Know Your Birthstone

by: Rajesh Total views: 50 Word Count: 841

Birthstones are gemstones that represent the birth month of individuals and there is a certain stone designated for each month of the year. They may be precious stones like diamonds or semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli. These stones are considered lucky for their particular months and for those believing in such things healing powers are heightened during their months.

History of Birthstones-
Birthstones are not new to the world; they have been around for thousands of years and they have a very fascinating history for all its jewelry lovers. The birthstones have significance from the times of the Bible when a high priest named Aaron was ordered by God to construct a breastplate with 12 gemstones embedded within it. In the book of Revelations, gems in the breastplate were described as the foundation stones of the temple of the “New Jerusalem”. It wasn’t until 1912 when a proper list was constructed by the jewelers of American organization to state which month featured what type of stone.

Birthstones for Various Months-

January- Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for January; it signifies eternal friendship and trust and is the perfect gift for a friend. The name Garnet is derived from the word ‘granatum’ means seed and is called so because the gemstone looks very close to pomegranate seed. The important sources of garnet are Africa, Sri Lanka and India.

February- Amethyst
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. The name comes from the Greek word ‘amethystos’ meaning not drunken. Amethyst is associated with many myths, legends, religions and numerous cultures. Historically the finest amethysts were found in Russia, which were very valuable. Now the primary source of this gemstone is Brazil and Zambia.

March- Aquamarine
The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word ‘aqua’ meaning water and ‘marine’ meaning the sea. This gemstone was believed to protect the sailors as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and composed. Aquamarine is found in Nigeria, Pakistan, Zambia, Madagascar and Mozambique.

April- Diamond
The April birthstone diamond is an ideal gift for your loved ones. Fancy colored diamonds are natural, rare and truly exotic gems of the earth. Diamonds with intense colors are rare and may be prized more than the colorless diamonds of equal size. Diamonds in hues of yellow, red, pink, blue and green range in intensity from faint to vivid and generally more saturated the color, the higher the value.

May- Emerald
The birthstone of May, Emerald is a symbol of rebirth and is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune and youth. The name Emerald is derived from the word ‘smaraglus’ meaning green in Greek. Emerald was mined in Greek in as early 330 B.C. Today most of the world’s emeralds are mined in Columbia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Zambia.

June- Pearl
Pearls have been used as adornments for centuries. They were one of the favorite gem materials of the Roman Empire, later in Tudor England; the 1500’s was known to be the age of pearls. Pearls are unique as they are the only gems from living sea creatures and require no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty.

July-Ruby
There’s no better way to demonstrate your love than by giving a ruby in celebration of a July’s birthday. Ruby is the variety of the gem species corundum. It is harder than any natural gemstone except diamond, making ruby a perfect daily wear stone.

August- Peridot
Peridot is a gemstone that is formed deep inside the Earth and brought to the surface by volcanoes, in Hawaii. Peridot symbolizes the tear of Pele, the Goddess of fire and volcanoes. The gemstone possesses magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence and happiness. The supply of peridot comes from Arizona other sources are China, Myanmar and Pakistan.

September- Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone of September has been a popular gemstone since ages. According to the folklore the stone protects the wearer from envy and harm. Medieval clergy wore sapphire to symbolize heaven, while the commoners thought that the stone attracted heavenly blessings. The most prized colors are medium to dark blue or slightly violetish
Blue.

October- Opal
The name opal is derived from the Greek word ‘opallos’ meaning to see a change (of color). Opal is the formation of non- crystalline gel that seeped into crevices in the sedimentary strata. Through time and nature’s heating and molding processes, the gel hardened into the form of opal.

November- Citrine
Citrine the birthstone for November is known as the ‘healing quartz’. The golden gemstone is said to support vitality and health wise encouraging and guiding, hope and energy and warmth within the wearer. Citrine is found most frequently in Brazil, Bolivia and Spain.

December- Tanzanite
Tanzanite was discovered in Tanzania in late 1960’s. This gemstone exhibits a violet-blue color for which the gemstone is treasured; and is often heat-treated to achieve this color. Tanzanite is popular and is valued more for its own beauty and brilliance, the color ranges from blue to purple and slightly violet blue in color command premium prizes.

About the Author

Mansi Jain is a writer for gemstones and jewelry working Birthday Gift, Gemstone Bracelet, Gemstone Ring, an on-line jewelry firm that has a fine collection of diamond and gemstone jewelry.

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