Wow - Yes, this is a lot of gemstone info so we have tried to table it as clearly as possible for you!

Below you will find information on the following:

• Birthstones and their history
• Zodiac Gemstones (most popular and alternative)
• Monthly Birthstones
• Anniversary Stones/ Gifts
• Day Stones
• Indian Planetary Gemmology
• Meaning of certain Gem Stones
• Chakra Stones
• Healing Stones
• Gem & Associated Healing Powers
• Illness related to healing gemstone
• The importance of colour and its symbolism in gems
• Personal representations and interpretations
• Acrostics formed with stones
• Gems of Countries

 

 Annika Rutlin has a wonderful collection specifically designed around gemstones and their representational powers: Why not check it out The Kindred Collection?

Birthstones and their history:

The Western birthstone system originates from the writings of Josephus (1st century AD) and St. Jerome (5th century AD). Both trace the custom to the gems of the Hebrew High Priest’s Breastplate – the Breastplate of Aaron: a ceremonial religious garment set with twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel and also corresponded with the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve months of the year.

Over time, the birthstone custom faded, only to be revived again in Poland in the 15th or 16th century. Birthstones are a fascinating aspect of the gem and jewellery world, and are derived from early beliefs regarding the time of one’s birth and its relationship to the planets. A wonderful array of powers has also been associated with gemstones through the ages. Wearing a certain stone as protection against illness and misfortune, or another gem for good luck, eventually developed into the birthstone systems of today.

Originally everyone may have worn the birthstone for each month, since the powers of the gemstone were heightened during its month. If that is true, to get the full effect, you need to go out and get a full set of twelve and rotate them each month.

Because ancient people did not always classify gemstones by mineral species like we do, there is some debate about which gemstones were set in the breastplate and why. Because of this, different cultures around the world have developed different birth stone lists and the modern day list is simply the most recent version. Some also argue that the proper way to assign gemstones is according to astrological sign and not month. We think it is more fun to choose the gemstone that speaks to you from all the possibilities.

Zodiac Gemstones (most popular and alternative)

 

Capricorn:        22^nd December – 20^th January:

 Ruby – a Capricorn who has ever worn a ruby will never know trouble

(or Hematite)     

       

Aquarius:   21^st January – 21^st February:

Garnet  - believed to guarantee true friendship when worn by an Aquarian

(or Opal)

 

Pisces: 22^nd February – 21^st March:

Amethyst – believed to protect a Pisces wearer from extremes of passion

(or Labradorite)  

                       

Aries: 22^nd March – 20^th April:

Bloodstone – believed to endow an Aries wearer with wisdom

(or Red Jasper)

 

Taurus: 21^st April – 20^th April:

Sapphire – believed to protect from and cure mental disorders if worn by Taurian

(or Rose Quartz)   

              

Gemini:   22^nd May – 21^st June:

Agate – long life, health, and wealth were guaranteed to a Gemini if an agate ring was worn

(or Tiger’s Eye)

 

Cancer:   22^nd June – 22^nd July:

Emerald  - eternal joy was guaranteed to a Cancer who took an emerald along his or her way

(or Aventurine)      

               

Leo:  23^rd July – 22^nd August:

Onyx  - would protect a Leo wearer from loneliness and unhappiness

(or Rock Crystal)

 

Virgo: 23^rd August – 22^nd September:

Carnelian – believed to guarantee success in everything a Virgo tried if worn on the hand

 (or Citrine)   

                            

Libra: 23^rd September – 23^rd October:

Peridot – would free a Libra wearer from any evil  spell

(or Smokey Quartz)

 

Scorpio: 24^th October – 21^st November:

Beryl – should be worn by every Scorpio to guarantee protection from ‘tears of sad repentance’

(or Aquamarine)

 

Sagittarius:  22^nd November – 21^st December:

Topaz – protects Sagittarians, but only if they are always shown

(or Turquoise)

