Gem History, Folklore, and Birthstones
Garnet – This gemstone is typically seen in various shades of deep red or burgundy. However, garnets also come in green, yellow and brown. The word “Garnet” comes from the Latin word for Grain. The rounded crystals of the garnet resemble the red blossoms of the pomegranate tree. Garnets are associated with love, friendship, protection, and strength. The garnet is January’s birthstone.
Quartz – This gemstones comes in a wide variety of colors ranging from colorless (clear), smoky grey (smoky quartz), pink (rose quartz), violet (amethyst), yellow (citrine), golden yellow (tiger’s eye), and green (aventurine). The word “Quartz” comes from the Slavic word for Hard.
Rock Crystal – This gemstone is a colorless form of quartz. The name “Crystal” comes from the Greek word for Ice. Rock crystal is associated with healing, wisdom, and harmony. The rock crystal is April’s alternate birthstone.
Smoky Quartz – This gemstone was named after its coloring. Smoky quartz is primarily found in Brazil, Russia, Switzerland, Madagascar, and the Ukraine.
Amethyst – This gemstone is probably the most popular and sought after gem in the quartz family. The word “Amethyst” comes from the Greek word for Not Drunken and was believed to protect the wearer from drunkenness. Amethyst is found in Brazil, Zambia, Canada, Uruguay, Mexico, and the United States. Amethyst is said to make the wearer gentle and amiable. Amethyst is February’s birthstone.
Rose Quartz – This gemstone is named after its pink color. Deposits are commonly found in Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, and the United States (Maine). Rose quartz is associated with love, happiness, promotes peace, and fidelity. Rose quartz is January’s alternate birthstone.
Tiger’s Eye – This gemstone typically displays stripes of golden yellow and golden brown colors. Tiger’s Eye is found in South Africa, Australia, India, and the United States (California). Tiger’s eye is associated with courage, energy, and luck.
Jasper – The name “Jasper” originates from the Greek word for Spotted Stone. Uniformly colored jasper is very rare. Jasper is usually spotted, striped, streaked, and multicolored. Some common forms of jasper include: agate, banded, moukaite, autumn, chocolate, ocean, picture, etc. Jasper is associated with healing, protection, health, relaxation, beauty, and solace. Red jasper is March’s alternate birthstone.
Turquoise – This gemstone comes in shades of sky blue, blue green, and apple green. Naturally pale blue turquoise is very rare. Turquoise usually has natural brown or black veins of other minerals in the gemstone. These veins are referred to as matrix. Turquoise if fairly porous and can have an adverse change in color if left in contact with perspiration, oils, cosmetics and many household detergents or chemicals. For this reason, turquoise jewelry should be removed before showering, bathing, applying make-up, perfume or cologne. The word “Turquoise” literally means Turkish Stone. Deposits of turquoise can be found in Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Mexico, China, Tanzania, and the United States (Arizona and New Mexico). Turquoise is associated with courage, protection, peace, healing, and luck. Turquoise is December’s alternate birthstone.
Lapis Lazuli – This gemstones comes in shades of deep violet blue, lighter (denim) blue, and occasionally greenish blue. “Lapis Lazuli” is Arabic-Latin for Blue Stone. This gemstone commonly has golden streaks of pyrite and is highly fluorescent. Lapis is associated with strength, courage, and purity of heart. Lapis lazuli is September’s alternate birthstone.
Coral – This gemstone is of organic origin and is formed along the coasts of Mediterranean countries, Japan, Hawaii, and other islands. Coral comes in shades of red, pink, white, black, and blue. Coral is associated with wisdom, harmony, and is said to protect children.
Amber – This gemstone is the fossilized resin (sap) of trees from 30-90 million years ago. Amber is primarily found in the Baltic region, although some newer deposits have been found in the Dominican Republic, Italy, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and the United States (Alaska). Amber is typically yellow or brownish in color, although it maybe black. Amber is sensitive to acids, gasoline, alcohol, and perfumes. Amber jewelry should be removed before applying perfume or cologne or working with acids. Interestingly, amber can become electrically charged when rubbed with a cloth and smells of incense when lit with a match/flame. Amber is associated with luck, healing, strength, and protection.
Pearl – This gem is formed by sea mussels, freshwater mussels, and certain snails. Pearls vary in size from pin-head to a small egg. Natural pearls come in white, pink, silver, cream, green, blue, and black. Pearls are associated with love, money, luck, purity, and honesty. The pearl is June’s birthstone.
Peridot – This gemstone is mined in the United States (North Carolina, Arizona, Hawaii, and New Mexico), Australia, Brazil, China, Mexico, Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Peridot is associated with protection, health, and wealth. Peridot is August's birthstone.