September’s Stone: From Peridot to Sapphire

For centuries, different cultures recognized peridot as September’s gemstone, particularly in Jewish, Spanish, Arab, Russian, and Italian traditions. Sardonyx was also associated with September in Roman and Polish traditions, though less commonly. The canonical English translation of the Bible also places peridot as one of the foundation stones corresponding to September.

However, in 1912, the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) formalized a list of birthstones, assigning sapphire to September without clear justification. Interestingly, later biblical translations of Aaron’s breastplate did list sapphire in connection with this month.

Peridot: The Stone of Sunlight and Vitality

Also known as chrysolite, peridot is a transparent gemstone with a vibrant emerald-green hue. Often called the “evening emerald,” its brilliance becomes particularly striking in dim light, enhancing its mystical glow. In sunlight, peridot sparkles with exceptional radiance, earning it the nickname “sun stone.”

Ancient cultures believed peridot absorbed solar energy, benefiting its wearer by:

✔️ Boosting physical health and vitality

✔️ Providing strength for new beginnings

✔️ Offering protection when used as home décor

Peridot is also regarded as a stone of friendship and new relationships. It has uplifting and energizing properties, helping to combat stress, apathy, and anxiety. Many believe peridot can ease panic attacks and phobias, while placing it under a pillow is said to aid meditation and mental clarity.

Sapphire: A Stone of Diverse Energies

Unlike peridot’s straightforward symbolism, sapphire is more complex due to its diverse color variations, each carrying unique energies:

White & Pink Sapphire – Associated with Venus, symbolizing material abundance, sensuality, and pleasure. These sapphires are thought to attract luxury, beauty, and romance.

Yellow Sapphire – Linked to Jupiter, representing prosperity, wisdom, and personal growth. It is traditionally connected to parenting, knowledge, and spiritual enlightenment.

Blue Sapphire – A gemstone of Saturn, embodying endurance, discipline, structure, and stability. It is often used to strengthen determination and resilience in life’s challenges.

As you can see, sapphires of different colors often carry opposing energies, making their symbolism much more intricate compared to the warm, life-affirming properties of peridot.

Ultimately, whether you choose peridot’s solar vitality or sapphire’s depth and complexity, September offers two fascinating birthstones, each with its own unique power.

 

Olga Bachurina,
Co-Founder of Venus in Libra,
Certified by GIA & Gübelin Academy