Sapphire is the birthstone for September. Most people immediately think of a blue gem when they hear the name “sapphire”. That is because gem-quality specimens of the mineral corundum with a blue color are called “sapphire” by definition. However, corundum occurs in many colors. When it is pink, orange, green, purple, yellow, or any of these other colors, the name “fancy sapphire” is used.

Some of the world’s finest sapphires have been mined in a Montana locality known as Yogo Gulch. If you know someone with a September birthday who lives in Montana, a Yogo sapphire might be the perfect birthstone gift.