Gemstones and Their Meanings
Genuine gems occur in nature and have been prized by societies throughout history. Precious gemstones have been set into the crowns of kings , they have been traded and bartered , used as currency, and treasured for their religious and healing aspects since time immemorial . Artificial gems, in stark contrast , are a modern invention, created in a lab and tailored to take on the desired shape and color , they are not usually regarded as carying the same healing or spiritual properties as genuine nature-made gemstones .
Both genuine and lab-created gems can be valuable, but there are no substitutions for genuine and rare natural gemstones such as rubies, garnets, emeralds, sapphires, topaz, ambers, zircons, and many others . In a past article, we talked about the differences between genuine gemstones vs. lab-created synthetic stones. Here, we are going to delve a bit deeper into the stones themselves and examine gemstone meanings, and why in some cases these meanings can be just as important to the wearer, giver or receiver as the color or monetary worth of the gemstone jewelry.
It is most often in the giving and receiving of precious gems that we typically think of the meaning behind the stone . The time spent choosing the just-right engagement ring, for instance, often involves some thought about how the engagement ring symbolizes the love between the couple. What we mean here by gemstone meanings is more along the lines of the spiritual, esoteric, historic and healing properties that are typically associated with precious gemstones . Most of us have seen some type of gemstone jewelry being hawked in infomercials as posessing the power to heal all manner of ills . While most of us roll our eyes and change the channel, it is vital to recognize that there is a significant historic and cultural significance to the origins of these meanings, and that for some even in modern times a belief in the power of gemstones to calm, empower, protect and even energize , is a very real sentiment. Moonstones, jade, and many others are often referenced as posessing these qualities and are frequently used and worn for those meanings.
Even the basic knowledge of ones birthstone, a precious or semiprecious gemstone associated with ones birth month , is prized by many. We often see women, especially, who favor their birthstone for everyday wear. Whether or not they understand the meaning of the gemstone representing their birth month is often debateable and most would, if asked about it , give some explanation about their astrological sign, asuming that there is a connection between the two .
It is essential to consider the stone’s meanings for a assortment of reasons. Some cultures consider certain gemstones to have potent connotations. Here in the United States we would not expect a man to opt for a black onyx ring as a suitable engagement ring for his unknowing bride; while in some European countries it is more acceptable to use a colored gemstone for an engagement ring . In fact, the practice of using diamonds for engagement and wedding rings is a more recent trend, and by recent, I mean covering the last few hundred years or so.
While a detailed history of each stone would make this article into a book unto itself, here is a straightforward, simple list of stones and their meanings. For a more comprehensive list and descriptions of each gem , check out this list of gemstones
Amethyst
The word Amethyst was derived from a beautiful Greek girl . Pharaohs, Kings and Queens treasured this gem for it’s rich royal color. The shades of violet to purple has served as a symbol of royalty throughout antiquity.
Ametrine
Ametrine is a very unusual stone . It is actually two stones in one: it is a combination of Citrine and Amethyst . The gem is very rare and difficult to mine.
Black Onyx
Black Onyx is known as the “Black Magic Stone” The word Onyx comes from the Greek word meaning claw or fingernail of an animal.
Citrine
Citrine was named the “Gem of Happiness” throughout Greek history. Known for being helpful in acquiring wealth, self-confidence and creativity . November’s birthstone.
Diamond
April’s birthstone, and of course known as “Girls Best Friend”.
The Greeks word for a Diamond is “Adamas” meaning unconquerable and/or invincible .
The Greeks and Romans believed Diamonds were the “Tears of the Gods” and splinters from falling stars.
The Hindus thought they were created when lightning bolts struck rocks. They even placed them for eyes in their statues.
Diopside
“Chrome” (Russian) Diopside is called the “Crying Stone” in that it was believed the gem would heal trauma by bringing on tears.
Fire Opal
October’s birthstone. Known as the “Gem of the Bird of Paradise” throughout Aztec history.
Mystic Topaz
Also, November’s birthstone.
Egyptians called this stone the “Gem of the Sun”.
The Romans and Greeks also associated these golden crystals with their Sun God “Jupiter”.
Topaz is one of twelve gemstones set into walls around Jerusalem.
Neptune Topaz
November’s birthstone.
The name indicates beauty, wealth and rarity .
Romans and Greeks associated this gem with their Sun God, “Jupiter”
Ruby
July’s birthstone.
Once known as “Blood Drops” from mother earth by the Burmese people.
The rarity and beauty of Rubies is considered undeniable.
Rubies are rarer and more exspensive than diamonds in that rubies are only found in a very few mines.
Tanzanite
December’s birthstone.
Considered the “fashion gem of the millennium.”
A thousand times rarer than diamonds.
Zircon
December’s birthstone
Zircon occurs in many colors and hues .
Zircon is one of the twelve gemstones in the walls around Jerusalem.
Widely used in Victorian jewelry in the 1880’s.
This gem was looked upon as a sign of purity and innocence .
