What are Birthstones?
Birthstones are infact gemstones associated with each month of the year. Gemstones can be both precious and semi-precious. Precious gemstones are expensive and rare such as diamonds, rubies, pearls and sapphires. Semi-precious stones include the other less expensive gems such as amethyst, opal and bloodstone.
Stones
Each stone associated with a particular month is considered auspicious for that month and its healing powers increase during its special month. Thus wearing Garnet in January helps in gaining the power of Garnet. Similarly, Amethyst helps in the month of February. Some people buy all twelve and keep wearing them month-wise to get benefits all the year round. But do you know when and how birthstones came to be associated with each month?
In 1250 BC,Moses received instructions during his stay in the mountains for 40 days to make a breastplate for Aaron, the High Priest of the Hebrews.Moses made a square breastplate with four rows of gemstones,each representing twelve tribes in Israel. The stones were mounted in gold filigree settings.The first row had ruby,topaz and a beryl and the second had turquoise, sapphire and an emerald.In the third row, there were jacinth,agate and amethyst and the fourth hadchrysolite,onyx and jasper.
These twelve gems were later linked to the Zodiac signs and still later came to be associated with the months of the year.
January
The birthstone associated with January is Garnet.
Garnet is derived from the word ‘Granatum’ which means pomegranate in Latin, as the stones look like the seeds of the fruit. However, Garnet comes in a variety of colors from black, green and even colorless. Green and colorless Garnet are rare and therefore highly priced. The difference in colors occurs due to deposits of metals such as iron, manganese, aluminium and calcium.
Garnetis formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks. As these find their way into streams where they weather away releasing these gems as small pebbles. Many places around the world such as North and South America, Australia, India, Asia and Spain are sources of a large variety of Garnet.
Many beliefs are associated with Garnet; Some warriors believed that Garnet was associated with victory whilst others considered that Garnet inflicted severe wounds when used as bullets.
Mostly Garnethas been believed to have healing and medicinal powers. It has been recognized to offer protection against poisons, wounds and accidents. It has also been known to cure depression and keep away bad dreams. Moreover, Garnet has been considered to provide relief from fever, hemorrhages and inflammatory diseases.
In today’s time, Garnetis considered to be extremely lucky and it symbolizes loyalty and friendship.
Links and References
http://sothl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/High-Priest-610×351-300×172.jpg
http://www.acj4u.com/jewels/garnet.jpg
http://www.birthstonesbymonth.co.uk/earthsky.org/earth/birthstones
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