Little WOLer:: Literature
Birthstones
by Starfurre Sam of Ani J-S -Virginia, USA

Birthstones have thrived at the center of legends for centuries. They have captured thousands of hearts with their mystical qualities. But what makes so many people hold these gems in such high esteem?

It is suspected that gems were first associated with months by the 1st century C.E.; during the 18th century, Poland saw man’s earliest initiative to wear birthstones as accessories and even as charms. Where birthstones were found, folklore spread, attempting to explain the alleged properties of each one.

The accepted birthstone of January, both modern and traditional, is garnet. Garnet can be found in any color but blue, ranging from its famous blood red to a ravishing royal purple. The myths that surround it often refer to healing and prosperity; similarly, February’s birthstone amethyst is often said to cure intoxication and make its wearer shrewd when dealing with business matters. Amethyst is a variety of quartz named for its striking violet hue. The modern birthstone of March is aquamarine, a member of the beryl family recognized for its dazzling shades of blue and teal, while the traditional gem is bloodstone, which has been discovered in a wide assortment of colors. Aquamarine is thought to cure anxiety and promise a happy, healthy life; bloodstone, on the other hand, is said to increase vitality and endurance whilst curing a number of sicknesses.

April’s birthstone, the diamond, is the strongest natural material recognized by man - in Greek, its name is derived from the word “invincible” or “unconquerable”. It is a white stone whose color denotes both health and innocence. The rainbow that shimmers just beneath its surface is often said to reflect the flame of everlasting love.

May’s birthstone, a particularly verdant member of the beryl family, is celebrated for its radiant green depths and time-honored symbolism: emerald is said to promote wisdom and growth. Pearl and moonstone are the modern birthstones of June, while alexandrite offers a more traditional choice. Opalescent moonstone is believed to protect women and children, as well as bring good fortune and balance, while alexandrite is thought to bring victory, tranquility, and luck following one’s struggle.

July’s birthstones are scarlet in hue, by name the illustrious ruby and vivid carnelian. Carnelian is said to ward off evil, ruby to represent passion and power. August bears the vibrant gem of peridot, though its more traditional stone is sardonyx. Peridot (PER-a-doe) signifies vitality and strength, its pale green color closely associated with nature; the August alternative, sardonyx, is a brown and white stone symbolic of happiness and resistance from evil. September’s birthstone is as blue as the sea itself, bearing the regal name of sapphire. It is sometimes substituted for lapis lazuli, an evening-blue gem once used for medicinal purposes. Sapphire has been said to prevent envy and poisoning, as well as cure such illnesses as rheumatism and colic when ground into powder.

The opal is the dappled birthstone of October, said to have fallen from the heavens amidst lightning’s fury. Many believe it to protect eyesight and defend against evil. The most popular alternative for this rainbow-colored gem is tourmaline, which comes in a vast array of colors. Citrine is November’s golden gemstone, varying from shades of glowing orange to the lemon yellow for which it was named. It was thought to ward off snake venom, several ailments, and sinister thoughts. Finally, December is the month of the blue topaz, bright as the sky. It is said to chill hot water and cool scorching tempers—and sometimes even make its wearer invisible in dangerous situations.

The birthstone of Creative Writing teacher Mary Devlin is the emerald. “It reflects me in that my eyes are green, I am Irish, and green is my favorite color,” maintains Devlin.

She does not believe that many people are currently aware of their birthstone. “Birthstones are not significant anymore,” she explains.

Everyone has a birthstone - there is a myriad of varieties to choose from and countless decisions to make. Look for your favorite at stores like DC Diamond Company, Kay Jewelers, Silver Dolphin, and Zales - and cherish the magnificent history behind these stones.