Welcome to the Gemstone Learning Center.

Discover fascinating facts, ancient lore,

and the healing properties of Gemstones.

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Facts:

• Amethyst belongs to the Quartz species which occurs in either cyrstalline or massive form. It is the most valuable of all in the Quartz species.
• It is mined mainly in Brazil, Zambia, Uruguay, and Namibia.
• The color range of this stone includes deep purple to a pale lavender. The presense of manganese in clear quartz produces Amethyst.
• The finest quality Amethyst is medium to medium dark in tone, vivid in intensity, and purple, reddish purple to bluish purple in hue. The deeper the color depends on the amount of iron present in the stone.
• This stone is sensitive to abrubt temperature changes which may cause it to fracture.

Ancient Lore:

• The Greeks named Amethyst from the word "amethystos," which means "Not intoxicated." This dates back to an ancient tale involving Bacchus, the God of Wine, as the story goes, drinking wine from an Amethyst goblet would prevent one from becoming inebriated.

Properties:

• This gem is good for preventing headaches and overindulgence in alcohol.
• The Astrogolical Signs of Amethyst are: Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius, and Capricorn.
• Amethyst is a "Stone of spirituality and contentment." It balances the energies of the intellectual, emotional, and physical bodies.
• It is a stone of meditation, as it is excellent in conducting the energy of calm and peacefulness.
• Amethyst can be used to defend against psychic attacks and to relieve insomnia.

  

  Citrine

• Facts:

• Though confused with Topaz, Citrine is a member of the Quartz species.
• The finest quality Citrine is actually medium to medium dark in tone, vivid in intensity, and yellowish orange in hue.
• The name "Citrine" is from the French word "Citron" meaning lemon.
• Citrine is one of the most appealing and desirable gems, because it is readily available and modestly priced.
• Citrine is mined mainly in Brazil, Bolivia, and Spain.
• Avoid exposure to heat, and intense sunlight as abrubt temperature changes could cause this stone to fracture. Also keep this stone away from strong chemicals.

  Ancient Lore:

• It has been reported that Citrine is one of the stones to be called "The Merchant's Stone;" placing a cluster or a crystal of Citrine in ones cash box has produced more income for the merchant. It not only assists the merchant in acquiring wealth, but helps to maintain the state of wealth.

  Properties:

• Citrine helps one to find their path in life.
• Citrine aids in the relief of poor circulation and helps to control emotions.
• The Astrological Signs of Citrine are: Gemini, Aries, Libra, and Leo.
• It is one of the two minerals on the planet which does not hold and accumulate negative energy, but dissipates and transmutes it.
• This mineral is useful for balancing the Yin-Yang energy. It stimulates both mental focus and endurance.
• Citrine emits an elevated energy which provides one extra energy.

Facts:

• Emerald is a form of Beryl and crystallizes in the structure of prismatic crystals, sometimes vertically striated and terminated by small pyramid-like faces.
• The color range is emerald green (a Red Emerald is actually a Beryl called "BixBite".)
• Emerald got its name from the Latin word "Smaragus."
• Emerald is the most rare variety of the "Beryl" species.
• The most valuable Emeralds are medium in tone, the most vivid possible, and slightly bluish green in hue.
• The finest qulaity Emeralds in sizes over 15 carats are extremely rare and rivaled only by Ruby in vlaue. Our eyes naturally focus on green hues making it soothing to the eye.
• Egypt was the ancient historical source mined since 1500 BCE (Before Current Era.) Today the majority of the world's Emeralds are from Columbia since the 1500's CE (Current Era) and more recently Brazil, and Zambia. Additionally, Emeralds are found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Russia, and Australia.
• All Emeralds are fragile and should not be subjected to rough wear, especially those set in ring settings.
• Emeralds are stable to light, yet should be kept away from solvents, and acids that may damage the oiled gems.