 

Monthly Birthstones

January:                                                                 February:

Modern birthstone: garnet                                      Modern birthstone: amethyst

Ancient traditional birthstones:                               Ancient traditional birthstones:
Hebrew: garnet                                                       Hebrew: amethyst
Roman: garnet                                                        Roman: amethyst
Arabic: garnet                                                         Arabic: amethyst
Hindu: serpent-stone                                              Hindu: chandrakanta

Polish: garnet                                                         Polish: amethyst

Guardian angel: Gabriel                                         Guardian Angel: Barchiel
His talismanic stone: onyx                                     His talismanic stone: jasper

 

 

March:                                                                             April:

Modern birthstone: aquamarine                                       Modern birthstone: diamond

Ancient traditional birthstones:                                         Ancient traditional birthstones
Hebrew: bloodstone                                                             Hebrew: sapphire
Roman: bloodstone                                                              Roman: sapphire
Arabic: bloodstone                                                               Arabic: sapphire
Hindu: gold-sivalinga                                                           Hindu: diamond
Polish: bloodstone                                                                Polish: diamond
Guardian angel: Malchediel                                               Guardian angel: Ashmodei
His talismanic stone: ruby                                                  His talismanic stone: topaz

 

May:                                                                                     June:

Modern birthstone: emerald                                              Modern birthstone: moonstone or pearl           
Ancient traditional birthstones:                                         Ancient traditional birthstones:
Hebrew: agate                                                                      Hebrew: emerald
Roman: agate                                                                       Roman: emerald
Arabic: emerald                                                                    Arabic: agate
Hindu: emerald                                                                     Hindu: pearl
Polish: emerald                                                                    Polish: agate
Guardian angel: Amriel                                                       Guardian angel: Muriel
His talismanic stone: carbuncle (garnet)                         His talismanic stone: emerald

 

July:                                                                                      August:

Modern birthstone: ruby                                                     Modern birthstone: peridot
Ancient traditional birthstones:                                         Ancient traditional birthstones:
Hebrew: onyx                                                                        Hebrew: carnelian
Roman: onyx                                                                         Roman: carnelian
Arabic: carnelian                                                                  Arabic: sardonyx

Hindu: sapphire                                                                    Hindu: ruby
Polish: ruby                                                                           Polish: sardonyx
Guardian angel: Verchiel                                                     Guardian angel: Hamatiel
His talismanic stone: sapphire                                          His talismanic stone: diamond

 

September:                                                            October:
Modern birthstone: sapphire                                  Modern birthstone: opal or tourmaline

Ancient traditional birthstones:                               Ancient traditional birthstones:
Hebrew: peridot                                                         Hebrew: aquamarine
Roman: peridot                                                         Roman: aquamarine
Arabic: peridot                                                           Arabic: aquamarine
Hindu: zircon                                                              Hindu: coral
Polish: peridot                                                            Polish: aquamarine
Guardian angel: Tsuriel                                            Guardian angel: Bariel
His talismanic stone: zircon                                     His talismanic stone: agate

 

November:                                                 December:

Modern birthstone: topaz or citrine                                Modern: turquoise, blue topaz, or  tanzanite                               

Ancient traditional birthstones:                                         Ancient traditional birthstones:
Hebrew: topaz                                                                       Hebrew: ruby
Roman: topaz                                                                       Roman: ruby
Arabic: topaz                                                                         Arabic: ruby
Hindu: cats-eye                                                                     Hindu: topaz
Polish: topaz                                                                          Polish: turquoise
Guardian angel: Adnachiel                                                 Guardian angel: Humiel
His talismanic stone: amethyst                                         His talismanic stone: aquamarine

 

Anniversary Stones/ Gifts

 

