Birthstones - Some of Their Symbolism and Properties

The number of questions that surround birthstones are numerous.

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What are birthstones and their properties? Why are they considered lucky? What are the legends and myths that surround different stones? And most importantly what do birthstones represent?

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It is easy to get lost amidst a sea of information, especially since the information is as diverse as the stones themselves. There are myths and legends and different meanings that were attributed to any given stone over the course of centuries. Some were used to protect against the evil eye, while some were favorites of royalty, who put them on their crowns and scepters. And a good few bishops wore them too (it is amethyst in case you were wondering, it was a symbol of purity and spirituality so it was only appropriate as a bishop's favorite).

If you are on the lookout for an engagement ring or even a Celtic engagement ring it does not mean birthstones cannot be incorporated. It is said after all that they bring good luck.

Find your birth month and your birthstone in the list below.

January - Garnet (Color - Red)

February - Amethyst (Color - purple)

March - Aquamarine (Color: Pale blue)

April - Diamond (Color: Clear, White)

May - Emerald Color: Deep Green

June - Pearl (Color: White)

July - Ruby (Color: Red)

August - Peridot (Color: Yellowish green)

September - Sapphire (Color: Deep Blue)

October - Opal (Color: Multi-colored)

November - Topaz (Color: Yellow Gold)

December - Turquoise (Color: Blue)

Some of these are quite popular choices (diamonds and emeralds come to mind) when it comes to engagement rings but some others like garnet or perhaps peridot you may have never heard of.

Truth of the matter is that even though rings with birthstones might be a relatively recent invention, birthstones and their meaning are as inseparable as Celtic knots on Celtic jewelry.

Ancient Egyptians believed that emeralds are a symbol of eternal youth and it is no wonder they were Cleopatra's favorites. Garnet on the other hand, even though relatively unknown, was not only considered a symbol of love but one legend has it that because of its deep red color Noah used it as a guide light on his arc during the storm.

For many of the birthstones it was considered that they not only bring good luck to whoever wore them, but they protected against evil spirits and could keep nightmares away and bring prosperity and wealth to the wearer.

Some birthstones like sapphires and peridot were ground to a fine powder and used as a treatment for different ailments.

The symbolism behind these precious stones is even more poignant - diamonds and rubies are symbols of everlasting love, pearls are a symbol of purity and not just good taste and style, while today's meaning of emeralds is that they symbolize wisdom, growth and patience which makes them a perfect anniversary present.

It has to be said that the idea of grinding any precious stone to a powder to help with an ailment sounds quite preposterous in this day and age. However it cannot be denied that the symbolism of everlasting love that diamonds represent, sounds romantic. Or the idea that sapphires represent faithfulness and sincerity.

If you are on the look out for an engagement ring and you would like to choose the appropriate birthstone, bear in mind, there are no rules and regulations, do what feels right. You can use the current list as guidelines, but you can always refer to other birthstone lists (yes there are plenty) or you can use color as a guideline when making your choice.

A Celtic diamond engagement ring does qualify as a birthstone ring for anyone born in April. Remember that although they are precious stones, nothing is written in stone. It is your engagement ring after all.

Birthstones - Some of Their Symbolism and Properties

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The Meaning And Significance of Birthstones by Month

Throughout the ages, people have revered gemstones as beautiful and even magical. In fact, some people used to believe that gemstones carried mystical powers and that each gemstone could bestow these powers to its wearer. For instance, a cool blue sapphire implies that the wearer is cool under pressure, while a red ruby implies that the wearer is passionate and fiery. Eventually people began to relate a given gemstone with a zodiac sign or month of the year. People born in that month of the year were thought of to possess qualities resembling that of the gemstone or "birthstone" linked to that month.

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Over the years, a certain aura of confusion arose surrounding which birthstones were associated with which months. In fact, for some months, competing birthstones arose and competed for public acceptance.

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The Modern Birthstone list contains the official birthstone list from the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America. These gemstones were officially adopted in 1912. In the US, this is the accepted list.

Listed are the Birth Months and their respected Modern Birthstones:

January - Garnet

February - Amethyst

March - Aquamarine

April - Diamond

May - Emerald

June - Pearl

July - Ruby

August - Peridot

September - Sapphire

October - Opal

November - Yellow Topaz

December - Blue Topaz

Apart from the modern birthstones there are other birthstones like the traditional birthstones, mystical birthstones and ayurvedic birthstones.

