Birthstone gemstones
Birthstones exist in all cultures. Ancient Indians, Russians, Arabs, Persians, Europeans, Egyptians, all had designated certain gemstones as stones to be used and worn for the month during which the power of the stones were stronger. The amazing thing is that most of the varied ancient cultures gave the same or similar stones as stones of the month. Birthstones are also sometimes based on the zodiac as according to some legends, planets could transmit powers to people wearing the birthstones. This article discusses the different gemstones used for the various months.
January
The birthstone for January is Garnet which is a deep red colored stone resembling pomegranate seeds. Mined in India, Africa, Australia, Russia, USA and South America, the garnet can also be found in a variety of other colors. A combination of iron, calcium and manganese, this is the gem to be taken for protection while travelling. They were used to drive away insects and evil spirits in the 13th century. The Egyptians put garnets in the tomb of the dead so that they might pay their way through the nether world. The Greek goddess of sunshine, Persephone is supposed to have offered these gems in order to bribe Hades, the god of underworld who had kidnapped her to release her. Garnets are also put to commercial use today.
February
The Amethyst, which is the birthstone for February and is mined in Brazil, Australia, Canada, India, Namibia, Madagascar, Russia, Srilanka and USA, is purple in color. This purple quartz crystal is said to be a royal gemstone and was favored by royalty in ancient times. Amethyst has an important place in Greek mythology who believed that this gem had the power of protection against intoxication. The ancient Greeks believed the gem to be associated with Bacchus, the god of wine. Bacchus cursed that any mortal crossing his path would be eaten by tigers. When Amethyst, a young woman went to worship goddess Diana, she turned her into a colorless quartz. Bacchus regretted his curse and poured wine over Amethyst and this is how Amethyst got that beautiful purple color. The Amethyst symbolises protection.
March
The March gemstone is pale blue in color and was believed by the Romans to be sacred to the god of the sea, Neptune. This stone called aquamarine belongs to the beryl family. Found in China, India, Australia, Africa, Brazil and USA, the aquamarine was believed to have miraculous curing properties and symbolises security. Today, aquamarine is used commercially in the manufacture of spectacles. An alternative birthstone for March is the bloodstone which is a dark green quartz with red dots and symbolises courage.
April
Known as a woman's best friend, the diamond is the birthstone for April. The ancient Indians called the diamond " Vajra " which means lightning due to its sparkling brightness as well as its hardness. The word diamond comes from the Greek word " Adamas ? which means unconquerable and indestructible. Found in India, Austrailia, USSR and Africa, diamonds are crystallised carbon symbolising deep love.
May
Gorgeously green, the emerald is the birthstone for May. Member of the beryl family, the emerald is symbolic of wisdom and patience. This stone has fascinated people since ancient times. The Emerald represented youth to the Egyptians and Cleopatra took possession all the emerald mines. There is an ancient legend that all those who look at the emerald worn by Isis, the Egyptian goddess, safely travelled through the land of the dead. For the Romans, the Emerald was associated with fertility and birth.
June
Though not exactly a jewelstone, the pearl jewels the month of June. The pearl is formed when an organism gets into an oyster, musscle or clam which then produces layers of a substance called nacre. The Chinese believed that they came from the brains of dragons and the Arabs believed that they were formed when the oysters swallowed moonlit dewdrops. The Greek belief was that pearls were tears of joy shed by the goddess of love. Pearls are mainly found in the Persian Gulf, Japan, Australia, Panama and Venezuela and are used in cosmetics and as medicine and aphrodosiac. Another June birthstone is the moonstone which symbolises health. A third alternative is Alexandrite, named after Alexander II of Russia on whose birthday it was first found. Yellow in color, the Alexandrite changes to deep red when exposed to light.
July
The red colored ruby, also called " Rajnapura " meaning King of gems by the Hindus, was considered to be blessed with magical powers and was used to ward off evil. Member of the corundum family, rubies are symbolic of love and passion. In old days, the ruby was used to cure indigestion and as bullets. An interesting legend states that the color of the ruby turns deeper red when danger threatens its owner. Rubies were offered to the god Krishna in India and represented heat and power. Dreaming of rubies represent success, money or love according to certain beliefs.
August
Found in Myanmar, Brazil, Australia, Congo, Hawaii and Norway, the yellowish green Peridot is the birthstone for August. Member of the olivine family, the peridot is a mystical gem. Ancient Egyptians used to drink from peridot cups believing that it would please Isis, the goddess of nature. An alternative birthstone for August is Sardonyx. A red and white lined quartz, it is a beautiful gem perfect for jewellery.
September
The Sapphire is brilliantly blue and is believed to be powerful. Once people believed that the world rests upon a sapphire and that is why the sky is blue with its reflection. Symbolic of wisdom and purity, the sapphire was used by the Greeks in the oracle of Delphi. Member of the corundum family, this beautiful gem can be found in India, Srilanka, Myanmar, Australia, Thailand, China, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, USA and Madagasar. The biggest sapphire is the 563 carat Star of India.
October
Opals, the October birthstone, have the ability to refract and reflect various wavelenghts of light and hence gives out various colors. Non- crystallised silica, this stone contains 30% water and can be found in Australia, Brazil, Mexico and Czechoslavakia. Considered a symbol of hope and purity by the Romans, and by the Arabs to have fallen on earth from heaven, this gemstone is an all time favorite. An alternative birthstone exists in the form of Pink Tourmaline. Capable of pyroelectricity, this stone has the power to attract objects to itself when heated.
November
Found in Bolivia, Madagasar and Brazil, the Citrine is a symbol of hope and strength. The Citrine is a quartz and often deepens in color when heated. Yellow Topaz can also be used as a birthstone for November. This golden yellow gem was believed by the Egyptians to be thrown down by the sun god Ra.
December
The blue colored Topaz was believed to have medicinal properties as well as cooling power. A symbol of love and purity, the topaz is found in Nigeria, Pakistan, China, USA, Mexico, Srilanka and Brazil. Another birthstone for December is the Turquoise.
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