Years of Marriage	Anniversary Stones	Traditional	Modern	Alt. Modern
1	Gold Jewellery	[Paper]	Plastics	Clocks
2	Garnet	Cotton	Cotton/Calico	China
3	Pearl	Leather	Leather	Crystal / Glass
4	Blue Topaz	Flowers	Linen/Silk	Appliances
5	Sapphire	[Wood]	Wood	Silverware
6	Amethyst	Candy/ Iron	Iron	Wood
7	Onyx	Copper/ Wool	Copper/Wool/ Brass	Desk sets
8	Tourmaline	Bronze/ Pottery	Bronze/ Appliances	Linens
9	Lapis Lazuli	Pottery/ Willow	Pottery	Leather
10	Diamond Jewellery	[Tin]	Aluminium	Diamond
11	Turquoise	Steel	Steel	Jewellery
12	Jade	Silk/Linen	Silk/Linen	Pearl
13	Citrine	Lace	Lace	Textiles/ Fur
14	Opal	Ivory	Ivory	Gold
15	Ruby	[Crystal]	Glass	Watches
16	Peridot
17	Watches
18	Cat's-Eye Chrysoberyl
19	Aquamarine
20	Emerald	[China]	China	Platinum
21	Iolite
22	Spinel
23	Imperial Topaz
24	Tanzanite
25 [Silver Jubilee]	Silver	[Silver]	Silver	Silver
30 [Pearl Jubilee]	Pearl	Pearl	Pearl	Pearl
35	Emerald	Coral	Coral/Jade	Jade
40	Ruby	Ruby	Ruby/Garnet	Ruby
45	Sapphire	Sapphire	Sapphire	Sapphire
50 [Golden Jubilee]	Gold	[Gold]	Gold	Gold
55	Alexandrite	Emerald	Emerald/ Turquoise	Emerald
60 [Diamond Jubilee]	Diamond	[Diamond]	Gold	Diamond
70	Sapphire	Jubilee	Sapphire
75 [Diamond Jubilee]	Diamond	Diamond	Diamond/Gold	Diamond

 

 

Day Stones:

Day stones can be considered either for their association with the day upon which you were born:

 

Day of Birth:                 Gemstone:

Monday                           Pearl

Tuesday                          Ruby

Wednesday                    Amethyst

Thursday                         Sapphire

Friday                              Carnelian

Saturday                         Turquoise

Sunday                            Topaz

 

 

Or by looking at stones that are considered particularly lucky when worn on certain days, as follows:

 

Pearls on Monday,                                   

Rubies on Tuesdays,                                    

Sapphires on Wednesdays,

Garnets or red stones on Thursdays,   

Emeralds or green stones on Friday,            

Diamonds on Saturday

And yellow stones on Sunday

 

Indian Planetary Gemmology

In ancient India beliefs regarding the planets and their relationships with stones are also found. This has developed into what some today refer to as “planetary gemmology.” In such systems, there are nine planets and nine gems, as shown below. Sometimes jewellery is made using one each of these gems. These are termed navaratna jewels (nava = nine; ratna = jewel).

 

Sign Planet Hindu Planetary Stone   Sign Planet Hindu Planetary Stone

Sun Ruby   Venus Diamond Moon Pearl   Saturn Blue Sapphire Mars Coral   Rahu (moon’s north node) Hessonite Garnet Mercury Emerald   Ketu (moon’s south node) Cat’s Eye Jupiter Yellow Sapphire

 

 

Meaning of certain Gem Stones:

Agate                               Protection

Amethyst                        Sincerity, Peace

Aquamarine                   Courage, Health

Aventurine                      Opportunity

Bloodstone                     Courage

Carnelian                        Nobility

Citrine                              Fidelity

Diamond                         Innocence, Love

Emerald                          Happiness, Fertility, success

Garnet                             Constancy, Loyalty

Hematite                         Invincibility, improved relations

Iolite                                Artistic creativity

Jasper (Red)                   Stability, personal independence

Moonstone                      Health, Longevity

Labradorite                    Dreams, Goals, Intuition

Opal                                 Hope, Creativity, Achievement

Onyx                                Self Confidence, Responsibility

Pearl                                Purity

Peridot                            Felicity, Protection, married happiness

Rose Quartz                   Mother Love, Self Worth, Self Acceptance

Ruby                                Contentment, Nobility, Beauty

Sapphire                         Wisdom, Calmness, clear thinking, Truth, Sincerity, Faithfulness

