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Metaphysical Properties & Gem Stories
Birthstones for Each Month
Birthstones vary historically and geographically giving us plenty of options when it comes to picking the stone that's right for you! That's why we have used our gem inventory to create an extensive chart full of birthstones, allowing you to learn more about your birthstones and how they can be incorporated into your very own custom jewelry piece! Click here to view. If you do not see a specific stone or are looking for a specific cut, shape, or colour, please feel free to contact us at Sales@GemRapture.ca
To quote Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
“Birthstones are a fun, popular and colorful introduction to the world of gemstones. They appeal to audiences around the world regardless of gender, age, nationality or religion. Birthstones carry secrets, attributes and lore that are unique to each gemstone. There are countless myths and legends around the many different powers and attributes that birthstones have. Whether or not you believe these legends, it’s hard to disagree that learning about birthstones can be an educational and entertaining experience. Discover what makes your birthstone a powerful statement of your finest qualities by clicking on the link below.
https://www.gia.edu/birthstones
And thou shalt make the rational of judgment with embroidered work of divers colours, according to the workmanship of the ephod, of gold, violet, and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, and fine twisted linen. It shall be four square and doubled: it shall be the measure of a span both in length and in breadth. And thou shalt set in it four rows of stones. In the first row shall be a sardius stone, and a topaz, and an emerald: In the second a carbuncle, a sapphire, and a jasper: In the third a ligurius, an agate, and an amethyst: In the fourth a chrysolite, an onyx, and a beryl. They shall be set in gold by their rows. And they shall have the names of the children of Israel: with twelve names shall they be engraved, each stone with the name of one according to the twelve tribes.
Garnet
https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/january-birthstones
Garnet Care:
The different types of garnet range between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This means that this birthstone is more susceptible to damage than rubies, sapphires and diamonds. So while not all garnets are good candidates for daily wear, they are ideal for earrings, brooches and pendants. Give thought to how you store your garnet jewelry. If you let it rub against harder gems – again, think diamonds, rubies and sapphires – it can be scratched. And in turn garnet can scratch softer gems, such as opals or pearls.
Metaphysical
Key words Strength, Security, Creativity,
Element Earth
Chakras 1st Root, 4th Heart
Zodiac Aquarius
Birthstone January
Garnet is said to rejuvenate, cleanse, and balance energy and is associated with the heart and root chakras as it drives passion and encourages stability.
Amethyst
Amethyst Care:
Amethyst birthstone jewelry can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner, but steam cleaning is not recommended. A soft brush with mild soap is the safest option.
Metaphysical
Key words Protection, Purification, Divine Connection, Release of Addiction
Element Wind
Chakras 6th Third Eye, 7th Crown, Etheric
Zodiac Pisces
Birthstone February
Amethyst is said to be a natural relaxant, it alleviates stress, dispels anger and is known to heighten intuition and psychic abilities. This stone can be used to strengthen your Crown Chakra, the last of the seven chakras, and is said to be ones connection or "bridge" with higher self and the divine.
Aquamarine
https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/march-birthstones
Aquamarine is Latin for sea water. A member of the beryl family along with emerald, morganite, golden beryl, goshenite, heliodor, the yellow/green variation is chrysolite aquamarine. Pure beryl is colourless, impurities cause colour changes. Aquamarine is pigmented by iron. Eyeglasses in the 13th century were constructed of beryl and rock crystal/quartz. Beryl is one of the gems collected for Aaron’s Breastplate.
Beryl is found on every continent in coarse-grain granite pegmatites, mica schists and limestone. Frequently located tin and tungsten ore deposits. Aquamarine is brittle and sensitive to pressure, Moh’s hardness 7.5-8. Natural crystals are hexagonal and long prisms, large crystals are frequently found. The preferred cut is square or long oval shapes with scissor cuts. Can be mistaken for topaz, kyanite, tourmaline, zircon, and glass. ‘Synthetic aquamarine’ is aqua coloured spinel. For cleaning, warm soapy water is always a safe method for these stones. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe unless the stone is fractured or has liquid inclusions.
