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July Birthstones

Madame Constella — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 06:06:45 +0000

What gemstones are designated as July’s Birthstones? What are their meanings, symbolism, and origins? Learn more about the gemstones of July in this article.

July & Birthstones

July is the seventh month of the Gregorian calendar. It is summertime in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere. July used to be called Quintilis, before it was renamed to honor Roman general Julius Caesar. July’s birth flowers are the Larkspur or the Water Lily. Two zodiac signs share the month of July. They’re Cancer and Leo. In the US, Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th each year.

Birthstones are an age-old tradition and there are beliefs about what each gemstone’s properties and effects entail. Although these beliefs can’t be proven scientifically, they can certainly give you a positive psychological boost. One thing is certain, wearing or owning your special birthstone makes you feel good.

“Birthstone” is a broad term for any gemstone that represents one’s birthday, birth year, day of birth, zodiac sign, and birth month. Although the most popular birthstone for July is Ruby, it is important to understand that a birthstone list is flexible. At a different time or in a different culture, you’ll likely find that the birthstone for your birth month is entirely different. For the purpose of this article we’ve picked three birthstones for July: ruby, onyx, and turquoise. Let’s take a closer look at these marvelous July gems.

Birthstones: July

1. Ruby

Above: Cut ruby. Credit: Amila Tennakoon @ Flickr

Ruby is the modern July birthstone. Its designation as a July gemstone and rise to popularity are relatively modern history. Without exaggeration, ruby is one of the most famous gemstones there is, alongside diamond, sapphire, and emerald.

While ruby is known for its blood-red color, it can also exist in pink. However, no other color ruby exists besides red and pink. The reason for this is simply a matter of definition. Ruby is defined as the red variety of gem family corundum. And corundum varieties of other colors are called sapphires. Gem-quality ruby is transparent but don’t let that from stopping you to collect this gorgeous red stone.

The name ruby traces its origin to Latin word rubeus which means ‘red.’ The word later became rubinus in Medieval Latin and subsequently rubi in Old French, before getting adopted as ruby in English.

As a gemstone with ancient history, ruby has meant different things to different people. But most commonly, ruby is a symbol of good fortune, wisdom, and health. Perhaps because of its signature red color, ruby is believed to have strong healing power. While ruby isn’t as hard as diamond, it is the hardest colored stone. For this reason, some believe that ruby can protect its owner from harm and illness.

Ruby is also said to be the stone of love and passion. Ruby’s red hue makes it one of the best gemstones that represent romance. Maybe that’s one of the factors why ruby is a popular engagement ring gem.

2. Onyx

Above: Cross section of an onyx stone showing a beautiful “eye” pattern. Credit:
Robert M. Lavinsky @ Wikimedia

Onyx is a traditional July birthstone. Known as the black gemstone, onyx is a close sibling of agate. Both onyx and agate are banded varieties of chalcedony. Onyx’s banding is said to be parallel. A signature look of onyx is that of a black stone with white bands. However, the bands’ intensity and pattern can vary greatly depends on the formation of individual rocks and the cutting of the gemstones. The red variety of onyx is called sardonyx.

The July stone Onyx symbolizes strength, boldness, balance, and self-confidence. It represents the strength of the mind, making it an ideal stone for those who are (1) always looking for a challenge, and (2) in need of a confidence boost.

The black gemstone cleanses the body of negative energy after a long day at work and boosts one’s energy to face the next day with renewed vigor. Onyx is believed to bring a sense of fulfillment in work and life, making it an appropriate gift for anyone who is building a career or business.

As a semi-precious stone, onyx that is not gem-quality is sometimes made into flower vase and tableware.

3. Turquoise

Above: Turquoise from Nishapur, Iran. Credit: Sonia Sevilla @ Wikimedia

Turquoise is a spiritual July birthstone. It is a precious stone known for its unique colors that are in shades of blue-to-green. While ruby was named after the color red in Latin, turquoise took a different direction—a teal-like color is named after it.

Etymologically, turquoise was derived from French word turquois which means “Turkish” because the gemstone was brought to Europe from Persia through Turkey.

Turquoise symbolizes peace, happiness, calmness, and fluidity. Because of its color, the gemstone is believed to have an affinity to water and air. This means turquoise is connected to steady movement, flow, and progress. Naturally, this makes turquoise a powerful gemstone in one’s Feng Shui toolbox.

The July gem Turquoise is believed to be a stone of good luck and a protector stone that dispels negative energy. It is also said to bring peace, happiness, and health to its owner. Turquoise is commonly used for jewelry making: rings, earrings, necklaces, etc. Turquoise has been used by civilizations for thousands of years for its color, durability, and beauty.

It is reported that the ancient Egyptians used turquoise to treat ailments such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Some believe this stone can change color with mood or health. While the connection hasn’t been proved, it is true that turquoise can change color. This is because it is a porous stone and its composition which contains metals such as aluminum, copper, and iron—elements that could change color through oxidation and chemical reaction when exposed to other substances.

