Birthstones - Crystal History & Properties

There are countless myths and legends around the many different powers and attributes that birthstones have. Whether or not you believe these legends, it’s hard to disagree that learning about birthstones can be an educational and entertaining experience. Discover what makes your birthstone a powerful statement of your finest qualities by clicking on the month you were born in below. January - Garnet Garnet January borns – your birthstone is Garnet. The name “garnet” originates from the medieval Latin Granatus, meaning “pomegranate,” in reference to the similarity of the red color. This beautiful stone, which is most commonly red but can be found in a range of other colors, symbolizes peace, prosperity and good health. Some say it even has the power to give the wearer eternal happiness, health and wealth. The Victorians made garnets very popular. Some of the loveliest garnet jewelry from that era mimics its pomegranate namesake, with clusters of tiny red gems forming a larger statement piece. February - Amethyst Amethyst Amethyst makes a perfect birthstone for February borns! The name comes from the Ancient Greek, derived from the word “Amethystos,” which means “remedy for intoxicated.” Ancient wearers believed the gemstone could protect them from drunkenness! Beautiful purple quartz, the amethyst is an easily recognizable gem - a blend of violet and red. Amethyst is often associated with qualities of peace, courage and stability. A stone known to insure sobriety, bring tranquility and peace of mind! It is also used to celebrate the 6th and 17th year of marriage! March - Aquamarine & Bloodstone For the lucky individuals born in March, two birthstones are associated with this early spring month: Aquamarine and Bloodstone. Aquamarine Aquamarine Serenely colored aquamarine invokes the tranquility of its namesake, the sea. The name Aquamarine is derived from the Latin word “aqua”, meaning water, and “marina”, meaning the sea. This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. The serene blue or blue-green color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded. It is also considered by some to be a great aligner of the spiritual and the physical, for those who feel out of harmony or alignment with oneself. It’s also used to celebrate 19th wedding anniversaries. Bloodstone Bloodstone Bloodstone, also known as Heliotrope, is a variety of Chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz) that is traditionally semi-translucent to opaque dark green jasper with red inclusions of iron oxides, especially Hematite. The name is derived from a word from the ancient Greek that means “to turn the sun.” Bloodstone is sometimes also known as another name, Blood Jasper. This ancient stone was used by the Babylonians to make seals and amulets and was believed to have healing powers — especially for blood disorders. Today, many still cherish Bloodstone as a lucky charm or amulet and is prized by athletes or those who wish to increase their personal strength. Some believe it helps with mental clarity or increasing creativity or even boosting overall energy. April - Diamond Diamond April borns you have the most prized gemstone of all as your birthstone. It is the hardest gemstone and is made of just one element: carbon. Diamonds come in several colors, including yellow, red, pink, blue, and green, and range in intensity from faint to vivid. Many ancient civilizations believed that diamonds were lighting made real on earth. Perhaps this is the reason that diamonds have often been associated with great healing powers. Many thought the diamond could cure brain disease, alleviate pituitary gland disorders and draw toxins from the blood. It is associated with activating the seventh chakra -Sahasrara, uniting the mind with the body. Ancient Hindus believed that the vibrations of a diamond strengthened every organ of the body, the heart, and in particular, the brain. May - Emerald Emerald Emerald is the perfect gem to symbolize and celebrate May – middle of spring. Emerald, derived from the word “Smaragdus,” means, quite literally, “green” in Greek. Emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Emerald was believed to have many mystical powers that accompanied its beauty, some thought the emerald could cure stomach problems, control epilepsy and stop bleeding. Maybe due to its soothing green color, it was also thought to be able to ward off panic and keep the wearer relaxed and serene. Today, Emerald is a symbol of loyalty, new beginnings, peace and security, making it not only a beautiful gem to wear, but also a meaningful gift to be treasured by the receiver. June - Pearl, Alexandrite & Moonstone June has three birthstones associated with it, giving the lucky people born in June a choice of gemstones between Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone. Pearl Pearl Pearls are the only gemstones made by living creatures. The name “pearl” comes from the Old French word, "perle", from the Latin perna meaning “leg,” referencing the leg-of-mutton shape of an open mollusk shell. Pearl signifies purity, humility and innocence. It enhances personal integrity and helps to provide a focus to ones attention. Pearl symbolises purity and is known as a “stone of sincerity”. It brings truth to situations and loyalty to a “cause”. Inhibits boisterous behavior. Pearl treats digestive disorders and the soft organs of the body. It relieves conditions of bloating and biliousness. Pearl increases fertility and eases childbirth. Alexandrite Alexandrite A relatively modern gemstone, Alexandrite - Often described as “emerald by day, ruby by night,” Alexandrite is a rare variety that changes color from bluish green in daylight to purplish red under incandescent light. Associated with concentration and learning, Alexandrite is believed to strengthen intuition, aid creativity and inspire imagination—bringing good omens to anyone who wears it. Due to its scarcity, Alexandrite is more valuable than most gemstones, even rubies and diamonds. Moonstone Moonstone June’s third birthstone, Moonstone, was named by the Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that moonstone’s shimmery appearance shifted with the phases of the moon. Moonstone has been used as a beautiful adornment and a powerful talisman since ancient civilizations. It acts as a prism, diffusing energy throughout the aura. It provides psychic protection, clearing the mind and senses, and aids in lucid dreaming and calm sleep. It deflects negativity and eases emotional trauma. Aligned with the Goddess, Rainbow Moonstones connect with the energies and spirits of Nature, from plant devas to galactic consciousness. July - Ruby Ruby Ruby, the king of precious gems, is the birthstone for fortunate folks born in July. Symbolic