Simply Natural Birthstones

The month of November is another month in which those born under the autumn sky have a choice between two gems—the topaz and the citrine. (November Birthstone)

The topaz has a bigger variety of colors to choose from so those who feel like they have to choose may want to go with this gem due to mere variety. The Citrine, while more limited, comes with an alluring shade of either orange or yellow. Either way, both of the gems tend to have an aura of serenity around them and are rumored to bring good fortune to their wearers.

What also makes the topaz and citrine gems charming are how affordable they are in comparison to other gems. They still have a good quality about them as well, even if they’re not as rare as other gems. These two gems can make choosing one or the other difficult, but then again, why make yourself choose if you don’t have to? Chances are, once you’ve familiarized yourself with both gems, you’ll find it merely impossible to choose!

The history of topaz–part one

The November gem comes in a slew of colors including the rare red and the more common brown, violet, pink, orange, yellow, light blue and colorless. Many of the topaz you see on the market are blue. The blue variety comes after the colorless version is treated via heating and irradiation. The colorless version has been known for its mystical quality thanks to the rainbow effect created by its top coating.

It is believed by some gem enthusiasts that the word “topaz” links back to the Sanskrit word “tapas,” the word for “fire.” Others debate that it came from the Greek word “topazos.” Either way, the gem has caught the eye of many people through different generations and garnered its reputation for giving its wearers positive benefits. In ancient Greece, the gem was believed to give the wearer strength. Early European civilizations used the stone to counter magic spells and to decrease one’s anger. (What does topazos)

The history of topaz–part two

In India, people believed that the November birthstone (when adorned on your person near the heart) gave the person a prolonged life, increased their intelligence, and made them beautiful.

The orange imperial topaz has a royal history to it. Many believe that the name comes from the Russian royal family’s influence. The tale goes that they considered it the best color and version of the gem. Perhaps the reason they believed this was because this variety of the gem was mined from their own Ural Mountains, and was used exclusively for their nation. (Ural Mountains)

The origin story of imperial topaz differs in Brazil. According to Brazilian lore, the gem became popular back in 1881 after Emperor Pedro II went to Ouro Preto, a place not too far from where Brazil mined and produced the red-shaded birthstone. The birthstone was given to him as a gift. (Pedro II)

The history of citrine

Citrine, with its translucent shade of yellow to orange-brown, is actually quartz. Arguably one of the most commonly-used gemstone-types in jewelry creation, it has a long history that spans to ancient times. (Complete Information Guide)

Historically, it has crossed paths with topaz even before they became birthstone brethren. There were times in which it was mistaken for a topaz. This is perhaps why it’s believed that this gem also helps to ease one’s anger and bring about a serene nature to the wearer.

As some people may pick up from the name alone, the gem is believed to get its name from the French “citron,” which means “lemon.” Both words are similar to “citrus,” which we all know is used to describe fruits like lemons, oranges, tangerines, and other fruits of the same qualities and color. It makes sense given how the gem comes in a variety of yellow and orange hues. Its color is what made it very popular back in the Victorian era. It was used to make elaborate Scottish jewelry.

Where can you find topaz?

The birthstone can be found mainly in Minas Gerais, Brazil. For the past two centuries, the location has been crucial to the mining and trade of the gem. It is the reportedly highest quality variety of the gem comes from. It is also the location of a wide variety of shades of the gem, where red, pink, violet, yellow and orange gems have been unearthed. It’s helped make the close-by town of Ouro Preto popular among gemologists. (Historic Town)

The gem is also found in Northwestern Pakistan. Popular for the pink variety of the gem, Ghundao Hill has been a mining location since 1972. The ones with a splash of violet to them are the most popular; they’re called “cyclamen pink” topaz in the gem trade business. It should be noted however that the pink variety of the gem is rare, even at this location. Other locations they’re found are in Eastern, Central and Southern Asia, more specifically, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Japan. It’s also been found in parts of Europe and North, Central and Southern America.

Where can you find citrine?

The well-known places to find the gemstone are Uruguay, Mexico, Madagascar, Spain, and Bolivia. Interestingly enough, amethyst tends to be heat-treated into a citrine color, and they’re found within Brazil.

Arguably the most fascinating stories of the gem’s location come from deep within Anahi Mine. The location is one of the world’s largest freshwater wetlands and is where you’ll get unheated, natural versions of the gem. It was discovered by a Spanish conquistador within the 1600s. The story goes that the land was given to him as dowry after he married Anahi, a princess born to the Paraguay tribe Ayoreos. (Ayoreo – Survival)

Lost to history, the land was full of beautiful wildflowers, graceful jaguars, howler monkeys, and a rainbow of butterflies and birds. The conquistador, they say, was taken aback by the beauty of the land. It was rediscovered sometime in the 1960s.

The mine is also known for making what gemologist have coined the “ametrine,” a combination of the amethyst and the citrine. The swirl of color is eye-catching with its yellow-orange and brown-yellow shades. Because of its common sightings, the citrine is one of the most affordable gems ever.

How to clean and care for your topaz

Coming in at an eight on the Mohs scale of hardness, the gem is quite “soft.” Therefore, it’s a good idea to take good care of it so it doesn’t crack or chip. It’s best to avoid typical gem cleaning methods like steam cleaning and ultrasonic cleaners. The good old mild soap and water is more than enough. Avoid putting the gem in different temperature extremes. Taking it from a very cold and immediately to a very hot climate can cause it to crack.

Be sure to be wary of how long you keep it exposed to sunlight or heat. In general, the gem is fine when exposed to light, but prolonged exposure to the aforementioned heat and sunlight can cause it to lose its color, especially in some yellow-to-brown versions of the gem.

Be mindful of chemical exposure too, as some of them can negatively affect your gem. One exception to some of these rules is if you have a mystic topaz. They’re coated, so their exposure to light isn’t as sensitive. Just be sure not to use abrasive cleaner or buffing wheels on it. They’ll dissolve the coating. (What is Mystic Topaz)

How to clean and care for your citrine

Coming in at a seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, the gemstone has average durability so that you can wear it frequently, as long as you care for it. Much like topaz, the gem should be cleaned with warm water and mild soap. You can clean it through steam cleaning or an ultrasonic machine, but you shouldn’t do so frequently. You risk cracking the stone due to the intense heat used in the process.

Topaz lore–part one

The origin of the gem is believed to come from the ancient name of St. John’s Island in the Red Sea. It is now believed that the once notoriously difficult to locate place was where the then-yellow stone (chrysolite) was found. Historic figure Pliny called it Topazos, the legendary island in the Red Sea. Later on, the subject was covered by Herbert Nicols, an author who was responsible for one of the first systematic treatises on gemstones and minerals, in 1962. (Pliny the Elder)

The November birthstone is mentioned in many versions of the modern Christian Bible. Scholars believe that it came from the Septuagint translation known as “topazios.” The details become fuzzy as the translation is used more for describing a yellow stone, not necessarily a topaz. Some believe that the translation is noting peridot or chrysoberyl.

Topaz lore–part two

The gemstone was believed to cure the wearer of lunacy according to English superstition. The gem was believed to heal the person of mental and physical maladies and keep them from dying during the Middle Ages.

Ancient Greek culture believed that it increased your strength and made you invisible. The Romans, on the other hand, believed it help to bring sharper vision. Ancient Egyptians wore them around their neck to prevent injuries.

Earlier in history, prior to having the more sophisticated technology of today, nearly every gem with a golden hue was called a topaz. As mentioned earlier, citrines were once considered a topaz. The same fate befell the smoky quartz. To our ancestor’s defense, the gems are hard to differentiate with the naked eye.

Citrine lore–part one

The November gemstone was popular in medieval Scottish and Celtic culture. It was worn in an amulet and used to protect the wearer against ailments like bad skin, sickness, and bad thoughts. Some wore it to protect themselves against poisonous bites from the venomous adder of Scotland. The stories of how it saved people are how the gem became so popular.

It also has a lasting tradition of being a business darling. Some have called it the “Merchant’s Stone,” because it’s rumored to attract money and prosperity to those who sell it. The lore goes that it’ll bring you luck if you put a piece of it in your cash box. It will bring you more money. For those who don’t have a business, the lore says to put a piece of it in your wallet.

The idea of success also extends to making smart business decisions. It also helps you not only gain wealth but helps you to keep it as well. It supposedly keeps you from becoming greedy or materialistically attached to your wealth. It also is said to help make its owner more generous. They’ll share their prosperity with other people more willingly. In other words, it helps create a healthy outlook about wealth.

Citrine lore–part two

Success isn’t just for business. The November gemstone brings you success in legal issues, education, or familial affairs. If the lore is to be believed, you don’t necessarily need to wear it as a piece of jewelry. You can just put a piece of it in your pocket, and you’ll have positive energy! It will help you to make the wisest decision in important matters.

On a personal note, the birthstone supposedly helps to increase your self-esteem, sense of confidence, and self-respect. It does so by dispersing negative energy that collects within you and around you. It also helps to increase your self-discipline and courage, which will help to stave off procrastination. (It is pretty ideal if you’re a November baby in college and struggling to get started on a tall stack of homework assignments.)

Those who believe in stones having energy say that the gemstone has a positive and engaging energy about it. It’s believed to be “self-cleaning,” meaning that it doesn’t hold onto the negative energy that it collects. It’s ideal for breaking bad habits and addictive personality traits. Some have even claimed that the gem has helped them with personal traumas and mental illness.

As the leaves begin falling at the beginning of November, it’s heartwarming to think that both the citrine and topaz gemstones are known for bringing a calm state of mind to its wearers. They make you want to put on a warm fuzzy sweater, grab a cup of pumpkin spice-flavored chai tea, slip one of the gems in your back pocket, and take a deep breath. It may be hard to choose between the two so you may as well slip each of them in your pocket!

 

 

October babies get two options for which they can claim as their choice birthstone.

The opal and the tourmaline are both quite unique in the collection of birthstones. October babies may even want to make it easier on themselves and choose both! What makes them quite interesting are how they both literally have a rainbow of color and shade combinations to choose from.

Speaking of rainbows, it is a legend that both of the birthstones traveled to earth via a trip, which involves a rainbow. Tourmaline’s color is dependent on the trace elements that compose its chemical composition. Opal tends to diffract light to show a spectrum of more than one color.

Given how varied they are, October is an ideal month to be a picky birthstone chooser. You have a full spectrum of shades to choose from.

The rainbow of opal

Looking at the opal gem is like looking through the lens of a kaleidoscope. The colors seem to break apart in a beautiful and poetic clash of different shades. Many admirers have tried to use poetry to capture the almost mystical nature of the gem. It has been compared to quite a few things in the past, including fireworks.

The gem represented hope and love for those who lived in Ancient Rome. The gem was given the name “opalus,” which means “precious stone.” Pliny, a Roman scholar, wrote, “Some opali carry such a play within them that they equal the deepest and richest colors of paint. Others… simulate the flaming fire of burning sulphur…and even the bright blaze of burning oil.” (Pliny the Elder)

The affordability of opal

One point of interest for the birthstone is that while it is one of the most celebrated and sought-after gems, it is also one that can be purchased for a more modest price. The gem is widely available, especially the calibrated white opal cabochon. It’s considered to be the most familiar of the gem. This is not to say that the gem isn’t of value. In fact, the much rarer black opal, with its beautiful shine, can easily compete with sapphires, rubies, and even emeralds with its appeal.

As for the rainbow in which you can pick from, you can choose from the white, black, red/orange/yellow, and pink and blue opals. The choices for you are quite unlimited. And if you’re on a budget, you need no worry about breaking your bank to get something as alluring as, say, ruby or emerald.

Keep your opals exposed to moisture

You should never put the birthstone in an airtight box. Much like the pearl gem (the birthstone of June), putting it in a box where it can’t “breathe” will cause the gem to dry up and eventually crack. The best way to keep them from cracking is just to let them breathe inside an open jewelry box. You may even want to apply light oil on it ever so often.

The lore of the opal

Like many of the other birthstones, the opal has its deep well of lore attached to it. The stories go back as far as earlier civilizations. Jewelry, back then, was not just worn for decoration but also as a talisman to protect against spiritual and human forces.

