BIRTHSTONE TIDBITS & MEANINGS (or, which stones will make you a better driver)
disclaimer: healing properties have not been approved by the FDA...just yet
JANUARY: The word garnet is derived from the Greek word "granatum" which means "pomegranate seed" reflecting the shape and color of the crystals. Rhodolite (our favorite flavor of garnet) comes from the Greek word ''rhodon'', meaning rose - rhodolite is a more sought after form of garnet as it is lighter (pinker/violet) than a regular garnet. It is very difficult to find these gems larger than 4 carats...Garnet is said by those in the know to balance the sex drive, remove inhibitions and open the heart while bestowing self-confidence. Hmmm....take 2 and call us in the morning!
Rose Quartz - known as the 'love stone' as the message it emits is the strong vibration of unconditional love, joy, warmth and healing. And who among us couldn't use a little more of that! Some believe the name quartz may have come from the Greek word ''krystallos'', meaning ice - ancient Greeks believed quartz crystal was fossilized ice. quartz has a high thermal conductivity, which makes the gemstone feel cool to the touch, and probably added to this belief. Quartz use dates back thousands of years with tools and weapons among the first things to have been crafted from this stone (and the old quartz crystal ball routine has been scamming naive maidens to predict their future since the middle ages) Both Native Americans and Australian aborigines used quartz crystals in their rain rituals - pretty amazing considering they were are on opposite sides of the world.
It is said by some that your marriage can have more sparkle and fire when you keep a rose quartz under your pillow and bonus - you will look younger too. (non-believers could simply wear it to bed and turn the lights out - hey, we all look younger in the dark:)
FEBRUARY: Amethyst
The Greek word ''amethystos'' may be translated as ''not drunken'', from Greek a-, ''not'' + methustos, ''intoxicated''. Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness, which is why wine goblets were often carved from it. In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of intoxication, and of wine, was pursuing a maiden named Amethystos, who refused his affections. (You go girl!) Amethystos prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which the goddess Artemis answered, transforming her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethystos's desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple. (He sounds like a cheap date to me - don't build a temple in her honor, just dump some wine over her head. Fortunately men who think they are gods have really matured over the last few thousand years)
AMETHYST: (via the healing world) is known as a tranquilizer, relieving stress and soothing irritability, making it the perfect gift for overbearing bosses (and you won't have to resort to dosing their de-caf and risking arrest). It also calms & stimulates the mind, helping you become more focused, enhancing memory and improving motivation and in no time at all you will actually be replacing your old boss - so make sure to get somethng for each of you! SInce it additionally encourages selflessness and spiritual wisdom, you will be the most awesome boss and everyone will love you.
MARCH: Aquamarine and Jade
Jade - the mystical March birthstone, has been around for oh, about a jillion years - it is considered a love and fertility stone in China (hmmm that may explain some things..) It is also said to bring good fortune and luck to the wearer, so its pretty hard to go wrong with this stone, no matter what you are looking for!
MAY: Emerald & Chrysoprase
CHRYSOPRASE: Alexander the Great was one of the ''greatest'' admirers of the stone and according to legend, he always kept a Chrysoprase in his girdle for victory in the many battles he fought. Hmmmmm......bet THAT was comfy.
JUNE: Pearls & Smoky Quartz & Moonstone
PEARLS: For thousands of years, pearls have been a classic favorite; coveted by royalty for their natural beauty, rarity, luster and shine. To find one is invaluable - only 1 out of 10,000 oysters give up the treasure among all treasures... a single, natural pearl.
pearls today are commonly referred to as cultured pearls as the oysters are given a helping hand and raised in ''farms'' in the oceans and freshwater lakes
a keshi pearl is created by placing a flat piece of Mother-of-Pearl shell inside an oyster. The oyster gradually coats the bead in layers of a pearlescent, organic substance called nacre, which builds-up to eventually create a lustrous pearl.
MOONSTONE: Its name is derived from a visual effect, or sheen, caused by light reflecting internally in the moonstone from layer inclusion of different feldspars
the Romans admired moonstone, as they believed it was born from solidified rays of the moon - both the Romans and Greeks associated moonstone with their lunar gods and goddesses
NOVEMBER: Citrine and Golden Topaz
CITRINE: Citrine is a stone of good fortune, although it brings good fortune in sometimes unexpected ways. Along with prosperity, citrine imparts generosity, to share the wealth, so to speak. (I think means you may have to buy something for your friend too....) or if you know any high priests they like to wear them in their breastplates! Just a thought...