September’s Birthstone – Sapphire

Those born in the month of September have the sapphire for a birthstone. Available in many colours other than red (then it would be called a ruby), the sapphire represents dignity, loyalty, serenity, fait purity and wisdom. The word sapphire comes from the Persian word ‘safir’, which means ‘beloved of Saturn’.

Energy: Receptive

Planet: Moon, Saturn

Element: Water

Deities: Apollo

Chakra: Fifth Chakra, the Throat Chakra

Associated Metals: N/A

Lore: The sapphire was thought to guard against evil and poisoning, and venomous snakes would die if place in a container made of sapphire. It is the traditional favourite stone of priests and kings as it symbolises purity and wisdom. It was thought to make a stupid man wise and make a bad tempered man calm. Ancient Persians thought the earth rested on a giant sapphire and the blue of the sky was the reflection of the stone. It was thought to protect the wearer from poverty and promote spiritual enlightenment.

*Additional information provided by Scott Cunningham’s Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic*

August Birthstone – Peridot

Those born in the month of August have the peridot for their birthstone. The vivid green of the peridot has hints of gold is a perfect match for summer outfits. The peridot is an old gemstone, used since ancient times in Egypt. The peridot is the only gemstone that comes in only one colour which varies between shades of yellowish green and olive, to a brownish green, depending on the amount of iron within the stone.

Energy: Receptive

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Deities: N/A

Chakra: Fourth Chakra – Heart.

Associated Metals: Gold

Lore: The peridot is a symbol of strength and said to successfully ward off evil, enchantments and depression if you wear or carry the stone. It is also said that it protects the wearer from nightmares.

*Additional information provided by Scott Cunningham’s Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic*

July Birthstone – Ruby

Those born in the month of July have the ruby for their birthstone. One of the most highly prized gemstones, large rubies are harder to find than large diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. Because of this a rubies value increases with size more than any other gemstone. The ruby is only second to the diamond when it comes to hardness. the ruby, was regarded by ancient Hindus as the ‘king of gems’. It was believed to protect its wearer from evil. Today, the ruby’s deep-red color signifies love and passion.

Energy: Projective

Planet: Mars, Saturn

Element: Fire

Deities: Buddha

Chakra: Fourth Chakra – Heart

Associated Metals: N/A

Lore: Rubies are considered tokens of harmony and peace. It said that the wearer attracts both good luck and good friends. It is thought that rubies are effective for health problems relating to the blood and infections and increasing positive thought patterns. It’s also thought that they enhance energy, generosity and bring prosperity and success. Because of its qualities, a ruby is perfect for an engagement ring and a popular alternative to a diamond in either an engagement ring or wedding band. Some believe a ruby will turn a darker colour when danger is close and return to its original colour when the danger has passed.

*Additional information provided by Scott Cunningham’s Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic*

May Birthstone – Emerald

Those born in the month of May have the beautiful green stone of Emerald. The name emerald comes from the Latin word ‘smaragdus‘ which means green gem. Legend claims that Nero wore eyeglasses made from emeralds to enhance and protect his eyesight while watching the gladiator games, and was thought to be one of Cleopatra’s favourite gems. Romans dedicated the stone to the goddess Venus

The emeralds represents loyalty, faithfulness and friendship.

Energy: Receptive

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Deities: Isis, Venus, Ceres, Vishnu

Chakra: Fourth Chakra – Heart

Associated Metals: Copper, Silver

Lore: Emeralds are said to enhance eyesight or aid in the healing of ailments of the eye, and mental clarity, which is probably why they are a popular stone for earrings. If carried or worn during a long journeys it’s said to keep the traveler safe. Powers include fertility and clairvoyance.

*Additional information provided by Scott Cunningham’s Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic*

April Birthstone – Diamond

I know this stone very well, as it is my birthstone.

Diamonds come in two colours, a light tint of yellow and the crystal-like, translucent stone. Once believed to ward off insanity, diamonds didn’t become popular until the Middles Ages that diamonds were sought out in great numbers.  In Sanskrit, the diamond is called “vajra,” which means lightning.

Energy: Projective

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Chakra: Seventh Chakra – Crown

Associated Metals: Platinum, Silver, Steel

Healing Lore: Diamonds are said to enhancing relationships and increasing inner strength. Bring balance, clarity and abundance to the wearer, and are thought to be effective for health problems relating to brain diseases, and the pituitary glands. It is also thought that diamonds draw out toxins from the body.