Women with blonde hair had worn the opals in a necklace in order to keep their hair color intact. It was once believed that the gem was worn to make the wearer invisible. Our early ancestors considered them to be magical and provided the wearer with a view of limitless possibilities. It was also considered to be a magnifier of one’s emotions and their wishes.

Within the medieval period of Europe, it was actually avoided! It was considered evil because it has a similarity to eyes like that of a cat—which was also considered evil. (Times have changed obviously.) This was called fear of the evil eye.

History has taught us that multiple cultures had their own apprehension towards the malevolent stare. In short, the fear comes from paranoia that the evil eye will bring one harm and misfortune.

The good news is that Queen Victoria was able to slowly but surely changed the misconception about opals. After all, she was a big fan of them and wore them herself.

The rainbow of tourmaline

The second birthstone of October also comes in a rainbow of options. October babies can get them in blue, pink, shades of red, and even green! The colors have confused people more than once.

There’s a story of a Spanish conquistador who found a green variant of the gem, washed away the dirt, and assumed it was an emerald. He was convinced of it being an emerald until scientists were able to identify the difference later on in the 1800s.

The colors are so varied that there are even rare neon variants like the Paraíba tourmaline.

The root of the word “tourmaline”

The birthstone’s name comes from the Sri Lankan word “turomalli,” which means “the stone of mixed colors.” The gem got its name from Dutch merchants who came in contact with gems that were found in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). It was once believed that the multiple colors came from the gem traveling within a rainbow and in turn absorbing some of the colors.

The lore of the tourmaline

The second October birthstone is known for strengthening the body and the spirit. In particular, it supposedly helps our lymph, blood and nervous systems. For our blood, it helps in circulation and keeping health.

The gem is also thought to help bring about creativity to one’s mind. Much like a muse, the gem was used as a talisman by writers and artists. There were even references to the belief that tourmaline has energy that healers considered well-suited for men.

Green tourmaline supposedly helps in affairs involving money.

The root of the word “opal”

Coming from the Greek term “opallos,” the word opal means “to see a change.” The meaning makes sense given how opals are like fingerprints. They all have their own unique design. They can be quite a few different colors—from milky white (like a pearl) to red, yellow, or even green-blue.

During ancient times, the gem was considered the “Queen of Gems,” due to all the collective colors of other gems in it. It was revered for its color shifting abilities.

Tourmaline and opal: Sister rainbow gems

Putting tourmaline with the opal for the month of October makes sense. They both have a rainbow-rich charm. Just like with opals, this birthstone is able to show more than one color within the same stone. As a matter of fact, the ones that show more than one color tend to have a higher value. Collectively, these two gems make October the most radiant month.

Both of the birthstones have a complicated crystal structure. The tourmaline has to be cut with great precision in order for all the colors within be caught by the human eye in one glance.

The gem is mainly found in the United States, East Africa, Brazil, and Afghanistan.

In contrast, the opal takes many years of natural formation to create. They’re created with a solution of water and silicon dioxide that forms into a silica deposit as water evaporates. Layers of the deposit filling the earth’s cracks and voids produce the gem.

The precious versus common opal

The birthstone comes in two classifications—the precious opal and the common opal.

Diffracted light wave through the precious gem produces an alluring spectrum of colors.

Common opals, on the one hand, have no color. The gem consists of compacted tiny silica spheres. This prevents light to refract.

The mystery of opal formation

Science has yet to pinpoint one single model that can explain the different ways in which the birthstone is created. There are many types of opal, and they vary greatly in how they’re formed based on the location and the minerals involved in their creation.

This doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t any working models that can help us understand them.

There’s the weathering model, which explains that opals form in desert areas that experience intense rainfall during the rainy season.

Rainwater washes away silica, a compound of oxygen and silicon, from sandstones. This combination flows and rests in the rock crevices and faults that are below the water table. During summertime, when the sun lowers the water table, the deposits heat up and leave tiny silica spheres. The spheres layer over time and the opal is formed.

Opal: The misunderstood birthstone

For all its beauty, there are persistent beliefs that have kept some from embracing the gemstone.

It is believed that the superstition may have begun with the gem cutters who were upset with the birthstone.

They tend to fracture quite easily when being set and cut. Since they were responsible for the gem being made perfect, the pressure and failure of producing the desired end result at times may have led them to call the stone unlucky.

Another contribution to the misconception of the opal can be traced back to Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein. In the story, the birthstone was responsible for breaking the spell that dissolved the enchantment cast on her. (Anne of Geierstein)

The popular Sun God Opal

The Sun God Opal is part of a popular gem collection located at Chicago’s Field Museum.

The gem is popular due to its unique characteristics. It comprises of a human face that’s been carved into a 35 CT cabochon. It is surrounded with gold flames. (Sun God Opal)

The opal was owned by the Hope family, who at one time also owned a diamond with a notorious cursed provenance.

The beautiful piece of artwork was reportedly discovered in Mexico during the 16th century.

Tourmaline: The deceptive gem

The bi-colored and at times parti-colored birthstone has a feature known as color zoning. This term describes a color that is unevenly distributed within a gem. In many cases, especially with other gems, this isn’t a highly-desired quality. For some jewelers and gem enthusiasts, it looks low-quality and ugly. However, this is a sought-after quality in this birthstone.

The multiple-color nature of the gem has deceived people in the past. For instance, it was believed as one of the Russian crown jewel’s rubies. Even the Caesar’s Ruby pendant wasn’t a real ruby but a rubellite tourmaline.

The importance of cut in tourmalines

You’ll want to take the cut as a factor when choosing a piece of the October birthstone. More often than not, they’re cut into lengthy rectangular shapes. This, in particular, helps bring out the pleochroic quality of the gem.

Big and great quality gems are priced high per carat. For those who can’t afford them, consider looking for the facet rough gemstones.

Both the opal and the tourmaline create ideal gifts for October babies. It may be best to ask them their favorite color when choosing one! You’re bound to find a version of either of the gems that’ll satisfy even the pickiest of them. You may also want to consider their personality if you have to choose between the two gems.

Opals tend to be connected with hope, innocence, and purity. Tourmalines, on the other hand, have an intimate connection with nature and the human race.

 

 

September is a month that people either love or loath to end–it all depends on what’s their favorite season! The month ushers in the last days of summer and the first days of fall. September, as a word, can be traced back to Old English when it was called Haervest-monath, which means “Harvest Month.” This makes sense when you think about the ripening of so many fruits and vegetables before the cold season eventually kicks in.

The month of September is also tied to the Latin root septem, which means “seven.” It used to be the seventh month on the early Roman calendar. Seven is a sacred number in many cultures. For instance, in the Christian Bible, the world was created in seven days; there are seven archangels in Revelation at the end of the world. One can argue that the sacred nature of the number channels into September, making it the perfect month for the unique gemstone, the sapphire.

The gem is said to help one’s mind gain focus, which in turn heightens one’s ability to connect with the higher powers and increase the wearer’s self-discipline.

Sapphire is a gem of many colors

The first color that comes to mind when someone thinks of the gem is blue. Blue is actually one of the gem’s many colors. The birthstone is arguably one of the most diverse birthstones when it comes to color. The royal blue that we know it for is common, but the only color that isn’t represented by the gem is red, which is categorized as a ruby. September babies have a rainbow of color options to choose from and connect with.

The gemstone is a variety of the mineral corundum. They contain elements such as magnesium, copper, chromium, titanium, and iron. Corundum is naturally colorless, but the minerals are what give it the tint. Magnesium makes it green; copper makes it orange; chromium turns it purple; lastly, corundum turns it blue. The ones that aren’t blue are known by the term “fancies.”

The pink sapphire vs the ruby

The pink sapphire is known for being the most interesting of the different shades of the gem because they tend to blur the lines that keep rubies and the September birthstone separate.

In the United States, the birthstone must meet a minimum color saturation test to categorize as a ruby. The spectrum isn’t just pink and red. In between are some interesting shades such as the “padparadscha.” The word comes from the Sri Lankan term for “lotus flower.” It contains a pinkish-orange tint. At times, this variant can actually go for a higher price than that of the blue sapphire. (September Birthstone)

The meaning of “sapphire”

In Greek lexicon, sapphire comes from sappheiros, and in Latin, sapphirus. Both of them mean “blue stone.” Originally, the words were considered descriptors for the lapis lazuli. Some scholars believe that the word or its representation may be linked to the Sanskrit term “sanipriya,” which means “dear to Saturn.”

Where are sapphires located

The birthstone is found in North America–mainly in Montana, Africa, Brazil, Australia, China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Myanmar. The places where they’re found can affect their value, clarity, color, cut, and carat size.

How hard is a sapphire?

The gem has one of the hardest surfaces according to the Mohs scale. With a measurement of nine, it is second only to the diamond. Its hardness has made it valuable not only as an accessory, but valuable to industrial applications such as high-durability windows, watches, instruments, and electronics.

The history of the sapphire–part one

The September gem has had a long history. It’s been popular since the Middle Ages. At that time, they looked upon the blueness of the gem as representative of divinity. This is, perhaps, why we see the color pop up in various places in the Bible. Blue being celestial, like the sky, is symbolic of heaven, which made the gem famous for bringing the wearer divine favor and helped them make wise judgments.

In Greek culture, people wore the gem for guidance when they heeded prophecies from an oracle. The Buddhists believe that the gem brought people spiritual enlightenment. The gem was also used by the Hindus for worship. The gem was cherished by early Christian kings as well. They wore them for their believed power of protection. The gem was put on ecclesiastical rings.

The history of the sapphire–part two

In ancient times, the chosen people believed that the Ten Commandments were engraved on tablets made of the birthstone. But since then, historians, now, are convinced that the blue stone referred to in the Bible was actually a lapis lazuli.

Traditionally coming from the Kashmir region of India between the late 19^th and early 20^th century, the classic deep blue gem was said to have been mined there for quite some time. As a matter of fact, the world record for price-per-carat for the gem was set by one that came from the location. It sold at an auction for around $242,000 per carat! This put it in the $7 million range. The record was made in October 2015.

Some of the sapphires are very popular

One of the most popular versions of the gem is the star sapphire. Ranging in the 1404.49-carat range, the Star of Adam is a favorite. So is the Star of India, coming in at 563.4-carats. The Star Ocean Bombay, at 182-carats, came from the Sri Lankan mines as well as the other two.

If you wanted to find the gem, chances are, you went to Australia to get them. That is until they were discovered in Madagascar in the 1990s. Today, it is still considered the leading place in the world to find and produce the gem.

The synthetic sapphire

Synthetic versions of the birthstone were developed in 1902 for the first time by Auguste Verneuil, a French chemist. The creation of a synthetic gem helped to bring forth the industrial applications of things like the spanning of integrated circuits, high-durability windows, satellite communication systems, and scientific instruments.

The history of the sapphire—part three

The birthstone became a representation of royal love when, in 1981, British Royalty, Prince Charles gave Lady Diana a 12-carat royal blue variety of the gem as an engagement ring. Later on, the same would happen with Prince William who had given a ring to Catherine Middleton in 2010 when he proposed to her. (Ring of Contempt)

Birthstone enthusiasts should keep in mind that even though the blue variety of the gem is the most common version, the gem itself is rare. Even more so rare is the top-quality version of the blue variant. This makes the blue variety a bit of a paradox!

Sapphires follow the 4 Cs

The gem is ideal for celebrating the fifth or even a forty-fifth wedding anniversary. Regardless of what you would buy it for, it makes a great gift.

The gem is up there with the diamond, and, as such, is assessed by the 4 Cs: carat size, cut, clarity, and color. The country of origin also factors into the overall value.

The color of the gem is one of the main things that with tell you its price. The most valued version is the purest of blues, but, sometimes, the ones with a violet hue are valued as well.

Secondary shades of green or gray aren’t favored. Some buyers believe that these hues detract from the gem’s beauty. However, that is relative. It is up to the individual buyer to consider it true or not.

Sapphires can “change colors”

Another phenomenon that makes the sapphire a fascinating gem is its ability to color change. It shifts from blue in daylight or fluorescent light to reddish purple under an incandescent light. This is similar to alexandrite and can add dimension to the overall presentation of the gem. The color is even more radiant given how the clarity of the gem is higher than other gems like the ruby.

