Birthstones and the Myths and Meanings Behind Them
One thing that has always been fascinating about gemstones is all of the Folklore and Mythology behind them. It is interesting how the ancients believed that by wearing certain gemstones they may be protected against certain harm, or have their minds opened to the future or even have poison take no effect. Even though we may not look at gemstones the way the ancients did, and tend to wear gemstones more for their beauty than for their protection against magic, it is still interesting to know what they represented to some.
January: Garnet
Garnet, derived from the Greek “granatum” referring to the color of the pomegranate seed, is available in a stunning array of colors and found all over the world. Red garnets called “carbuncles” were known since Egyptian times. Garnet is also reputed to be one of the original gems on the high priest Aaron’s breastplate. Thus, garnet is considered a “Holy” gemstone and would bring the wearer closer to God.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst in its rich purple colors symbolizes royalty and aristocracy. The Greeks named amethyst from the word “amethystos” meaning “not intoxicated” dating back to an ancient tale involving Bacchus, the god of wine. As the story goes, drinking wine from an amethyst goblet would prevent one from becoming drunk.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the blue variety of the gem species beryl, and is the sister of emerald. The literal translation for aquamarine is “sea-water” and hence its long association with the symbolism of the sea. This gem also symbolizes youthfulness, the spirit of hope, good health, fidelity and lasting love.
April: Diamond
Engagement diamonds have been worn on the third finger of the left hand, for Egyptians believed the “vein of love” connected this finger directly to the heart. Until the 15th century only royalty, nobility, and priests were allowed to own and wear diamonds. Since diamonds are unique, precious, and invincible (almost) they represent lasting love and the symbol or pledge between two people. Diamond is from the Greek word “adamas” meaning unconquerable. Thus a symbol of power also.
May: Emerald
The earliest emeralds were found in Egypt almost 4,000 years ago, and were highly prized by Cleopatra. Emerald, symbolizing youth, vitality, nature and rebirth, is also believed by some to improve memory or help a person become an eloquent speaker.
June: Pearl (or alexandrite)
There are two Gemstones that represent June. Pearl and Alexandrite. We will focus on pearl due to the fact that it is much more attainable. Pearls are so valued, that on his third voyage to the Americas, Columbus kept his discovery of pearls in the New World a secret, and he fell out of favor with the King of Spain. Pearls are unique in that they are the only gem of the sea from living creatures requiring no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. Pearls are believed by the ancients to be a symbol of purity.
July: Ruby
Ruby is the rarest variety of the gem species corundum. All other corundum is called sapphire. Rare, romantic, passionate, and desired by both men and women, Ruby is perfect for any occasion. As a talisman, the ruby preserves the body and mental health of the wearer by removing evil thoughts, controlling amorous desires, and reconciling disputes.
August: Peridot
Peridot is reported to ward off evil spirits, eliminate enchantments, as well as prevent nightmares. This is due to its association with the sun and power of its life-giving rays, hence the term “gem of the sun.” Peridot was treasured by the Egyptians, and was called divine tears wept by Pele, goddess of the Volcano,” in Hawaiian legends. Peridot comes from the Arabic word “zeberget” for peridot, and also an island in the Red Sea, and early source for the gem.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire was worn by the kings of old as a defense from harm. It is also believed to protect one from captivity, preserve and increase courage, and improve all the senses. Sapphire comes from the Latin “Sapphirus” meaning dear to the planet Saturn.
October: Tourmaline (1 of 2)
Tourmaline has been used in science because it can develop an electrical vibration and builds up an electrical charge when heated. The Dutch call tourmaline “ashentrekers” for they used the gem crystals to draw ashes from their pipes. Tourmaline comes in the widest array of colors of any colored gemstone.
October: Opal (2 of 2)
Thought to be derived from the word “ophthalmos,” meaning the eye. Opal was once believed to cure diseases of the eye, including blindness, and have the power to turn the wearer invisible. Opal is known for it’s incredible “play-of-color” the flashes of reds, greens, blues, and many other colors.
November: Citrine (1 of 2)
Citrine is the lovely yellowish gem belonging to the quartz species. The warm hues are reminiscent of the sun, health and vitality, and bring out the richness in many different people’s amber-colored or darker skin tones. It’s name is derived from the French word “citron” meaning lemon.
November: Topaz (2 of 2)
Topaz is available in a rich rainbow of colors. This gemstone has been associated with religious teachings representing one of the foundation stones of Jerusalem. The name may have come from the ancient isle of “Topazinos” in the Red Sea, or from the Sanskrit word meaning “fire.” The most valuable form of topaz is called “Imperial” after the Russian Czars of the 1800’s.
December: Tanzanite (1 of 3)
Tanzanite has become a popular gemstone since its discovery in the late 1960’s. The rare gem was named for its source, Tanzania, in East Africa, the only place it is found. It is the bluish form of Zoisite. According to local legend, it was Masai cattle herders that first found this gemstone more than thirty years ago while they were roaming an area that had been burned by blazing fire caused by lightning. It is said that the herders noticed that the heat of the blaze had turned the stones from their normal brownish-red color to deep purple. Tanzanite is said to be a great stone for calming and soothing the nerves and eradicating chaos. It is also believed to help focus desires and make them come into fruition.
December: Blue Zircon (2 of 3)
Blue Zircon is the official gemstone for December. Zircon is a tremendously important mineral, indeed its prominence led to the emergence of the discipline of ‘zirconology‘ in gemology. It is the oldest mineral on Earth, with samples found in Australia that are over 4.4 billion years old. Scientists discovered that zircon actually contains trace elements of uranium and thorium, both of which are elements with known half-lives. In the middle ages, zircon was said to aid sleep, bring prosperity, and promote honor and wisdom in its owner.
December: Turquoise (3 of 3)
This stone was highly valued in ancient Egypt. Turquoise is one of the oldest protection amulets, and was also known as a symbol of wealth in many ancient cultures. The ancients believed it would give the wearer strength, protection from harm (specifically from falling), and connection to the spirit world. If given a turquoise by a loving friend, that stone would protect the wearer from negative energy and bring good fortune. The turquoise is the symbol of friendship. It also brings peace to the home.
