Birthstones
Birthstones have been acknowledged since ancient times, and were originally believed to possess some magical force that could protect the owner or wearer of the stone. These birthstones were traditionally linked to the Zodiac.
Nowadays however birthstones are either linked to calendar months or signs of the zodiac. Each month, or zodiac sign, is related to its own unique birthstone which possesses its own properties. Many people wear jewellery set with their birthstone, as the ancient meanings and associations are still thought to be powerful by some.
Crystals and gemstones are said to possess differing colour qualities:
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The following are the modern day birthstones but these can vary and indeed have changed over the years from the traditional stones.
January Garnet
Garnets range in colour from colourless to black though the most common is a dark brown-red which is known as pyrope. Traditionally red represents blood which in turn symbolises strength, stimulation, success and fertility. The word garnet derives from the latin for grain "granatus" and is often linked to the pomegranate because of the shape and colour of its seeds.
February Amethyst
Amethyst is purple, lilac or mauve, though the highest quality of amethyst is transparent. It can turn brown, yellow or green if exposed to strong heat. It is said that the amethyst can moderate unruly behavior and promotes spirituality. Greeks and Romans would drink from amethyst vessels in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.
March Aquamarine
Aquamarine is light blue, blue-green and dark blue. Top quality Aquamarine (AAA) is transparent. The aquamarine gets its name from its colour which resembles the sea. Sailors were known to wear them in order to make them stronger when journeying across the sea. It promotes youth, happiness and beauty.
April Diamond
Diamonds are most commonly colourless. Rarely, black, blue, brown, grey, green, pink, red, and yellow diamonds are mined according to the impurities involved. Diamond is pure natural carbon and is the hardest substance known. They symbolise love and are the most common stone used in engagement rings for that reason. The Ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters from stars.
May Emerald
Medium to dark green beryl the emerald derives its color from chromium and vanadium. It signifies new life and healing. The clearer the stone the finer quality it is. It is the symbol of Venus, the Roman Goddess of Love.
June Pearl
Pearls begin as a tiny grain of sand or other irritant inside an oyster shell. Cultured pearls are created by adding a piece of mussel or shell inside of an oyster or mussel. Layers of the inside of the shell grow over the added substance which in turn creates the pearl. Pearls are generally white, brown, silver, cream, black or pink depending on the type of shellfish and water. They are said to promote marital bliss and harmony.
July Ruby
Ruby may be any colour of red depending on the chromium and iron content of the stone. It is sometimes known as the Lord of the Gems due to its beauty and rarity. It is unusual to find a true Ruby, which are a dark blood like red as opposed to a created Ruby which tend to be a brighter red.
August Peridot
Peridot is a transparent lime or olive green. It has a hardness of 6.5. Its green colour is due to iron content. It is thought that Peridot wards off evil and protects the wearer from nightmares, it is also otherwise known as the "Stone of Friendship".
September Sapphire
All gem quality corundum (a word derived from the word Ruby) that is not red is called sapphire so they can be blue, orange, yellow, violet, green, white and pink though the most people assume a sapphire to be blue. It represents truth, commitment and loyalty. A sapphire in any colour other than blue is known as a fancy sapphire.
October Opal
Opal is a non crystalline form of the mineral silica. Opal is related to quartz and agate and is formed from silica. The opal stands for hope, foresight and purity. I can also be associated with prayer and religion. As a symbol of his love Napoleon presented Josephine with an opal.
November Citrine
Citrine is yellow quartz. It is regarded as a sun gift. Its name derives from the French for lemon "citron" and is a symbol of hope. It is claimed that Citrine triumphs over anger, sadness and nocturnal fears.
December Topaz
Topaz comes in many colours such as blue, yellow, pink, brown, green and clear. An orange-red Topaz, known as "Imperial" is rare. It brings strength and courage to its wearer and symbolises love and affection.