Some gems have what are called “silks,” long and thin rutile inclusions. Generally speaking, they could lower or increase the value of the gems. This is especially true if it exhibits asterism.

The blue sapphire

The blue variety of the birthstone can range in size from just a few to a hundred or more carats.

The average commercial-quality version is less than five carats. When compared to larger rubies, the blue variety is still more readily available. The National Museum of Natural History has one of the largest faceted gem-quality blue varieties known. It comes in at 423-carats and is known as the Logan Sapphire.

The prize for largest blue sapphire, however, goes to The Star of Adam, which comes in at 1409.49 carats! Calling this one rare is an understatement.

Are sapphires treated?

The birthstone is treated with heat in order to improve the color and clarity of the cut. The ones that aren’t treated are far more valuable but are also quite rare.

The lore and stories behind the sapphire–part one

One piece of lore about the gem comes from the Far East. More than two millennia into the past, there were a people called the Khmer who lived in what was once called Burma but is now known as Myanmar. The biggest temple they had created was made in dedication to Tsun-Kyan-Kse, their golden goddess who had two sapphire blue eyes.

The lore says that inside the temple, under her protection, there lived black and brown temple cats. One of them was named Sinh, his hair was dark brown. He was known as the devoted pet of the Grand Lama, Mun-Ha. One night, while the Grand Lama was alone in prayer, Thai invaders attacked the temple. The Grand Lama was sadly killed in this attack.

Sinh, ever faithful, placed his paws on his master’s body and lifted his gaze up towards the statue of the beloved goddess, located in the center of the temple. Instantaneously, there was a transformation. Sinh’s dark fur shined into a golden hue and his eyes pierced the dark with a sapphire blue tint.

The magic that took over the cat was so powerful that it pushed the invaders away. They never did return. This legend is believed to be the reason why the Birman cat is known for having a sapphire-blue gaze.

The tale also reinforces the symbolism of blue as celestial and divine. The gem, the ancients believed, had the power to keep them safe. It made the Birman cat a beloved breed. (Sapphminco: Fine Sapphire)

The lore and stories behind the sapphire–part two

During ancient times, astrologists believed that the birthstone had healing powers. It was considered to bring forth truth, wisdom, clear thinking, and loyalty.

Its powers were heightened when it was worn by someone who was born in September or born under the zodiac sign Virgo. Depending on how you break down the dates of a Virgo, those who aren’t born in September may also (technically speaking) have the gem represent them!

The power of healing also extended to curing physical ailments like eye infections, earaches, headaches, and thyroid problems.

It is believed that in Europe, the power of literature helped raise the popularity of the gemstone. The story goes that in the 18 ^th century, a very popular French author named Madame de Genlis wrote a story titled Le Saphir merveilleux, known in English as “The Marvellous Sapphire.”

Due to the popularity of the story, many people began to don the gem on their person, especially those who were included among the wealthy couples of Europe.

The birthstone is tough to find and tough in general. In order to find it, tons and tons of earth are shifted about. This is one reason why they’re so durable and resilient. It is also why many people tend to use them for engagement rings. They have strength in them that will last a lifetime. The same could be said as the blessing one would want in their engagement — for their love to last a lifetime.

Even in Rome and Greece, where they were cultural symbols of truth and loyalty, we see this sentiment echoed throughout time.

Rough versions of the gem tend to not glow as much as the polished ones we see on people as jewelry. They’re very dark and quite dull actually.

Regardless of where the story comes from, it can’t be denied that the September birthstone has left an everlasting impact on many different societies. It makes a lasting gift and is great in any and all occasions. It’s a great start to an autumn season, and September babies should be proud!

 

 

August is another month that is unique. It has three different and lesser-known birthstones. This, by no means, minimizes the beauty that each of these gems brings to the month. If anything, it gives them a sense of mystery – at least for those who aren’t familiar with them.

If you aren’t familiar with them, that’s not a problem. We’ll be taking a look at August’s three different birthstones – the peridot, sardonyx, and spinel.

An introduction to the peridot, sardonyx, and spinel

The peridot is arguably the most familiar and popular of the three birthstones.

The gem is said to contain healing properties and magical powers that protect the wearer from night terrors. They’re also known for bringing the wearer greater success in the upcoming year, increased power, and greater influence The gem is associated with the power to keep away evil energy, and therefore, emanates a sense of serenity and prosperity. (August Birthstone)

Peridot is sacred to Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, as the gem is meant to be a symbol of her tears.

The sardonyx, though not as famous as, say, the diamond or ruby, has a history of popularity behind it. Interest in the gem dates back to the Second Dynasty of Egypt, which is more than 4,000 years ago.

Ancient Romans and Greeks battled their foes with talismans that had a sardonyx in it. Engraved on the gem were portraits of gods and heroes such as Mars or Hercules. The purpose of these pieces of jewelry was to harness the proverbial stream of energy from the great legends of the past. Alongside the channeling of bravery, courage, and victory was protection on the battlefield.

Many gemologists consider the third gem of August, the spinel, the most underappreciated gem of all birthstones. Chances are, if you randomly went up to someone in public and asked what a spinel is, many people wouldn’t know.

Not helping it much is the fact that it’s constantly confused with the gems sapphire and ruby. They’ve also been known under different names. In the mines of Southeast and Center Asia, there are large spinel crystals that have been unearthed and are called Balas rubies.

They became a valuable property for kings and emperors. They were often passed through the centuries as spoils of war. Ironically, some of the famous rubies of the past were revealed to be spinel. This is especially true for some of the gems of the Crown Jewels of England.

What are the gems made of?

The peridot is known as a variety of olivine. Ironically, the olivine isn’t officially a mineral because it’s made of two separate minerals – fayalite and forsterite. The fayalite is rich in iron and the forsterite is rich in magnesium.

The best-colored version of the gem, according to gemology, has less than fifteen percent amount of iron and has nickel and chromium in small amounts. Ultimately, these all contribute to the color that the gem has.

The sardonyx is two words combined into one – “sard” and “onyx.” In Greek, the word sard means “reddish brown,” and onyx means “veined gem.” This makes sense when you look at the gemstone as it consists of reddish brown and white color bands on its surface. Combined, we have sardonyx.

Peridot is a form of microcrystalline quartz that has a different-colored band in the backdrop of its main color. The gem is part of the chalcedony family. It has small quartz fibers that lay in multiple layers, formed from deposits that lay out one after another and that were compressed. The layers range from translucent to opaque.

The spinel is known as an oxide mineral. It is often discovered in octahedral crystals and is found in three different geographical scenarios: merging as crystals found in dolomites and limestones, which have come in contact with metamorphism–igneous rocks which have strangely-shaped grains and water-worn grits in alluvial deposits.

While the gem has lived in the shadow of the ruby, for which it is constantly mistaken for, the gem did begin to receive notoriety after it became the most recently announced birthstone for August.

Where are these gems located?

Nowadays, you’ll find peridot, also known as peridot olivine in the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation located in Arizona. It has also been mined in other parts of Arizona, New Mexico at Kilbourne Hole, Arkansas, Nevada, Hawaii, and Arkansas within the United States.

In other countries – Tanzania, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Norway, Myanmar (Burma), Mexico, Kenya, Egypt, China, Brazil, and even Australia.

Found in India mainly, sardonyx is the “veined gem.” It is also found in other countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Czechoslovakia, and Germany. Within the United States, the birthstone is found in two different locations – Oregon and in the Lake Superior region.

Spinel is interesting as it is both chemically and physically resistant to weathering. The birthstone tends to weather out of the marble and is then moved by bodies of water like rivers and streams. They’re therefore placed in alluvial deposits.

They can be found in Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and other countries. It is also mined in places like Tanzania, Nigeria, Madagascar, Australia, Tajikistan, Nepal, and Afghanistan.

The history of peridot — part one

The birthstone has an interesting history behind it. It is known in gemology as one of the oldest gemstones. The records that document it – as far as mining goes – go back as far as 1500 B.C.

The birthstone has a deep connection with ancient Egypt. Some historians even believe that the emeralds that were placed on Cleopatra actually may have been peridots. How deliciously deceivable!

The history of the gem is also different from the where and how it’s formed. Many of the gems we know and love are forms within the Earth’s crust. The peridot, however, is one of two exceptions, the other being the diamond.

They’re formed in the deeper part the Earth’s mantle. The gemstone forms within the magma in the upper mantle estimated to be roughly twenty to fifty-five miles deep! The gems are brought up to the surface by volcanic activity and tectonic interactions.

The gem, within the ancient world, was found mostly in Topazos Island, which is now known as St. John’s Island. It’s located in the Egyptian Red Sea. The source of the information came from Pliny the Elder’s popular book titled Natural History. It was explored in the 4th century B.C.

Some gemologists theorize that peridot was mistaken as topaz. It’s interesting to note that the word topaz could have been used for peridot and only as time passed did topaz come to represent the topaz we now know.

The birthstone was mined on Zabargad for about 3,500 years. Location wise, the island was lost to us for several centuries but was found once again in 1905. The island is small and is famously covered by fog most of the time. It’s located roughly thirty-five miles off the Egyptian coastal port of Berenice. (History of Peridot)

The history of peridot — part two

Mining within the grounds of Zabargad ended close to the beginning of World War II. Prior to that, the gem was found in talismans in the ancient world.

The gem was supposedly able to help lower the wearer’s anxiety. It also helped to make them more articulated and helped to facilitate more successful marriages and relationships.

The birthstone was also believed to have the ability to dissolve enchantments. Its power, in ancient times, was believed to strengthen when it was paired with gold. If it was meant to be worn to protect against evil energy and spirits, then the gem had to be pierced, strung on the hair of a donkey and worn on the left arm.

The gem also had a medical purpose to it. It was crushed into powder and used to help with asthma. It was also put in the mouth and held under the tongue to help lessen the thirst of someone who has a fever.

The gem even makes an appearance in the Book of Exodus, on the high priest’s breastplate. Included in the piece of war armor were stones of each of the twelve initial tribes of Israel, the beginnings of Judaism and Christianity. One of the gems is believed by some to be this birthstone.

The history of sardonyx — part one

Unlike many other gems, the sardonyx is easier to find and therefore less expensive. Even though it may not be as pricey as the others, this gem has still been an important part of history.

The Romans, in particular, loved them. They used them in a different way such as carving out pendants of the gods that they looked up to. The pendant, it was believed, channeled that particular god’s quality or representation.

The Romans also carved stamps out of the birthstone and used them as a wax seal for documents. The gem was used because the wax didn’t stick to it. It’s not hard to consider how the documents, probably quite important and sensitive in nature, give a hint about how the gem was important to the ancient world. It helped seal documents from prying eyes.

The birthstone is rumored to have healing powers, which can aid in dealing with stressful situations. Thus, the ancient Romans wore them for courage or reassurance.

Wearing a ring or a pendant, believed even today in certain circles, will help create a clearer mind and increase one’s ability to concentrate. It protects the wearer from ill will, too.

The history of sardonyx — part two

Cameos with the gem were popular, particularly in Ancient Rome. One outstanding proof of this lays in the depiction of the coronation of Constantin the Great in the “Road to Byzantium” exhibition” by the Hermitage Rooms. This isn’t the only image found of the ancient artworks in cameo work.

Perhaps what made the gem so alluring was the way the different bands of color gave the images an accent. Jewelry carves into the relief helped to bring out the background of the image.

The popularity of the birthstone has transitioned well into the modern day. What’s interesting to note is that many of the more contemporary designs actually reach back to many of the ancient styles and themes. In many of these cameo works, there is a blend of both the modern and the traditional, symbolized by the gem’s dual-layered shading.

The history of spinel

To get an appreciation for the newest birthstone of August, let’s first take a brief look at the history of modern birthstones.

Back in 1912, the National Association of Jewelers, which is now known as The Jewelers of America, took under its wing and began promoting a more modern list of birthstones. Spinel, during that time, was not on the list. None of the different factions: The National Association of Goldsmiths of Britain, American Gem Trade Association, and the Jewelry Council of America considered it for the list.