Metaphysical
Key words Cooling, soothing, enhancement of clear communication
Element Water
Chakras 5th Throat, 4th Heart
Zodiac Scorpio
Birthstone March
Sailors talisman to bring good luck, protection and fearlessness. Used in meditation to bring oneself to a calm alert stage of consciousness. One of the strongest gem energies to clear and activating the throat chakra bringing clarity in communications. Balancing excessive anger, fear and clearing emotional past.
Diamond
https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/april-birthstones
Diamond is the hardness of 10 on the Moh’s scale and can scratch all other gems. A simple trick to identify a diamond from cubic zirconia (cz), is to lay the stone on its’ table (the flat top) on a lined piece of paper. If the line bends it is a cz.
Metaphysical
Key words intensity, radiance, sovereignty
Element Storm
Chakras 4th Heart, 6th Third Eye, 7th, Crown, 8th-14th Etheric (above the head)
Birthstone April
Diamond lore varies from divinity to protection from snakes and of course to enhance love. Placing a diamond near the third eye is said to stimulate one’s inner vision and higher spirits. Diamond’s energy is thought to be stronger than all other gems. And capable of amplifying one’s emotions, so removing diamonds when in a bad temper is suggested. Uncut diamonds are thought to have enhanced energy stimulating and opening all the chakras, especially the crown and above. Enhancing inner vision and stimulating imagination.
Emerald
https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/may-birthstones
Emerald is derived from the Greek smaragdos, green stone. One of the gems on Aaron’s’ Breastplate. Until the Colombian discovery in 1526, emerald was known as green sapphire. Spanish conquistadors stole the mines from the Incas. Colombian emeralds are superior to the ancient mines of Egypt. And is still the major source of emeralds today. Brazilian emeralds are a yellow-greenish but are often free of inclusions. Rhodesian, Tanzania, Zambia, and Pakistan emeralds became part of the gems used to finance wars.
Emeralds most often have eye visible inclusions. Many emeralds are treated with various substances to improve the colour and clarity. The common practise of oiling emeralds is used and is being replaced with polymer plastics. The first synthesis was completed in 1848. Synthetic emerald emits a short ultra-violet wave more than natural emeralds. Pleochroism: Natural vs Synthetic; natural Distinct, green, blue green to yellow green; Synthetic: yellow green, blue green.
Mistaken for demantoid, grossular and uvarovite garnet, diopside, dioptase, hiddenite, peridot, and green tourmaline.
Metaphysical
Key words Love, compassion, healing & abundance
Element Water
Chakras 4th Heart
Zodiac Cancer
Birthstone May
Romans wore emeralds as a symbol for fertility and the goddess Venus. Stone of Resurrection is Christian lore. Other lore maintains that emeralds cure a variety of diseases, assuages, fears, enhances persuasiveness and improves memory. Emerald is the gem which best represents an activated heart chakra. Traditionally linked to cure heartbreak loving others and oneself. It is thought to stimulate wealth and abundance by removing thoughts of inferiority. Helping to view all thing with acceptance and compassion.
The pearl birthstone was also thought to have beneficial properties. In the ancient Sanskrit text the Atharvaveda, pearls were said to bestow long life and prosperity. In Asia, pearls were believed to help alleviate indigestion and hemorrhages. Some 19th century Arab physicians maintained that pearl powder improved eyesight, quieted nervous tremors and eased depression.
Pearl Care:
Pearls are 2.5 to 3.0 on the Mohs Scale of hardness, so they are a comparatively soft gem and require special care. Store them separately from other gemstones and metal jewelry to prevent scratching. Never store your pearl birthstones in a plastic bag — plastic can emit a chemical that will damage their surface. Always apply perfume, hair products and cosmetics before putting on your pearl jewelry. The best way to clean your June birthstone: Use a soft, damp cloth, ideally after each time the pearls are worn.
Moonstone
Moonstone is the best-known gem of the feldspar group of minerals. It is renowned for its adularescence, the light that appears to billow across a gemstone, giving it a special glow. The finest moonstones show a blue sheen against a colorless background.Moonstone Care:
Moonstone is a 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness and has poor toughness. It may crack when exposed to high heat. Therefore, ultrasonic and steam cleaners should not be used on your moonstone. The best option for cleaning is warm, soapy water with a soft brush.