Smokey Quartz              Endurance

Sodalite                           Peace, Harmony

Tiger Eye                         Focus, Insight­, Self Discipline, Patience, Determination

Topaz                               Friendship, Fidelity, True Love, Success in all endeavours

Turquoise                        Prosperity

 

Chakra Stones

Ancient Asian texts identify seven main spiritual energy centres around the body called Chakras.

Each is seen as a colour of the rainbow. They pulsate influencing mental, emotional and hormonal balance and well being. Crystals have a vibrational quality that the charkas use to influence the whole body system:

Use the relevant stones to heal and balance your Chakras.

 

Root Chakra – Primary Colour Red – Red Jasper, Garnet, Rubies

                        Secondary Black Brown and Grey – Hematite, Onyx

Sacral Chakra – Primary Colour Orange – Carneleon

                          Secondary shades of Orange

Solar Plexus Chakra – Primary Colour Yellow – Citrine, Topaz

                           Secondary shades of Yellow to Brown – Tigers Eye, Amber

Heart Chakra – Primary Colour Green – Aventurine / Peridot

                         Secondary Pink – Rose Quartz, Chinese Flourite

Throat Chakra – Primary Colour  Blue – Sodalite

                           Secondary shades of lighter Blue - Aquamarine or Turquoise

Third Eye Chakra –Primary Colour dark Indigo blue – Iolite

                               Secondary various shades of dark Blue - Sapphire

Crown Chakra – Primary Colour Violet – Amethyst:

                            Secondary shades of Purple and Clear and pure White: Quartz

Higher Crown Chakra – Clear – Rock Crystal / Rutilated Quartz

 

Healing Stones

Many stones have been credited with the power to cure or relieve certain ailments.

The following lists contains some examples recommended to help fight and strengthen against various symptoms, firstly by gemstone and then by illness:

 

GEM & ASSOCIATED HEALING POWERS

 

Agate - child birth, infection, indigestion, insomnia, ulcers, sea sickness, chest & lungs, tired eyes, heart trouble

Amethyst - tooth ache, infection, blood sugar imbalance, blood disease, colour blindness, burns, tumours, stomach disorders, intoxification, insomnia, headache

Aquamarine -  eye sight, swollen glands, liver disorder, fluid retention, coughs

Aventurine - eye sight, hair problems

Beryl - eye sight, heart trouble, liver disorder, mouth & throat troubles, hiccups

Bloodstone -  circulation, bladder trouble, child birth, haemorrhoids, inflammation, piles

Blue Topaz - coldness (to warm), failing eyesight, insomnia, liver disorder, nervousness, stress, loss of sense of taste, increases poor appetite

Carnelian -  allergies, pollen, blood poisoning, fever, infection, inflammation, neuralgia, rheumatism, wounds

Citrine - heart , kidney, liver & muscle healer, digestive tract

Diamonds - all brain diseases, pituitary & pineal glands, draws out toxicity, poison remedy, lose of energy, lose of courage

Emerald - all mental illness, circulatory & neurological disorders, eye strain, forgetfulness, infection, inflammation

Garnet - heart trouble, inflammation

Hematite (Heamatite) -  bleeding, fever, insomnia, leg cramp

Jasper -  bladder trouble, epilepsy

Labradorite - digestion, stress

Lapis Lazuli - consumption, pulmonary, dizziness, hair problems, insomnia, melancholy, labour pains, energy focus for teachers, lecturers and speakers