It wasn’t until July of 2016 that the gem became a birthstone, and thus, became the birthstone of August. The change was made by both the Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association.

Some believe that the decision was made to help bring more eyes and ears to spinel as a gem. Perhaps, it was meant to push it out of the shadows of its predecessors, especially the ones that it’s been constantly mistaken for. It is also one of the most varied colored gems. So why wouldn’t a promotion of the gem not be good? (Spinel: Red and Blue)

It helps to give people different choices. Not everyone likes to stick with tradition.

August is an interesting month. It’s the time in which summer has truly started and is usually when people start looking into the horizon and consider that the seasons will be changing soon, with the coming September and October months.

It’s a time of pondering while embracing the newness that we all feel under the summer sun. In a strange way, it would make sense that such a month would not only have three gems to represent it but that it would also be where the latest birthstone would find its new home.

 

 

Back in 1939, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz was trying to find her way home. She clicked her heels three times and repeatedly said the now iconic line, “There’s no place like home …” The power to return home, she was told, was with her the whole time, captured in her deep red ruby slippers. They became one of the signature costume bits for the classic movie. You can’t think of The Wizard of Oz without the rubies playing a role.

Rubies have a deeper history than that of The Wizard of Oz and movie history in general. As the birthstone of the month of July, it stands on a par with its precious stone sibling, the diamond, as one of the most popular and sought-after gems of all time.

The origin and color of the ruby

The gem gets its fiery red color from the mineral corundum, which is colored by the element chromium. Color plays a big role in this gem because other colors of the gem-quality corundum are known as sapphires.

The word “ruby” stems from the term “rubeus,” which is a Latin word meaning “red.” It’s also been related to the Sanskrit word “ratnaraj,” which means “king of precious stones.” This is a fitting term for the gem given how long and intricate its history with multiple civilizations is. Its staying power, culturally speaking, has remained unchanged.

The red color of the chromium for which rubies are popular for also gives the gem a fluorescent element to it. This is why, when you hold up the gem, it seems to have a magical fire flickering within. On the not-so-awesome side to this, it is also the reason why the gem is so scarce. The chromium causes it to fissure and crack easily.

Rubies, for all their lasting beauty, hardly ever grow large enough to crystallize. Crystallization is important because this is how you make high-quality gems for jewelry. This scarcity is what makes the gem at times more expensive than a diamond!

The fairest ruby of them all

The best-looking ruby was created by Burma’s Mogok Valley. It was praised for its blend of darkish red with a tint of purple in it. Called Pigeon’s Blood Rubies, these Burmese gems cost higher than the orange-tinted and brown-tinted variants (Pigeon Blood Ruby).

Rubies are heat treated

It wasn’t until the 1990s that it was discovered that rubies could be heat treated. It happened in the Mong Hsu region of Myanmar. This process helped to improve color saturation. Deposits of the other types of the gem can be found in parts of the United States, East Africa, parts of the Middle East, India, Thailand, and Vietnam.

How hard is the ruby?

The July gem measure at a nine on the Mohs scale. This makes it one of the most durable and tough gems out there. The only one that is naturally harder is the diamond.

Believe it or not, the gem isn’t just great for jewelry. Due to its red glow and hardness, it’s also used in making products such as lasers, medical instruments, and watches. In many cases, to cut down on, synthetic rubies are used over the natural ones.

What does the ruby represent?

The depth of the gem’s red coloring has reminded people of the force in life and the vitality of blood. It acts as a magnifying glass of sorts. It brings out the best qualities of vitality, making you more aware, giving you more energy, pumping blood harder in your veins to make you more courageous, increasing the odds of success in combat, romance, and gaining money.

The gem has been used to celebrate wedding anniversaries. Although it doesn’t have a known specific number to an anniversary, the gift of a ruby would be great for twofold reasons – you’re a July baby and it’s your anniversary.

The gem has been popular for centuries now. To add to their symbolism of life and vitality, they’re also believed to heighten your senses, increase your sense of wisdom, and circulate positive energy into your livelihood.

How much is it worth when measured?

The quality of the gem is measured by its carats weight, clarity, cut, and color. The most valuable and brightest shade of red is a pigeon blood ruby. It makes up a majority of the market for the July birthstone.

The deepest red color we know of the stones is rare. Many of them actually have a hue that’s closer to that of a grapefruit. Where it sits currently, the Sunrise Ruby is considered the most expensive one on the market.

As perfect and polished as we see the rubies are on display, they’re actually imperfect in their natural habitat. They have color impurities and inclusions, which are used by gemologists to tell the difference between a natural gem and a synthetic gem. It helps to differentiate between that of substitutes.

In many cases, the rough stone is heated prior to being cut. Nowadays, most of them are heat treated in one way or another. This makes non-treated versions of the gem quite high in price.

How are they cut?

The gem is cut in two distinct ways, a three-point star, and a six-point star. They’re cut into cabochons in order to enhance the effect of color radiance. These little star incisions in the gem are best seen as the light moves while it’s rotated. Inclusions of minerals and slender foreign material fibers in the gem tend to make it pricier. In some rare cases, a color-change happens, which gives it a “cat’s eye effect” (Cat’s Eye Effect).

Not all rubies are red!

Gemology generally calls all corundum that’s dyed a shade of red or pink a ruby. However, the United States has a minimum color saturation requirement the stone must meet in order to be considered a ruby.

If the hue is too light, it’s considered a pink sapphire. This distinction only recently started in the 20th century. There’s still a lot of debate that happened between the ruby vs pink sapphire. Because of this subjective nature, there has been an adoption of a broader definition of the gemstone.

If you wanted a good ruby, once upon a time you went to the Mogok Valley in Upper Myanmar. For centuries, it produced the best gems. But now, good versions have been found in other areas. Another part of Myanmar, the area of Ming Hsu was found to make good rubies too in the 90s.

Where can you find rubies?

Other places it has been mined for famously are in Thailand, the Samlout and Palin districts of Cambodia, Australia, Afghanistan, Colombia, Brazil, India, Namibia, Scotland, and Japan.

After the travesty of World War II, there were deposits of the July birthstone found in Vietnam, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Nepal, and Pakistan. Sri Lanka is where you’ll find the pink shade gem. You’ll have to go to the Republic of Macedonia if you want to find naturally occurring rubies. That is arguably why Macedonia’s 2014 proposal for a new coat of arms consists of the gem.

How rubies are treated – part one

It is common for the gem to be treated in order to improve its quality. It was in the late 90s when a bigger cache of lower-priced materials created a big surge in the supply of treated versions of the gem. This led to lowered prices of the gem.

Included in these improvements are altering color, dissolving the rutile inclusions that affect transparency, healing the cracks inside the gem, and even at times, filling in the gaps completely.

The way in which most gems are treated though is through heat. Many of them are treated with heat to help bring out the red, to take out the purple hue, the “silk,” and the blue patches. The treatment can be as hot as 1800 degrees Celsius (Ruby Quality Factors).

Some rubies are treated with a process of low tube heat. The stone is heated over charcoal with a temperature roughly around 1800 degrees Celsius for twenty minutes to a half an hour. The silk within the gem is broken and then the color pops.

How rubies are treated – part two

Lead glass filling is another form of treatment that’s become popular in recent years. This is the process of filling the cracks within the gem with lead glass. This is also done with a similar material. It helps to improve the transparency of the gem, which can make previously unusable gems ready to be put into jewelry. It’s a four-step process.

The once tougher stones are polished prior to the eradication of all surface impurities. This is in order to keep them from messing up the process. The rough surface is cleaned with hydrogen fluoride. No fillers are added within the first process of heating.

The process takes away the impurities that are deep within the cracks. The process can be completed at temperatures reaching 1400 degree Celsius, but it’s usually done within 900 degrees Celsius.

How rubies are treated – part three

The electric oven that contains different chemical additives does the second process of heating. The solution that’s used has been mixed in different ways and has been shown to work, though the most popular ingredient currently used is lead contained glass powder.

The gem is dipped into a concoction of oils and covered in a powdery substance. It’s then embedded in a tile and put in the oven and heated for an hour to about 900 degrees Celsius. The powder changes colors – from orange to yellow – and it begins to fill in the cracks of the gem. It becomes transparent at the end of the process and helps to improve the gem’s overall transparency.

Natural vs. synthetic rubies

Like other gems, the ruby has a synthetic counterpart. The first one created was in 1837 made by Gaudin. It was done by fusing potash alum with a bit of chromium to give color in high temperature (How to Identify).

But it was in 1903 when Verneuil revealed to others that he had the ability to create synthetic rubies on a commercial scale. He did so by the flame fusion process. From there, his lab grew. In 1910, he had 30 furnaces in his facility. He was producing about two thousand pounds of the gemstone.

Another process for which synthetic rubies were created was through a pulling process done by Czochralski, the hydrothermal process, and the flux process. Flame-fusion is still the most common due to the low cost.

Under a microscope is where you’ll find the imperfections of a synthetic ruby. To the naked eye, it seems smooth and perfect. But under a microscope, you’ll find that some of them will have gas bubbles, curves, and striae.

Perfect rubies are constantly under suspicion of being synthetic. To help distinguish the synthetics from naturals, the dopant is added and reveals what the gem really is.

Synthetic rubies are important

As mentioned before, rubies, especially synthetic ones, tend to have uses beyond that of jewelry making. Synthetic versions of the gem in the form of a rod are used to make lasers and masers.

The first laser was created by Theodore H. Maiman. He used a light-pumped solid-state synthetic ruby to make red laser light that had a wavelength of 694 nanometers. The ruby types of lasers are still used today. The gem is also used in applications where a high hardness is needed. (Theodore H. Maiman)

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The July gemstone represents emotion, passion, courage, and love according to some cultures. It’s been considered the king of the gemstones for centuries.

Believing to give the wearer good fortune, it makes for a great gift for any July baby. The vitality of the blood-colored stone brings about a sense of pride. It will be their prized possession just like it was for kings and emperors from civilizations past.

You can also surprise them with the pink variety, which will undoubtedly turn heads and create the same debate that gemologist have had if the lighter ones truly are rubies or not.

 

 

For the month of June, the birthstone count is quite unique and quite high. With three different gems to represent it, it’s not only fascinating but it means that there’s quite a bit of history buried in its little treasure trove.

From the magnanimous pearl to the alluring moonstone, and finally, to the newer alexandrite, let’s take a look at how these three gems have become the representations for the first month of summer.

Each of these gemstones has its own unique story and symbolism. The pearl is arguably the most popular of the three followed by the moonstone. But, we shouldn’t sleep on the alexandrite because although it may be the newest to the trio, it’s gaining more and more attention.

Where are pearls, moonstones, and alexandrite found?

Each of the three gemstones is found in different parts of the world. Pearls are found mainly in the seas of French Polynesia, the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and China. Moonstones can be found in large quantities in Brazil, the United States, and India. As for alexandrite, it is mainly found in the mountainous regions of Russia though it’s also been spotted in Brazil.

What colors are pearls, moonstones, and alexandrite?

A pearl’s color mostly depends on the outer shell color of the mollusk it comes from. Moonstones contain albite and orthoclase, which are stacked in layers that alternate between the two. This creates an interesting adularescence giving it one of the most unique looks.

A deep dive into the pearl

It’s hard to argue against the popularity and uniqueness of the pearl. This gem is harvested from the bivalve oyster and mollusk. They also come from clams that have been spotted in both rivers and oceans.

What does a pearl stand for?

The gem has come to mean different things to different parts of the world. It shows just how popular and sacred the gem is to more than just one specific culture. The symbolism is normally associated with water. Given the fact that it comes from an animal that’s part of the ocean, we can see why there would be a strong correlation between them.

A symbolism that may not first to come to mind, however, would be the gem being a moon. With its shiny metallic white surface, it does (romantically speaking) look like a moon. This may be why ancient Chinese culture considered the gem to bring wisdom to its owner.

Yet by modern standards, we consider it to represent love, integrity, and purity. Some pearl enthusiasts believe this stems from Ancient Greek culture. They were believed to have been tears from the goddess Aphrodite and hardened in droplets of joy. She herself represents beauty and love.

