Hot Flashes Gem

What Is Your Birthstones?

About Birthstone

A birthstone is the "gemstone associated with the date of one's birth, the wearing of which is commonly thought to bring good luck or health. Supernatural powers have long been attributed by astrologers to certain gemstones."

Birthstones come in a colorful array of sparkling jewels and glowing gemstones, each one with its own place in history and myth.

So what is your birthstone?

January Birthstone : Garnet

Birthstone Color: Deep Red

One glance at the deep red seeds nestled inside of a pomegranate fruit explains why the word "garnet" comes from the Latin word "granatus," meaning "grain" or "seed."  This name was given to the garnet because of its close resemblance to the succulent pomegranate seed.  But don't bite into a garnet, because at Moh's hardness 6.5 to 7.5, it will definitely damage the teeth!

February Birthstone : Amethyst

Birthstone Color: Purple

If gazing into the sparkling purple depths of an Amethyst suffuses you with a sense of powerful well being, this is only to be expected.  The ancient Greeks believed that this gemstone held many powers, among them protection against intoxication.  In fact, the word Amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning sober.   In ancient Greece, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and it was common practice to serve this beverage from Amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence.  Even today, Amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors.

March Birthstone : Aquamarine

Birthstone Color: Pale Blue

If you can picture the cerulean blue waters of the Mediterranean, you will understand why the birthstone for March is named Aquamarine.  Derived from the Roman word "Aqua," meaning water, and "mare," meaning sea, this pale blue gem does indeed resemble the color of seawater.  The ancient Romans believed that the Aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea, having fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto shore.  Early sailors wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea.

April Birthstone : Diamond

Birthstone Color: White, Clear

April's birthstone is remarkably simple in composition, yet stunning in its unique ability to reflect and refract light into vivid flashes of brilliant color.  The ancient Hindus called the Diamond "Vajra," meaning lightening, both because of the sparks of light thrown off by this gem as well as its invincible strength.  The Diamond is harder than any other substance on earth.

May Birthstone : Emerald

Birthstone Color: Deep Green

Spring is a time of new growth and rebirth.  And the intense brilliant green of the Emerald, May's birthstone, is as refreshing to the eyes as a spring garden after a rain.  Within it's depths are often tiny fractures or inclusions, which the French call "jardin," or garden, because of their resemblance to foliage. The Egyptians were known to engrave Emeralds with the symbol for foliage to represent eternal youth, and to bury these jewels with their dead.  The ancient Romans associated this gemstone with fertility and rebirth, and dedicated it to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.

June Birthstone : Pearl

Birthstone Color: White

From one of the humblest of life forms, the mollusk, comes the pearl -- a gem of unsurpassed beauty and elegance.  Ancient civilizations had many stories to explain the origin of June's birthstone, such as the Greek belief that pearls were the hardened tears of joy that the goddess of love shook from her eyes as she was born from the sea.  According to Arab legend, pearls were formed when oysters were lured from the depths of the ocean by the beautiful moon and then swallowed moonlit dewdrops.  And the Ancient Chinese thought that these gems originated from the brains of dragons.

July Birthstone : Ruby

Birthstone Color: Red

Like a perfect red rose, the Ruby's rich color speaks of love and passion.  Called the "Rajnapura" or King of Gems by ancient Hindus, July's birthstone is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history. The Ruby was considered to have magical powers, and was worn by royalty as a talisman against evil.  It was thought to grow darker when peril was imminent, and to return to its original color once danger was past—provided it was in the hands of its rightful owner!

August Birthstone : Peridot

Birthstone Color: Yellow Green

If fire appears to leap from the vibrant green surface of the Peridot, this may be because this gem is formed as a result of volcanic activity.  Many years ago, natives discovered Peridot crystals in the black sands of Hawaii, explaining their presence as tears shed by Pele, the volcano goddess.  Throughout history, August's birthstone has been used as a means to connect with nature.  Early Egyptian priests drank a stimulating beverage called Soma from cups made of Peridot, believing this practice to draw them closer to Isis, the goddess of nature.

September Birthstone : Blue Sapphire

Birthstone Color: Deep Blue

The striking deep blue of a quality sapphire is reminiscent of a cloudless night sky.  Ancient civilizations believed that the world was set upon an enormous sapphire, which painted the sky blue with its reflection.  This legend, as well as the belief that the Ten Commandments were inscribed upon tablets made of sapphire, gives September's birthstone a royal place among gemstones.

October Birthstone : Opal

Birthstone Color: Multi-colored

October's birthstone treats the eye to an explosion of shimmering colors, not unlike those of a magnificent rainbow following a summer rain.  The Opal derives its name from the Latin word "opalus," meaning precious jewel.  Prized for its unique ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light, the Opal was called "Cupid Paederos" by the Romans, meaning a child beautiful as love.  One legendary explanation for this gemstone's origin is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightning.

November Birthstone : Citrine

Birthstone Color: Yellow Gold

November's gemstone, Citrine, is as warm as a Van Gogh painting of sunflowers.  The name Citrine comes from an old French word, "citrin", meaning lemon.  One of the more rare forms of quartz, this gemstone ranges in color from the palest yellow to a dark amber named Madeira because of its resemblance to the red wine.

December Birthstone : Blue Topaz

Birthstone Color: Blue

As cool and inviting as a blue lake on a blistering summer day, December's birthstone is derived from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning fire.  This is because Blue Topaz was considered by ancient civilizations to have cooling properties.  Not only was it believed to cool boiling water when thrown into the pot, but to calm hot tempers as well!  This gemstone was credited with many other healing powers, among them the ability to cure insanity, asthma, weak vision and insomnia.  The Blue Topaz was even thought to have magical properties in its ability to make its wearer invisible in a threatening situation.

Do come and check your birthstones at Jewel de Palace now!

About the Author

Jewel de Palace is a online Jewellery Shop. We offer the hottest & fashionable Korean or Celebrity Inspired Jewellery. Jewel de Palace offers wide range of jewelry from high class Cubic Zirconia jewelry, Swarovski Crystal Jewelry, Semi-precious Stone Jewelry to low cost costume jewelry. Visit us at www.jeweldepalace.com.