September birthstone

September birthstone: Sapphire

The September birthstone is Sapphire. A variety of the mineral corundum (the same mineral as ruby), known for its hardness and its wide range of colors.

Sapphire

A variety of the mineral corundum (the same mineral as ruby), known for its hardness and its wide range of colors.

Colors: Blue (the classic color); White; Pink; Orange
Mohs hardness: 9
Everyday wear: Great for everyday rings

Sapphire was believed to protect against harm and envy, and was worn by royalty and clergy.

Sapphire meaning, colors and care →

September birthstone gift ideas

The right piece depends on how tough the stone is. These suggestions follow GIA's hardness and toughness notes for each stone.

Stone	Best as	Why
Sapphire	Any piece, including an everyday ring	Hard and tough enough for a ring worn every day, as well as pendants, earrings and bracelets.

For a mom: a pendant or bracelet with each child's birthstone. Mix tougher stones with delicate ones only in pendants.
For a partner: stud earrings or a simple pendant in her own stone are easy to wear with anything.
Before you buy: ask whether the stone has been treated, and get it in writing. Treatments change how a stone should be cleaned.

See every month in our birthstone gift guide by month.

Traditional September birthstones

Before the US list was standardized in 1912, the traditional stones for September were: Chrysolite. How the list changed.

Caring for Sapphire

Sapphire: warm soapy water: safe; ultrasonic: usually safe for untreated, heated and lattice diffusion treated stones; not for filled or dyed stones; steam: usually safe for untreated, heated and lattice diffusion treated stones; not for filled or dyed stones. Details

Frequently asked questions

What is the September birthstone?

Sapphire. A variety of the mineral corundum (the same mineral as ruby), known for its hardness and its wide range of colors.

What color is the September birthstone?

Sapphire: blue (the classic color).

Is the September birthstone durable?

Sapphire is 9 on the Mohs scale (great for everyday rings).

Sources: American Gem Society: Birthstones, GIA: The Beauty of Birthstones, and the GIA care guide and AGS overview for each stone (linked on its page). Checked October 16, 2026.