What’s the history behind the pearl?

Since the dawn of early civilization, pearls have been revered for their beauty. It was worn by royalty in both the ancient Egyptian and Roman empires. Because the gem was rare, it had high value. It, therefore, was a sign of prestige in the social hierarchy. While the symbolism has diminished by current standards, it is still a very prized item. And some are still quite expensive!

The history of natural and cultured pearls

Pearls remained naturally occurring for centuries. Human hands didn’t have much of a, well, hand in deciding how or where they were created. It was risky, back in the day, for divers to go deep into the ocean and grab mollusks. Additionally, many of them didn’t even have pearls! It’s this rarity that keeps their prices quite high even today. The naturally created versions of the gem are now known as a “vintage” item – something sought after as a relic of the past. This type of pearls isn’t as common anymore.

Things changed forever when Kokichi Mikimoto created the first farmed, cultured pearl in 1893. This new version, commonly known as a cultured pearl, doesn’t look too different from a natural pearl. If anything, they were more revered than natural pearls by some because they had the round shape to them that we all know and love (Legacy).

The creation of this new version had a drastic effect on sales of the gem. The price lowered because they were more accessible to the public and therefore, accessible to more people. This new pearl was also good news for the mollusk population. Because of the desire for the gem, they were nearly wiped out from their wild habitat. They were harvested by the hundreds, if not thousands! Now, almost all of these gems on the market are of the cultured variety.

How is a pearl created?

At first, when hearing that the gem is made from an animal, it could sound quite strange. In a sense, it happens by accident. A small particle gets trapped inside a mollusk. It becomes an irritant and the mollusk begins to create a coating around it called nacre. Little by little, the coating gets bigger. Made of aragonite, the secreted coating has a nice luster. Coat after coat, it begins to form. A full pearl can take up to four years to create.

The creation of a cultured pearl is similar in many ways. The difference is that the irritant is purposely inserted into the mollusk. This makes it so that the occurrence isn’t random and natural. The process is done by technicians in “pearl farms.”

The luster, color, and shapes of pearls

The gem, while known for coming in a milky white color, also comes in a nice variety of tones. They come in golden tones, pink, and even black! We know pearls as being perfect little circles, but they also come in different shapes. They come in teardrop-shaped, semi-baroque, and baroque shapes. The latter two are quite rare and are sought after by those who want one out of the ordinary. Possession depends on how much one is willing to pay as well as one’s personality trait—a traditionalist or an individualist.

The luster of the gem is what makes heads turn. It’s one of its defining characteristics. The luster reflects the light in just the perfect way so that when held up toward the sun, it appears glowing. It seems like it’s absorbing the energy into itself and is transmitting that energy into your fingertips.

There are several types of pearls

We know of four different types of the gem – the freshwater pearl, south sea pearl, Tahitian pearl, and the Akoya pearl. Each of these different types has various qualities to them. They are found in different areas, and they’re also different in value and size (What Are The Different Types).

Freshwater pearls

These gems are located in the rivers and the lakes of China. They’re also the most popular type of the gem. They’re cheaper than the others too. Just don’t assume that since they’re cheap they’re of low quality. Their quality has only become better thanks to improvements created in cultivating the gem. They come in shades of cream, lavender, pink, and white.

Akoya pearls

These gems are known for being one of the first cultivated pearls. Once, in Japan, they have become nationally known and cherished. They have a nice circular shape and the highest luster among their counterparts. A necklace that’s been made with a string of these pearls is the iconic and classic look we all know and love.

Tahitian pearls

You’d assume that because of their name they come from Tahiti. They don’t. You’ll find them in the French Polynesian area along the coast of the islands that make up the area. They’re a rare breed of the gem mainly because of their alluring colors. Coming in black, they are also available in deep purple, silvery blue and mid-level green.

South Sea pearl

For this gem, it breaks down into two variations, the golden and the white. You’re bound to come across the golden variety when you’re in the Philippines. The white version is found on the coast of Australia. What makes this version of the gem unique is its size. Bigger than the other types, they’re bound to catch an eye or two.

The luminous moonstone

While the pearl is the most popular gemstone for the month of June, we’d be hard-pressed to ignore the moonstone. It may not be on center stage with the pearl but it is just as stunning.

What is the history of the moonstone?

The gem is from the feldspar mineral family. For those of you who don’t know, this mineral type is what makes up our earth’s crust. This means that you can find the gem in many, many different places – Armenia, India, Brazil, and the United States.

The gem has a history of being placed around people’s necks, clothes, and generally their bodies for centuries. The gemstone was a part of Hindu, Greek, and even Roman culture. They hit their peak popularity during the Art Nouveau era, which was between 1890 and 1910. They were used in a wide variety of jewelry during that time.

What is “adularescence” and what does it have to do with moonstones?

Moonstones have a unique quality to them in the form of adularescence. It’s also called Schiller. When light hits the gem, the internal part of it makes the light scatter within. It looks as if the clouds in the sky are being lit up by moonlight. This is where the gem gets its name. In ancient times, it was believed to have harnessed the beams from the moon above (What is Adularescence?).

What is the meaning behind the moonstone?

It’s hard not to look at the “moonbeams” inside the gem and not feel a sense of serenity come over you. It’s reminiscent of looking up at the sky when it’s almost clear and dark and all the stars are out. A batch of clouds move by and it catches your breath. From a historical perspective, the gem was used as a talisman for the spirit and soul.

Constantly associated with feminine energy, the gem is said to bring the wearer inner peace, serenity, and return the body to equilibrium. Because it looks the way it is named, it’s a very unforgettable gem.

The discovery of alexandrite

It is because of Finnish mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld that we have a third gem for the month of June. Discovered in 1830, he initially thought the gem was actually an emerald. The big difference though was that it was harder than an emerald. It also stored light differently than an emerald (Alexandrite Gemstone).

He originally named the gem “diaphanite.” It was located in Russia’s Ural Mountains. At the time, it was believed to have been the only place to find it. Russia had a strong hold on it and the Russian royalty came in and renamed it Alexandrite, after Tsar Alexander II.

Alexandrite changed June forever

The new kid on the block was added in 1952. Its establishment made Russia the main and only source to extract it. Problem is, that once people found out about it, the locations were excavated until they were merely depleted. Things changed thirty years later when more deposits were found in Brazil, Burma, and India. It is still pretty rare, and therefore, one of the costliest gemstones in the world.

The shapeshifting gem

The June gem has a cool ability to change colors. It does so, depending on which source of light you’re looking at it from. This has been come to be known as the “Alexandrite Effect.” The spectrum of colors changes depending on the time of day. In daylight, you can see them shift from yellow-blue-green tints. When it’s put under an incandescent light, the color becomes pink and can grow into a fiery red, like a sunset from the west.

Science tells us that the color change happens because of the gemstone’s unique way of absorbing specific light wavelengths and reflecting others. The chromium inside it is responsible for that. Yellows and greens are absorbed into the stone, resulting in the yellows, blues, and greens. But, when put under man-made light, it reflects red rays.

What’s the meaning behind alexandrite?

Unlike its sister gems, this gem doesn’t have a long, ancient history connected to it. Because of this, there isn’t as much lore that comes with it. That hasn’t kept people from giving the stone meaning though. For some people, it’s a symbol of imagination and creativity, merely because it is a birthstone. It is also considered a symbol of optimism and hope. It reminds us of the way in which bringing light to one another comes in different spectrums of feelings and thoughts. Yet, no matter how different, it’s all beautiful.

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The gemstones of June are some of our world’s most enticing jewels. Each of them creates a special connection with people born under the summer sun. The stones transcend the physical realm and touch June babies on a symbolic level. They should consider themselves lucky for having not only three gems but three distinct gems. They get to choose which one they want to represent themselves with.

 

 

In 1939, Dorothy clutched her dog, Toto, by her side and said that they weren’t in Kansas anymore. Dorothy and company followed the yellow brick road and eventually reached the striking Emerald City. Reaching for the sky in illustrious pillars of green, they’ve finally come to their journey’s end. What happened after that has been called one of the best movies of all time. Brimming with color, The Wizard of Oz was considered an instant masterpiece and bewildering to people who had never seen color on the silver screen.

It’s hard not to hold a piece of the May birthstone in your hand and not think of how brilliant the gem is. Rather if we’ve seen it on the silver screen or held it in person, it’s hard not to fall in love with an emerald gem.

The emerald is a precious gem

The emerald is similar to its diamond brethren and is a precious gemstone. It comes from the mineral class known as beryl. It is commonly seen as a deep shade of green, but that’s not the only color that it comes in. Having a hardness of 7 to 8 on the Mohs scale, the gem is sturdy enough to make jewelry but the resistance to cracking is on the lower side.

Gem experts grade the gem by using for different description types: their color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. What makes the four measuring factors different for emeralds in comparison to other gems is that their clarity isn’t as much of a priority when it’s being graded. In general, they tend to have a deeper and at times clouded look to their coloration.

Some emeralds are not considered “emeralds”

Not all pieces of green beryl were treated equally. Back in the 60s, the green vanadium type beryl was not defined as an emerald. That has changed, but only here in America. If you take a piece of vanadium emerald into the UK or Europe, your gem won’t be recognized as a regular emerald. The distinction has come to be known as a “Colombian emerald” (Colombian Emerald).

Emeralds have been around for a while

Some sources say that it was sold in the Babylonian markets near the 4,000 BC mark. The Incas had apparently worshipped the stone because the lore mentioned that Chaldeans believed that the gem has a goddess in it. This gave it a highly revered status among its people. In ancient Egypt, the gem was associated with Thoth, the god of wisdom. Therefore, it was considered a favorite of Queen Cleopatra.

Where are they found?

The gem was mined even in ancient times. It was found in Mount Smaragdus dating back to 1500 BCE. Records show that the gem appeared in Austria and India beginning around the 14^th century CE. The Roman and Byzantine Empires had even used the Egyptian mines. Islamic influences did after that as well. The Colombian deposits changed that, and the areas are now mostly ignored.

To this day, Colombia is the focal point of most of the emerald mining and trade. Estimates show that it takes up about 50% to 95%. Early 2000 saw a surprising increase with that percentage becoming 78!

Colombia has three main mines – Chivor, Coscuez, and Muzo. It is also the country you’ll find the highly sought after “trapiche emeralds,” which are quite rare.

The second largest place that produces the gem is Zambia. More specifically, you’ll find them in the Kafubu River deposits and in the southwest area not too far from Kitwe. It is reported that Kagem Mines made up over three tons of the world’s emeralds during 2011. That’s quite impressive!

The gem is found elsewhere in the world. You can find them in: Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Switzerland, Spain, South Africa, Somalia, Russia, Pakistan, Norway, Nigeria, Namibia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Kazakhstan, Italy, India, Germany, France, Ethiopia, Egypt, China, Canada, Cambodia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Afghanistan, Australia, and Austria. (Try saying all those under one breath!) They’ve also been found in parts of the US, specifically in South and North Carolina, Connecticut, Nevada, and Montana.

May and part of June and July share the emerald

Not only is the gem a representative of the month of May but also considered to be the gemstone for the astrology sign Cancer.

Cancers are those who are born between June 25 and July 25. Known for being moody, sensitive, and nurturing, the water sign may give us some interesting insights into how we’ve come to associate the color green with security. Much like Cancers, it can be argued that we all thrive for a sense of security. Without it, we feel vulnerable and we’re full of anxiety. Green is highly associated with money and wealth, which unfortunately what makes many of us feel secure.

Going back to Emerald City from the Wizard of Oz, some scholars believe that the literary representation of green in the fictional city was meant to represent wealth and prosperity. Dorothy and company followed the Yellow Brick Road to their final destination.

In the books, the citizens have to wear green glasses. They’re meant to block the eyes from being overwhelmed by the “brightness and glory” of the city. Some American scholars have modernized this narrative to be a representation of prosperity in America. The emerald green of the city was meant to represent the prosperity of the nation and the city itself, Washington DC, where the seat of power is.

