Birthstones
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The ancients believed a stone’s powers were heightened during a
specific month. The theory was that you should wear that stone during
it’s month, and enjoy it’s temporary good karma.
January’s Birthstone is Garnet
Passion
Travelers loved this commonly red stone and believed it protected them
on their journeys. Noah used a garnet-carved lantern on the Ark.
Garnet represents passion - deep red garnet, the woman’s stone,
symbolizes life force, zest of living, sexuality and fertility.
February’s Birthstone is Amethyst
Sincerity
From the Greek, meaning “Not Drunken”, was worn as an amulet
against drunkenness.
Formerly was a favorite gemstone of high officials of the Christian Church.
March’s Birthstone is Aquamarine
or Bloodstone
Aquamarine
Married Bliss
Aquamarine is Latin for “Water of the Sea”. So named because
of it’s sea water color. Aquamarines are lucky for sailors, and
according to legend, it was found in the treasure chests of mermaids.
In addition, this stone assures it’s owner of a happy marriage.
April’s Birthstone is Diamond
Innocence, Strength
The name refers to it’s hardness (Greek – adamas, the unconquerable)
Once thought to have been created by lightning strikes, diamonds are valued
for their strength. The diamond lends it’s fortitude to it’s
wearer.
May’s Birthstone is Emerald
Love, Success
From Greek smaragdos. Means “green stone”
and, in ancient times referred not only to emeralds, but also probably
to most green stones. Often clouded by inclusions, these are not classified
as faults, but are evidence as to the genuineness of the stone as compared
with synthetic and other imitations. The expert refers to these inclusions
as jardin (French - garden).
June’s Bithstone is Pearl, Moonstone,
or Alexandrite
Pearl
Hope, purity of heart and mind, innocence and faith.
Pearls are created naturally by layers of nacre being deposited onto an
irritant inside an oyster. Pearls have historically been a symbol of wealth
and power.
Moonstone
Health and Longevity
A feldspar so named because the white shimmer looks like “moonshine”.
Inspires success, luck in love & life, enhances friendships. Relieves
stress.
Alexandrite
Named after Czar Alexander II, discovered in the Urals in 1830. It changes
colors from a dark green in natural daylight, to a light red in artificial
incandescent light.
July’s Birthstone is Ruby
Contentment
Named because of it’s red color (Latin - rubens).
Before 1800 red spinel and the red garnet were also designated as ruby.
Inclusions are common, are not indicative of lower quality, but show the
difference between a natural and a synthetic stone.
August’s Birthstone is Peridot or
Sardonyx
Married Happiness
Sardonyx is a layer of onyx stone with a brown base,
and an upper layer of white. Peridot, also called chrysolite (Greek -
gold stone) or Olivine (because of it’s olive-green color). Brought
to Central Europe by crusaders in the Middle Ages, and was often used
for ecclesiastical purposes.
September’s Birthstone is Sapphire
Clear Thinking
From the Greek - blue. In antiquity and as late
as the Middle Ages, the name Sapphire was understood to mean what is today
described as lapis lazuli. Around 1800 it was recognized that sapphire
and ruby are gem varieties of corundum.
October’s Birthstone
is Opal or Tourmaline
Hope
Opal - The name is derived from an Indian word for
“stone.” Opals have a rainbow-like iridescence which is caused
by tiny spheres of the mineral crstobalite layered in siliceous jelly
to cause the reflection that changes with the angle of observation. Opal
always contains water. Tourmaline - From as Sinhalese name, “Turamali,
which is thought to mean “stone with mixed colors”. Can be
reddish, colorless, pink, yellow-brown, green in all shades, blue, black.
November’s Birthstone is Topaz
Fidelity
Formerly, the name topaz was not applied consistently
or specifically; one called all yellow and golden-brown, and sometimes
also green, gemstones topaz. The name topaz is most probably derived from
a place of discovery on an island in the Red Sea, now Zebirget but formerly
Topzaos. Today topaz is used in jewelry in colors including many shades
of blue, yellow, pink brown, and white.
December’s Birthstone is Zircon or
Turquoise
Prosperity (Zircon)
Has been known since antiquity under various names. Today’s name
is most likely derived from the Persian language (“golden colored”).
It is said to enhance healing for insomnia & liver ailments.
Protection from Evil (Turquoise)
Many cultures have felt this bright blue stone had powers, and some have
even judged that it could only be worn by the gods. Mortals who wear it
enjoy protection from evil.
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