The Traditional Birthstone are older birthstones and is sometimes combined with the modern birthstone list. These stones reflect societal birthstone traditions, heralding back to the 15th century. (Many jewelers have differing lists of traditional birthstones.)The Mystical Birthstone are of Tibetan origin from over a thousand years ago. The Ayurvedic Birthstone are from Ayurvedic Indian Medicine - a type of medicine used for over a thousand years.

The Star Sign stone chart below offers another slant on birthstones/planetary relationships.

Sun Sign and their respective birthstones

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)-Ruby,Agate, Garnet

Aquarius(Jan. 20-Feb. 18 )-Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal, Amethyst

Pisces(Feb. 19-Mar. 20)-Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Amethyst, Bloodstone

Aries(Mar. 21-Apr. 19)-Bloodstone, Diamond

Taurus(Apr. 20-May 20)-Sapphire, Turquoise, Amber, Blood Coral, Emerald

Gemini (May 21-Jun. 20)-Agate, Chrysoprase, Pearl

Cancer(Jun. 21-Jul. 22)-Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby

Leo(Jul. 23-Aug. 22)-Tourmaline, Sardonyx, Onyx

Virgo(Aug. 23-Sep. 22)-Jasper, Carnelian, Jade, Sapphire

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22)-Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot

Scorpio(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)-Aquamarine, Topaz

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)-Sapphire, Amethyst, Turquoise, Topaz

Gemstones have a direct effect on our lives and this has been scientifically proven. Luck can mean fortune, force that operates for good or ill. There are many forces and vibrations flowing about us all the time, and gems which are nothing but minerals have a peculiar ability to concentrate these powers or forces on our lives. these forces can be both of the positive or the negative energy. So, choosing the correct stone can make the life force much more good luck friendly. This way we can influence the forces to be kinder to us.

Gemstones have living energy. Every gemstone has several attributes. Good luck is a part of the energy of many stones. There are times it may be more helpful to use more than one stone for the luck needed. As we change our way of life our vibrations change, that is why some gemstones will work differently on the same person at different times.

The best way to know what gemstones will be lucky for you is to hold it in your hand. The gemstones help change the life force around you and that is how gemstones can change your luck.

Every gemstone signifies or symbolizes a different meaning of its own, The stones may be precious or semiprecious stones thats is why what matters is that one chooses a personal gemstone of their own.

It is common today to have a personal stone. The personal stone may be a stone associated with a zodiac sign or a birth month. A personal stone may be a gem that has been passed down in a family. A personal stone could be a stone of a person's favorite color. A personal stone can be anything that a person wants it to be as long as the feeling for the stone is deep.

I hope this information can help you select a gemstone that has personal meaning to you and will give you much joy and pleasure.

The Meaning And Significance of Birthstones by Month

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January Birthstones - Garnet and Auld Lang Syn

January's birthstone is garnet, a stone with an inner fire that defies even the coldest winter days. And the month of January is filled with those. January is named for Janus, the two faced Roman God of beginnings, endings, gates and doors. This is because January pays tribute to the year just past and harbingers the journeys we'll make into the New Year.

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As we make those journeys, whether as trips or metaphorical resolutions, no more fitting birthstone could guide us than garnet. This is because ancient cultures like the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and even Sumerians used garnet beaded jewelry as protective talismans for journeyers. The garnet appears in the bible as the fourth stone in Aaron's breastplate and Noah is said to have used a garnet lantern to guide his Ark at night.

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For those seeking garnet's sure guidance, garnet beaded jewelry is ideal. But garnet rings are particularly popular birthstone jewelry for January, because a ring represents the completion of the yearly cycle.

So what color should garnet connoisseurs wear?

Blood red garnet beaded jewelry stands out like a blooming rose against January snows; the gemstone's name itself derives from the pomegranate, a fruit with sparkling seeds that resemble garnet beads. Certainly, deep crimson is garnet's most popular and iconic shade.

