March 29, 2010

The Magic of Birthstones

As mentioned before, people in ancient times believed that gemstones had magical powers that aided and protected the wearer.

We’ve compiled a list of the “powers” associated with each birthstone. You might just want to start wearing some of them yourself.

January

Garnet was said to ensure safe travels and good health, to prevent skin disease and assure the wearer of love and faithfulness. Garnets were also used as bullets because the stone was said to cause wounds more dangerous than those caused by normal bullets.

February

Amethyst was said to make the wearer gentle and amiable. The name amethyst comes from the Greek word meaning “not to intoxicate,” and it was an ancient belief that people could drink alcohol in abundance but remain sober if they wore amethyst. Those who tried found it to be untrue.

March

Aquamarine was said to enhance the beauty of the wearer. It was also used to treat liver disease and diseases of the eye.

April

Diamond comes from the Greek word meaning “unbreakable.” Even though they are the hardest-known substance, diamonds can chip or break. Because they are “unbreakable” many people believed diamonds could render all poisons harmless.

May

Linked to fertility, emerald was the birthstone of spring and was frequently worn by women to ease childbirth. It was also used to stifle an epileptic fit.

June

Attributed to the Goddess Venus, pearls are a symbol of innocence.
Alexandrite was used by people recovering from surgery or a prolonged illness, specifically of the spleen and pancreas.

July

Historically, rubies are associated with royalty and power. They were thought to prevent the loss of blood, strengthen the heart and were even used as an antidote to poison.

August

In the past, peridot was used to cure liver disease, free the mind of envious thoughts and to dispel night terrors.

September

Sapphire is associated with the eye and the sky, so it was thought that sapphires enabled the wearer to read the future. It was also believed that sapphires render black magic harmless and help the wearer discern falsehood and guile.

October

Opal is said to provide great luck and increase self-esteem because it possesses virtues of all the stones whose colors appear within it.
Tourmaline has been said to keep the digestive system healthy, to strengthen teeth and bones and to soothe stress.

November

In the Middle Ages, It was believed that topaz healed physical and mental disorders and prevented death.
Citrine used to be carried for protection against snake venom and evil thoughts.

December

Tanzanite was worn by new mothers to ensure healthy lives for their children.
In ancient times, zircons were used to restore appetite, induce sleep and protect against lightning.

Pictures from www.windsun.com, www.parentwellbeing.com and www.pricescope.com.

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