Gemstones have fascinated people for thousands of years. Throughout the ages, they have used these stones not just for their beauty, but because many believed they possessed magical qualities. Whether or not you believe that gemstones have special properties, it is interesting and fun to learn about some of the beliefs associated with them. The following are just a few of the interesting legends associated with some of the gemstones included in the handcrafted jewelry sold by Silver Lotus on eBay. ·AMBER is not a stone, but the solidified, fossilized resin of now-extinct conifer trees of the Oligocene epoch. The most commonly found color is honey brown. Sometimes insects or pieces of earth or leaves are present in the amber. Amber is perhaps the oldest substance used for human adornment – beads and pendants have been found in gravesites dating back to 8000 B.C.E.
Because it was once a living substance (sap that sustained a tree's life) it was believed to contain the very essence of life itself. It has long been associated with healing energy and mental stimulation and is said to balance aggressive traits. Amber is traditionally paired with the planet Mercury. Its projective forces bring luck, healing, strength, beauty and love.
·The most highly valued gemstone in the quartz group is AMETHYST, which is associated with many interesting legends and beliefs. One of these, that wearing the gemstone will prevent drunkenness, probably comes from the fact that its name means “not drunken” (Greek); wearing amethyst as an amulet against becoming drunk was once very common.
One of the earliest references to the religious use of amethyst is of it being named as one of the 12 stones set into the breastplate of the High Priest who officiated at the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. Amethyst is the birthstone for February, but its popularity extends well beyond use as a birthstone, perhaps because of its pretty color.
·APATITE is not as well-known as many other semi-precious stones, but this seems to be changing. The name comes from the Greek "to cheat" because it can be easily confused. Apatite colors include green, blue, violet, colorless, pink, and yellow. A light green variety of apatite is sometimes known as "Asparagus stone," and an apatite "cat's-eye" is known in the world of gems. Apatite is seldom faceted because it has a value of only 5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. The natural inclusions in apatite make the stones interesting to look at.
·CARNELIAN was probably named after a type of cherry ("kornel") because of its color. It is brownish red to orange and can be translucent or opaque. A number of ancient cultures used it as a protective stone, and it is said to promote healing and to aid the timid in speaking boldly.
·CHALCEDONY has been increasing in popularity in recent years. Many people don’t realize that chalcedony refers to both a species name for a certain group of quartzes (including agate, jasper, and carnelian, to name a few) and to a particular bluish-white-gray variety. Gemstones have traditionally been credited with healing and other powers, and chalcedony is no different: envy, the “evil eye”, fear, boils, and eye inflamations are just a few of the conditions which were treated with chalcedony in days gone by.
·Neither a stone nor a plant, CORAL is the skeletal remains of a tiny sea creature. In Nepal, coral is thought to be a strong antidote against unfavorable astral influences, especially effective when worn against the skin. Tibetans and other Himalayan people believe coral is auspicious and that those who wear it will have success in life. The Italians have long believed in the powers of the coral and in Greek coral comes from two Greek words meaning “daughter of the sea.”
·Although GARNET is the gemstone for January, it can be worn by anyone. It is associated with some interesting legends and beliefs. Since ancient times garnet has been carried by those believing it will guard against drowning, bring victory in war, stimulate the heart and blood flow, or remove toxins from the body. Garnets are said to encourage success in business and, if appearing in a dream, to indicate that the solution to a mystery will soon appear.
·MOONSTONE is a good-luck stone, especially for lovers; it is believed to arouse one's tender passion. Moonstones were used in amulets to help in cases of sterility, pancreas problems, headaches, fever, and epilepsy. A moonstone hung on a fruit tree was thought to guarantee a great crop of fruit. Some birthstone guides indicate that moonstone is a gemstone for August, others that it is for June. It is a gem for the 13th anniversary, and those who recommend gemstones for days of the week list moonstone for Monday.
For those who love rainbow moonstone, a strong play of color is essential. The play of color is caused by the reflection of light off the internal structure.
·Ancient Vedic (Hindu-India) texts mention that PEARL has beneficent powers. Pearl and shell are recommended as charms against evil, disease, poverty, and demons.
·PERIDOT, also known as olivine, was brought to Central Europe by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages. It was often used for ecclesiastical purposes and was the most popular stone during the Baroque period. Peridot is the September birthstone.
·ROSE QUARTZ ranges from light to deep pink. It has long been popular for use in pins and brooches and carved objects and is the alternate birthstone for January. Rarely clear, it is usually seen in cabochons, beads, or carvings rather than in faceted styles. Its Mohs' hardness is 7. It is mined in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Africa, and the USA.
Once very inexpensive, rose quartz is becoming more costly. Always be careful with rose quartz - it naturally has inclusions or internal fractures that can cause it to crack more easily than most other varieties of quartz. Rose quartz is associated with the planet Venus and is the Zodiac stone for Taurus. It is said to be effective in healing heart ailments, sciatica, and problems with testicles and toenails.
·SHELL has numerous sacred associations in the Himalaya and Tibet; it is a symbol of purity and a source of benevolent forces.
·At one time, SMOKY QUARTZ was known as Smoky Topaz, but that name is no longer used in the gem trade. In the Zodiac, Smoky Quartz is one of the gemstones for the sign of Libra.
·Popular for 6,000 years, TURQUOISE has inspired the people of many different cultures and nations over the entire course of humankind’s written history. In ancient times the Egyptians, Persians, Mongols, and Tibetans all valued turquoise highly. The name Turquoise is probably derived from the French “pierre turquoi,” meaning “Turkish stone,” as Western Europeans mistakenly thought the stone came from Turkey.
It is believed that turquoise helps one to start new projects and protects the wearer from falling – especially from horses. In Asia it was considered protection against the evil eye. Tibetans carved turquoise into ritual objects, wore it in traditional jewelry, and believed that it can absorb sin. Ancient manuscripts from Persia, India, Afghanstan, and Arabia report that the health of a person wearing turquoise can be assessed by variations in the color of the stone. Turquoise was also thought to promote prosperity. It is the birthstone for December.
Birthstones (Gemstones of the Months)
January: Garnet, Rose Quartz
February: Amethyst, Onyx
March: Tourmaline, Blood Jasper
April: Sapphire, Diamond, Rock Crystal
May: Emerald, Chrysoprase
June: Pearl, Moonstone
July: Ruby, Carnelian
August: Onyx, Sardonyx
September: Peridot
October: Aquamarine, Opal
November: Topaz, Tiger's Eye
December: Zircon, Turquoise