The emerald and the Bible

Little bits of the gem are found in stories from Brantome, a sixteenth-century historian. He was enthralled by the emeralds that some of Cortez’s men brought back from their journey to Latin America. On one piece of the May birthstone, he had engraved (translated) “Among those born of women there hath not arisen a greater.” The quote comes from the Bible, more specifically the Book of Matthew 11:11. The reference extends to John the Baptist.

Emeralds need to be treated due to their fragility

It’s very common for emeralds to be treated. Prior to being bought, they’re treated with epoxy resin and oil which help to fill any cracks that may be on the surface. This makes the cracks harder to see and makes the gem more transparent. While some oils used on the gem are clear, some are tinted green to help give the gem that extra depth of color (Understanding Emerald).

This makes cleaning jewelry with it rather difficult. If you are to clean it, it is best to use a very mild soap. You’ll want to avoid ultra-sonic cleaning because it will damage the coating.

Synthetic emeralds also exist

Not everyone can afford the precious gem that’s why it’s great to know that emeralds can and have been artificially produced in labs. Not only are they helpful for those on a budget, but they also look like the real thing.

They represent the heart and intuition

The gem stimulates the heart chakra and therefore, brings about positive physical health to the heart. It balances the three spheres of your life – emotional, spiritual, and physical. Because the heart is considered the center of one’s body by some cultures, balancing the heart means you’re balancing these three attributes as well.

Speaking of the heart, the gem also helps to bring stronger tethers to your romantic relationships. It’s considered to help concentrate your passions toward that one special person. It makes sense when you think about May being a month of spring.

The gem, according to spirit healers, helps to invigorate your intuition. In other words, it helps the wearer to make spot-on decisions and fairer judgments. Its symbolism of healing makes it a perfect piece of jewelry for those in the hospital career fields. Nurses, paramedics, doctors, therapists – they’d all be perfect candidates to don emerald jewelry.

More than one shade of green

The gem comes in variants of green shade. The color wholly depends on how it was cut. Known as the “emerald cut,” this very specific style of cutting has become iconic in the jewelry world. Gemologists who have good hands can manipulate the shade that the gem attracts by facets and cuts to bring about minimum or maximum light exposure.

Well-loved by famous people from the past

Iconic people from history’s past have been known to wear emeralds. One ruler, Cleopatra, apparently had a soft spot for the gem. A legend says that she had even taken ownership of the mines of Egypt just to make sure she got the best cuts.

Elsewhere in the world, the gem is found in the British Crown as well. The late and fabulous Elizabeth Taylor also was known to love the gem. It’s reported that her pendant with the gem on it sold for six and a half million dollars!

It was once said by lithologist St. Hildegard that, “All the green of nature is concentrated within the emerald.” The gem harvesting the green of the world sounds so poetic. It’s as if, from beneath the earth, the rock sits silently and brings forth the greenness and richness of the grass and trees toward it. But instead of being a leech, it reflects an earth color, the symbol of life. It’s hard not to imagine a perfect pasture. It’s green for acres and there’s a wind that rustles the verdant leaves of the nearby trees. Maybe that’s what St. Hildegard meant.

Emeralds are the eyes, heart, and love

Because the gem is centered on the heart, the gem is known for having a soothing aura about it. It brings newness and revitalizes the spirit. It’s been known to create a sense of inspiration and brings about a fountain of patience to the wearer.

It’s also associated with unconditional love, unity, and compassion. Its partnerships aren’t just romantic though as it can also help to tether together strong friendships. The gem was even known to be dedicated to the goddess of love, Venus herself. It brought about love and security.

The May birthstone is also associated with our sight and eyes. Wearing the stone brings with it enhanced vision and a stronger intuitive nature. The sight element also is associated with inward sight, so it was able to tell the future and even reveal the hidden truth within someone.

As a stone of wisdom, it also helped to bring forth strong memory and a clearer state of mind. This made it ideal for those who were trying to get over a psychological trauma–by bringing forth what was once hidden. The gem was also used to protect the wearer against spells and enchantments.

Emeralds, Esmeralda, and Oz … (Oh My!)

The emerald, as we know it today, also has interesting lore behind the word itself. It is believed to have been first translated from Sanskrit as marakata, which means, “the green of growing things.” Our term is believed to come from an ancient Persian word that was then translated to the Greek word, smaragdus. Its meaning is “greenstone” (Smaragdus).

Other words that have been closely associated with the gem are Esmeraulde, Esmaraldus, and Esmaralda. These all may seem close to a name many Disney fans have come across if they’ve watched the company’s rendition of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

In the film, a character named Esmeralda has piercing green eyes. She’s considered exotic and an outcast. While this association may make her seem bad, we all know that in Disney films, it’s usually the underdog who wins the day! And therefore, we sympathize with her plight and are pleased when she gets a happy ending.

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The May birthstone has fascinated us for centuries for its color, value, and symbolism. The film classics The Wizard of Oz and The Hunchback of Notre Dame have continued to reinforce the emerald’s value in subtle ways. Emeralds remind us of the vibrancy of life.

 

 

If you were born in April, congratulations because your birthstone wins the popularity contest. Not only is it popular, but it is also considered by some as the most precious of them all.

We’re talking about the diamond. Madonna wowed pop fans in the 1980’s with her Material Girl music video, which depicted diamonds as being the most sought-after thing in a “material world.” Rihanna struck a hit when she related the shining resonance of a diamond to a strained, yet powerful love affair.

Besides being a pop cultural phenomenon, the diamond is also one of the highest rated gems. It can be cut into some of the most alluring pieces, and its polish can bring anyone to their knees. They’ve been used to reference the stars in the sky countless times and are known to be one of the hardest gems in the world. Let’s take a deeper look at the famous April birthstone.

The origins and power of the diamond

The diamond is quite old, and by old, we mean more than a few billion years old. It has been traced back to India within the 4^th century BC where it was used for trading and collecting (Diamond History).

There’s record that Pliny, a Roman naturalist, called the gem “the most valuable” in all the world, and it seems like that may still hold up in the modern world, given how much we praise the gem in popular culture!

In the Middle Ages, it was considered to have the power to cure ailments such as weakness within the body and psychological disorders.

The gem of love and eternity

Thematically speaking, the gem is known by some as the stone of love. This is perhaps why we see so many different commercials on TV with phrases like “diamonds are forever” and are identified with wedding photos, dresses, and proposals.

It is said that early Roman culture considered the tip of Cupid’s arrow to be made of diamond. Because of its durability, it is believed that it may have represented love with its ability to withstand almost anything. Various cultures in the past believed in its durability and thought that it gave wearers strength for upcoming battles.

Where are diamonds found?

Early on in its excavations, the April birthstone was found mostly in India. It was sold in trades within parts of Europe such as Venice. Unfortunately, greed for the gem made it scarce as time went on and miners turned to Brazil.

It wasn’t until the late 18th century that heads turned toward South Africa where a large amount of diamond was found and of course, excavated. Diamonds aren’t exclusively in those areas though, as now, it’s found in Russia, Canada, Namibia, and Botswana.

Diamonds are hard

When we say that a diamond is tough, we mean really tough! Coming in at a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, the gem is super robust. The reason for this, scientifically speaking, is because it’s made of carbon. Carbon makes it over 50 times harder than other natural things. As a matter of fact, you have to use a diamond to cut a diamond!

Diamonds aren’t only clear or white

While we like to only think of diamonds as glittering clear pieces of jewelry, they actually come in different colors. They can be green, pink, blue, red, and even yellow.

The deepness of the color can also be super light and kind of dark. The deeper colors tend to have a higher value to them, probably due to their rarity. They can be priced up a lot higher than clear colored diamonds at times. Thanks to modern science though, you don’t have to empty your wallet to get a rarefied color gem because you can get what is called a “color-treated diamond” from a lab.

Real versus synthetic diamonds

The technological age has changed the way we both see and purchase the gem. We’ve been able to create perfect looking versions of the gem through synthesis. Many can’t tell the difference between the ones that are mined and the ones made in labs. The concern that some might have with this is that there could be people who con others into buying a synthetic version of the gem, but the diamond industry as a whole has tried to make sure that there is a way to tell the difference between the two versions.

So far, there isn’t too much of a need for concern regarding the synthetic version taking over the market because it still only makes up a very small percentage of the market as a whole.

Diamonds make the perfect adornments

Diamonds are used in all sorts of pieces of jewelry. It’s very popular for use in adornments. Perhaps the reason why is because of how the gem fractures the light into attractive little rays that catch the eye’s attention when the sunlight hits it. It makes quite the statement without saying a word!

Speaking of light, one of the ways in which the value of the gem is measured is through four characteristics – color, clarity, cut, and carat. Since the early 1950’s, the Gemological Institute of America has used those four attributes to determine how expensive (or not) a diamond is (All About).

Early beliefs about the diamond

According to An Encyclopedia of Occultism by Lewis Spence, at one point in history, the April birthstone was believed to have given victory to the person, who had a piece of it bound to their left arm, against any number of foes! It could be one versus a hundred and you’d still win as long as you had a piece.

It was also believed to help those who were considered crazy to gain a sense of sanity and help those who sleepwalked. The encyclopedia also notes that certain diamonds grabbed iron toward it better than a magnet would. And, strangely enough, the encyclopedia mentions that due to the gem being so hard, you could only break it by wiping a fresh layer of goat’s blood on it.

The diamond and the divine

The gem was believed to have come from a divine being, or so it is believed in the 1886 publication of Precious Stones, Art, and Literature. It cites that in Ancient Greek culture, the gem was a young person who had went to the Island of Crete and had bothered the all mighty Zeus. As punishment, they were turned into the gem.

For Plato, the gem was a naturally occurring fermentation of the stars above. It makes you wonder if that’s the reason why we link diamonds and stars together so many years later.

The book also links the gem with gold. This, perhaps, comes from when the diamonds with quartzite and the quartz happen to have a sliver of gold in them.

The controversy behind the diamond, part one

The history behind the April birthstone isn’t without its share of controversy. Known as “blood diamonds,” certain cuts of these gems were once located in western and central Africa. In those war-torn countries, certain groups of people rose up into power and took over the mines.

They, in turn, used the mined gems for money to further their political gain. They became tainted because of this, and many people who traded became wary of business and trade revolving around these gems. Many believed that it helped promote more bloodshed and empowered these groups.

The concern became so great that the diamond industry and trades, alongside the United Nations, created what is now called the Kimberley Process. Established in the early millennium, the process was meant to backtrack all diamonds that trafficked their way into their presence, making sure that the gems that were tagged as “blood diamonds” weren’t mixed in with regular diamonds (The Kimberly Process).

Certificates and documents are needed for these gems to make sure that they’re in line with the process. They also want to make sure that the gems aren’t being sent to them and, therefore, used to fund them.

The controversy behind the diamond, part two

As far as the success rate goes for the Kimberley Process, it hasn’t been perfect, but it has helped to keep out many of the tainted gems. There was a reported two or so percentage in 2000.

The Gemological Institute of America quotes that only one percent of the diamond trade may be tainted. The Heartless Stone, a book published in 2006 regarding the controversy, criticized the process, noting that it is easy to smuggle diamonds between the borders of Africa, and also easy to create a false history behind one.

The criticism also pointed towards the fact that some of the diamond mines aren’t marked correctly, meaning that while some of these places may not have been active in war, their mines are still tainted. And yet, according to the process, they are still considered fine for trade.

De Beers is the reason why we love diamonds, part one

The way in which the gem became a popular seller in the modern day is quite interesting. Going back to De Beers in the late 1800’s, there was a need for investors to merge in order to gain profit and power. Separated, they were too thinned out and dispersed. They wanted control of the market and in order to do that, they had to make it seem like diamonds were becoming more and more scarce. (In truth they weren’t.)(Have You)

This is where the idea of De Beers Consolidated Mines, Ltd. came into play. It was a success and they began to take control of the world’s influx of the gem. The name changed as it made its way around the world but it was the same entity.

In London, it was known as the Diamond Trading Company. It was known as The Syndicate in Israel. Parts of Europe knew it as the Central Selling Organization. Parts of Africa knew it as the Diamond Development Corporation and Mining Services, Inc.

