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October Birthstones

Madame Constella — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 10:53:30 +0000

Gemstones that represent October: find out what they are, what are their meanings, and what makes them October birthstones.

October is the tenth month of the Gregorian calendar. The reason why the tenth month of the year has the word “octo,” which means eight, in it is not a coincidence. Before January and February were added, October was originally the eighth month in the Roman calendar. Generally speaking, October is either spring or fall (autumn) depending on where you’re located. It’s fall in the Northern Hemisphere and it’s spring for the Southerners. Naturally, this doesn’t apply to tropical countries. October is host to two zodiac signs: Libra and Scorpio. The birth flowers of October are Marigold and Cosmos.

Birthstones refer to gemstones that represent a person’s period of birth. There are birthstones by month, year, day, and even zodiac sign. The concept of birthstones is believed to have originated from the Breastplate of Aaron in the Bible.

While the birthstone concept may have ancient roots, it is constantly reinventing itself. In other words, at a different time or in a different culture, you’re likely to find a different list of October birthstones than what you’ll find here. Having said that, the October-born is fortunate to have three spectacular gemstones as their birthstones: opal, tourmaline, and aquamarine. Let’s take a closer look at these gorgeous October gemstones.

1. Opal

Above: Opal and its “play of color.” Credit: tshearer@Flickr

Opal is both a modern and traditional October birthstone. It is one of the few monthly birthstones that has stood the test of time and remained a designated October birthstone since the 15th century. The word opal came from Sanskrit word upala which means “jewel”.

The October gem’s signature “play of color” has fascinated mankind for thousands of years. The term play-of-color refers to the gemstone’s unique structure that reflects light in patches of rainbow colors.

Ancient Romans believed opals were a bringer of good fortune and prosperity, and the Greeks believed they would grant their owners the gift of prophecy. Arabic legend says that the stones fall to earth with strikes of lightning. Indian mythology claims that the rainbows inside the gem come from the transformed spirit of their rainbow goddess. It is that unique shifting of colors or “play of color” inside opals that make them so desirable. Many cultures believed opals held the powers of all gemstones since they held all of their colors.

Opals are notoriously hard for jewelers to work with as they are one of the softest stones and prone to breakage. Natural opals are up to 30% water, and if they dry out they can crack. They can also be damaged by steam and chemicals, so it is not advised to submerge them or wash them with soap. Man-made opals created in labs are more durable but are still fragile compared to harder stones.

Before moving on to the next gemstone, there’s an interesting myth about opal: some people believe that opal has such strong ties to October that it is unlucky for people not born in October to wear an opal. It’s not entirely clear where this superstition came from but don’t let it stop you from adding this marvelous gemstone to your collection.

2. Tourmaline

Photo: Green tourmaline. Credit: Amila Tennakoon @ Flickr

Tourmaline is a modern October birthstone. The name tourmaline has a Sinhalese root, it came from the word “tōramalli” which means “mixed gems.”

While tourmaline may not have the flamboyant “play of fire” demonstrated by opal, tourmaline can also be a gemstone of many colors. Tourmaline crystals are usually long and slender. And they can be colored differently from one portion to another. For example, a tourmaline crystal may be red at one end, gradually changes to colorless then becomes green as it approaches the other end. Of course, whether a gemstone will come out multi-colored or single-colored depends on the nature of the crystal and the cut.

Although tourmaline most likely has a much older history, tourmaline is a relatively modern gem in the world of gemology. Because of its wide range of colors, tourmaline was mistaken for gems such as emeralds and rubies for centuries. It wasn’t until the 1800s that it was recognized as a distinct type of stone–tourmaline. Since that first discovery in Brazil, deposits have been found from California to Afghanistan. However, thanks to the clever marketing of Tiffany’s in the 1800s, it is seen as an “American Gem.”

Some people believe that pink tourmaline shares the strongest affinity with October-born and that it is the best October stone. Pink tourmaline is a stone of healing and empathy. These stones are useful when the wearer needs help quieting their mind and grounding themselves. They are popular with healers, such as counselors and therapists, because they help tap into a patient’s emotional state.

Others believe that the entire spectrum of tourmaline is fit to represent October. Tourmaline in different colors vary in symbolism and carry different meanings. But in general, tourmaline is believed to be a stone of reconciliation. It keeps the owner calm and their thinking clear. It attracts positive energies that are said to improve relationships and other aspects of life.

3. Aquamarine

Photo: Aquamarine Credit: Amila Tennakoon @ Flickr

Aquamarine is a traditional October birthstone. Even if someone had never seen an aquamarine, the name alone would give them a pretty clear picture of the stone. Coming from two Latin words, “aqua” meaning “water” and “marina” meaning “the sea” the word aquamarine is an accurate description of this clear blue stone.

Aquamarine symbolizes clarity, tranquility, purity, hope, and truth.

Like the element of water, aquamarine is thought of as a calming stone that promotes relaxation and self-reflection. This power of reflection makes it popular with shamans and mystics looking to get to the root of a particular issue. Large aquamarines have been known to be cut and polished into crystal balls for fortune-telling. Smaller stones are often used in pendulums and other forms of divining. With its lovely teal color, aquamarine is associated with the throat chakra and is helpful for people who are having trouble articulating their thoughts or who often speak in groups.