Metaphysical
Key words Mystery, Self-discovery, Intuition, Insight, Dreams
Element Wind
Chakras 6th Third Eye, 7th Crown
Zodiac Cancer
Birthstone June
This June birthstone has been associated with both the Roman and Greek lunar deities. Hindu mythology claims that it is made of solidified moonbeams. Moonstone is often associated with love, passion and fertility; it is believed to bring great luck.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is the rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that changes color in different lighting. Most prized are those alexandrite birthstones that show a vivid green to bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light, and an intense red to purplish red in incandescent light. Major alexandrite deposits were first discovered in 1830 in Russia’s Ural Mountains. The gem was named after the young Alexander II (1818–1881), heir apparent to the throne. Alexandrite caught the country’s attention because its red and green colors mirrored the national military colors of imperial Russia.
Alexandrite Care:
This June birthstone is relatively hard—8.5 on the Mohs scale. It has excellent toughness and no cleavage, which is a tendency to break when struck. This makes it a good choice for rings and other mountings subject to daily wear. An alexandrite engagement ring would be a unique gift for a bride-to-be born in June. Although it is best to clean your June birthstone in warm, soapy water, ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe as well.
Metaphysical
Key words Joy and Wisdom, Release of Sorrow
Element Wind, Water
Chakras 4th Heart, 6th Third Eye, 7th Crown
Zodiac Gemini
Birthstone June
Ruby
https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/july-birthstones
In ancient India, ruby was called the “king of precious stones” for its rarity, hardness (second only to diamond), beauty and seemingly mystical powers. Long associated with the life force blood, ruby was a symbol of power and youthful energy in Indian jewelry. In past centuries, some believed this birthstone for July could predict misfortune or danger, and others claimed it would cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. Burmese warriors believed it made them invincible in battle. Medieval Europeans maintained that rubies bestowed health, wisdom, wealth and success in love.
Ruby Care:In most cases, the July birthstone can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe for untreated, heat-treated and lattice diffusion–treated stones. Glass-filled or dyed stones should only be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Metaphysical
Key words Life Force, Courage, Passion, Strength, Enthusiasm
Element Earth
Chakras 1st Root
Zodiac Capricorn
Birthstone July
Peridot
https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/august-birthstones
Peridot is the yellowish green to greenish yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Throughout history, peridot has often been confused with other gems such as topaz and emerald. The Red Sea island of Topazios, a purported source of the name “topaz,” actually produced peridot. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral is decorated with 200 carats of gems that were believed to be emeralds but are, in fact, the August birthstone peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot.
Peridot Care:
Metaphysical
Key words Increase, Prosperity, Warmth, Well-being
Element Earth
Chakras 3rd Solar Plexus, 4th Heart
Zodiac Libra
Birthstone August
Sapphire
https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/september-birthstones
Metaphysical
Key words Awareness, Discipline
Element Wind, Earth
Chakras 6th Third Eye, 5th Throat
Zodiac Taurus
Birthstone September
Opal
Opal Care:
Opal may be treated by impregnation with oil, wax or plastic. Opal doublets or triplets are fine slices of opal glued to a base material and covered with a thin dome of clear quartz. The safest way to clean this October birthstone is with warm, soapy water. Other cleaning methods might damage the opal or filler material. Note that prolonged exposure to water may weaken the adhesive in opal doublets and triplets. Even natural opal can fracture if exposed to high heat or sudden temperature changes.
Metaphysical
Key words White/Purification; Pink/Emotional Healing; Blue/Calm Mind;
Brown and Black/Emotional Protection
Element Earth, Water
Chakras White/Crown; Pink/Heart; Blue/Throat and Third Eye; Brown and Black/ Root and Sexual/Creative
Zodiac Libra
Birthstone October
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is the newer October birthstone. The name comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means “stone with mixed colors,” because it often has multiple colors in one crystal. Very few gems match tourmaline’s dazzling array of colors. Perhaps this is why ancient mystics believed this October birthstone could inspire artistic expression – it has a color palette for every mood. Among the most popular are the pink and red rubellites, the emerald green “chrome” tourmalines, and the neon green and blue-to-violet “paraíba” tourmalines.
Tourmaline Care:
The tourmaline birthstone is rated 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is generally suitable for everyday wear. These colorful gems are usually stable enough to withstand light and most chemicals, but heat can be damaging. This October birthstone is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush The use of ultrasonic and steam cleaners is not recommended.