But January's birthstone can be any shade, and garnet beaded jewelry can be found in a rainbow of hues. For a time, it was believed that garnets came in every color but blue, but the discovery of blue garnets in Madagascar in the 1990s put that idea to rest. Now, smoky blue garnet is amongst the most prized gems both for its rarity and its ability to change color in different light.

Unusually colored garnets each have their own names. For example, purple garnets are known as Rhodolite, mandarin orange garnets are called Spessartine, brown or black garnets are known as Andradite, and emerald green garnets go by the name of Tsavorith. This is to name only a few.

This wide variety of names for January's birthstone stems from the fact that garnet is not a single gemstone, but rather, a family of related stones. What all varieties of garnet share is a common formation and cubic crystalline structure. Garnets are uniformly brilliant, natural, and durable. Garnets are also amongst the hardest gemstones, rating between a 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, and garnet beaded jewelry is generally affordable, making an ideal birthstone.

In fact, there are no known enhancements for garnets, so it's difficult to fool a consumer with inferior quality garnet beaded jewelry. Perhaps it is this inviolable purity that turned garnet into a symbol for remembrance and faithful friendship. After all, historically, garnet has been a gift exchanged between good friends who are parting, to ensure that they meet again. January's birthstone is even said to rekindle old feelings.

Thus, in a month when we gather with family and sing of old acquaintances forgotten and never brought to mind, garnet birthstone jewelry stands as a tribute to January's two aspects-reminding us of the past and guiding us into the future.

January Birthstones - Garnet and Auld Lang Syn

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Birthstones - The Modern List

There have been many different lists of stones that correspond with the months or signs of the zodiac. The most recent one is a list that was adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. This is the official list of birthstones used in the United States. Not only are certain stones associated with a given month, but each month has a color associated with it. These colors have been derived from the natural color of the individual birthstones. Following is the modern list of gemstones and corresponding colors:

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January - Garnet gemstone, deep red color. Although garnet is most often thought of as being a red stone, garnet occurs in every color except blue. Each color of garnet technically has its own name. February - Amethyst gemstone, purple color. Amethyst is one of the most popular gemstones and is worn by many regardless of their birth month. Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. March - Aquamarine gemstone, pale blue color. Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family of gems, along with emerald. April - Diamond gemstone, white or clear color. There is nothing else like the sparkle and fire of a good quality diamond in the world of gems. May - Emerald gemstone, green color. Emeralds are found in many countries, with Columbia and Brazil producing some of the finest stones. June - Pearl or Moonstone, white color. Pearls are the only gems that come from living creatures. July - Ruby gemstone, red color. Ruby and Sapphire are types of the mineral corundum. The only gemstone harder than a ruby or sapphire is a diamond. August - Peridot gemstone, pale green color. Peridot occurs in many areas of the world, and is also occasionally found in meteorites. September - Sapphire gemstone, deep blue color. Sapphire occurs in nature in many different colors besides blue, but the blue stone is associated with September. October - Opal gemstone, multi-colors or pink. There are two types of opals, precious and common. Precious opals are the stones that display the 'fire' or play of colors the stone is famous for. November - Yellow topaz or Citrine gemstones, yellow color. Yellow topaz of good quality is relatively rare and expensive. Citrine is often substituted. December - Blue topaz or turquoise gemstones, blue color. Blue topaz is sometimes irradiated to improve and deepen the blue color. Tanzanite was added to the December birthstone selections by the American Gem Trade Association in 2002.

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Birthstones - The Modern List

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Birthstones and Their Meanings

A gift that incorporates birthstones is a thoughtful one for a mother or grandmother, especially when a new baby has come into the family. And of course, they make great birthday presents!

garnet necklace

January

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Traditional Gem(s): Garnet, Rose Quartz

Modern Gem(s): Garnet

The garnet was once thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.

February

Traditional Gem(s): Amethyst, Onyx

Modern Gem(s): Amethyst

The folklore attached to he amethyst associates it with sobriety, tranquility, protection and peace. This birthstone as also been linked to improving the skin and preventing baldness, as well as protection from deceit.

March

Traditional Gem(s): Bloodstone

Modern Gem(s): Aquamarine

The aquamarine has been linked to the making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This stone was once also thought to protect those at sea.

