September's Birthstone: Blue Sapphire

September’s official birthstone, the blue sapphire, is one of the most beautiful and regal of all gemstones. Test your knowledge of sapphires with Empire Jewelers’ true/false quiz! Scroll down for the answers—but no cheating!

1. Blue sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, the same mineral that rubies come from.
2. The blue sapphire is derived from the Greek word sapphirus, which means indigo.
3. On the Mohs hardness scale, sapphires are second only to diamonds in hardness.
4. Although sapphires come in many colors, the most valuable and sought after are deep yellow sapphires.
5. In addition to the birthstone for September, sapphires are also the gemstone for 40th wedding anniversaries.
6. The ancient Greeks believed sapphires were a symbol of wisdom and purity.
7. The ancient Persians believed the Earth was supported by a giant sapphire and its reflection made the sky blue.
8. According to Jewish midrash, Moses was given tablets of sapphire that were carved from his throne, making them the most precious gemstone.
9. The late Diana, Princess of Wales, famously chose a blue sapphire and diamond ring for her engagement to Prince Charles. Kate Middleton’s husband and Diana’s son, Prince William, now wears the ring.
10. During both royal weddings, reproductions of Princess Diana’s ring became so popular with the public that it became known as “the aristocrat’s ring.”

True/False Answers:

1. True.
2. False. The blue sapphire is derived from the Greek word sapphirus, meaning blue.
3. True.
4. False. Deep blue sapphires are generally the most sought after and in-demand sapphires.
5. False. Sapphires are traditionally given to celebrate a 45th wedding anniversary.
6. True
7. True
8. False. According to Jewish midrash, Moses was given tablets of sapphire that were carved from God’s throne, making them the most precious gemstone.
9. False. Prince William gave his mother Diana’s ring to Kate Middleton when he proposed to her, and she now wears it.
10. False. Reproductions of Princess Diana’s ring became so popular with the public that it became known as “the commoner’s ring.”