*Additional information provided by Scott Cunningham’s Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic*

March Birthstone – Aquamarine

As we journey into March, the first signs of spring appear. The month’s birthstone, Aquamarine, ranges in colour from a blue-green to a light sky blue that reminds one of tropical waters. Because of its colour, the ancient Romans thought it was a sacred stone of Neptune and sailors wore amulets made of Aquamarine to guard against dangers at sea.

Energy: Projective

Planet: Saturn, Venus

Element: Fire

Chakra: Fifth Chakra – Throat

Healing Lore: This stone is associated with good health, love and hope. It was once thought to cure heart, liver, and stomach diseases just by drinking water that has a stone soaking in it.

More modern uses, it’s thought to help with dependency on drugs, aid in digestion, calm stomach ailments and maintain the health of the jaw and teeth.

Magical Properties: This stone is carried or worn to enhance or utilize psychic powers. It can be rubbed or worn on the body as part of a purification ritual. It is a soothing stone. A stone of peace, joy and happiness it is an appropriate gift for a groom to give to his bride on the day of their wedding. It can be used as a charm to help strengthen courage of the wearer and bring peace of mind.

*Additional information provided by Scott Cunningham’s Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic*

February Birthstone

The second month of the year brings us the beautiful gem known as Amethyst. The stone comes in shades ranging from a pale lilac to violet to red-violet colour, through to a deep rich purple. One of the more popular gems used for jewelers, the meaning of colours through the ages represented many aspects of life. The original symbolic meaning of the colour purple was for penitence and mourning. However, it became symbolic with wealth and power and strongly associated with Royalty as the dyes used for purple materials were extremely expensive to produce.

Properties

Energy: Receptive

Planets: Jupiter, Neptune

Element: Water

Deities: Bacchus, Dionysus, Diana

Lore: Amethyst is said to promote dreaming, overcome alcoholism, bring peace to the wearer, bring love, protect against thieves, and infuse courage and happiness.

*Additional information provided by Scott Cunningham’s Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic*

December’s Birthstone

While researching this stone, I was very surprised to learn that there is more than one stone associated with the month of December. Traditionally, turquoise is the December birthstone, but it appears the blue topaz and tanzanite is also applicable. While each stone is different, they all have one thing in common; the beautiful shade of memorizing blue.

Turquoise:

Turquoise was first introduced to Europe by way of Turkey; hence its name, which means “Turkish” in French. The brilliant sky-blue color of turquoise has never lost its fascination to gem-lovers.

*Associations:

Energy: Receptive

Planets: Venus, Neptune

Elements: Earth

Deities: Hatho, Budda, The Great Spirit (Native American)

Metal: Gold

Healing/Magical Properties: Protection, Courage, Healing, Love, Friendship, Luck.

Chakra: Throat

Lore: It is sad that if you give a turquoise stone to a beloved friend, it will protect the wearer from negative energy and bring good luck. It also brings peace to the home. It is a very personal and meaningful stone to those who wear it.*

 

Blue Topaz

This stone, even though it is of a different colour, has the same properties as it’s amber counterpart. The colour of the stone is thought to be the result of heating white topaz. Often referred to as the ‘writer’s stone’, blue topaz influences the creative mind, and is said to help

More information on blue topaz:

http://www.jewelsforme.com/blue-topaz-powers.asp

http://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/blue-topaz-stones.html

Tanzanite

Tanzanite was discovered in the Mererani Hills of Manyara Region of Northern Tanzania in 1967. Quickly becoming a favourite stone of jewelers, it’s colour ranges from sapphire blue to violet to a burgundy, depending on the crystal’s orientation. Light can also affect it’s colouring, but the stone needs to be heated in a gemological oven to bring out any colour.

Properties

Tanzanite is said to be the stone of transformation as it can transform negative energies into positive ones. It dispels lithargy and brings repressed feelings to the surface. It has the ability to break with old habits and help to integrate new habits into your life.

More information on Tanzanite:  

http://www.jewelsforme.com/tanzanite-history.asp

http://www.jewelsforme.com/tanzanite-powers.asp

http://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/tanzanite

http://www.tanzaniteauthority.com/tanzanite-earring.html

*Information supplied by CRYSTAL, GEM, AND METAL MAGIC written by Scott Cunningham.*