Birthstones & Gems

January

January Birthstone – Garnet

Garnet if a beautiful stone to start the year with. It is found the world over, and though commonly known to be red, it is in fact found in a variety of colours and chemical formulas, each with its own set of spiritual properties.

Garnet is known for its utilization of creative energy. It grounds spirit forces within the body and helps in the ability to work lovingly on the physical plane.  Yet Garnet is a sensual stone. It represents primordial fire, the creation of the world out of chaos, purification and love. It is a stone of strong, intense feelings.

It has been used to reduce body toxins, purify vital organs and blood, and assists in assimilation of vitamins and minerals. Emotionally it provides a protective and calming influence during use and is thought to heal melancholy and depression, strengthening the survival instinct, and bringing courage and hope into critical situations.

Garnet balances energy, bringing serenity or passion as appropriate, and can inspire love and balance the sex drive. Garnet is considered a lucky stone, for love, success, and for business relationships. It helps you let go of old behavior patterns and boosts self-confidence.

All Garnets honor Sekhmet, the Egyptian Goddess of War, and is the traditional birthstone of those born in January. It is the stone of those born under the zodiac sign of Aquarius, and as an Enhancer Strengthener crystal, it has been worn for centuries as a protective and powerful talisman.

The legends of Garnet are vast and colourful.

February

February Birthstone -Amethyst

The month of love, February, brings us the Purple Amethyst, a stone which has been highly esteemed throughout the ages for its stunning beauty and legendary powers to stimulate, and soothe, the mind and emotions. It is a semi-precious stone in today’s classifications, but to the ancients it was a “Gem of Fire,” a Precious Stone worth, at times in history, as much as a Diamond. It has always been associated with February, the month the Romans dedicated to Neptune, their water-god, and is the traditional birthstone of that month. It is the stone of St. Valentine and faithful love, and signifies ecclesiastical dignity as the Bishop’s Stone. It carries the energy of fire and passion, creativity and spirituality, yet bears the logic of temperance and sobriety.

Amethyst stimulates the Third Eye, Crown and Etheric Chakras enhancing cognitive perception as well as accelerating the development of intuitive and psychic ability. It initiates wisdom and greater understanding, and is a stone of comfort for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

Amethyst also boosts hormone production, tunes the endocrine system and metabolism.  It strengthens the immune system, reduces pain and strengthens the body to fight against cancer. It is believed to destroys malignant tumours and aids in tissue regeneration.  Cleanses the blood.  Relieves physical, emotional and psychological pain or stress.  Amethyst can ease headaches and release tension.  It reduces bruising, swellings, injuries, and treats hearing disorders.  Amethyst may heal diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract, skin conditions, cellular disorders and diseases of the digestive tract.

March

March Birthstone – Aquamarine & Bloodstone

March’s Birthstones are Aquamarine and bloodstone, very different in vibrations but equally beautiful in their qualities.

AQUAMARINE: The serenely coloured aquamarine invokes the tranquility of its namesake, the sea. In fact, the name “aquamarine” is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. Because of this relationship to the stone’s spiritual meaning is one of cleansing.

Aquamarine evokes the purity of crystal blue waters, and the relaxation and feeling of calm that the sea brings. Spiritually, aquamarine is associated with trusting and letting go.

In ancient times, aquamarine was believed to be the treasure of mermaids. Sailors used the stone as a talisman to bring good luck on the open waters. The gem was used as a symbol of protection and fearlessness too.

Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green, darker blue stones are most valuable. This gemstone is mined mainly in Brazil, but it is also found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique.

BLOODSTONE: A dark-green gemstone flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide. Generally found embedded in rocks or riverbeds as pebbles, primary sources for this gemstone are India, Brazil, and Australia.

Bloodstone or Blood Jasper is also called heliotrope, a word from the ancient Greek that means “to turn the sun.” Many believe it was probably named as such because of ancient ideas about how minerals reflect light. In fact, some believed that the sun itself would turn red if this gemstone was put into water.

