The traditional birthstone for September, sapphire is a member of the corundum family. The most popular hue of this versatile gem is a brilliant blue, which was once believed to have given color to the sky. Titanium and iron give sapphire its stunning appearance, but the gem’s true power is rumored to lie in its ability to evoke feelings of sympathy and trust.
Sapphire was also worn as protection from temptations of the flesh by priests and other religious leaders, as it is emblematic of purity and faithfulness. In a now less-relevant legend, sapphire also protects from poisonous snakes, as a small sample was rumored to kill the creatures almost instantly.