Precious and Semi-Precious stones
It is believed that those born in a given month will acquire the special
benefits of the gemstone of that month by wearing it. It is probable that
this originated from the custom of wearing various ornaments and gemstones for
their magical powers. That the birth-month determines the course of one’s life
and character, is to be found throughout most belief systems throughout the
world. There is no proof that the wearing of gemstones alters the course of
one’s life or character! However, it is a fact that certain gemstones have
health giving properties and have been used by healers from the beginning of
time. This list of gemstones for the Zodiac is taken from the 1st Century
when the Jewish High Priests of Israel decorated their ceremonial breastplates
with twelve gemstones. This is described in the Bible –Exodus 28, 15-30. It is
believed that the dark blue stone Lapis Luzuli was used, rather than sapphires.
January - Garnet- dark red.
February - Amethyst- pale lilac
through to deep purple.
March - Aquamarine- sea green, Bloodstone-dark
green with red spots.
April - Diamond- transparent white.
May -
Emerald- bright green.
June - Pearl –cream lustre.
July - Ruby-
red.
August - Peridot –pale to mid green, Sardonyx- banded red and
white. October - Opal-variegated, different shades according to country of
origin.
November - Topaz – yellow.
December - Turquoise-sky blue,
pale blue Zircon.
There are varying degrees of shades and colours for
many of the above gemstones. For instance, the Opal from Australia is of
delicate shades, whilst the Mexican opals are of different shades and called
Fire Opals. Whilst some mirror the Australian opals, many are shades of fierce
orange, yellow and reds