April

Traditional Gem(s): Diamond

Modern Gem(s): Diamond

One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are linked to love, eternity, and strength.

May

Traditional Gem(s): Emerald, Chrysoprase

Modern Gem(s): Emerald

The emerald was once linked to health and the curing of ailments, as well as being associated with the ability to see in to the future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation.

June

Traditional Gem(s): Alexandrite

Modern Gem(s): Pearl, Moonstone

The pearl has been linked with chastity and modesty, making it something of an angelic, pure birthstone. It is also linked to successful and happy marriages.

July

Traditional Gem(s): Ruby

Modern Gem(s): Ruby, Carnelian

The ruby is traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty.

August

Traditional Gem(s): Sardonyx

Modern Gem(s): Peridot

Peridot was commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem that enhanced the properties of healing drugs.

September

Traditional Gem(s): Sapphire, Lapis

Modern Gem(s): Sapphire

The sapphire has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer.

October

Traditional Gem(s): Tourmaline

Modern Gem(s): Opal, Tourmaline

The opal has been linked to purity, hope and innocence. This gem has also been linked to healing forces, friendship and emotion, so it has experienced its fair share of folklore over the years.

November

Traditional Gem(s): Citrine

Modern Gem(s): Yellow Topaz, Citrine

Topaz was once linked with sanity, healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by the ancient Greeks. This stone has even been linked to an ability to make the wearer invisible in dangerous situations.

December

Traditional Gem(s): Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli

Modern Gem(s): Blue Topaz, Turquoise

Turquoise was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular gem in centuries gone by.

Hope you found this helpful!

Birthstones and Their Meanings

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Birthstones and Your Zodiac Sign

Each of the twelve star signs also known as Sun signs of the zodiac are associated with particular crystals and gemstones. Astrologers believe that the power of your zodiac birthstone can promote your positive characteristics and balance the negative aspects of your personality.

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Wearing, carrying or sleeping near the birthstone linked with your star sign can enable you to pick up the vibrations associated with that constellation and help you contact deeper levels of consciousness within yourself.

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Birthstones and the Zodiac Constellations are associated with ruling planets and birth stones are also associated with months of the year, and so with the signs of the zodiac there is an overlap and some stones can be used for several months and others can appear in more than one zodiac sign. There are major birth stones and others with a influence which relate to various parts of the body known as affinities.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Ruling Planet: Mars
Aries Birthstones: Ruby and Diamond.
Affinities: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Aventurine, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Citrine, Fire Agate, Garnet, Jasper, Magnetite, Pink Tourmaline.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Ruling Planet: Venus
Taurus Birthstones: Emerald and Topaz
Affinities: Agate, Aquamarine, Azurite, Lapis Lazuli, Carnelian, Crystal Quartz, Tiger's Eye, Rose Quartz, Sapphire

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Ruling Planet: Mercury
Gemini Birthstones: Tourmaline and Agate.
Affinities: Agate, Apophyllite, Calcite, Sapphire, Serpentine, Tiger's Eye, Topaz

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Ruling Planet: Moon
Cancer Birthstones: Moonstones and Pearl
Affinities: Amber, Aventurine, Carnelian, Calcite, Chalcedony, Emerald, Opal, Pink Tourmaline, Ruby

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)

Ruling Planet: Sun
Leo Birthstones: Tiger's Eye and Ruby
Affinities: Amber, Carnelian, Garnet, Citrine, Emerald, Garnet, Crystal Quartz, Topaz, Turquoise

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)

Ruling Planet: Mercury
Virgo Birthstones: Peridot and Sardonyx
Affinities: Amazonite, Amber, Carnelian, Citrine, Garnet, Moonstone, Moss Agate, Sapphire, Sodalite

Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22)

Ruling Planet: Venus
Libra Birthstones: Sapphire and Opal
Affinities: Apophyllite, Aquamarine, Aventurine, Emerald, Bloodstone, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Topaz

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

Rulng Planet: Mars and Pluto
Scorpio Birthstones: Topaz and Malachite
Affinities: Aquammarine, Beryl, Garnet, Moonstone, Green Tourmaline, Obsidian, Ruby, Topaz, Turquoise,