Moonstone - child birth, consumption, pulmonary, soothes and balances the emotions, encourages inner growth & strength, peace & harmony, digestive aid

Onyx - ear trouble, watery eyes, hair problems, heart trouble, stress, ulceration, helps eliminate negative thinking

Opal - ear trouble, eye sight, fever, infection

Pearl - child birth, digestion, eliminates emotional balances

Peridot - child birth, heart trouble, stress, aids in healing hurt feelings & bruised egos, incurs strength & physical vitality

Rock Crystal - bleeding, diarrhoea, dizziness, fever, to promote lactation, pain

Rose Quartz - lymphatic cancer & circulatory problems, helps the psychologically inflexible, dissipates anger & tension

Ruby - fever, heart trouble, strengthens neurological tissues around the heart, prevents miscarriage, pain

Sapphire - bleeding, boils & skin disorders, insomnia, nervousness, tired eyes

Smokey Quartz - addictions, cancer related diseases, infection, skin, good for hyperactivity & excess energy, grounding

Sunstone – stress

Tigers Eye - asthma, eye sight, fractures, throat troubles

Turquoise - master healer, improved absorption of nutrients, tissue regeneration, rheumatism,                 throat troubles

 

Illness                                                            gemstone

 

Ague (periodic fever with shivering)                Sapphire

Arthritis                                                            Amber

Asthma                                                            Amber / Jade

Bad Temper                                                     Carnelian / Zircon

Bladder problems                                            Bloodstone, Haematite, Diamond

Blood purification                                             Jade, Lapis Lazuli

Boils                                                                 Sapphire, Agate

Bone problems                                                 Jade

Cataract                                                            Sapphire

Catarrh                                                              Amber

Chest & Lungs                                                  Agate, Amber, Carnelian, Jade

Colic                                                                  Coral, Rock Crystal

Concentration Aid                                             Carnelian

Communication                                                 Sodalite

Depression                                                        Lapis Lazuli

Eye strain                                                          Emerald, Topaz, Turquoise

Emotional Healing following loss or hurt           Rose Quartz

Faintness                                                           Hematite, Jet

Hayfever                                                            Amber

Headache                                                          Amethyst

Haemorrhage                        Agate, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Garnet, Ruby, Topaz

Incontinence                                                      Garnet

Indigestion                                                          Agate

Insomnia                                                             Agate, Amethyst, Zircon

Intoxification                                                        Amethyst

Jet Lag                                                                Hematite

Labour pains                                                       Lapis Lazuli, Jade

Leg complaints                                                    Jade

Liver                                                                     Amethyst, Jade, Ruby

Lose of appetite                                                   Emerald

Lose of courage                                                   Diamond, Sapphire

Lose of energy                                                     Diamond

Lose of voice                                                        Carnelian, Jade

Melancholia                                                          Garnet, Lapis, Opal, Topaz

Mental health                                                        Ruby, Sapphire

Mental Clarity                                                        Cirtrine

Memory Aid                                                           Hematite

Nightmares                                                            Diamond

Nursing milk                                                           Rock Crystal, Malachite

Rheumatism                                                           Malachite

Sea sickness                                                          Agate

Sexual disorders                                                     Ruby

Skin disorders                                                         Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire

Sterility                                                                    Moonstone

Stomach disorders                                                 Amethyst, Jade, Malachite

Teething                                                                  Malachite

Tender gums                                                          Agate

Terror                                                                     Tourmaline

Timidity                                                                   Lapis Lazuli, Tourmaline

Tired eyes                                                               Agate, Topaz, Sapphire

Thyroid                                                                   Sodalite

Tonsillitis                                                                 Amber

Tooth ache                                                              Amethyst, Jade

Tumours                                                                  Amethyst, Carnelian

Ulcers                                                                      Agate, Sapphire, Topaz

Weak Heart                                                             Garnet, Malachite

The importance of colour and its symbolism in gems

Due to the wide spectrum of colour available in the gemstone realm, strong associations with specific stones has evolved and also associations of colour with personal attributes. Over time a fairly detailed symbolism developed with widely differing associations depending on the country or situation, gradually altering  and developing with the changes and progressions within society and culture.