In later years if was called ‘Christ’s Stone’, its energy carries the purity of blood and inherently speaks of life and birth, vitality and strength, passion and courage. As a talisman, it is both mystical and magical, and its virtues are protective and nurturing.

Its use for healing, and its connection to blood and detoxification of the organs, date back five thousand years to Mesopotamia. In many cultures, Heliotrope was dipped in cold water and placed on the body to aid circulation and transfer the power of the sun to prevent injury or disease, stop the flow of blood, or cure any wound. Its coagulant effect was renowned, and for this reason, ancient warriors often carried Heliotrope as an amulet of protection and courage, as well as its practical applications.

April

April Birthstone -Diamond

Diamonds are a gem of beauty and the ultimate gift for a loved one. Thought to be one of the hardest substances on the globe, diamonds date back billions of years and are believed to help the wearer have better relationships and an increase their inner strength.

It has one of the purest vibrations on earth resonating with the soul of person bringing them benefits such as balance, clarity and abundance. It’s also symbolic of eternal love.

May

May Birthstone – Emerald

From light luminous green to deep moss green Emerald vibrates with the frequency of the heart it is known as the “stone of successful love”. It brings loyalty and provides for domestic bliss. It enhances unconditional love, unity and promotes friendship. Keeps partnerships in balance and can signal unfaithfulness if it changes colour !  🙂 Emerald stimulates the heart chakra, having a healing effect on the emotions as well as the physical heart. It ensures physical, emotional and mental equilibrium, bringing harmony to all areas of ones life. Focusing intention and raising consciousness, it brings in positive actions, eliminating negativity and enhancing the ability to enjoy life to the fullest.

June

June Birthstone – Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite

June’s lovely birthstones are Pearl, Moonstone and the rare Alexandrite.

Moonstone is a stone of inner growth, strength and for a “new beginnings”. It soothes emotional instability and stress, and stabilizes the emotions, providing calmness. Moonstone enhances intuition, promotes inspiration, success and good fortune in love and business matters.

Moonstone aids the digestive system, assimilates nutrients, eliminates toxins and fluid retention, and alleviates degenerative conditions of skin, hair, eyes, and fleshy organs such as the liver and pancreas. It stimulates the pineal gland and balances hormonal cycles, being excellent for PMS, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and breast-feeding. Moonstone is also beneficial to men in opening the emotional self.

The elegant Pearl signifies faith, charity and innocence, making it something of an angelic, pure birthstone. It enhances personal integrity and helps to provide a focus to ones attention. Pearl symbolizes purity and is known as a “stone of sincerity”. It brings truth to situations and loyalty to a “cause”. They are also linked to successful and happy marriages.

Pearl treats digestive disorders and the soft organs of the body. It relieves conditions of bloating and biliousness. Pearl increases fertility and eases childbirth.

Pearl is a 30th Anniversary gemstone.

July

July Birthstone – Ruby

The birthstone for this month is the alluring ruby, it varies in colour from milky pink, to blossom red to deep blood red and has characteristics of royalty and power when donned by the lucky holder of this stone. Rubies are traditionally linked with protection and harmony. Ruby also encourages passion and a zest for life. It improves motivation and setting of realistic goals. Balances the heart and instills confidence. It promotes positive dreams and stimulates the pineal gland. Aids in retaining wealth and passion. Ruby can encourages removal of negative energies from your path. It helps overcomes exhaustion and lethargy and imparts potency and vigor as well as calms hyperactivity.

Ruby is said to detoxifies the body, blood and lymphatic system. It treats fevers, infectious disease and restricted blood flow. Ruby stimulates the adrenals, kidneys, reproductive organs and spleen.

Ruby is a 40th Anniversary gemstone. Enjoy images some of which were anniversary gifts, for some much loved ladies.