Topaz
https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/november-birthstones
Topaz Care:
Topaz is an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, but it has poor toughness, so care is required to avoid chipping or cracking. To clean this November birthstone, do not use steam cleaning or ultrasonic cleaners. Warm, soapy water works best. High heat or sudden temperature changes can cause internal breaks in topaz. The birthstone’s color is generally stable to light, but prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight might cause fading in some yellow-to-brown gems. Topaz may be affected slightly by some chemicals.
Metaphysical
Key words Manifestation of Personal Intention, Will, and Desires
Element Fire
Chakras 3rd Solar Plexus
Zodiac Sagittarius
Birthstone November
This November birthstone was long thought to have many benefits. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength. From the 1300s to the 1600s, Europeans thought it could thwart magic spells and dispel anger. For centuries, many people in India have believed that topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty and intelligence.
Citrine
Citrine Care:
Metaphysical
Key words Manifestation, Personal Will, Mental Clarity, Creativity
Element Fire
Chakras 1st Root, 2nd Creative, 3rd Solar Plexus
Zodiac Scorpio
Birthstone November
Turquoise
Turquoise Care:
Metaphysical
Key words Wholeness, Communication, and Spiritual Expansion
Element Storm
Chakras 5th Throat
Zodiac Capricorn
Birthstone December
Tanzanite
Tanzanite Care:
Metaphysical
Key words Linkage of the Mind and Heart, Enhanced Spiritual Perception, Compassionate Self-expression, Adherence to Truth
Element Wind
Chakras 4th Heart, 5th Throat, 6th Third Eye, 7th Crown, 8th SoulStar
Zodiac Sagittarius
Birthstone December
Zircon
Zircon Care:
Clean your zircon using a soft brush and mild soap in warm water. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended for this December birthstone.
Metaphysical
Key words Stimulation of all Chakras, Increased Life Force, Grounding Ideals in the Physical World
Element Storm
Chakras All
Zodiac Taurus
Birthstone December
During the Middle Ages, this December birthstone was thought to lull one into a deep sleep and scare off evil spirits. In the Hindu religion, zircon alternates with hessonite garnet as one of the nine gems of the navaratna. When worn together, the nine gems protect the wearer and bring wealth, wisdom and good health.
Agate is derived from the Sicilian river Achates where agates were probably found. Blue Lace Agate is a blue periwinkle variety of banded Chalcedony from the Quartz family, with a Moh’s hardness 7. Agates have been found with Neolithic artifacts. Agates where the foundation of the stone cutting industry in Idar-Oberstein, Germany since 16th century. Some of the best banded Blue Lace Agate gems come from South Africa
Metaphysical
Key Words Communication, clarity, confidence
Element Water
Chakras 5th Throat
Birthstone May
Zodiac Gemini
Metaphysically agates are generally a lower intensity energy with slower frequency vibrations. Agates are regarded as stabilizing and strengthening. Blue Lace Agate opens and clears the throat chakra, benefitting articulate speech and helps to build confidence. Instills clarity of thought, focusing intent of ideas and goals. Assisting to communicate one’s thoughts, beliefs and truth. For persons who speak before thinking and are unable to stop talking, Blue Lace Agate balances the throat chakra. A gem for enhancing loyalty and trustworthiness, assisting in understanding the sanctity of secrets. An emotionally calming and centering gem.
Amber
The Greeks called amber elektron, or “made by the sun.” Homer praised its bright glow. The Egyptians buried it in tombs for the afterlife. Today’s scientists value amber too: it provides a three-dimensional window into prehistoric ecosystems through the myriad animal and plant inclusions it contains.
Metaphysical
Key Words Light, Warmth, Solar Energies, Clarification, Healing
Element Earth
Chakras 3rd Solar Plexus
Zodiac Taurus
Palm Fossil
A fossilized forest with palm tree-like plants was found by scientists in an excavation site, in Xinhang, Anhui, China. Dating back 400 million years and covering 2,700,000 square feet, larger than Grand Central Station. Previously only two fossil forest had been discovered in the U.S. and Norway. Lycopsid plants resembling todays palm trees, most of them reaching 10 feet high, the tallest being 25 feet.