The success of De Beers was successful in that it kept the value of the gem high. Other items, like grains, rubber, copper, gold, and silver had intense highs and lows which ebbed and flowed with the unpredictable economy.

Very surprisingly, because of this success, the gem was able to keep its high value through the Great Depression. Such control over the value of something is very rare to see in the world. There was even a time, within the 1970’s, in which there was a fear that the gem would go through a crazy inflation level, so some people bought them merely out of fear of this!

De Beers is the reason why we love diamonds, part two

So how does this tie into the modern popularity of the gem? Well, through the fixing of prices of the birthstone, it turned these precious gemstones into a strong symbol. They became the face of romance, power, and wealth.

De Beers was able to keep the cost at a stable rate and keeps the demand moderately high, thus creating the perfect space for this to happen. The value of it was shaped into something that has arguably become cultural nostalgia. We now consider the gem to be something that brings to mind marriage, and before that, courtship.

Nostalgia gives birth to sentiment, and that’s where De Beers truly succeeded. You don’t want to get rid of something that’s become nostalgic. You want to hold on to it … “forever.”

And that’s why now we see that word scroll across our television screens and mobile devices.

How to care for your diamond

If there is any birthstone that has captured the hearts and imagination of the world, it is the April gemstone.

We want to keep it near us, and because of that, we want to make sure to keep them clean and radiant. Cleaning the gem is pretty easy. You’ll want to do so with warm water and a mild soap. Avoid using any cleaners with chlorine in them (Diamond Care).

Although diamonds are very tough, you’ll still want to be careful when cleaning them. You may not even want to scrub it. Letting it sit in a combination of warm water and mild soap can be enough. If not, get a soft bristled brush and clean within the smaller crevices.

A toothbrush can work well, especially if you soften the bristles with warmer water beforehand. Be careful not to run it under hot water and then place it on a cooled diamond. Quick changes in temperature can diminish it. Dry it off with a lint-free, clean cloth and you’re all set!

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April’s birthstone has a long and complicated story behind it, but just like its hardness, it’s been able to withstand controversies and continues to be a shining example of what love and endurance truly are. Societies across the world will continue to smile and voices will whisper “I do” as the gem shines under the overhanging sun.

 

 

Those born in the month of March are lucky because their month is associated with shades of blue, green, and red. As a child, perhaps you heard the phrase, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” March is the moment in which we all are ready to say goodbye to the winter season and say hello to spring. Blue skies and green budding leaves are what March brings. The month brings about life and rebirth, which subtly brings to mind the color red. The question becomes, “why?”

The answer is given by March’s two birthstones – the aquamarine and the bloodstone. Both gems are, at times, close in color when they’re the greener versions of themselves. They are different in their aesthetics – aquamarine is clearer and more elegant while bloodstones are opaque and extravagant. They have different stories, and yet they both represent the preservation and augmentation of one’s health. Let’s take a look at the two March birthstones.

What does aquamarine represent?

The gem’s name is pretty much a giveaway to its color and its origin. It comes with images of deep oceans and crystal-clear lakes. The gemstone symbolizes fidelity, hope, health, and youthfulness. Its blue-green hue has had some people associate it with eternal life. Others have even considered it to bring about a positive aura to marriage and this is why it has been considered an ideal gift for one’s wedding anniversary.

What does bloodstone represent?

Also known as a “heliotrope,” the bloodstone’s name comes from ancient Greek. The phrase means “turning towards the sun.” Some enthusiasts think that the reason why the gem was called this was that of the dark spots of minerals (or “flecks of blood”) in the stone that reflected light, creating a luminary red spectacle. It was believed in ancient times that dropping a bloodstone into water would turn the water into red (Bloodstone – Heliotrope)!

What colors are found in aquamarines?

The gemstone can be seen in multiple shades of blue. It’s like a rainbow that spans from a paler blue to a deep green-blue that brings to mind the deepest depths of the ocean. The darker the gem, the rarer it is, which makes the darkest gems valuable.

Commonly, we see the paler gem used more often and even cut bigger when used in jewelry. In contrast, the darker variety may have a smaller cut to them. This also influences the shades in which they come out. Sometimes, the larger ones can look deeper in color than the smaller cuts.

What colors are found in bloodstones?

Although the gem is usually seen as green with blood-red splashes within it, the color varies more than one would assume. The amphibole or chlorite mineral deposits in the stone are what determine its green color. More often than not, the shades are in uneven tones, with some parts reflecting darker green and in other parts, lighter. Still, other parts will come off blue-gray and dark yellow.

What does “aquamarine” mean?

If you break it down, “aquamarine” means water (“aqua”) and of the sea (“marina”). Initially, that may sound a bit redundant, and you may wonder why it has two words that seem very similar. In the simplest sense, translations tend to sometimes not transition into another language poetically. But there is something interesting to think about when combining the two words.

The gem does have the blue and green color qualities. Aqua, water, is associated with the blue of the sea. Marina or marine suggests green shores. This combination of the blue and the green describes a plethora of aquamarine gems!

What does “bloodstone” mean?

“Turning towards the sun,” as heliotrope stands for, is used to represent the way in which the blood-red droplets are revealed when the gem is turned toward sunlight. The redness stands out even more if you submerge the stone in water. Polished and finished versions of this stone that are put into jewelry are touched-up to emphasize this uniquely beautiful trait.

Aquamarine, the birthstone of combat

One myth says that the birthstone can give you protection against your opponents in combat. The gem makes you a quick thinker, which in turn makes you faster on your feet, and your opponents can’t conquer you when you’re swifter than them.

Bloodstone, the birthstone of purity

For many years, this stone was considered to have strong healing powers. Wearing it on your person helped to detoxify the body of impurities and pull pure energy back into you. Consider it like an energy filter. It was once said that the gem created a positive energy by bringing love within its wearer’s aura. After all, how can you hate when there’s love in the air…literally!

The aquamarine in ancient times

Supposedly, the word “aquamarine” was associated with gemologist Anselmus de Boodt’s work that was compiled into his 1609 publication “Gemmarum et Lapidum Historia.” Perhaps he is the reason the aquamarine was highly sought after in ancient lineages. The blue-green version of the gem was what people in the 19th century had their eyes on.

Nowadays, it’s the bluer variety that we’ve got our eyes on the most.

Fun fact: one of the biggest chunks of the birthstone discovered was found in Brazil. Weighing around 243 pounds, the rock was eventually cut and equaled 200,000 carats in total (Aquamarine Value)!

The bloodstone in ancient times

The symbolism of “blood” in “bloodstone” was emphasized in the gem’s ancient beliefs. At one point, the gem was alleged to have stopped hemorrhaging for those who wore it. Warriors kept the stone close to them because the stone was believed to have stopped the bleeding when they were wounded. During the Medieval period, the stone was powdered and mixed with honey and egg whites and was believed to stop bleeding and cure tumors.

The meaning of aquamarine around the world

Legends and myths about the March birthstone are found all over the world. The Romans created frog-cut figures of the gem and believed that would help them make friends with warring neighboring civilizations and help bring peace. It was also believed that the stone helped to create an aura of young love, thus helping the wearers fall in love. Maybe this is where we get the idea of March and spring being the time of fresh beginnings and new love.

Further associated with love, the gem was given to a bride as a gift the morning after she and her groom had made love for the first time after they’ve been married. The gem was also used for its namesake as something that would help keep sailors from harm while on the high seas. The concept behind the gem shifted a bit during the Medieval era, as the gem was considered to have the power to reignite the love between married couples.

The aquamarine has anti-poison properties

The gem was prided by some important world powers – the Hebrews, the Egyptians, and even the ancient Sumerians. For Christians, the stone was associated with the Apostle, St. Thomas. It helped to make his long journeys via the sea safer according to believers.

The 1377 poem of William Langland, “Piers Plowman,” recorded the stone as being an antidote to poisoning. In Europe, where Langland’s work is associated, there are records of nobility who were poisoned. This made the gem very popular and in high demand among the privileged. It was not crushed into a powder though. It was simply worn on the person.

Aquamarines and the divine

There are some Middle Age authors who made the claim that the stone was very popular and effective when compared to other oracle crystals. It was used as a crystal ball and some people believed that it improved the effectiveness of fortune telling when it was used.

It was used in other connections with the divine such as a hunk of it being tied to a piece of thread and dangled over a water bowl. It was lowered just enough to barely touch the surface of the water. The edges of the inside of the bowl had alphabet characters written on them. The chanter would dangle the thread and allow it to naturally hit the sides of the bowl, which would reveal a divine message.

Another method of talking with the divine was to toss a gem into a bowl of pure water. The ripples would give way to a vision that the chanter would translate. This is maybe why it became associated with finding things that were once lost.

Bloodstones and the divine

Once called the “stone of divine messages,” the gem has a background in divinity. In the western world, it has been called the “Red Jasper” because the stone represents the blood that dripped from Christ when he was nailed to the cross and onto the plants below him. This is perhaps why many people believe that the gem is brimming with life and the power to live on.

The aquamarine stops burps and other sicknesses

Besides helping you win court-based disputes, the aquamarine was also considered a cure for yawning and burping! More specifically, it was said to be effective at relieving teeth, jaw, liver, throat and stomach-based ailments.

Perhaps their color is to blame for this next belief– the gem was also used to help conjure up rain. They were believed to not just bring rain but take it away from enemies.

Pliny, a philosopher from ancient times, couldn’t even resist the allure of the aquamarine.

Damigeron, a writer from the 2nd century, mentioned that the stone was good for stopping pain to your eyes, aided getting rid of all sickness, and can be given as a drink to someone if put in water. This meant that a powdered version of the gem should be placed on your eyes daily to help rid your eyes of an ailment. You would also give the gem a good dunk in the water then use the same to flush your eyes.

The bloodstone is the “stone of Babylon”

The historic icon, Albert the Great, called it the “stone of Babylon.” Scholars believe that he referred to the stone as such because of its many supposed magical assets (Bloodstone Meaning).

Pliny mentioned that the stone was used by magicians for invisibility.

Damigeron wrote that the stone could create rain, bring about solar eclipses, and preserved one’s health and youthfulness.

Aquamarines can keep you hydrated and keeps cavities at bay

Concepts of modern crystal healing believe that the gem helps the body retain fluid, which gives us another allusion to its namesake. They can help those who have glandular issues alongside promoting better eye health, which brings us back to an ancient narrative that has withstood the test of time.

Taken a step further, the gem is associated with keeping oral afflictions such as cavities at bay. Believed to be part of the “throat chakra,” it is also considered to be a promoter of positive singing and public speaking.

There are those who believe that the aquamarine can also help heal mental health issues. It was called an “all-purpose” gem which made it a healer for all-around body issues.

In the tarot reading culture, the gem was placed in conjunction with the Hanged Man card. The combo helped people to recognize when it was time for them to suspend a certain activity in their lives, which helped them turn away from social interactions and contemplate in silence.

Speaking of contemplation, the stone also helps people find serenity, which permeates throughout one’s being.

Aquamarines and mental health

The mental health promotions make the gem ideal for transcending into a higher plane of intellect and communication. According to this process, it makes a clear road between the mind and the divine existence and language that we (the everyday person) don’t usually contact. It is also known for creating a sense of mental and physical balance to the body in a gentle yet effective way.

The gem can help you achieve a greater sense of well-being. It’s known to cure you of your procrastinating nature (don’t we all “need” that cure?). The wearer of the piece of jewelry can think more clearly and be up on their toes. This makes it ideal for those who feel more scatterbrained and lack a sense of focus in life. A caveat, if you’re buying this for someone you love, you may not want to use this information as the pitch line when handing it to them.

What is an aquamarine made of?

Composition-wise, the aquamarine is known as beryl. Its color properties span from a paler blue to a lighter blue to a light blue-green and sometimes greenish hue. Normally clear in its presentation, it can look more clouded when there is a deposit of iron found in it.

In some cases, the gem could even look colorless from an angle! If you’re going to get any shade of aquamarine, chances are, it’ll be the blue-sky tone because this is the most popular shade on the modern market.

What is a bloodstone made of?

It is made of a cryptocrystalline mixture of quartz. This means that the gems are made up of tiny little crystalline that is hard to see even under a microscope. The “blood” in the gem are dots of hematite.

