What is the birthstone for September? Get to know the fall month's stunning gem

Olivia Munson, USA TODAY
·2 min read

September ushers out the summer's heat and brings in the crisp fall season.

People born in September can have one of two astrological signs: Virgo (born between September 1 and September 22) or Libra (born between September 23 and September 30). The aster and morning glory also represent those born in September.

But what about September's birthstone? Each month has at least one gemstone. Here's what you need to know about September's dazzling pick.

September birthstone

Sapphire is September's birthstone.

This gem belongs to the corundum family. Corundum is inherently colorless, according to the International Gem Society. So, each stone's elemental structure – such as the presence (or lack) of iron, titanium or chromium – will contribute to its unique coloring. Corundum is also responsible for another birthstone: July's ruby.

Sapphires come in an array of colors, including orange, yellow, green, pink and purple. However, they're best known for their blue variety.

Sapphire derives from the Greek word "sappheiros," the Geological Institute of America reports. In Greek mythology, the stone was associated with Zeus and Apollo, according to the International Gem Society.

Sapphire
Sapphire

Kashmir, Myanmar and Sri Lanka were important sources for sapphires historically, according to the Geological Institute of America. The stone was first discovered in Kashmir around 1881. Other areas that produce sapphires include Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar and Montana in the U.S., as well as other countries in Asia and Africa, the Institute reports.

Throughout history, sapphires have been associated with royalty. They were often used in jewelry and to decorate the robes of clergy.

Oracles in ancient Greece would wear sapphires since it was believed to aid with predicting the future, the International Gem Society reports. In ancient Rome and Greece, members of the elite would wear sapphires to ward off harm and envy, according to the Institute. The gems were also believed to symbolize fidelity, sincerity and truth.

The engagement ring Will gave Kate had belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana, given to her by his father on their engagement three decades earlier. It's a sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
The engagement ring Will gave Kate had belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana, given to her by his father on their engagement three decades earlier. It's a sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

One of the most well-known modern sapphires is in Princess Diana's engagement ring, which now belongs to Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. Besides being the birthstone for September, sapphires also represent the fifth and forty-fifth wedding anniversaries.

Want to learn more about other month's birthstones?

January | February | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is the September birthstone? A guide to the blue gem

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