of the passion and energy associated with the color red, the vibrant ruby is said to bring love and success. The name “Ruby” comes from “rubeus”, the Latin word for red. In ancient Sanskrit, ruby translated to ratnaraj, which meant “king of precious stones.” Symbolic of passion, protection and prosperity, the ruby has been revered since ancient times. Due to its deep red color, Ruby has long been associated with the life force and vitality of blood. It is believed to amplify energy, heighten awareness, promote courage and bring success in wealth, love and battle. August - Peridot, Sardonyx & Spinel August just like June and December is one of the three birth months represented by three gems – Sardonyx, Peridot and Spinel. Peridot Peridot Peridot is widely recognized by its brilliant lime green glow. The word “Peridot” is derived from the Arabic “faridat” which means “gem,” but some believe it’s rooted in the Greek word, “peridona”, meaning “giving plenty.” Perhaps that’s why Peridot is associated with prosperity and good fortune. Also known as “the Evening Emerald” because its sparkling green hue looks brilliant any time of day, Peridot is said to possess healing properties that protect against nightmares and evil, ensuring peace and happiness. Babies born in August are lucky to be guarded by peridot’s good fortune. Sardonyx Sardonyx Sardonyx combines alternating layers of Sard and Onyx—to create a reddish zebra-striped stone with white bands. Used as a stone of strength and protection since ancient times, Sardonyx is associated with courage, happiness, and clear communication. Some believe that placing sardonyx at each corner of a house will grant protection against evil. During Renaissance times, Sardonyx was associated with eloquence. Public speakers and orators wore it to aid clear thinking and communication. Spinel Spinel Spinel comes from the Latin word “spina” meaning spines which refers to it growing habit of sharp needle like formations. It is found in a range of colours from red to blue, green, colorless, black and brown and has traditionally been used as a stone of revitalization. Spinel is a great stone for workaholics, it helps to release stress and worry whilst replenishing depleted energy. It can inspire new ways of thinking and give one the strength to accept life’s challenges by increasing one’s endurance and persistence. It is also said to help the body eliminate poisons and properly process wastes, both physical and energetic. September - Sapphire Sapphire September’s birthstone is the Sapphire. When people say “sapphire,” they’re usually referring to the royal blue variety of this gem, although it can occur in all colors of the rainbow (except red, which is classified as ruby instead). Sapphires in any color but blue are called “fancies.”. The name “sapphire” comes from the Latin “sapphires” and Greek “sappheiros” meaning “blue stone”. September’s birthstone, the sapphire, has been popular since the Middle Ages. Back then, the celestial blue color of this gem symbolized heaven and attracted divine favor and wise judgment. Sapphires symbolize loyalty, nobility, sincerity and integrity. They are associated with focusing the mind, maintaining self-discipline and channeling higher powers. October - Tourmaline & Opal Individuals born in October get to choose between two birthstones—Tourmaline and Opal. Opal Opal The name “opal” originates from the Greek word “Opallios”, which meant “to see a change in color.” Dozens of opal varieties exist, but only a few (like Fire Opal and Boulder Opal) are universally recognized. Opals are often referred to by their background “body color”—black or white. Just as Opal absorbs and reflects light, it picks up thoughts and feelings, desires and buried emotions, amplifying them and returning them to the source. Opal also illuminates the positive actions and emotions of the self, enhancing the good and true, and fostering one’s highest potential. It is a karmic stone with a reminder that what one sends out will return. Tourmaline Tourmaline The name "tourmaline" comes from the Sinhalese words “tura mali”, which mean "stone of mixed colors." As its name implies, tourmaline stands apart from other gemstones with its broad spectrum of colors in every shade of the rainbow. Tourmaline aids in understanding oneself and others. It promotes self-confidence and diminishes fear. Tourmaline attracts inspiration, compassion, tolerance and prosperity. It balances the right-left sides of the brain. Helps treat paranoia, overcomes dyslexia and improves hand-eye coordination. Tourmaline releases tension, making it helpful for spinal adjustments. It balances male-female energy within the body. Enhances energy and removes blockages. November - Topaz & Citrine Individuals born in November can choose between two sunny gemstones to brighten up this chilly month - Topaz and Citrine. Topaz Topaz Through much of history, all yellow gems were considered topaz and all topaz was thought to be yellow. Topaz is actually available in many colors. The name Topaz derives from “Topazios”, the ancient Greek name for St. John’s Island in the Red Sea. The most prized color is Imperial topaz, which features a vibrant orange hue with pink undertones. Blue topaz, although, is increasingly abundant in the market. Topaz is a soothing stone that has been said to calm tempers, cure madness and eliminate nightmares. During the Renaissance, people believed that topaz could break spells and quell anger. Hindus deemed topaz sacred, believing that a pendant could bring wisdom and longevity to one’s life. African shamans also treated the stone as sacred, using it in their healing rituals. Citrine Citrine November’s second birthstone, Citrine, is the variety of quartz that ranges from pale yellow to brownish orange in color. It takes its name from the “citron” fruit because of these lemon-inspired shades. Citrine is sometimes known as the “healing quartz” for its ability to comfort, soothe and calm. It can release negative feelings, spark imagination and manifest fresh beginnings. It’s even called the “merchant’s stone” for its tendency to attract wealth and prosperity. December - Tanzanite Tanzanite Tanzanite is the exquisite blue-purple stone that is only found in one part of the world. Named after its limited geographic origin in Tanzania. Tiffany & Co. recognized this blue gem’s potential to rival more expensive sapphire and agreed to become its main distributor. Tanzanite is an excellent crystal for novices to the exploration of psychic powers, as it is very As a workplace stone, Tanzanite is calming and soothing. Even a tiny piece is beneficial for overcoming communication difficulties. It is also practical in providing a solution to problems when there seems to be none. It is a good stone for career change.