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Traditional Birthstone List
Certain gems have traditionally been associated with different months of the year, and are thought lucky or important for people born under their "influence". This probably stems from ancient belief that gems came from the heavens. The most popular selection today is shown below.
Many cultures associate gems with the signs of zodiac, and others with the months of the year, but the selection varies from country to country, perhaps influenced by availability of gems, local traditions, or fashions. The custom of wearing birthstone jewellery started in 18th – century Poland, and has since spread throughout the world.
In time, the practice of wearing a variety of gemstones as protection against illness and misfortune changed. Certain stones were designated "lucky" for certain people. The custom of assigning a particular stone to a time, person, or group has a long history.
In ancient Judea, the High Priest wore a breastplate set with stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Later, this same idea was used to symbolize the 12 Apostles of Christ. Gemstones have been assigned to the days of the week, the hours of the day, and the planets (signs of the zodiac). The tradition associating each month with a different gemstone (natal gems or birthstones) became widespread in Poland during the 18th century.
In Burma, for instance, where all gemstones belonged to the monarch, the belief that anyone who took stone from a mine would be cursed may be deliberately cultivated to curb losses of a valuable national asset.
Emblems of the Twelve Apostles:
Andrew – Blue Sapphire
Matthias – Chrysolite
Bartholomew – Red Carnelian
Peter – Jasper
James – White Chalcedony
Philip – Sardonyx
James-the-less – Topaz
Simeon – Pink hyacinth
John – Emerald
Thaddeus – Chrysoprase
Matthew – Amethyst
Thomas – Beryl (Emerald , Aquamarine)
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Mythical Powers of Various Gemstones:
For mental clarity: Amber, Fluorite, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Silver Topaz, Smoky Quartz.
For productivity: Agate, Garnet, Opal, Rhodolite.
Building self esteem: Aventurine, Carnelian, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Spinel.
For feelings of happiness: Agate, Amethyst, Calcite, Diamond, Jade, Tsavorite.
For calmness and balance: Amethyst , Ametrine, Aquamarine, Citrine , Coral,
Diamond, Jade, Malachite, Pink Tourmaline, Tanzanite, Zircon.
For feelings of strength and confidence: Agate, Amber, Aquamarine, Carnelian, Diamond, Garnet, Iolite, Malachite, Onyx, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz (blue).
For wisdom: Coral, Jade, Pearls, Sodalite.
For luck: Alexandrite, Amber, Aventurine, Opal, Pearl, Turquoise.
For love and friendship: Alexandrite, Amber, Amethyst, Emerald, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Sapphire, Topaz.
For wealth: Alexandrite, Calcite, Emerald, Jade, Opal, Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Tourmaline.
Crystal Gazing
Since Greek and Roman times, balls of polished rock crystal have been used to see into the future. The difficulty of finding a flawless piece large enough to be polished adds the mystique. The mystic gazes at the ball, lets the eyes go out of focus and then interprets the misty "image".
Crystal Healing
Belief in the healing properties of gems has a very long history, as the rituals of medicine men in ancient tribes attest. Crystal healers today believe that each gem has the power to influence the health and well-being of a specific part of body. The light reflected off stones placed on vital nerve points is thought to be absorbed by the body, supplying it with healing energy.
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Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December | Gemstone
Garnet
Amethyst
Aquamarine
Diamond
Emerald
Pearl
Ruby
Peridot
Sapphire
Tourmaline
Citrine
Tourquoise | Gemstones Associated with Planets:
Mercury – Agate
Uranus – Aquamarine
Venus – Emerald, Jade
Neptune – Opal, Amethyst
Earth – Agate
Pluto – Kunzite, Spinel
Mars – Ruby, Garnet, Bloodstone
Moon – Pearls, Moonstone
Jupiter – Amethyst, Sapphire
Sun – Topaz, Ruby
Saturn – Sapphire, Onyx, Obsidian
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