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There are over 3,000 different minerals, but only about 50 are commonly
used as gemstones!
Silver Facts
Gemstone Facts
Birth Stones,
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Ametrine,
Chalcedony, Chrysoprase,
Carnelian,
Citrine,
Coral, Garnets, Iolite,
Moonstone, Lapis Lazuli, Opal,
Onyx, Pearl, Peridot,
Tiger's Eye,
Topaz, Tourmalines, Turquoise
Gemstone Facts
 | Certain gems have traditionally been associated with different months of
the year. They are: January - Garnet, February - amethyst, March -
aquamarine, April - diamond, May - emerald, June - pearl, July - ruby, August
- peridot, September - sapphire, October - opal, November - topaz, December -
turquoise. |
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Amethyst – It is derived from
the Greek word “not to intoxicate”, which led to the belief that drinking
wine from an amethyst cup would prevent drunkenness. Amethyst was thought
to protect soldiers, ensure victory, aid hunters, protect against disease,
control evil thoughts, and quicken one’s intelligence. It is said to be a
surface cure for headaches and toothaches, and is used to increase
spirituality. |
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Aquamarine – The name is derived
from the Latin word meaning “sea water” and was known to protect ocean
voyages and guard against se monsters. It was also believed that aquamarine
soaked in water would treat eye troubles, respiratory diseases, and
hiccups. It is said that this gemstone is used to ease depression and
grief, and is also used to awaken love in long marriages. It also signifies
the making of new friends. |
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Ametrine – a natural blend of
Amethyst and Citrine is a stunning combination that flatters all skin tones
and complements wardrobes of all seasons. The color purple represents
spirituality, passion, mysticism and faith. Yellow signifies mental and
spiritual enlightenment, vitality, and hope. Together this blended stone
presents the wearer with a gem that is symbolic of spirituality, steadfast
loyalty, and a zest for life. |
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Chalcedony – is the name for an
ancient seaport. In the 3rd or 4th century A.D.,
Greek seafarers wore chalcedony to avoid drowning. It was once believed
that someone seeing nocturnal phantoms took in disease though their eyes,
but the “alkaline” content of chalcedony could remove it. |
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Chrysoprase – was once used for
spiritual protection and was said to be a victory stone. In the 1800’s it
was believed to help thieves escape execution by becoming invisible if a
Chrysoprase was held in their mouth. Chrysoprase is a natural green color
gemstone from Queensland, Australia, and is often referred as Australian
Jade. |
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Carnelian – In the eighth
century, the Muslim leader Ja’afar ibn Muhammad proclaimed that wearing
Carnelian would guarantee the granting of all desires. This belief made the
stone a popular talisman among the Muslims. In the 1700’s, carnelian was
known to bring luck, protection, and comfort. In the 1800’s, carnelian was
said to help those who needed courage to speak. This gemstone is used for
clear thinking and to balance creativity and mental processing. |
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Citrine – the name is derived
from the French word citron, meaning “lemon” and the color is associated
with lightheartedness and cheerfulness. It also helps one connect with the
spirit. Citrine is often given as a symbol for hope, youth, health, and
fidelity. |
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Coral – Is thought to protect
against magic spells, to cure madness and to give wisdom. In many cultures,
coral is given to children as a gift for their protection. |
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Garnets – North American
Indians used red garnets at bullets, believing they would seek blood and
inflict a deadlier wound. Christians believed garnets symbolized Christ’s
sacrifice; Islamics believed it illuminated the fourth heaven. Garnets were
thought to stop bleeding, cure inflammatory diseases, and smooth discord. |
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Iolite – from the Greek word
meaning violet. Iolite is known as the gemstone of clear vision. It was
believed to have the power to guide lost sailors to the brilliance of the
sun in order to find their way home. |
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Moonstone – According to Hindu
legend, moonstone is formed by moonbeams. It was once believed if you held
one in your mouth during a full moon, you could see your future. In India,
moonstone is known as a sacred stone and is believed to bring good fortune.
It is a highly prized gift for lovers as it arouses tender passion. |
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Lapis Lazuli – was considered
an emblem of chastity that blocked the wiles of the devil and ensured the
help of the angels. It was also thought to calm the wearer. Lapis was used
as a tonic for melancholy and fever. If was worn by judges, and sometimes
put in embalmed bodies to represent the heart that was removed. |
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Opal – In ancient times, opal
was recognized as a symbol, of faithfulness and confidence. It was said to
have magical powers because of it play of colors. It was known to
strengthen eyesight, protect against contagious diseases, ease sadness, and
turn pale in the presence of poison. Opal symbolizes magic, love, hope,
happiness, and truth. |
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Onyx – has been linked to
lovers by causing discord and cooling of the fires of passion. It was once
believed that dark onyx caused bad dreams and sad thoughts. Ancient Romans
wore it believing it gave them courage. |
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Pearl – In the 13th
century, pearls were known to cure mental illness and heartbreak. Pearls
were once thought to be the tears of God. The pearl is considered to be an
emblem of modesty, chastity, and purity; and they symbolize love, success
and happiness. |
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Peridot – It was known to be
dull by day but glow like a coal at night. This helped prospectors mark
them for digging the next day. Peridot was thought to help dreams become a
reality and was often given as a symbol of fame, dignity, and protection. |
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Tiger’s Eye – it is used to
focus the mind. Tiger’s eye also offers protection during travel, and is
considered the most popular chatoyant gem. |
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Topaz – In the 15th
century, topaz was used to detect poisons, calm anger, and break spells.
Christians believed topaz stood for uprightness, and to Hindus, topaz worn
above the heart prevented thirst and assured long life, beauty, and
intelligence. The Greeks felt topaz gave them strength and used it as an
amulet against harm. |
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Tourmalines – It was once
believed to protect the wearer against bad decisions, many dangers, and
misfortunes. It is also known to attract friends and lovers. Pink
tourmaline promotes female balance and protection, as green tourmaline
promotes the same among men. |
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Turquoise – It has been
associated with horses for centuries by protecting any rider who wears the
stone from injury if they were to fall off. In the 17th century,
turquoise was only considered effective is received as a gift. Native
Americans in the Southwest saw the stone to be sacred, and Tibetans today
consider the stone for good fortune, health, and as a protector against the
evil eye. |
Silver Facts
 | Most silver is a product of lead mining. The main silver mining
areas of the world are South America, the USA, Australia, and the former USSR.
The greatest single producer of silver is probably Mexico, where silver has
been mined for almost 500 years. |
 | As early as 700 B.C. Mesopotamian merchants used silver as a form of
exchange. The ancient Greeks minted the drachma, which contained 1/8th
ounce of silver. And let's not forget the English shilling "sterling",
originally denoting a specific weight of silver, and now has come to mean
excellence. |
 | Silver has always been surrounded by mystery. The Incas of Peru
called it "the tears of the moon" because they were awed by silver's strangle
gleam, and the Chinese believed that a silver locket hung around a child's
neck would ward off evil spirits. |
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