In conclusion, the tradition of birthstones have a rich history behind them and they can be much more than just gems for jewelry. These gemstones are the perfect gift for your and your loved ones in the month of their birth.

Birthstones by Month

Birthstones by Zodiac Sign

The post July Birthstones appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

January Birthstones

Madame Constella — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 14:21:11 +0000

What are the gemstones for January? Why are these gemstones considered the January birthstones? Find out what are their origins, symbolism, and meanings for people who were born in the month of January.

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

The human being’s fascination with gemstones is as old as the human race itself. It has been worn by people from different cultures across all epochs for a plethora of reasons. There are a lot of precious and semi-precious stones that are not only beautiful but also beneficial to their wearer. The introduction of the birthstone concept made it easier for people to select a gem that perfectly fits them. Titus Flavius Josephus, a Jewish Roman historian introduced the idea of selecting the precious stones that would represent the person born in the associated month. Here are the birthstones for January.

1. Garnet

Photo Credit: Amila Tennakoon from the Gems of Sri Lanka album.

Garnet is both the traditional and modern birthstone for January. It is a calming gemstone used to promote mental health. Garnet symbolizes faith, cheer, and constancy. True to its symbolism, constancy, garnet had been constantly regarded as the birthstone for January since the 15th century. All but the official primary birthstones January has changed over the years.

It is believed that garnet can constantly balance the wearer’s yin and yang energy. Most people opt to wear their corresponding birthstone for protection and to attract good fortune. The January birthstone offers more than that because it can also help increase productivity and promote good health–both mental and physical.

The history of garnet goes as far back as 3800 BC. Ancient Egyptians wore the gemstone around their heads for it was believed to bring good health.

The precious stone is also symbolic of lasting friendship and is believed to attract good karma. Although deep red is the common color of garnet, there are also other varieties and hybrids that come in different interesting colors including green, orange, red, and pink.

Garnet rose to popularity during the Victorian era. It is not an expensive gemstone but it offers a plethora of benefits to its wearer. When worn, the precious stone is believed to enhance your strength, regulate your heart rate, and even improve skin conditions.

The garnet is a common jewelry gemstone. It can be found in charms, necklaces, rings, and earrings.

2. Red Zircon

Above: a collection of zircons in various colors. Red zircon is in the middle. Credit: Robert M. Lavinsky

Red Zircon is a good alternative January gemstone. It is believed that wearing red zircon brings prosperity and wisdom. The gemstone is also worn to improve sleep and can also help in warding off bad dreams. It can help improve your concentration and it has strong healing energy. Furthermore, it is also a great gem choice for couples because it can bring harmony and love that leads to a happy marital life. So start hunting for matching red zircon jewelry if you’re both born in January because they’ll improve your relationship tremendously and they looking amazing.

Zircon is the oldest rock fragment that was ever discovered. The Jack Hills zircon found in Australia was dated to be 4.375 billion years old. It is as old as the earth itself and has survived the worst catastrophes and conditions the planet ever encountered. Zircons are sometimes mistaken as cheap replicas of the diamond but they deserve better attention than that. It is a very durable stone that you can wear on a daily basis without worries–knowing its indestructible nature. Zircons are a worthy addition to anyone’s jewelry collection for it is a stone that has survived the test of time and it can also enhance its wearer’s passion for life.

Similar to the garnet, red zircon is also a popular red gemstone used in jewelry making.

3. Black Onyx

Above: a black onyx necklace pendant. Credit: User topzhang from Flickr.

An unorthodox gemstone for January babies is the black onyx. As discussed earlier, the garnet has been the January birthstone for centuries. Black onyx’s deep black color is a stark contrast to garnet’s signature red color. If the garnet is to align with January folks’ energies, the black onyx is to complement them with a different but still positive spiritual force.

The black onyx is a powerful semi-precious stone that is commonly used as a talisman or amulet because it is believed to grant its wearer magical powers. Wearing a black onyx can help you in terms of decision-making for it grants instinctive feeling and self-control. The stone can also take away your negative energy and has been used to relieve stress and fatigue. One of the best things about onyx is that it can make an excellent personalized gift. You can have it carved with any figure that you please.

January is the first month of the entire year and it is when we can start our life anew. This makes the black onyx a fitting birthstone for this heraldic month for it is regarded as an ultimate stone of protection that can guide you spiritually and physically as you begin the new year. It is further believed that this stone preserves the memory of its wearer which makes it an excellent choice of stone for daily use.

Wrapping Up

In addition to the garnet which is commonly accepted as the January gem, we have also suggested two additional birthstones that are believed to be spiritually and psychologically beneficial to folks born in January. These two alternative gems are red zircon and black onyx.

Birthstones by Month

Birthstones by Zodiac Sign

The post January Birthstones appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.