Ancient Lore:

• The earliest Emeralds were found in Egypt almost 4,000 years ago, and were highly prized by Queen Cleopatra.
• It was said that Emperor Nero wore glasses with lenses made of Emerald when viewing the gladiators in battle to "soothe his eyes."
• A symbol of the Greek Goddess Venus, Emerald is reported to reveal the truth or falsity of a lover's oath. In that if the color of the stone darkens and the vividness fades, the wearer has not been true to the giver.
• It is also said to provide the owner with the ability to see and foretell the future bringing good fortune.

Properties:

• Astrological Signs of the Emerald are: Taurus, Gemini, and Aries.
• Green is the color of rebirth, nature, the forest, and creation.
• Emerald improves the memory and intellect and assists in overcoming depression and insomnia.
• It can be used to enhance the memory and stimulate the use of greater mental capacity. The Emerald helps to combine intelligence with discernment, allowing for the choice of right action.
• It can be used to eliminate negativity from ones life and to bring forth the positive actions required to assist one in remaining centered in the practicality of ones lifework.

Garnet

Facts:

• Jade occurs in the form of Jadeite, Transvaal Jade and Nephrite.
• Jadeite is a form of jade which crystallizes in the form of grains, masses and rare small elongated prismatic crystals.
• The color range includes translucent emerald green(Imperial Jade), shades of green (from pale to deep), mauve, lavender, white, brown, red, orange, yellow, grey, glack, blue-green to green with white or light green traceries, pastel green with slight bluish cast and interlaces with pure white veins, and white with delicate green veining.

Ancient Lore:

• The Jade has been thought to provide protection from ones enemies.
• In ancient China and Egypt it was widely used as a Talisman to attract good fortune, friendship, and loyalty.
• It has been used by the ancient (and some more recent) primitive tribes as a sacred stone.
• This mineral was exalted by the Mayan and Aztec cultures as a stone of magic, bringing to fruition, in times of need, the protective forces of the ethers. It represented status and was possessed only by the elite of the realm. It was also carved into the form of deities, representing aspects of the protection and favorable fortunes.

Properties:

• Astrogolical Signs of the Jade are: Aries, Gemini, Taurus, and Libra.
• Jade is known as a "Dream Stone" and as a "Stone of Fidelity," bringing realization to ones potential and devotion to ones purpose. It aids in remembering dreams. It is used to release suppressed emotions via the dream process by placing a piece of Jade under ones pillow before sleeping.
• It has been said to bring the wearer a long and fruitful life.
• The occurrence of Jade with the presense of quartz crystalline structure has been used to expedite meditative travel to the realm of "all knowing".
• It provides confidence, assisting one in the attainment of self-assuredness, self-reliance, and self-sufficiency.
• It can be used to induce cohesiveness in groups, allowing for understanding between the members to achieve a common goal.

Facts:

• Opal crystallizes in the form of masses, and occasionally, stalactites.
• The color range includes a large variety containing either the spectral of color called "Fire" or does not contain "Fire".
• The color range is as follows: Fire, Golden, White, Pink, Black, Water Opals, Blue, Common, Boulder Opals, Dendritic Opals, Honduran Opals, and Opalized Nature.

Ancient Lore:

• It is known as a "Stone of happy dreams and changes".
• Opal has been used by the Native American Indians and the Australian Aboriginal Shamen to invoke visions.

Properties:

• Opal induces daydreaming in the wearer.
• Astrological Signs of the Opal are: Cancer, Libra, Pisces, and Scorpio.
• It furthers clean, true, spontaneous action, enhancing that which one is feeling and allowing for the release of inhibitions.
• It can be used to strengthen the memory, faithfulness, and loyalty.
• This mineral has been used to awaken both the physchic and mystical qualities.
• It helps one to understand the higher powers of intuition and mysticism.
• It can be used to clarify and to strengthen the eyesight, to assist in the recovery from Parkinsons Disease, and to provide comfort and ease during childbirth.

