Learning the Secrets of Birthstones: December- January- February Range
The day of your birth is special for many reasons. Besides the obvious, your birthday will come to determine many traits and qualities, that whilst being external in origin, will be attached to who you are and will be as a person. From your luck, your chances in the pursuit of your opportunities and destiny. That is if you choose to believe in them. One of these external sources of personal significance is the birthstone. Since there is one for each month, everyone has their own, which also happen to be a gemstone. So in addition to your birth date, being associated with various mystical and astrological notions (again, if you believe in that stuff), your birthday also places you under the oversight of a precious stone. In this post we shall be looking at gemstones that are matched with the winter seasons (for those in the Northern hemisphere), for our friends in Australia, the months will reverse. This is the first in four-part series that looks at all of the birthstones, as per month. So even if you’re month does not feature in this list, read on, for there is a lot to learn about these interesting stones and the connections they portend. Of course, in case we forget, some of these stones make great jewellery choices. Especially as engagement rings: with the amethyst and garnet variety topping our list.
December: Tanzanite & Turquoise
December, the month is often associated with the beginning of winter, in parts of the world that hope for a white Christmas, often what is on show, unless you’re fortunate to live in the right regions, is a cooler time of the year, as opposed to the outpouring of snow. And if you are in Australia, the beginning of the summer. Speaking of the Northern hemisphere, the start of the cool, at times rainy, but hopefully snowy start to this season is matched by two beautiful gemstones: Tanzanite and Turquoise crystals. The two mineral types of different chemical compositions contain unique properties and attributes. That along with the distinct values that are attached to them, also promise to bring blessings on those whose birthdays fall in the respective months.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a gem variety that is part of the family of zoisite minerals (that consists of calcium aluminium silicate); and as the name implies, is unique to the African country of Tanzania. With the tanzanite version of zoisite mineral, with the most sought after version being the blue to bluish-violet colour variant. The tantalize stones are often subjected to various forms of heat treatment, usually to increase their colour concentration, since most tanzanite stones are often found in various shades of brown or light grey. However quality tanzanite stones, which are notable for their distinctive blue colour, which are the result of trace amounts of the element vanadium, are the best in the range.
Whilst not as renowned as the top precious stones, they are growing in popularity in the world. Mainly owing to the dwindling supply of natural tantalizes stones in the mines across the world. So when one speaks of a birthstone, the question is what kind of special properties does the stone possess, and the benefits they confer on the person born on the particular month. Especially on those who choose to wear their birthstone? Tanzanite is known as the stone of optimism, one that helps people move forward in life, with a sense of hope and expectation. Tanzanite, according to Indian mythology is believed to stimulate the wearer’s ability to communicate with others and the unknown, by connecting the person with higher dimensions. If you are born in the month of December, consider going for a Tanzanite stone for jewellery, it may help you connect with your higher self, and increase your optimism for life.
Turquoise
Turquoise is an opaque mineral that comes in beautiful shades of bluish-green, bluish yellow, and sometimes even yellowish-green. A gemstone that has been treasured for thousands of years, with people from disparate parts of the world such as Africa, Asia, South America and North America independently discovering the value of turquoise as a gemstone for use in small sculptures, special instruments and jewellery. The chemical character of turquoise is hydrous phosphate, consisting of copper and aluminium. The English word "turquoise" also refers to the greenish-blue colour of a turquoise gemstone.
Turquoise earrings
Known as the stone that brings good luck, the turquoise birthstone is a wonderful choice for those who wish to benefit from the hand of lady luck, and given its recognition as a stone of protection, those who wish for security may find this gemstone to be a protective addition. Its significance was even recognized by the ancient Aztecs, who valued it higher than emerald or gold. If that is not your cup of tea, know that turquoise, owing to its combination of colours in a single stone simply communicates a joyful and hopeful outlook on life.
January– Garnet
Garnets, the stone that is at times confused with rubies, owing to the similarity in colour. Garnets come in two varieties Almandine: which is the most common gemstone variant in the garnet family. And the Andradite variety, which is the rarest type. Interesting to note, in addition to the popular deep red colour, garnets also come in a wide range of colours. Including green. The popular dark red variant of the garnet is the almandine pyrope: which is probably the colour of birthstone that you stick to for the month of January.
Whilst the garnet is not as popular as the famous red ruby, garnets are a special stone, these gemstones have been increasing in popularity. that have unique properties and are associated with a variety of special qualities. The use of garnets goes back thousands of years, to ancient Egypt, which viewed it as the symbolic stone for life, and was continually used by the nobility.
Garnets are part of the family of silicate minerals, are believed to have rejuvenating force, that can stimulate the body, and even containing special healing properties. If one goes deeper into the mythologies of the stem stones, Garnet believed to heal and empower the charades (the spiritual centres of the human body). At a physiological level, garnets are believed to be able to regenerate the body and stimulates metabolism, and is even supposed to heal more serious physical ailments.
Garnet Engagement Rings
February– Amethyst
The famous purple gemstone is associated with the colour violet. And with good reason. Amethysts are a macrocrystalline variety of quartz crystal and are found in a number of countries from Germany to Ceylon. This highly popular stone derives its colour from the presence of manganese and various levels of iron. Amethysts are a beautiful gemstone, whose strong colours range and the lack of visible inclusions makes them stand out from the rest.
Amethysts are believed to have a moderating effect on the wearer. Calming the person down, and providing a sense of focus, hence can be considered a gemstone of choice for those seeking to build
Amethyst earrings and an Amethyst Ring
Birthstone Engagement Rings For You
Amethyst Engagement Rings
Amethysts engagement rings are the choice for those who value their distinct colour, unique properties, and their ability to combine with other gemstones. When it comes to picking an amethyst engagement ring, the choice is not always straightforward, for, in addition to the main centre stone (amethyst), you can always go for a combination of gemstones or a cluster of smaller amethyst stones that can take the place of a larger carat amethyst. Amethysts which are understood to be symbolic of unity and peace can be a great option for those who wish to see their future union, symbolized by their engagement to be the start of a new era of cordiality. A birthstone is a choice for the peacemakers.
Garnet Engagement Rings
Garnets as mentioned are a highly sought after gemstone. Despite not being the top tier of precious stones, owing to their colour, their ability to combine with other gemstones, and the mystery that is associated with them, garnets are a great choice for engagement rings. From the standpoint of the birthstones, the wearer, who happens to be born in the month of January, stands to gain by the healing and uplifting properties of this powerful stone. Garnet engagement rings, come in a variety of designs and styles. Owing to their growing popularity, jewellers now recognize their perceived value and are fearless in adding expansive design and metal colour choice to the garnet range.
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