Birthstones
Gemstones have been around for millennia, but records show that as far back as 3000 years ago, in India and Babylon, they were believed to have descended from the heavens with magical properties able to influence both humans and nature. The only way to classify gems at that time was by using color, as chemistry would not be invented until the Middle Ages.
Flavius Josephus, the Jewish-turned-Roman historian, is often mentioned as having connected the 12 birthstones with the 12 gemstones mounted on the Breastplate of the High Priest, and later, the 12 Foundation Stones for the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation. But a closer examination reveals that not only are they dissimilar, but they are complete opposites in purpose or intent. Historical records trace multiple modifications and efforts to merge Biblical sources with non-Biblical practices, especially in Western cultures. This bothered astrologers, who insisted that birthstones be based on the motions or positions of the sun, moon, stars, and other planets. Cultures that base their list on tropical (Sun-based) or sidereal (Moon/star-based) zodiac refute the present list of accepted birthstones as just a marketing strategy to boost sales. The ancient system of birthstones states that a zodiac sign is controlled by a planet, which in turn governs each gemstone according to color (curiously only the rare and beautiful specimens). There really is no universal worldwide standard at this moment in time, but rather each culture (Indian, Tibetan, Eastern European, Western European, USA, UK, etc.) has its own list of birthstones.
Each birthstone has its own distinctive color and features. A birthstone's natural untreated color was for centuries the only category believed to release the power native to each stone. The color tells the story of a birthstone's life, the arrangement of its atoms, the minerals, the pressures, heating and cooling, weathering, and such.
Aside from physical qualities, birthstones also have perceived qualities that have added to the lore of gemstones through the years. Some stones were believed to aid in delivering babies. Some talismans and amulets are used to protect from evil events and spirits. Others are said to induce sleep, soothe pain, prevent and treat illness. Ancient lapidaries recorded lists and charts of which gemstones were for what purposes. For example, stones like jasper, hematite, and carnelian were each found to have a different effect on certain parts of the body. There are even beliefs that these gems could give someone incredible strength, the ability to become invisible, help foretell the future, attract wealth, and secure awards and recognitions.
January = Garnet
The birthstone for January is Garnet. Learn more about Garnet.
Pyrope is the iron magnesium and aluminum silicate of the pyrope-almandine series in the Pyralspite group of the Garnet family. Its beautiful deep-red gem quality makes it one of the most popular. Pure pyrope is colorless, but its red color, sometimes very bright, is due to small quantities of chrome in the crystal structure.
See more at: http://gem5.com/stone/94/pyrope/
February = Amethyst
The birthstone for February is Amethyst. Learn more about Amethyst.
Amethyst is the most coveted stone in the quartz group, and it is sometimes confused with beryl. It is usually found layered with milky quartz, and its color varies from purple to violet.
See more at: http://gem5.com/stone/7/amethyst/
March = Aquamarine
The birthstone for March is Aquamarine. Learn more about Aquamarine.
Aquamarine is a form of Beryl that is similar in color to seawater. It varies from green to blue, just like the oceans. Most, if not all, Aquamarine has been heat-treated to improve or lighten the color.
See more at: http://gem5.com/stone/12/aquamarine/
