Crystal/Gemstone Meaning/Property Guide S

Sapphire

Sapphire is the non-red variety of corundum (an aluminum oxide mineral): ruby is the red variety. In essence, ruby is really a red sapphire, since ruby and sapphire are identical in all properties except color.

Corundum comes in many colors, and any color other than red is referred to as "sapphire;" if the sapphire is any color but blue, it is preceded with a color designation (like padparadscha sapphire and white sapphire). Sapphire is the most precious of blue gemstones, and is a most desirable gem due to its color, hardness, durability and luster. It is the September birthstone, and the most valuable color is cornflower blue. Many people think that the darker the stone, the more valuable, but in reality the best sapphires have a rich but very translucent color. Millions of years ago, sapphire was formed as pure aluminum oxide became crystallized into splendid gemstones under pressure and heat from the depths of the Earth. The word "sapphire" is an ancient name of uncertain origin; it possibly is derived from the Hebrew word sappir or the Sanskrit word sanipruja ("dear to Saturn").

Sapphires are regularly heated to improve their color, and this is an accepted practice in the industry. Not accepted, however, is the fraudulent practice of chemically altering and heating a lesser sapphire stone to produce a thin blue cover. Another type of stone often passed for real sapphire is a complete fake made from two stones - garnet and blue glass, for example - welded together.

In ancient times, it was believed that the sky was just a gigantic sapphire into which the earth was embedded. Pliny the Elder in Rome was the first to write about sapphires, but the stone called "sapphire" during that time was actually lapis lazuli. Like many stones, the mineral and gemstone "sapphire" were not properly named until the 18th century, when the technology to distinguish between stones became available. Sapphire rings have been popular since the Middle Ages. Clergy often favored blue sapphire rings because the color represented heaven, and others felt the sapphire helped ward off evil and sickness, including the plague. The British have a long-running love of sapphires, and the beautiful sapphire engagement ring Prince Charles presented to Lady Diana has become legendary. Because sapphire blue is a color related to anything permanent and reliable, women in many countries have settled on sapphire for their engagement rings for years.

Sapphire is considered a stone of creative expression, intuition and meditation. It also is said to increase mental clarity and alleviate depression. The gemstone is also said to promote light, pure emotions, such as serenity, joy and peace. Sapphire is associated with the brow chakra, and many believe it to lower fevers and inflammation, and improve hearing problems and burns.

The sapphire was called the "Stone of Destiny.” Sapphires contribute to mental clarity and perception. They can promote financial rewards.

Septarian

(aka Dragonstone, Septaria, Septarian Nodules)

These nodules ("rounded lumps") of minerals formed 50-70 million years ago on what was once a sea floor, and is now Utah, U.S.A. Minerals filled the cracks in the sediment, creating walls between the sections of gray limestone, which are revealed when the nodules are cut. There are two main theories as to the origin of this stone's name, both of which are based on its divided form. Some say it comes from the Latin word saeptum, meaning "walls" or "enclosure," while others claim it is taken from the Latin word septum, meaning "seven," based on the Romans' observance that each crack seems to break in seven different directions. If you believe septarian nodules are found only in Utah, as some claim, the second theory doesn't make much sense, but we have no definitive answer on this debate! Septarian is known for its bold geometric patterns of yellow calcite, brown aragonite and white or clear barite.

Metaphysically, it is associated with the root chakra and with providing nurturing and grounding energies.

Seraphinite

(aka Serafina, Seraphina, Serafinite, Serefina, Serefina Chlorite, Chlinochlore)

Seraphinite is a stone of spiritual enlightenment. It is said to be among the most important stones discovered for connecting and communicating with higher energies. It facilitates conscious awareness on many higher planes. It is excellent for accessing self-healing. Seraphinite promotes living from the heart.  It cleanses the aura, strengthens, activates, and balances all chakras. Seraphinite causes old patterns of disease or imbalance to fall away, thus creating space for new patterns of well being to form.

Seraphinite is healing for nerves and brain cells. It activates the spinal cord and its links to the etheric body (aura). Seraphinite releases muscle tension up into the neck. It overcomes chills. Seraphinite can help in promoting weight loss.

As its name seems to signify, Seraphinite is considered an angel stone. The gem is believed by many to have energy that draws angels and guardian spirits to the stone's wearer and allows them to communicate with those heavenly beings on a meaningful level.

Few gems have such strong metaphysical properties. Just like the angels that it represents, Seraphinite is a strong protection stone. But that isn't all. The gem offers so much more like love, connection, balance, awareness, and strength.

It is said that Seraphinite allows its wearer to see what is true; enjoy the beauty of life; and face challenges with an open heart and remarkable courage. It is also believed to allow its wearer to find his or her higher purpose, promotes change, and brings order to chaos.

Psychics believe that Seraphinite has psychic powers as well, allowing its wearer to tap into that skill. It is also considered a protection stone against psychic attack. Many believe that it is useful for those who use astral travel, which might also explain why magicians use the stone as an aid in transmutation. It is also supposedly helpful in aiding meditation.

The gem also has exceptional healing powers. It is believed to protect from diseases of the heart. It also helps to purify the blood and organs. Some doctors believe that it can eliminate toxins from the kidneys and liver. Others believe that it is helpful in keeping the brain alive and active, protecting brain cells, and healing diseases of the nervous system.

The stone gets its name from the Latin word "seraphin," which means first order of angels.

Seraphinite is often referred to as an angel stone because of its higher energies and relationship with angels. Seraphinite is said to help contact angels and communicate with them. Psychically, Seraphinite is beneficial for intuition and psychic awareness. This stone can be very protective of the heart chakra when used over this chakra, and is helpful for sending unconditional love. Seraphinite is a purifying stone that helps one find one's higher purpose and will. Seraphinite is also extremely helpful for all forms of transformation and transmutation, including the magickal kind. Physically, seraphinite is healing for nerves, brain cells, purification of the blood and organs and eliminating toxins, kidneys, liver.

Serpentine

(aka New Jade)

Serpentine is a translucent, waxy silicate of magnesium. Because it is usually some shade of green, it is often called jade (for example, green jade and new jade). However, serpentine is softer and less dense than most real jade. Its name comes from the word "serpent," or snake, and the suffix "-ine," or like. This could be because the mottled colors and patterns on some types resemble snakeskin, or because it historically was thought to protect the wearer from snakebites. Most of the rest of its history is that of jade, as the two were so often confused.

Serpentine is said to restore self-confidence, dispel fear, and enhance meditation. It also is believed to balance female hormones and increase milk production in nursing mothers.

It will help with emotional cleansing, psychic powers, and attract love and money. It is also used in the rise of the kundalini, facilitating the rise by opening a path that lessens discomfort. Serpentine is an excellent stone for meditation. Physically serpentine eliminates parasite infections.