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Since ancient times, the world of colored gems has been surrounded by magic, mysticism, and a variety of symbolisms. These stones were thought to endow the wearer with certain powers and attributes. For example, emeralds were thought to be good for the eyes, and red stones to stop the flow of blood. At some time in history it was believed that a ruby worn by a man indicated command, nobility, lordship, while a sapphire indicated wisdom and high thoughts. Worn by a woman however, the sapphire signaled jealousy in love, politeness and vigilance. Because of these perceived powers these stones were often worn in talismans, amulets, and rings.
In present times, these stones are still being linked to personal qualities, months (Birthstones), zodiac signs and even untraditional medicine. Of course, in our times gems are being chosen primarily for their intrinsic beauty and aesthetic reasons but isn't it great to have a good story behind your gem? Below is a brief summary of some popular stones and their places in various lists. Relax, have fun and maybe you'll find something that is for you.
|
Stone |
Birthstone for the month of: |
Zodiac Sign Association |
Other Characteristics |
 |
Emerald |
May |
Eternal joy was guatanteed to a Cancer-born if an emerald was taken with him on his way. |
One of the highly prized of all gems. Has a color of fresh green grass. It was historically believed to bestow on its wearer faithfulness and unchanging love, and was thought to enable the wearer to forecast events. |
 |
Ruby |
July |
Capicorn who has ever worn a ruby will not know trouble. |
Prized through the ages, even by kings, as "the gem of gems", it has been symbolic of love and passion, considered to be an aid to firm friendship, and believed to ensure beauty. |
 |
Sapphire |
September |
Believed to protect from and cure mental disorders if worn by Taurus |
Symbol of heavens, bestower of innocence, truth, good health and preserver of chastity. Known and most prized in blue color. |
 |
Amethyst |
February |
Believed to protect a Pisces wearer from extremes of passion. |
A transparent purple variety of quartz, one of the most popular colored gemstones. Was once believed to bring peace of mind to the wearer and also prevent from getting drunk |
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Aquamarine |
March |
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Alternative birthstone for March, aquamarine is a universal symbol of youth, hope, and health. Wearing it brings love and affection. |
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Diamond |
April |
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Peridot |
August |
Would free a Libra wearer from any evil spell |
Was also a favorite of the ancients and considered a powerful gem. It was an aid to friendship and also could free the mind of envious thoughts. Because of its yellowish gren color it was also believed to cure and prevent diseases of the liver and dropsy. |
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Opal |
October |
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Appropriate for October, as its colors resemble the colors of the fall. Unique among gems, displaying an array of very brilliant miniature rainbow effects all mixed up together. A symbol of fidelity and assurance along with religious emotion and prayer. |
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Pearl |
June |
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Pure and fair to the eye, it has been recognized since the earliest time as the emblem of modesty, chastity and purity. A natural pearl is very rare and considered a precisous stone. Most of the pearls in the market are cultured. |
 |
Garnet |
January |
Believed to guarantee true friendship when worn by an Aquarian |
A very exciting, hard, durable and very brilliant stone. If you are loyal devoted and energetic, perhaps the garnet is for you. Red garnets were "known" to promote sincerety, cure inflamatory diseases and loss of blood, and also cured anger. |
 |
Topaz |
November |
Protects the Saggitarian, if always worn. |
True topaz occurs in many colors, but most known are transparent yellow, yellow brown, orange brown, and blue. It is a symbol of love and affection and an aid to sweetness of disposition. |
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Turquoise |
December |
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Turquoise - the "turkish stone" - is highly prized throughout Asia and Africa not only for color but also for its profilactic and therapeutic qualities. Worn in rings, earrings, amulets it protects the wearer from poison, reptile bites, eye diseases and the evil eye. It has a prominent place among Buddhists and also long been associated with American Indian art. |
 |
Bloodstone |
March |
Endowed an Aries wearer with wisdom |
Dark green with red spats, has held a prominent place throughout history as a great curative. It was believed to to be capable of stopping any type of bleeding, clearing bloodshot eyes, acting as an antidote to snakebites, preventing sunstrokes and headaches and helping with urinary problems. |
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Hematite (also known as Bloodstone) |
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It takes a very brilliant, metallic polish that can look almost like silver or almost pure black. It's a must for a lawyer because it ensures for its wearer "alertness, vivacity and success in litigation". It is also believed to ensure sexual impulse, so it can be a very "useful" gift. |
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Lapis Lazuli |
December |
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An alternative birthstone for December, has been highly prized since ancient Egyptian and Babylonian times. It is a symbol of great power, capacity, ability, success and divine favor. |
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Onyx |
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Would protect a Leo from loneliness and unhappiness |
Onyx is not a good omen stone and not recommended for young lovers. It is believed to bring separation to lovers and discord in general. However, some cultures wore it to protect against an evil eye and all evil in general. |
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Carnelian |
August |
If worn, guaranteed to give success to a Virgo |
Warm-colored stone will give courage. Recommended to those who are timid in speech. Especially revered by Muslims, because Muhammad himself wore a silver ring with carnelian engraved for seal. |
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