Facts:

• Peridot crystallizes in the form of masses, grains, and prismatic crystals, sometimes flattenend.
• The color range for a Peridot includes green and yellow-green.
• This stone is also known as "Chrysolite" and "Olivine".
• The related colors for Olivine are dark yellow-green, olive green, bottle green, red, yellow-brown, green-to-brown, and honey yellow.
• Peridot comes from the Arabic word "Zeberget" for Peridot, and also an island in the Red Sea, an early source for the gem.
• The most valuable Peridot is medium in tone, the most vivid possible, and slightly yellowish green in hue.
• The majority of Peridot today is mined in Arizona. It is also found in Myanmar (Burma) and China, as well as other minor localities.
• Keep this stone away from heat, harsh solvents, and jeweler's pickling solution.

Ancient Lore:

• Peridot is reported to ward off evil spirits, eliminate enchantments, as well as prevent nightmares. This is due to its association with the sun and power of its life-giving rays, hence the term "gem of the sun".
• Peridot was treasured by the Egyptians, and was called "Divine tears wept by Pele, goddess of the Volcano" in Hawaiin legends.

Properties:

• Astrological Signs of the Peridot are: Virgo, Leo, Scorpio, and Sagittarius.
• The Peridot is recommended as a cure for insomnia, aids in digestion, and reduces a fever.
• Peridot emits a warm and friendly energy.
• It helps to regulate cycles in ones life such as physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, and menstrual.

Facts:

• Ruby is a type of corundum which crystallizes in the form of tabular and rhombohedral prismatic crystals. All other corundum is called Sapphire.
• The color range includes pink, crimson, red, and orange-red.
• It sometimes exhibits dichroism, displaying crimson red and orange-red in the same stone.
• The name Ruby is derived from the Latin word "Ruber" meaning red.
• The finest quality Rubies are medium dark in tone, are very intense, and are a pure Red to slightly purplish Red in hue. Rubies under 2 carats are readily available, however, those over 8 carats are extremely rare and valuable.
• Our eyes must advance to bring the red colors into focus, hense it attracts much attention. This is why red is used for stoplights and signs.
• The majority of Ruby is mined in Southeast Asia including the top producers: Thailand, and Myanmar (Burma) as well as Sri Lanka and Africa.
• This is a stable and long wearing gem.

Ancient Lore:

• Ruby has always been highly prized by Emperors and Kings, and is known as the "king or leader of precious gems" surpassing all others in virtue. As a talisman, Ruby preserves the body and mental health of the wearer by removing evil thoughts, controlling amorous desires, and reconciling disputes.
• Ancient warriors believed Ruby would protect them from attack in battle.

Properties:

• Astrological Signs of Ruby are: Leo, Scorpio, Cancer, and Sagittarius.
• This mineral stimulates the loving emotional side toward nurturing, bringing spiritual wisdom, health, knowledge, and wealth.
• Ruby is known as a "Stone of nobility", gathering and amplifying energy.
• It is an excellent shielding stone, protecting on all levels and safeguarding ones consciousness from psychic attacks.
• It has been used to induce stability in ones economic status.
• I has been said to light the darkness of ones life and protect the wearer against unhappiness, distressing dreams, and lightening.
• Ruby aids in alleviating blood disorders, such as Anaemia, poor circulation, and menstrual problems.
• It aids in intuitive thinking, the Ruby is believed to increase energy levels.

Facts:

• Sapphire is a type of corundum which crystallizes in the form of tabular prismatic crystals with hexagonal double pyramid structures.
• The color range includes blue, white, black, purple, yellow, and green.
• Sapphire also occurs in the form of asterated or "Star" Sapphire, the "Star" results due to the inclusion of small cylindrical cavities within the stone which are parallel to the prism planes.
• Sapphire comes from the Latin word "Sapphirus" meaning dear to the planet Saturn.
• The term Sapphire alone generally refers to the blue color, while "Fancy Sapphire" refers many different hues including yellow, orange, pink, purple, and green.
• The most valuable blue Sapphires are medium dark in tone, vivid Blue to slightly Violetish Blue hues. Lighter toned, more brilliant Sapphires such as those mined in Sri Lanka are also highly valued.
• Blue Sapphire is available in many sizes and shapes. Those over 20 carats are considered rare and command a high value.

