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Birthstones
Birthstones are particular gemstones associated with the specific months of the calendar. Birthstones also are thought to bring luck, prosperity and good health. |
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Books:
- The Curious Lore of Precious Stones
by George Frederick Kunz, Bell Publishing, 1989 (and others). A classic reference to the legends and lore of Birthstones from the early twentieth century.
- The Birthstones Petite Collection - Series of 12 books Petit Collection by Suzanne Siegel Zenkel (Author). Hardcover (December 1995)
- The Larousse Encyclopedia of Precious Gems:
by Pierre Bariand, Jean-Paul Poirot, Emmanuel Fritsch, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1992. A extensive reference that goes through the world of birthstones and gemstones, including history and lore as well as gemological information, gem by gem.
- The romance of your birthstone:
by Hope L Swengel (Unknown Binding - 1928)
- The Crystal Zodiac:
Use Birthstones to Enhance Your Life by Judy Hall (Paperback - Mar 28, 2005)
- Gemstones:
(Smithsonian Handbooks) by Cally Hall (Paperback - May 15, 2002)
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Zodiac Sign Stones
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| Zodiac Sign |
Zodiac Stone |
Talismanic Stones |
Birthstones |
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Capricorn
(Dec. 22-Jan. 21) |
Ruby |
Onyx |
Garnet, Ruby, Turquoise, Blue Topaz,
Lapis Lazuli |
Aquarius
(Jan.21 - Feb.21) |
Garnet |
Jasper
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Amethyst, Garnet |
Pisces
(Feb. 22-Mar. 21) |
Amethyst | Ruby | Bloodstone, Jasper, Amethyst |
Aries
(Mar. 22-Apr. 20) |
Bloodstone | Topaz |
Sapphire, Diamond, Jasper, Bloodstone, Aquamarine |
Taurus
(Apr. 21-May 21) |
Sapphire | Garnet |
Agate, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond |
Gemini
(May 22-June 21) |
Agate |
Emerald |
Emerald, Pearl, Alexandrite, AgateRuby |
Cancer
(June 22-July 22) |
Emerald |
Sapphire |
Sardonyx, Ruby, Emerald, Pearl, Moonstone |
Leo
(July 23-Aug. 22) |
Onyx |
Diamond |
Carnelian, Sardonyx, Peridot, Ruby |
Virgo
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) |
Carnelian | Zircon |
Sapphire, Carnelian, Sardonyx, Peridot |
Libra
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) |
Peridot |
Agate |
Aquamarine, Opal, Tourmaline, Sapphire |
Scorpio
(Oct. 24-Nov. 21) |
Beryl |
Amethyst |
Topaz, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, Opal |
Sagittarius
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21) |
Topaz |
Beryl |
Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Ruby, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Citrine |
Colored Gems achieved extensive use in jewelry, as talismans and amulets, future predictors, healing aids and important components to many religious practices worldwide. It was also believed that some planets influenced different birthstones and that stones transmit the powers given to those corresponding planets.
Books:
- Astrological Healing Gems
by Shivaji Bhattacharjee. Paperback (November 1990)
- The Secret Language of Birthstones: Personology Profiles for Each Day of the Year by Gary Goldschneider, Aron Goldschneider (Editor), Joost Ellfers (Contributor): Facts about birthdays as well as information on birthstones.
- The Book of Sacred Stone: Fact and Fallacy in the
Crystal Worldby Barbara G. Walker, Werner P. Brodde (Photographer).
Paperback (September 1989)
- The Book of Talismans, Birthstones, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems Jewelry: (1914) by William Thomas, Kate Pavitt. Paperback (March 1997)
- Ancient Legends of Gems and Jewels: by Alda Jangl, James F. Jangl. Paperback (August 1989): Ancient legends about birthstones and gemstones.
- Simon & Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones: by Simon & Schuster and Kennie Lyman (Paperback - Mar 13, 1986)
- The Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide: Where & How to Dig, Pan And Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals: Southeast States (Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guides) by Kathy J. Rygle and Stephen F. Pedersen (Paperback - April 2006)
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Birthstone Colors
As the most intensely colored natural material, gems have become synonomous with color: everyone knows ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, aquamarine, turquoise, and jade green.
The Gemstone market today has an extensive selection of colors which span the entire color pallet.
In red, you have the choice not only of ruby, but also tourmaline, spinel, or garnet. In green, there is not only emerald and jade, but also tourmaline, tsavorite garnet, and peridot. The wide range of birthstones and gemstones available today means that no matter what your favorite color is, a birthstone is available to match it in your desired price range.
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The Breastplate of the High Priest (Exodus 28, 15-30) |
Many scholars believe that the origin of the birthstone tradition began with the breast ornament of Aaron (the brother of Moses). This religious ornament was aligned with 12 gems (the 12 tribes of Israel) of different colors and each gemstone had its mystical meaning.
And thou shall make the breastplate of judgement with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen shalt thou make it.
Foursquare it shall be doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper; they shall be set in gold in their enclosings.
And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings on a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgement upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.
Myths and superstitions gradually grew up regarding the stones, and symbolic meanings or virtues were ascribed to them. Different nations around the world have developed different charts for birthstones. Today, five months of the year have alternate birthstones.
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