Palm plants are found along coastal environments with warm temperatures remaining above the freezing mark, much like a mangrove forest. Coryphoid palms have been found in Olgiocene deposits of Ningming County, Guangxi, China, three species Chuniophoenix slenderifolia sp. nov., Livistona roundifolia sp. nov., and Trachycarpus formosa sp. nov. In 1997 a new species of fossilized palm from the Paleocene era, 65 million years ago, was found further north than previous thought possible, in Drumheller, south of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Pe-king University is studying the Xinhang and other Late Devonian forests. Research shows that early forests with significant biomass can store more carbon through photosynthesis and have more impact on CO2 decline than previously demonstrated.
Courtesy of Earth Sciences Museum, University of Waterloo, Canada
https://uwaterloo.ca/earth-sciences-museum/fossilized-palm-wood
Black Onyx
Onyx is a variety of Chalcedony. Onyx is like agate but has straight parallel bands rather than curved bands. Most black onyx is grey chalcedony dyed to remove the grey bands. The dyeing process is stable and has been used for centuries. Onyx can be traced back to biblical times being one of the stones on Aaron’s breastplate. Black gems where the height of popularity during Queen Victoria’s mourning period. Onyx has been carved for cameos for centuries.
Metaphysical
Key words focus, inner strength
Element Earth
Chakra: 1st Root, 3rd Solar Plexus, 6th Third Eye
Zodiac Leo
Birthstone July
Onyx is a stone of inner strength. Black Onyx is used to stimulate the root chakra with the feet. It is said to help gradually build up vitality. And is used to help one control focus. Romans carried amulets carved with Mars, the god of War. Believed to bestow courage in battle. Persians believed it helped epilepsy. English midwives used it the ease childbirth.
Hematite
Hematite is known by the trade name of Black Alaskan Diamond. Hematite has been found on Mars, ‘Mars Blueberries’. Magnetic Hematite is a synthetic material known as Hematine.
Hematite is derived from Greek ‘blood’. Coloured black to silver-grey, some varieties have reddish brown streaks. In the German gem cutting houses referred to hematite as Blood Stone, as the water ran red during the cutting process. An iron oxide, Hematite is found in the tailings of iron mines. Red Chalk writings by early humans were created with ochre. Red ochre clay with varying amounts 20-70% of unhydrated hematite, hydrated hematite creates yellow ochre.
Rich deposits of hematite have been mined since the Etruscan era 6th century BCE on the island of Elba. The popularity of black gems and hematite jewellery rose during the Victorian era and was used widely in mourning jewellery. Hematite is used in the art form intaglio engraved gems and is also carved. The traditional red house paint in Sweden is Falu Red is created from hematite. Ground crystals are used to create rouge for polishing metals and gemstones.
Metaphysical Properties
Key words grounding, make the spiritual physical,
Element Earth
Chakras Root (1st)
Hematite is a powerful stone used to cleanse negative energy. It is thought to be the most effective stone for grounding oneself. Hematite’s grounding properties help in balancing the meridian system to the root chakra.
Lapis Lazuli
A stone of royalty and spirituality, it was unsurpassed in ancient times. Known as sapphirus until the Middle Ages. Lapis is Latin for ‘blue stone’. Lapis Lazuli was the stone of the Pharaohs and Emperors world over and is most likely the sapphire mentioned in the Bible. Catherine the Great decorated a room, walls, fireplace, doors and mirror frames. Chinese cherished it for carving.
Lapis Lazuli (Lazurite) is made up of several different minerals lazurite, sodalite, hauyne, calcite and pyrite. Predominately royal blue with minor patches of white and pyrite inclusions. Most prized intense blue Lapis Lazuli comes from the far northeastern remote province Badakhshan, Afghanistan. Archeological evidence dates these mines to 8000 BC. Russian Lapis has greater amounts of pyrite. Whereas Chilean Lapis is rich in calcite giving it a distinctly dull and dusty appearance. Recently finds of Mexican Lapis are blends of teal and blue.
Metaphysical
Key Words Inner vision, truthful communications, royal virtues
Element Wind
Chakras 5th Throat, 6th Third Eye
Planet Juniper
Birthstone December
Was worn to protect from evil. Thought to aid in the path to self-knowledge and reflection. Wind element working predominantly on the third eye to aid in a deep inner journey.