Metaphysical Properties & Gem Stories

There are many interpretations of birthstones relating to many cultures and beliefs.  Some of the earliest mentions of the use of stones for identification and perceived powers date back to the old testament.

Exodus 28:15-21

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.

Much has been suggested about the healing powers of gemstones.

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 13^th 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              5^th Throat, 4^th 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              4^th Heart, 6^th Third Eye, 7^th, Crown, 8^th-14^th 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              4^th 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.

Pearls have long been associated with purity, humility and innocence. So it may be said that the June birthstone meaning is "sweet simplicity." As such, pearls were traditionally given as a wedding gift.

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 19^th 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. 

With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs Scale of harness, peridot is softer than many gems and cannot take hard wear, so it is not recommended for daily use in a ring. This August birthstone can also be damaged by some acids and even by long-term exposure to acidic perspiration. Cleaning peridot is a delicate process. Never use a steam or ultrasonic cleaner, as your peridot birthstone is vulnerable to thermal shock. It is safest to use a s0ft-bristle brush with a mild dish soap in warm water. Peridot should be stored with care to avoid scratching by gems with greater hardness.
 

Metaphysical

Key words        Increase, Prosperity, Warmth, Well-being

Element            Earth  

Chakras            3rd Solar Plexus, 4th Heart  

Zodiac               Libra 

Birthstone          August

The September birthstone has traditionally symbolized sincerity, truth, faithfulness and nobility. For countless centuries, sapphire has adorned royalty and the robes of the clergy. 

Warm, soapy water is always a safe choice for cleaning the September birthstone. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe for untreated, heat-treated and lattice diffusion–treated stones. Fracture-filled or dyed material should only be cleaned with a damp cloth.

Metaphysical

Key words        Awareness, Discipline

Element           Wind, Earth  

Chakras           6th Third Eye, 5th Throat 

Zodiac               Taurus 

Birthstone          September

The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. Clerics of the Middle Ages wore sapphires because they symbolized Heaven. Ancient Persians believed the earth actually rested on a giant sapphire, which made the sky blue.

The name of this, the traditional October birthstone, is believed to have originated in India (the source of the first opals brought to the Western world), where in Sanskrit it was called upala, a “precious stone." .” In ancient Rome, this became opalus. Most opals are valued for their shifting colors in rainbow hues – a phenomenon known as “play-of-color.”

The variety of topaz hues includes colorless, light blue, yellow, orange, pink, violet, brown and, very rarely, red. The vast majority of blue topaz seen today is the permanent result of treating colorless topaz with irradiation and heating. The rainbow effect seen in “Mystic Topaz” is created by coating colorless topaz with a thin artificial film. Some believe the word “topaz” comes from the Sanskrit word tapas, which means “fire.” Others trace it back to the Greek topazos.

This November birthstone is the transparent yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz, which has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Citrine has been a popular gemstone since ancient times and has shared a history of mistaken identities with the other November birthstone, topaz. As a result, people thought citrine had the same powers as topaz. They believed the citrine birthstone could soothe tempers and calm the wearer.

At 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness with good toughness, your citrine birthstone is usually durable enough for normal wear and care. It can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water. While it is usually okay to clean your November birthstone in an ultrasonic machine, steam cleaning is risky since high heat could cause the stone to crack.
 

Metaphysical

Key words        Manifestation, Personal Will, Mental Clarity, Creativity

Element            Fire 

Chakras            1st Root, 2nd Creative, 3rd Solar Plexus 

Zodiac               Scorpio 

Birthstone          November

 Turquoise is generally stable to light, but high heat can cause discoloration and breakage. Your turquoise birthstone can be damaged by acids, and it can be discolored by certain chemicals, cosmetics and even skin oils or perspiration. It’s safe to clean turquoise jewelry with warm, soapy water, but this December birthstone should never be cleaned with steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Heat or solvents can damage the treated surfaces on some turquoise.

Metaphysical

Key words         Wholeness, Communication, and Spiritual Expansion

Element             Storm 

Chakras              5th Throat

Zodiac                Capricorn

Birthstone          December

Tanzanite may be a relative newcomer to the world of colored stones, but it was one of the most exciting gem discoveries of the 20^th century. Blue stones emerging from Tanzania were identified as the mineral zoisite in 1962. Not until 1967, though, did prospectors locate the primary source for this December birthstone: the Merelani Hills. It was eventually named tanzanite in honor of its country of origin. The tanzanite birthstone is often described as “velvety,” mostly because of its deep and saturated color, which ranges from a pure rich blue to violet, with the blue considered most valuable.

This December birthstone (6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of harness) is resistant to the effects of normal heat, light and common chemicals. Still, the December birthstone may crack if exposed to very high temperatures or sudden temperature changes, and it abrades easily. It can be attacked by hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids. Your tanzanite birthstone is best set in earrings or pendants.  While not recommended for daily wear in a ring, with a protective mounting and some care this December birthstone can be an attractive special-occasion jewel. Warm, soapy water is the best way to clean this December birthstone. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are never recommended for tanzanite.

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

The origins of the word “zircon” have elicited colorful debate. Some scholars believe it comes from the Arabic word zarkun, meaning “cinnabar” or “vermilion.” Others think the source is the Persian word zargun, or “gold colored.” Considering the broad color palette for this December birthstone – red, orange, yellow, brown, green and blue – either derivation seems possible. Colorless zircon is known for its brilliance and flashes of multicolored light, called fire, which have resulted in centuries of confusion with diamond.

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 16^th century. Some of the best banded Blue Lace Agate gems come from South Africa

Metaphysical

Key Words         Communication, clarity, confidence

Element              Water

Chakras              5^th 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

https://www.gia.edu/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:              1^st Root, 3^rd Solar Plexus, 6^th 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 6^th 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 (1^st)

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              5^th Throat, 6^th 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.