GEM & JEWELRY ARTICLE

The Color of September and The Symbolic Connection with Blue Gemstones

The phrase “September blues” often evokes feelings of melancholy and nostalgia. The skies change and the bright, intense summer sky gives way to softer, more muted shades of blue. Not surprisingly this reflects several gemstones all a spectrum of Blue

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Nicky Thomas

Gemstone & Jewelry
Style & Trends Editor

The phrase “September blues” often evokes feelings of melancholy and nostalgia. The skies change and the bright, intense summer sky gives way to softer, more muted shades of blue. Not surprisingly this reflects several gemstones all a spectrum of Blue. Hence why the month's birthstone is a blue gemstone: Sapphire.

September weather blue skies.jpg

However, there are many other blue gemstones that offer the same appeal if not, I might add, a more dazzling look and rarity.

Blue is one of the most universally beloved colors, with its calm and serene hue, it has long been associated with tranquility, depth, and wisdom. 
Let's take a look at some of the other blue gemstones that are out there.

Tanzanite: A Rare and Exotic Gemstone

Discovered only in 1967, this rare gem is found exclusively in Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro, and has quickly become one of the most sought-after gemstones due to its unique color and rarity.   

Tanzanite the worlds most exciting blue stone.jpg

Exceptional Tanzanites both rough, cut and in a setting, photographed in RGC offices


Tanzanite displays a remarkable trichroism, showing different colors: blue, violet, and burgundy depending on the angle from which it is viewed and lighting. The stone’s striking color and exclusivity have elevated it to the ranks of prestigious gemstones.

Some say its ability to display multiple colors represents the balance between different facets of life. In metaphysical practices, tanzanite is believed to aid in spiritual growth and insight.
Because of its rarity, tanzanite is often used in high-end jewelry, especially in rings, necklaces, and statement pieces. Its deep blue color pairs well with diamonds and other neutral gemstones, making it a favorite.


Aquamarine : The Gem of the Sea


Admired for its light, oceanic hues, its name came from the Latin aqua marina, meaning "water of the sea,” The gemstone was historically believed to be the treasure of mermaids, offering protection to sailors. 


Aquamarine the world favorite blue gemstone.jpg

Gorgeous Kenyan and Mozambican Aquamarines photographed in RGC offices

Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl and can be found in Madagascar. It generally appears in lighter shades of blue to bluish-green, reminiscent of the clear waters of a tropical sea. This color haunting yet mesmerizing and a site to behold.

Known to symbolize clarity, calmness, and emotional balance, it is often used in jewelry to soothe and bring peace to the wearer, it is also believed to bring courage and strengthen relationships. Its subtle, clear tones offer a fresh, youthful look, and it’s often paired with diamonds or set in white gold or platinum to highlight its clarity and brightness.

Blue Spinel : Captivating and Rare


Cobalt Spinels Rare and Beautiful
Cobalt Spinels from Lukande in Tanzania photographed in RGC offices before and after cutting

Blue Spinels range from light, steely blues to rich, deep cobalt shades. One of the most coveted varieties is the "cobalt blue spinel," which exhibits an intense, electric blue hue. Cobalt Spinels owe their vibrant blue color to trace amounts of cobalt in their crystal structure.

Lighter blue Spinels tend to have a more subtle, icy appearance but unlike sapphires, which are often heat-treated to enhance their color, blue Spinels are naturally vibrant with exceptional clarity and rarely require enhancement. This makes them highly valued for their "natural" appearance. 

Some of the key mining sources are Madagascar and Tanzania, especially the Lukande and Mahenge regions of Tanzania, which has also become an important source of Spinels.

In Southeast Asian cultures, Spinels were often seen as powerful talismans, thought to protect against harm and evil spirits. The deep blue of cobalt spinel, in particular, was believed to represent calmness and protection.


Blue Tourmaline

The most striking feature of blue tourmaline is its diverse range of blue shades. The colors can range from light sky blue to deep, rich blues that can rival even the finest sapphires. The variation in hue is due to the trace elements present during the crystal’s formation, which alter the intensity and shade of the blue. The gemological nomenclature for Blue Tourmaline is Indicolite.
  
Blue Blue Tourmalines
Blue Tourmalines cut and photographed in RGC offices


The colors of blue tourmaline can also shift slightly depending on lighting, enhancing its mystique and appeal.

Tourmaline crystals are known for their complex and variable chemistry and are in Mozambique with its stones known for their large sizes and vibrant colors and Madagascar which typically exhibits lighter blue hues, with some stones showing a more pastel or icy appearance. 

Several historical and cultural theories surround the significance of blue tourmaline as a symbol of Serenity and Calm, protection, healing, and Spiritual awareness.


Sapphire : September's Birthstone


Sapphire, is the gemstone traditionally associated with the month. Commonly blue, it ranges from pale, almost sky-like shades to deep, velvety hues. Historically, sapphires have been regarded as symbols of wisdom, protection, and divine favor. 

Sapphire’s rich blue color has also been linked to the heavens, symbolizing celestial guardianship. Its deep, calming shade is reminiscent of a clear, twilight sky.

Sapphire is perhaps the most famous of all blue gemstones, renowned for its royal connections and historical significance. The name "sapphire" is derived from the Latin word sapphirus, meaning "blue."

Sapphire deposits are found in several parts of the world, with some of the finest sapphires originating from Kashmir, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. 

It is a popular choice for engagement rings with one of the most famous sapphire engagement rings belonging to Princess Diana which is now worn by Kate Middleton.prospects.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nicky Thomas

Educated at the University of Exeter and a key part of our team here at The Rare Gemstone Company, Nicky has been fascinated by gemstones and jewelry since childhood. She explores all areas of the industry in her blog and revels in the proximity to gems and jewels that working at the source of some of the world’s most beautiful and rarest gemstones provides her.

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