# September birthstone: Sapphire

> The September birthstone is sapphire. Its meaning and history, alternatives at gift-friendly prices, September star signs and pieces you can buy in the UK.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/september
Updated: 2026-10-30

The birthstone for September is sapphire. The full list is sapphire, with lapis lazuli as an alternative. Sapphire is blue corundum. Lapis lazuli is the traditional deep-blue alternative, and sodalite looks similar at a gentler price.

## September birthstones at a glance

- [Lapis lazuli](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/lapis): traditionally linked with wisdom and truth; prized in ancient Egypt
- [Sodalite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/sodalite): traditionally linked with logic, calm and truthful speech
- [Kyanite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/kyanite)

## Where birthstone lists come from

The idea of a stone for each month goes back to the twelve stones on the breastplate of the Jewish high priest, described in the Book of Exodus. The modern list was set by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912, and Britain's National Association of Goldsmiths published its own list in 1937. That is why some months have more than one stone.

## September star signs

September birthdays fall under [Virgo](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/virgo/crystals) (23 August – 22 September) and [Libra](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/libra/crystals) (23 September – 22 October), so a sign stone is another gift option.

## Gift ideas at every price

- Under £10: a tumbled kyanite or lapis lazuli in a pouch with a card.
- £10–£30: a pendant, bracelet or point in the birthstone colour.
- £30 and over: a sphere, a larger point or a set with a candle and incense. Orders over £40 travel free.

## Care

Hard stones (7 and above on the Mohs scale) can be washed in warm soapy water. Softer and porous stones need a dry cloth only. Each stone page gives specific care.

## Questions

**What is the September birthstone?**

Sapphire, with lapis lazuli as an alternative.

**What colour is the September birthstone?**

Sapphire is blue corundum.

**Is there a cheaper alternative to sapphire?**

Yes: sodalite and kyanite give a similar look or tradition at a lower price.

**Can I wear a September birthstone if I wasn't born in September?**

Yes, anyone can wear a September birthstone. Birthstone lists are a modern jewellers' tradition (set in 1912 in the US and 1937 in the UK), not a rule, and many people choose stones for their colour or meaning. Lapis lazuli, Sodalite and Kyanite are the usual choices.

**What is the zodiac stone for a September birthday?**

A September birthday falls under two star signs, and each has its own traditional stones. Check your exact date, then see the [crystals for September](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals-by-month/september) page, which lists both signs' stones. Many people give the birthstone and a sign stone together.

## Related

- [August birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/august)
- [October birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/october)
- [All birthstones](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones)
- [Crystal gift finder](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/gift-finder)

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Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.