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Sagittarius Birthstones: Topaz and Turquoise
Affinities: Amethyst, Blue Lace Agate, Chalcedony, Garnet, Goldsheen Obsidian, Labradorite, Sodalite, Lapis lazuli

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

Ruling Planet: Saturn
Capricorn Birthstones: Jet and Onyx
Affinities: Amber, Azurite, Carnelian, Fluorite, Garnet, Labradorite, Peridot, Ruby, Crystal Quartz, Smokey Quartz

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Ruling Planet: Saturn and Uranus
Aquarius Birthstones: Aquamarine and Amethyst
Affinities: Amber, Angelite, Aquamarine, Blue Celestite, Fluorite, Labradorite, Magnetite, Moonstone

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

Ruling Planet: Jupiter and Neptune
Pisces Birthstones: Moonstone and Amethyst
Affinities: Aquamarine, Beryl, Bloodstone, Blue Lace Agate, Calcite, Flourite, Labradorite, Turquopise

Birthstones and Your Zodiac Sign

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Birthstones - January - June

A birthstone is a precious metal assigned to a particular month so there are a total of twelve birthstones. Each precious metal or gemstone is associated with characteristics or qualities that describe the month. Others refer to birthstones as birthday stones or anniversary stones. Over time, the list of stones have been changed and been updated according to the times. But in 1912, the national association of jewelers in the US, Jewelers of America, has sought to standardize the list which is still being used today not just in the US but in other countries as well such as Australia and Asia.

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Garnet for January

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Garnet is usually colored red although they can also be seen in various colors of the color spectrum. The name originated from the Latin term granatus which literally means grain and is possibly used as a reference to the pomegranate plant which come with red seeds which resemble the shape, size and color of the garnet crystals.

Amethyst for February

Amethyst usually come in the color of purple or violet and is commonly used as a decoration. The name came from the Greek term a and methuskein which refers to the belief that this gemstone prevents the wearer from getting intoxicated or drunk.

Aquamarine for March

This gemstone usually comes in a turquoise or blue color. The name came from the Latin aqua marina which translates to "water of the sea."

Diamond for April

The name diamond is derived from the Greek term adamas which means invincible. This gemstone is the hardest precious metal known to man that only another diamond can scratch it.

Emerald for May

Emerald comes in the color green or bluish green and is a highly prized gemstone. The name can be derived from the Greek word smaragdos and Latin word smaralda.

Pearl for June

This is the only non-mineral birthstone on the list. Pearls are hard, circular objects produced by mollusks. The largest pearl found came from the Philippines in the year 1934 which was originally tagged as the Pearl of Allah but is now officially known as Pearl of Lao-Tzu.

Birthstones - January - June

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The Metaphysical Properties of Garnet - One of the True Birthstones For Aries Astrology

We Live in a Beautiful Vibrational Universe

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It is now universally accepted and confirmed by science that we live in a universe made of energy vibrating at different frequencies. Every bit of seemingly solid matter is just a swirling microcosmic world of vibrating, energized particles creating form as we know it.

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There is great beauty in the natural form our world takes. Nature can be breathtaking in a sunset over the ocean, a mountain landscape, a flower, or a crystal gemstone. Wherever we perceive balance and harmony we experience beauty.

Beauty is deeply fulfilling for humans. Being in nature, looking at a flower, tuning into a gemstone can realign our own energy pattern to a more balanced flow. I believe that a gemstone that attracts your eye with its beauty will always be beneficial for you.

The Signature and Metaphysical Properties of Crystal and Gemstones

In all cultures throughout history gemstones and crystals have had a special place. They have been used for empowerment and for focusing energy in rituals, sacred objects, and jewelry.

The perfectly aligned crystal structure of gemstones and crystals gives them their energy and metaphysical properties: they interact with our own energy field and have a balancing and healing impact on our mind, body, and soul. Each gemstone has a personal "signature"-specific metaphysical qualities, different for each stone, that arise from the stone's chemical composition, color, hardness, crystal structure, and so on.

Astrology, the ancient science of the universal laws, allows us to understand the creative forces at work in our lives and use them to our advantage. Gemstones occupy an important place in astrology. By considering the individual signature of gemstones, we can select the right gems for very specific purposes, according to their astrological representation.