 

Yellow                 On a man, denotes secrecy (appropriate for a silent lover)

                            On a woman, indicates generosity

 

White                 Signifies friendship, integrity, and religious commitment for men 

(colourless)          Purity, affability, and contemplation for women

 

Red             Worn by a man; indicates command, nobility, lordship, & vengeance

                          Worn by a woman; pride, haughtiness, and obstinancy

 

Blue                    On a man; indicates wisdom and high, magnanimous thoughts

                            On a woman; jealousy in love, politeness, vigilance

 

Green                 For men; signifies joyousness, transitory hope

                           For women; unfounded ambition, childish delight, and change

 

Black                  For men; means gravity, good sense, constancy, and strength

                           For young women; fickleness and foolishness

                           But for married women; constant love and perseverance

 

Violet                 On a man, signifies sober judgement, industry, and gravity

                           On a woman; high thoughts and spiritual love

 

 

Personal representations and interpretations

Stones can be used in your own personal and creative way, representing your own individual associations.

For example pink rose quartz could be used to symbolize the birth of a girl, or blue aquamarine for a boy.

Maybe a particular stone has a connection with a hobby, the colour of someone’s eyes, a job or particular period of your life.

Alternatively your choice may simply be based on your favourite colours.

The possibilities are endless.

 

Acrostics formed with stones

In France and England, during the 18^th Centuary, jewellery was often set with gems the first letters of which, when combined, formed a motto or expressed a sentiment.

For a truly unique gift why not spell out your own secret message or represent initials using the same method.

 

eg.  DEAREST

Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline.

 

eg.  LOVE

Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Vermeille, Emerald.

 

eg.  FOREVER

Fire-Opal, Onyx, Ruby, Emerald, Verd antique, Essonite, Rubellite

eg. AMITIE

Aquamarine, Morganite, Iolite, Tiger’s Eye, Iolite, Emerald.

 

Gems of Countries

Some believe that light emanations from the planets or fixed stars, or from the combination of the stars in a zodiacal sign, have a peculiar or greater connection with the fate of one country rather than another, and therefore a characteristic stone has become associated with each country

 

Arabia……………..Pearl                                                         Korea……………………Abalone pearl

Austria…………….Opal                                                           Mexico………………….Obsidian

Belgium…………..Crystal                                                       Morocco……….………Coral

Bolivia……………..Lapis Lazuli                       New Zealand…….….Jade

Brazil……………….Tourmaline ( Brazilian Emerald)              Norway…………………Carnelian 

Burma……………..Ruby                                                         Persia…………………..Turquoise

Canada…………….Sodalite                                                   Peru………………...…..Emerald

Ceylon……………..Cat’s Eye                                                  Philippines………..….Pearl

Chili……………….. Lapis Lazuli                                              Portugal……………….Chrysoberyl

China……………….Jade                                                          Roumania……………Amber

Denmark………….Agate                                                        Russia………………….Rhodonite

Egypt………………..Peridot                                                     Scotland……………...Smokey Quartz

England……………Diamond                                                  Servia……………………Coral

France……………..Pearl                                                         Siam……………………..Ruby

Germany…………..Amber                                                     South Africa…………..Diamond

Greece……………..Sapphire                                                  Spain…………………….Emerald

Holland…………….Diamond                                                  Sweden…………………Carnelian

Hungary……………Opal                                                         Switzerland…………..Rock-Crystal

India………………..Pearl                                                         Turkestan……………..Jade

Ireland……………..precious Serpentine                               Turkey…………………..Turquoise

Italy………………….Coral                                                         United States………..Sapphire

Japan……………….Rock-Crystal                                           Uruguay………………..Amethyst