temperature can cause thermal shock and potentially damage sapphire. Hence, avoid exposing sapphire jewelry to extreme changes in temperature.

5. Professional Inspection

Periodically have your sapphire jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler to check for loose settings or signs of wear. In case of any issues, promptly address them to prevent further damage.

6. Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners for Some Sapphires

While ultrasonic cleaners are commonly used for cleaning jewelry, they may not be suitable for all sapphires, particularly if these have fractures or inclusions, which could react to the heat and vibrations. Consult with a jeweler before using an ultrasonic cleaner on your sapphire jewelry.

The Beauty of the Aquarius Birthstone Sapphire

The Aquarius birthstone sapphire is a captivating gemstone primarily renowned for its deep blue hues. Symbolizing wisdom, truth and inner peace, sapphire resonates with the progressive and humanitarian nature of Aquarius individuals. From its historical associations with royalty and divinity to its modern significance as a symbol of integrity and innovation, sapphire embodies the multifaceted qualities of Aquarius.

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