• The month of September that includes the zodiac signs of Virgo and Libra has an assortment of 12 stones listed as birthstones.
• The birthstones marked for September are sapphire, agate, moonstone, zircon, peridot (chrysolite), and sardonyx.
• The zodiac signs add on six more birthstones: citrine, carnelian, jade, jasper, opal, and lapis lazuli.

"Sapphirus" in Greek means blue, and this is how the sapphire got its popular name. It may also come from the Persian word 'safir' meaning beloved of the Saturn. Sapphire occupies a place of pride among gemstones both for its deep alluring hues and beauty. The symbolic meaning of the color blue has a Biblical meaning symbolizing heavenly grace.

Sapphire belongs to the family of mineral corundum. Corundum is found in all colors of the rainbow, the red being designated as ruby and all other hues as Sapphire. But the most loved and known color of Sapphire is a rich, deep blue. Other colors include yellow, orange, green, pink, purple etc. Sapphires are very hard mineral, actually second to only diamonds in hardness. They have a value of 9 on the Mohs scale. The way corundum crystal formation occurs, makes it unusual for very large crystals to form. Sapphires exhibit a special optical property called asterism which is responsible for the star shaped effect seen in star sapphires making them rare and valued.

Sapphires are mined from alluvial deposits or from primary underground workings. Sapphires were mined as early as the 7th Century BC from India which is now Sri Lanka. They are found today in Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Myanmar, Thailand, Australia and some parts of Africa, China, Kenya, Tanzania and the United States.

• In ancient Egypt sapphires were preferred gifts in marriage. Sapphires were considered to be a token of faith and sincerity. Some old traditions also believed that sapphires lose their shimmer if worn by someone with doubtful and wicked motives.
• Sapphires were considered to be so potent in their influence sphere that many believed that they would continue to protect all who once owned a sapphire even after selling it.
• Ancient civilizations believed that the world was set upon an enormous sapphire, which painted the sky blue with its reflection.
• Sapphires have long been a favorite among priests and kings, as talisman of wisdom and righteousness.
• The Sapphire was famous among the British aristocrats & widely used in crown jewels. Later, Prince Charles chose it as engagement stone for Princess Diana.
• It was considered effective against venom and it was a belief that a poisonous snake when placed in a sapphire vessel would die instantly.

• It is given to commemorate the 5th, 23rd and 45th wedding anniversary.
• Sapphire represents sincerity and faithfulness and is usually gifted to express love and sincerity.
• Gifting a sapphire symbolizes sincerity and faithfulness.
• It is believed to be effective in curing mental disorders and strengthen eyesight.
• It is a famous engagement stone as it strengthens the bond between two people. However it should be immediately returned if the relationship ends.
• All hues of the gemstone help in treating insomnia thus bringing in calmness and peace into life.
• It is a famous engagement stone as it strengthens the bond between two people. However it should be immediately returned if the relationship ends.
• The blue color of the sapphire is closely related with feelings of sympathy, harmony, friendship and loyalty.
• It is a good remedy to fight against stress in your personal as well as professional life.
• It is also helpful for lowering fever, fighting anaemia and easing out menstrual cramps.
• It also helps the wearer to express their feelings and rise above emotional blocks.
• It strengthens intuitive powers and is also considered a meditative stone.

The lapis lazuli, a pretty and versatile gemstone is considered to be an alternate birthstone for people born in September. Its name is derived from Latin term 'lapis' which means stone and Persian word 'lazhward' which means blue rock. It is a soft stone with a value of 5 on the Mohs scale. The color is strong blue with minute hint of violet. Best quality of this gemstone is mined in Afghanistan but it is also found in Siberia, Chile, the U.S., Pakistan, and Canada.It is popularly worn as a charm to safeguard against health problems. It also promotes calm, sound sleep. It is given to commemorate the 7th and 9th wedding anniversary.