Ancient Lore:

• Sapphire is a regal gem and was worn by Kings about the neck as a powerful defense from harm. The gem has many virtures including protection from captivity, preserving and increasing courage, and in improving all senses including clearing and strengthening eyesight.
• Sapphire has been considered an antidote to poison.
• In Persian legend the Earth rests upon a great Sapphire whose refelction is seen in the sky.
• The Sapphire is known as the "Stone of prosperity," sustaining the gifts of  life and aiding in fulfilling dreams. It tends to both focus and emanate energy.

Properties:

• Astrological Signs of the Sapphire are: Virgo, Libra, and Sagittarius.
• Sapphires promote intensity of loving feelings, purity of mind, and serenity.
• Worn directly on the body, Sapphires help to overcome such problems as backache, skin eruptions, hair and nail conditions, and to prevent bleeding.
• This mineral can be used to rid unwanted thoughts and to bring joy and peace of mind via opening the mind to beauty and intuition.
• It brings lightness and joy, with depth of beauty and thought to the wearer.

Tanzanite crystallizes in the form of masses, grains, and striated prismatic crystals. It is a variety of Zoisite.

• The color range includes colorless to blue or purple.
• This magnificent gem was named for its source Tanzania, in East Africa.
• Avoid heat, sudden temperature changes and strong solvents and acids as these could damage the stone.

Ancient Lore:

• Tanzanite is a "Stone of magic," producing the perfect symmetry of personal power and actualization. It brings the "will" to the aid of manifestation, and enhance both the beginning and the end.

Properties:

• Astrologicial Signs of Tanzanite are: Sagittarius, Gemini, and Libra.
• This mineral stimulates the throat, the third-eye, and the crown chakras. It brings together all aspects of both communication and psychic power, allowing the user to adequately communicate visions.
• Tanzanite can be used in the treatment of skin disorders, mis-aligniment of the spinal column, and disorders of the eyes, and to help bring one from a comatose state.

Topaz

Sources

• "Love is in the Earth - A Kaleidoscope of Crystals - The Reference Book describing the Metaphysical properties of The Mineral Kingdom" written by Melody.
• The American Gem Society

  

  The Origins of Birthstones

Most Gem Scholars agree that the earliest association of the twelve birthstones with the twelve months of the year appears to have originated in the original story of the twelve precious stones in the Breastplate of Aaron the High Priest, brother to Moses. The Breastplate was a ceremonial religious garment set with twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. They were also the foundation stones for each of the twelve apostles in the temple of New Jerusalem.

The twelve stones on the Breastplate of Aaron the High Priest were: Onyx, Sardius, Topaz, Carbuncle, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond, Ligure, Agate, Amethyst, Beryl, and Jasper.

The complete story and instructions for fabricating the Breastplate of Aaron, the High Priest can be found in Exodus 28, 15-30 of the Bible.

Ancient people did not classify gemstones by mineral species as we do today, there is some debate over which gemstones were actually set in the BreastPlate of Aaron and why. Because of this, different cultures around the world have developed different birthstone lists. The modern day list is only the most recent list, and some of the older lists are still in existence today. Some also argue that the proper way to assign gemstones is according to astrological signs and not months.

Official USA Birthstone Chart
Month	Stone	Significance
January	Garnet	Constancy
February	Amethyst	Sincerity
March	Aquamarine or Bloodstone	Courage
April	Diamond	Innocense
May	Emerald	Love & Success
June	Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone	Health
July	Ruby, or Star Ruby	Contentment
August	Peridot or Sardonyx	Married Happiness
September	Sapphire,or Star Sapphire	Clear Thinking
October	Opal, or Tourmaline	Hope
November	Topaz	Fidelity
December	Tourquoise, or Zircon	Prosperity

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