Astrology and True Birthstones

Astrological principles manifest at all levels of creation, from the largest bodies in the cosmos to the tiniest particles of atoms-all are part of the same network of universal energy. Based on the hermetic principle "As above, so below," those universal principles allow us to read the analogue relations among the planets and extrapolate those principles to things here on Earth, to events in our lives, as well as to our natural environment. The universal principles that govern the planets are also seen on the much smaller level of gemstones, crystals, and metals.

Most of us know the gemstone corresponding to when we were born based on the list created by jewelers. This is a simplified commercial list, not created by astrologers, and therefore most of the stones on this list are not the true astrological birthstones.

Each gemstone represents specific planetary principles and has its own personality. In my book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery I teach you how to find your true birthstones based on your horoscope. In this article I will give the example of one of the true astrological birthstones for Aries, Garnet.

Garnet: A Many-Hued Stone [1]

The Garnets are a many-hued family, with different names for each color. The color range includes red, red with a violet tint, reddish brown, orange brown, yellow, and green.

The varieties include Pyrope (reddish brown), Almandine (violet), Spessartite (orange to reddish brown), Grossular (green, yellow, or copper brown), Demantoid (green to emerald green), and Tsavorite (similar to emerald green). All of the colors are strongly reflective.

With a relatively high Mohs' hardness of 7 to 7 ½, Garnet makes a nice hard stone for rings and other jewelry. It is found around the world, including in the United States, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Zambia, Tanzania, Afghanistan, India, Brazil, Austria, Germany, and Sweden.

Due to its diverse origins Garnet is a very "open-minded" family. It reminds us to welcome and celebrate the diversity of all people and their different ways of self-expression.

Garnet is associated with Mars, Venus, and Mercury and has the qualities of those planets. The Garnet group is very down to earth and practically minded and thus can assist us in our worldly endeavors and in manifesting our dreams and visions.

The Violet Garnet: Almandine

Almandine is a red garnet with a slight violet tint. The form of its crystallization gives it a kind of round crystal-ball appearance. If you can find one it is a nice stone to have in your pocket to play with in order to have the stone's energy within your aura without needing it to be set into jewelry.

Almandine is a warrior of the heart, longing to express his true being as he walks the path of love. Being connected with Venus and Mars, Almandine supports our growth in relationships and friendships.

This warrior is connected with the higher truth of the crown chakra: it helps to balance the Inner Man and the Inner Woman in us, helps us to rise up out of the limitations of the ego to a greater understanding of love as a state of consciousness. It might support us by asking the question, "What can I bring to this relationship?" rather than "What do I get out of it?"

In the Almandine, Mars and Venus-the lover and the beloved-are united and recreated on the earthly plane for the pure pleasure of experiencing each other. Almandine encourages us to partake of the enjoyment of love and relationships and to become more conscious of our role in their creation. It gives us deeper insight into the dynamics of relationships as they are projected onto the earthly playground of the cosmos.

How to Use Your Birthstones

Almost all gemstones can be used in three different ways:
1. They are precious objects of beauty that may hold a special meaning for us. We enjoy their beauty by giving them a special place on a shelf, desk, or altar.
2. They can be used in meditation by tuning into their frequency for the purpose of balancing our energy field.
3. They can be made into jewelry pieces for our pleasure, enhancing our individual expression of beauty and sense of empowerment.

I hope I've given you a new sense of the very special properties of gemstones. I encourage you to identify your true birthstones and to find creative ways to incorporate them into your life to support your goals and desires. You can learn more about the metaphysical properties of gemstones through my book: Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul.

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

[1] Adapted from Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones That Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul © 2008 by Shakti Carola Navran. Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125-2989. All rights reserved, used by permission of the publisher.

Shakti Carola Navran: Astrologer, Jeweler, and Author

The Metaphysical Properties of Garnet - One of the True Birthstones For Aries Astrology

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Zodiac Gemstones: An Alternative to Traditional Birthstones

I remember my first "real" jewelry. It was my thirteenth birthday, and my parents beamed with pride as they handed me the tiny gift box. "It's your birthstone," they said.

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I almost cried when I opened the box. "It's, it's--green." Why, oh why, couldn't I have been born in January or February, so I could have pretty garnet or amethyst earrings? I was doomed. I was certain that people would give me icky green jewelry for the rest of my life, and there was nothing I could do about it.

