Birthstones
September Birthstone: Sapphire (Neelam) ستمبر
In short: Sapphire is the birthstone for September. The classic choice is blue sapphire, known as Neelam, though yellow (Pukhraj), purple, pink and white sapphire are also accepted. At 9 on the Mohs scale it is tough enough for a ring worn every day for decades, and a velvety medium to medium-deep blue is the most valued.
Sapphire is the birthstone for September. The classic choice is blue sapphire, known as Neelam, but sapphire also comes in yellow (Pukhraj), purple, pink and white. At 9 on the Mohs scale it is tough enough for a ring worn every day for decades, which is why it is a favourite for men's rings in Pakistan.
- Month
- September
- Birthstone
- Sapphire
- Urdu name
- Neelam (blue), Pukhraj (yellow)
- Colours
- Blue, yellow, purple, pink, white
- Mohs hardness
- 9
- Usual treatment
- Heating (disclosed)
From the vault
Shop sapphire
GemStore team — written by the people who list and pack every stone.
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Traditional belief vs gemmology: anything on this page about luck, protection, planets, healing or religious tradition describes traditional and cultural beliefs — not proven effects, religious rulings or medical advice. A stone's identity, hardness, treatment and origin are gemmology, which a lab can test; the references at the end of the page cover that side.
Meaning and history
Blue sapphire has long been linked with royalty and with wisdom, and an old Persian story held that the sky took its blue from a giant sapphire. In Vedic astrology Neelam is the stone of Saturn (Shani) and is traditionally worn only after careful advice; our zodiac gemstones guide explains that side. As a birthstone, any sapphire colour is accepted.
Colours and how to choose
- Hue and depth. A velvety medium to medium-deep blue is the most valued. Inky stones look black indoors; pale or greyish stones cost less.
- Even colour. Look down through the top of the stone for bands of blue and clear.
- Clarity. Fine silk is normal in natural sapphire. Visible cracks lower value.
- Treatment and origin. Most sapphires are heated, which is stable and disclosed. Unheated stones are rarer. Sri Lanka is a classic source, and any origin claim needs a lab report.
Browse blue sapphire, yellow sapphire (Pukhraj) and purple sapphire.
Real or fake: what to check
- Synthetic sapphire can look flawless. Curved growth lines under magnification give it away; natural stones show straight colour bands.
- Surface-diffused stones carry colour only in a thin outer layer, often concentrated at facet edges.
- Blue glass shows round bubbles. Blue topaz, tanzanite and iolite are sometimes sold as Neelam.
- For any significant purchase, ask for a certificate. We provide one on request and can arrange independent lab testing.
Read our first-timer's guide to Neelam and where blue sapphire comes from.
Care
Sapphire is very hard and easy to clean in lukewarm soapy water with a soft brush. It can scratch other stones, so store it on its own. Our September birthstone guide covers colour and care in more depth.
A September gift
A Neelam ring is a long-standing gift for a father, husband or brother, and a blue sapphire engagement ring suits a bride who wants colour. For Eid or a September birthday, a sapphire in any colour is a stone that will last a lifetime of wear.
Buying sapphire from us
We sell natural sapphires only, never synthetic, and state any known treatment on the listing. A certificate is available on request. You can pay Cash on Delivery, inspect the stone before paying the rider, and return it within 7 days. See our delivery details for timings.
References
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