August

August Birthstone – Peridot

Peridot is born out of volcanic rock in parts of New Mexico, Burma, Pakistan, Lanzarote, (among other places), this vibrant Green stone awakens the heart and eliminates fear, its beauty brings life to your power and heart centres and connects us to the energy that lies beneath the earth’s surface. In Ancient times, peridot stones were used for carved talismans. Habitants of Zabargad island (where it used to be mined) were forced to collect the gems for the Pharaoh’s treasury. Legend says that the miners worked in the daytime as well as night, as the gems could be found after nightfall due to their radiance. The miners would mark the spot at night for retrieval the following day. Ancient Egyptians knew it as “the gem of the sun.”

Peridot carries a positive energy that is helpful for those undergoing traumatic emotional situations. Peridot can work with both the Heart and Solar-Plexus Chakras to affect an understanding of the role relationships play in one’s life, whether romantic, friendly, or otherwise. As such, Peridot is a good crystal to wear or carry during interaction with others. Peridot is also a protective crystal and is exceptional in group situations, offering its upbeat and comforting vibe to all nearby.

Physically, Peridot offers deep healing vibrations to the whole body. Specifically, Peridot can bring healing to the lungs, heart, and stomach. It can treat ulcers and strengthen the eyes. Balances bipolar disorders and overcomes hypochondria and is believed to assist in childbirth.

Peridot is a 16th Anniversary gemstone.

September

September Birthstone – Sapphire

Mostly thought to be blue in colour but is a form of Corundum and occurs in all colours of the rainbow, one of the hardest minerals on Earth. Sapphires form in many colours, depending upon the trace metals they contain. Red Corundum is referred to as Ruby, known to be a stone of prosperity.

Sapphire sustains life force and attracts joy and peace. Sapphire helps to open the mind to beauty and intuition. Sapphire is a stone of wisdom, with each colour containing its own unique energy vibration and information.

It is Believed by the Ancients to have been blessed by the Gods as a powerful protective stone, Sapphire has been used and treasured throughout history. There are many Biblical references to Sapphire, including that a Sapphire was one of the original stones in the breastplate of the High Priests and priestess.

It will protect your loved ones from envy and harm. Medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven. In general, Sapphire is a stone of peace, tranquility, spiritual healing and spiritual truth. Sapphire is useful when channeling healing energies from the Angelic Realm or a higher source. This makes Sapphire an especially good stone for practitioners of Reiki and similar modalities. Sapphire helps the user stay on the Spiritual Path and is a great stone for Earth and Chakra healing.

October

October Birthstones -Tourmaline & Opal

October has two birthstones – the alluring Tourmaline and mystical Opal.

The word ‘Tourmaline’ takes its origins from the Singhalese phrase “tura mali,” meaning “stone mixed with vibrant colours.” It comes in an aray of colours. One of my favourite stones to work with, it’s beauty and uniqueness is its two tone shades which, when contrasting, can make for stunning very rare gems stones.

Tourmalines are well-known in metaphysical circles as wonderful crystals for healing and protection. They are excellent for balancing the hemispheres of the brain, clearing away blockages, and transmuting negative energies. They promote compassion, empathy, and sympathy, and are excellent meditation aids.

In general, Tourmaline can become electrically charged as a result of heat or pressure, which is a testament to the ability of these crystals to impact one’s energy field. Tourmaline is very grounding and helpful in releasing stress and tension. They can bring inspiration from higher realms into the chakras for processing within the body. All Tourmaline is thought to balance yin and yang energies, as well as the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

OPAL has a more mystical feel to it, with a milky rich rainbow affect to deep midnight blues, like black opals from Australia. In general, it aids in strengthening personal and business relationships. It is often referred to as the stone of happy dreams and changes. Opal is a soothing stone, helping to balance mood swings and enhance trust in your own feelings. Opal awakens both psychic and mystical qualities. Opal can also release fear and send comforting support to those who are grieving.

On a physical level, Opal can help to improve the memory, ease the birthing process, cool a fever and fight infection.