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Over the years I learned to be more gracious, and have also come to accept peridot as non-icky. In fact, many people adore peridot, and I've even been known to wear it a time or two. But I've also discovered an alternative: zodiac stones.

If you're shopping for a gift and want something a little different than traditional birthstone jewelry, you might want to choose a gemstone based on zodiac signs.

Capricorn, December 22-January 20--Ruby. Ruby symbolizes nurturing, spiritual wisdom, economic stability, and protection from distress. Rubies promote joy. When worn, rubies reduce sadness and negative thoughts, while strengthening willpower and confidence. When you wear rubies to bed, it is believed you will have a nightmare-free, restful sleep.

Aquarius, January 21-February 21--Garnet. Garnet symbolizes health, awareness, commitment, regeneration, order, and insight. It also symbolizes marital love and fidelity, making it the perfect jewel for an engagement or newlywed gift. Some believe that garnet enhances bodily strength, endurance, and vigor, so this stone is worn when you need extra energy. It is also said to relieve skin conditions, regulate the heart and blood, and offer protection against thieves.

Pisces, February 22-March 21--Amethyst. Amethyst symbolizes healing, peace, happiness, love, and intuition. Wearing amethyst is an invitation to happiness and love. In ancient times, people believed that amethyst gave you courage and protection against thieves. Some believe that sleeping with an amethyst under your pillow will ease insomnia.

Aries, March 22-April 20--Bloodstone. Bloodstone symbolizes courage, intense healing, renewal, strength, victory, and intuitive decision-making. Some believe that it instills wisdom and sensitivity in its wearer.

Taurus, April 21-May 21--Sapphire. Sapphire symbolizes joy, peace, beauty, intuition, prosperity, and fulfillment of dreams. Sapphire is love's guardian, and is used to promote fidelity. Sapphire is thought to banish fraud, and is used in litigation and legal matters.

Gemini, May 22-June 21--Agate. Agate symbolizes balancing physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual energies; perceptiveness, strength, inspiration, and awakening talents. Some believe that agate would cure insomnia, invite pleasant dreams, and relieve depression.

Cancer, June 22-July 22--Emerald. Emerald symbolizes love, domestic bliss, sensitivity, loyalty, memory, mental capacity, harmony, and focus. Its green color symbolizes fertility, and years ago midwives believed it would speed childbirth. Some believe that if you wish to bring a love into your life, you should buy an emerald, visualize your love, and wear the stone near your heart.

Leo, July 23-August 22--Onyx. Onyx symbolizes self-control, decision-making, and intuition. It's thought of as a protective stone, used for defense and protection. Onyx has been worn during battles and other conflicts, and for more practical occasions such as walking down a dark street at midnight. In ancient times people believed that dreaming of onyx meant you would have a happy marriage.

Virgo, August 23-September 22--Carnelian. Carnelian symbolizes precision, analytical capabilities, physical energy, verbal skill, peace, and spirituality. It is believed that wearing carnelian will clear your head and promote sharp thinking.

Libra, September 23-October 23--Peridot. Peridot symbolizes warmth, friendliness, understanding, openness in love and relationships, and regulation of cycles. Many wear peridot to bed to promote sleep by calming the nervous system. Some believe it is also helpful in calming anger and all negative emotions, as well as alleviating depression.

Scorpio, October 24-November 21--Aquamarine. Aquamarine symbolizes courage, purification, peace, intuition, self-expression, balance, and preparedness. In ancient times, aquamarine was the gem of sea goddesses. As a stone of protection, it has long been popular with fishermen and sailors. Because aquamarine is also associated with married love, and makes a perfect anniversary gift.

Sagittarius, November 23-December 21--Topaz. Topaz symbolizes intelligence, beauty, fidelity, and true friendship. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave the wearer strength. According to legend, topaz is a protective stone, protecting against disease, injury, sudden death, negative magic, intrigue, envy, and lunacy. Many people believe topaz can end sleepwalking and nightmares when worn to sleep. Some wear topaz to help with weight loss, arthritis, and the digestive system.

Zodiac Gemstones: An Alternative to Traditional Birthstones

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