Are aquamarines precious or semi-precious?

The aquamarine is a semi-precious stone. Coming from the mineral beryl, it can be found in, at times, stream gravel deposits, and more commonly in alluvial deposits of gravel, and in granite pegmatite. The crystals grow pretty tall, as tall as thirty feet at times. But it is uncommon for them to be more than three feet tall (A List).

Are bloodstones precious or semi-precious?

This gem is semi-precious and is a form of chalcedony. Its chemical composition is silicon dioxide and the “blood” comes from traces of chemical impurities.

Where are aquamarines found?

A greater amount of the gem is found in Brazil. Crystals weighing a few kilos have been found in this part of the world! They are also found in the U.S., Nigeria, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. Blue-green versions can be found in Madagascar and the Soviet Union.

Where are bloodstones found?

They are similarly found in Brazil, India, and the U.S. They’re also found in Australia.

They are the perfect jewelry gems

The aquamarine is normally cut into an emerald. Pear-shaped and oval-shaped cuts are also pretty popular. Because it measures a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, the aquamarine is easy to cut, which makes it an adaptable stone that can be put in virtually all types of jewelry. Larger pieces can yield a few carats. At times, there have been bigger deposits found that can hold up to a thousand carats. Its availability and price variety make it affordable for all working classes.

The bloodstone has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it even easier to cut than the aquamarine. It, too, can be put into virtually all types of jewelry. It also makes the gem more delicate.

How to clean and maintain your aquamarine

When cleaning your gem, you’ll want to use ordinary soap and warm water. Using an old toothbrush is fine. Make sure the soap is of the milder variety. After scrubbing it, rinse it with warm water.

It’s important not to expose the gem to different temperatures, such as running it under very cold water and then running it under very hot water. The different temperature extremities can crack and ruin your gem which has already been heat-treated.

Do not use detergents or enzyme cleaners on the gem. Gem enthusiasts strongly advise against cleaning the gem in an ultrasonic tank. Keep them away from common chemical compounds, such as hairspray, various cosmetics, household cleaning chemicals, and perfumes. Do not steam them either.

How to clean and maintain your bloodstone

You must take good care of your gem. Cleaning it with warm water and a mild soap will do the job. Anything harsher, including chemical cleaners, will dull your stone indefinitely. (Isn’t the whole point of having a bloodstone to see it sparkle in the sun?!)

You’ll also want to be careful with how you dust it. Use something with feathery soft bristles to clean it. Anything harsher will damage the luster. Do not clean the gem in an ultrasonic tank. Steaming isn’t recommended.

Both beautiful gemstones

The aquamarine gem is beautiful in its various shades of blue-green. If you were to take several handfuls of the March birthstone and cast them into the sun, you’ll see the perfect imitation of the deep ocean. Depending on how the light catches them, they’ll have different shades and depths to them and make you want to dive into them. Science calls this the “pleochroic effect” (Pleochroism).

Similarly, the bloodstone gem contains a beauty that’s revealed when turning it toward the sunlight. Divine blood, some people once believed, ran through the proverbial veins of the gem. It’s a beautiful reminder of how precious life is.

 

 

The western world knows the month of February as the Month of Pisces, but the silent and dreamful fish isn’t the only alluring representation of the month. February is the month of the birthstone amethyst.

It is one of the most popular gems not just because it’s beautiful but because it goes well with warmer and cooler shades of clothing. It’s also one of the more affordable gems on the market. In other words, it’s quite the versatile gem. So, congratulations February babies – you’ve got a beauty on your hands!

What does the amethyst represent?

Representing the intellectual aspect of humanity, the gem is like a princess among crystals who has metaphysical properties. It is distinct and quite popular among the court of gem enthusiasts. One of the reasons why people love it so much is because it has a purple tint to it that is quite exclusive. The iron and mineral composition of the quartz is what gives it that natural characteristic.

Known for being a gem that brings about a calming and serene state of mind, the purple gem is believed to bring about a sense of balance to the mind, the body, and the spirit. Perhaps that’s why it is worn with warmer shades in the fashion world. Looking at it lets the impatient nature of everyday anxieties melt away.

Once a highly sought after gem in the ancient world, it has not lost its luster in the modern realm. It’s found in different parts of the planet, mostly in Greece, northern areas from Africa, the Middle East, and even Italy.

What’s really interesting to know though is that you don’t have to go out digging for them anymore. They can be produced within laboratories nowadays! The good news is that both versions of the quartz are open to you.

Some people wouldn’t want one made in a laboratory. Perhaps they took a romantic trip to Italy and it means a lot more knowing that the gem sitting in their lover’s ring came from the same place they shared a kiss under the stars.

Still, others may find that getting one from the laboratory works well with their personal beliefs. Perhaps they’re concerned about the safety precautions that are taken (or not taken) by the miners who mine for the contents.

Either reason, there is an amethyst for everyone.

Amethyst, the “cerebral” gem

Known for being the representation of cerebral thought, the gem is worn to help improve your thinking power. While there are quite a few different gems that are known for having metaphysical or emotional intelligence properties, there aren’t too many that have a strong psychological tie like that of the “smart” gem, which makes its crystal power even more unique.

The western region’s interest in the gem can be tied to the influence of the Enlightenment Era in which the religious and artistic realms of knowledge began to merge with the budding scientific method. We saw the rise of value in intellectual thought become as valuable as gems themselves. During earlier times, when schooling was far rarer, intellect and schooling were representations of wealth and power in society.

Knowing that, can you imagine receiving a piece of jewelry that’s been encrusted with a piece of amethyst? Not only are you being told that you’re an intellect, but the buyer is hoping you’re able to learn even more. They wish for you to spread your brainy wings and fly even further!

The representation of the intellect isn’t the only thing that the gem is known for. They’re also tied to sobriety and promoting straightforward thinking. They’re meant to help you make better decisions when presented with tough questions in life. Some gem enthusiasts believe that this is why it was given its name from Ancient Greece, which means “no longer intoxicated.” Tied to Dionysus, the god of wine, the gem was considered protection against drunkenness and the problematic behavior that accompanies inebriation.

This idea of drunkenness isn’t just in the literal sense of the word, as it also stands for helping people make sound decisions when they’re in an intoxicated state of mind. Consider the term “drunk in love.” Being infatuated with someone else can lead to bad choices if you’re already in a relationship. The same could be said about being overoptimistic or being too pessimistic. The key is balanced intellect.

Overall, they are meant to help you think critically about any given situation.

What is the amethyst?

The purple stone is part of the quartz family. It’s lavender in color and continues to be one of the most popular gems in the modern day world. They’re used to create tumbled stones, beads, cabochons, faceted stones, and other types of jewelry.

According to the Mohs Measurement of Hardness, the February birthstone contains a hardness of 7 and will not break via cleavage. This makes it durable for the use of many forms of jewelry whether it is bracelets, pendants, rings, or earrings. Because deposits of it are commonly found in Africa and South America, the price of the gem has stayed pretty affordable.

Where are amethysts found?

Amethyst is composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Less commonly, they will have bits of sedimentary rock inside them as well. They’re not just made of quartz but also silicon ore, which gives them a crystalline form. Components of the gem are commonly found in the earth’s crust.

Found in virtually all continents, greater groupings of it are found in North America, Africa, and South America. In particular, Zambia and Brazil are known for having the biggest production of the stone each year!

Chemical composition wise, they have deposits of manganese and iron, which help to give it the purple sheen we love so much. The amounts found within the different pieces of the gem determine how pale or deep purple the jewel becomes. Structurally, they’re hexagonal and six-sided.

Are amethysts precious or semiprecious stones?

They are semiprecious and share company with the likes of diamonds and sapphires. Just because they’re known for being semiprecious doesn’t mean that they’re lesser than a precious stone. It just means that they’re not as rare.

How much is an amethyst valued at?

The easiest way to measure the value of one is to look at its color. The more common of the shade of purple it is, the cheaper it will be. Ten-carat amethysts have reportedly sold for around $10 for an entire stone. On the other end, there have been 2-carat varieties selling for around $50 per carat! This gives purchasing one easier for both those who have a little more money in their bank accounts and those who don’t.

What type of jewelry is an amethyst found in?

Amethyst is very common and can be easily cut into smaller gems for the use of jewelry. This makes it accessible in many different forms like necklaces, beads, rings, earrings, or even by itself. The paler versions are constantly placed with other gems such as pearls because they help complement other color palettes.

How do you care for an amethyst?

According to GIA.edu, amethyst is quartz, which is what makes up the composition of substances such as sand and dust. They are also pretty tough and they will last you a long time, but they should still be treated with the right type of care so they don’t take damage or get scratched. With the rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, it’s perfect for all forms of jewelry (Care).

One of the things that can fracture the gem is major changes in temperature. For instance, if taken from a very cold outdoor climate and then exposed to very hot water, the gem can become damaged. Oddly enough, some of them will lose some of their colors if they’re exposed to intense light. Be sure to keep them away from chemical compounds such as alkaline solutions, ammonium fluoride, and hydrofluoric acid.

If an amethyst needs to be cleaned, use warm and soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaners are okay to use, but not with a gem that’s treated for a fracture or that has been dyed. Never subject the gem to heat and never steam clean them.

What are the different types of amethyst gems?

Not all amethysts are light purple, nor do they all have the same composition. Here are the different types of the February birthstone we know of:

Siberian Amethyst: Found in the Ural Mountains, this type of amethyst was first mined around the eighteenth century. They’re known for being tinted a dark violet at times but is commonly seen in a paler violet tone. Now, the word is more of a description of the color of the stone than an actual type of gem.

Green Amethyst: A rarer type, the green amethyst is actually artificially made that color. It’s created by heat-treating a regular gemstone. Some enthusiasts know it as a “Prasiolite.”

Brazilian Amethyst: As the name implies, it was originally found in Brazil. It is not as much of a type as it is a name that is used in gem trade and is a name that is used in reference to various South American amethysts.

Bolivian Amethyst: Similar to the “Brazilian Amethyst,” it is a type of the February gemstone that was originally found in Bolivia.

Amethyst Quartz: A specific type of amethyst that is actually a mix of Clear Quartz, also known as Milky Quartz, and regular components of the original gem. It’s bottom tint ranges from clear to white and the top has a purple hue. Commonly used to create beads, it can also be a banded version of white and purple and is polished and tumbled.

African Amethyst: As the name implies, this type of amethyst was originally found in Africa. It is not as much of a type of amethyst as it is a phrase used in gem trade to describe a darker shade of the gem.

The Month of Royalty

The birthstone of February has continued to be one of the most cherished gems over the years.

Being associated with the month of Pisces, the gem was once meant to represent the sixth year of marriage and given to congratulate the milestone anniversary. It is also a gem that’s been a part of many royalties’ collections the world over.

Historically, they’ve been seen in the Crown Jewels in Britain and found in the ancient ruins of Egypt. A record 400-pound chunk of it is kept in the Smithsonian.

Ironically, at one point, the value of it was higher than that of the ruby and the sapphire. At this time, its value was equaled to that of diamonds. This was before the gem was found in greater deposits and eventually, its price and value dropped considerably.

In Christianity, the color purple has become known to represent royalty and Christ. The gem was found in rings worn by Bishops. Some sects associated the gem with St. Matthias. The birthstone makes an appearance more than once in the Bible as well. Not only was it one of the 12 gems that were put into High Priest Aaron’s breastplate, but it was also used to build the 12^th foundation of the Holy City.

The Month of Spilled Wine

One of the most interesting tales told involving the gem is found in ancient Greek mythology.

The story goes that amethyst wasn’t a gem but an actual person. She was a young virgin who was abused by the Greek god Dionysus when he was drunk. Specifically, he was drunk off of red wine. Amethyst asked for help from the goddess Diana, who turned the young woman into shimmering white quartz. Dionysus found this out and full of remorse for what he did, collected his tears into the goblet of red wine that he held.

When the goblet was tipped over, the wine spilled over her new form. It changed the color of the stone to a deep purple tone. That’s how the birthstone we know nowadays was brought into existence.

The somber narrative gives the stone’s symbol of intellect a more powerful meaning.