Historically, the October gemstone aquamarine was thought of as “the sailors stone” and was often worn by men going on sea journeys to help keep seasickness at bay. It was also thought to protect sirens and other sea monsters. Pliny the Elder wrote about aquamarine in Natural History and tells that the stone is a cure for ailments of the eyes. Centuries ago, the greener-hued stones were more popular, but over time that has shifted, and today the bluer the aquamarine, the higher its value.

Wrapping Up

In this article we discussed three gemstones that represent October: opal, tourmaline, and aquamarine.

Birthstones by Month

Birthstones by Zodiac Sign

The post October Birthstones appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

March Birthstones

Madame Constella — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 14:21:29 +0000

Three gemstones stand proud as the guardian birthstones of March. What are these gemstones? Why do they represent March? What do they mean and what can they do for March babies?

Poem Source: Natal Stones: Sentiments and Superstitions Associated with Precious Stones

The third month of the year is a month of dramatic seasonal changes for both hemispheres of the world.

On a more holistic level, March brings forth different levels of happiness and challenges. In the southern hemisphere, the beautiful fall begins its annual reign, while the lively spring will come to life in the northern hemisphere.

March-born people are spoiled to have these three powerful birthstones that can guard and protect them no matter the season. Here are March’s birthstones and the energies that each embodies:

1. Aquamarine

Above: aquamarine. Credit: Amila Tennakoon. Album: Gems of Sri Lanka

Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March. It is a blue variety of beryl with luminescent crystals shaped in hexagonal pillars. The turquoise color of the aquamarine will remind you of that beautiful island paradise or the ice formations in the arctic circle. A small quantity of iron causes this gem to take the visual perception of the ocean. No other name is more fitting to it than its given name. Aquamarine is derived from two Latin words which mean “seawater.” Legend has it that the gem was brought onto the shore when the mermaid’s treasure troves overturned in the deepest part of the ocean. Since the gems were sanctified by Neptune himself, they can offer protection and good fortune for those who found it.

Serenity, loyalty, and courage are the energies that embody this birthstone. Those who were born in March will attract tranquility in their life once they wear this gem. It is also known to create harmony for couples that’s why it’s the chosen gemstone for 19th wedding anniversaries. The loyalty that it attracts can help maintain stability between friends and couples which will only be unwavering throughout the years. Aquamarine is dubbed as the “Stone of Courage.” Its serene energy can calm its wearer leading him or her to have the courage needed to take on the different challenges in life.

2. Bloodstone

Above: bloodstone. Credit: Katie Collins.

Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is the traditional gemstone for March babies. The bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony which is also a type of quartz. The bloodstone got its name from its bright red splatters caused by the iron mineral called hematite. Since time immemorial, hematite has been considered to possess magical properties. Those who practice magic uses this gem as an amulet believed to protect against evil. The stone is also thought to have magical healing properties that come from the sun. It has long been used to control bleeding, improve blood circulation, and treat inflammation.

Fortunate are the March-born to have this gem as their birthstone. The energy of bloodstone is well aligned with Mars, the ancient Roman god of war that month of March is named after. In fact, in astrology, bloodstone’s ruling planet is none other than Mars itself.

Known as Sun Stone in earlier civilizations, the bloodstone is a gem known to grant courage to its wearer. March-born can access this energy by keeping their bloodstones close. It can be worn as jewelry or placed in pockets and purses. Bloodstone is also a powerful gem that can cleanse and purify both mind and body. This benefit is not only exclusive for those celebrating their birthdays in March. If you ever feel stressed or fatigued, consider purchasing a bloodstone to acquire its energy.

A hill on the planet Mars–Bloodstone Hill–was named after this unique gemstone. Although we weren’t able to find the chemical composition of the said hill, we sure hope that the bloodstone is part of it!

3. Black Jasper

Black Jasper is the mystical March gemstone. It is a black opaque variety of chalcedony typically found in veins and cracks of volcanic rocks. The name was derived from the old French aspre’ which means speckled or covered with marks. Its swirling pattern that seems to adorn the jet-black base makes it a truly unique gemstone. Each swirling patterns are unique almost like nature handpainted every stone. Jaspers are not only valuable to jewelers because it was also once used in testing alloys of gold to determine quality. Streaks of gold were rubbed onto the stone and then compared to others with recognized purity.

Tranquility, honesty, and happiness are the energies that embody this birthstone. Those who were born in March will be supported both in body and mind once they wear this gem. It is most beneficial to be worn during stressful times because the stone will absorb all the negativity for you to be calm and possess discernment. Jasper can also give you the energy to deal with unfounded fears leading you to obtain inner peace and happiness. It is known as “Supreme Nurturer.” The stone will allow you to release all your mental and emotional burdens and restores your energy levels for you to lead a more tranquil life.

Birthstones by Month

Birthstones by Zodiac Sign

The post March Birthstones appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.