A maiden born
when Autumn leaves
Are rustling
in September's breeze,

A sapphire
on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy
and peace of mind. 

Gregorian birthstone rhyme

Sapphire is one of the two gem varieties of corundum. Although blue is the best known of sapphires, and indeed the word "Sapphirus" means "blue stone", it can also occur in white, black, purple, yellow, pink and green. Red corundum is ruby. Significant sapphire deposits are found in Eastern Australia, Southeast Asia, and Sri Lanka.

A star sapphire is a type of sapphire that exhibits a star-like phenomenon known as asterism. Star sapphires contain intersecting needle-like inclusions that cause the appearance of a six-rayed star when viewed with a single overhead light source. The value of a star sapphire depends not only on the carat weight of the stone but also the body color and the visibility and intensity of the asterism. In Germany, the star Sapphire was a stone of victory and in some places the three crossed lines represent faith, hope and destiny.

In Greece, Sapphire has been sacred to Apollo since ancient times.  It was often worn as an aid when consulting oracles, such as the well-known Delphi oracle. Sapphire is also said to be one of the stones used in the breastplate of the high priest. It is associated with the throat chakra.

Some old manuscripts speak of Sapphire as being a stone coveted by witches for its ability to amplify magical ability, though it was also worn to scare away devils and evil spirits.  Today, people still use sapphire for protection, both in day-to-day activities, and in magical practice.

Other stones accociated with September are Agate, Moonstone, Lapis Lazuli, Diamond and Chrysolite.  Note: While sapphire is the stone most commonly associated with September in the west, all months have more than one birthstone, due to varying traditions around the world.  Also, as the zodiac signs begin and end mid-month, a person's zodiac birthstone will not necessarily match the birthstone from the month in which they are born. In September, Virgo is the sign until the 22nd and has Sapphire as its birthstone. Libra, with the birthstone of opal, rules the remainder of the month giving September Libras both Sapphire and Opal as legitimate birthstones.