November

November Birthstone – Citrine & Topaz

November for me, is the month where I remember my dear beloved grandmother and best friend ‘Nanou’. Knowing her spirit and love of life she would want us to celebrate in the times we had together and continue to create and have fun. In her memory I dedicate the beautiful lively positive Citrine, which represents our true life force, the energy of the sun. May the warm rays of love from our loved ones who have passed on still surround us and comfort us at time of need. And to you all who you know this sense of loss, I hope you find comfort in the simple joys of life.

The spiritual self – Powered by the Sun, Citrine warms, cleanses, and energizes. Highly protective, Citrine makes a great tool for transmuting negative energy. Most often associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra, Citrine can also be used to cleanse all Chakras. It carries the virtues of self-healing, inspiration and self-improvement. Carrying the power of the sun, it is excellent for overcoming depression, fears and phobias. It aids those with a depressed self-esteem. Citrine is often credited with attracting synchronicity by opening the mind to new ideas, discerning which are most likely to succeed, allowing those to develop, and following through with them to their happy conclusion.

There are many positive attributes of the citrine stone when it comes to aiding the physical self. Citrine can support and enhance healing for the spine, the digestive and elimination organs, and the metabolism. Citrine can facilitate detoxification and stimulate circulation. Often used for chronic fatigue, Citrine has a reputation of being able to increase energy and drive. It is useful to people who are sensitive to environmental and other outside influences. In the physical self. Citrine can support and enhance healing for the spine, the digestive and elimination organs, and the metabolism. Citrine can facilitate detoxification and stimulate circulation.

Also in November we have TOPAZ

Topaz in particular has been said to work with ones creative energies. Topaz is also excellent for promoting concentration. Many believed wearing a Topaz ring would keep death from coming prematurely and would control insomnia and greed.

Topaz has many attributes when it comes to aiding one’s physical health. It has been said to work with the spinal column and help steady and regulate the action of the heart. It has been used to promote health in the glandular systems of the body.

December

December Birthstone -Turquoise, Zircon & Tanzanite

As we deepen into our darkest time of the year, December brings us 3 stones to bridge some light into the void of new beginnings.

Turquoise combining the Sky and earth in one beautiful gem, Natural Zircon, coming in an array colors can be rare and beautiful and finally the alluring Tanzinte born out of Africa bringing new powerful frequency’s to our mother earth.

Turquoise is great for working with the Throat Chakra, to foster honest and clear communication from the heart, and with Water and Air Elements. Enhancing intuition, Turquoise also enhances communication between the physical and spiritual realms. Use Turquoise to release old vows, express freely, and ease nerves when speaking in public. Turquoise is a protective stone, often being used for amulets. Turquoise is also a healing stone, providing strength and purification.

Metaphysically, Turquoise is considered to be a bridge between Heaven/Sky and Earth, grounding us while still remaining open to Spirit. Many Native American cultures believe Turquoise helps to connect the mind to the infinite possibilities of the Universe.

Zircon is a gemstone in its own right, and has been revered as a protective stone for centuries, enables its wearer to experience life with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and joy and share that joy with others. It can bring solace and peace after traumatic experiences and increase vitality after physical exertion. Zircon can help one to move on after a broken relationship, increasing your charisma when finding new love.

Physically, Zircon helps with muscle and bone disorders; relieves insomnia, allergies and vertigo; heals infections and viruses, and balances the pineal gland.

A relatively new gift from Mother Earth, Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, Africa. Tanzanite is the bluish-purple variety of Zoisite.

Tanzanite increases communication with the Spiritual world and facilitates access to ancient wisdom, especially to the spiritual knowledge of ancient indigenous tribal cultures. Tanzanite opens the Crown Chakra to show visualizations of higher spiritual realms. Good for spiritual exploration and inner journeys, Tanzanite aids visualization in meditations. Use Tanzanite to deepen guided group meditations.

The glow of Tanzanite increases your inner light, increasing health and vitality.

Physically, Tanzanite is a wonderful stone to use in soothing depression, anxiety and panic. Use to aid the immune system and ease inflammation.