Folklore of Gemstones….

When most of us think of gemstones we think of glittery jewels, fine jewelry and lavish adornments, but there is so much more to gemstones than their pretty shapes and colours. They are ancient pieces of our world from a time long before our existence on this planet. Most gemstones are created when minerals are forced together for millions of years under extreme pressure and heat deep beneath the earths crust. Zircon, the oldest gemstone ever to be found was 4.4 billion years old. As the oldest pieces on our earth gemstones are filled with history, folklore and legends. For centuries they have been used as talismans for good luck, their wisdom used as charms to ward off ailgments and ward off evil. They have been a symbol of wealth and a symbol of hope. Here is a little history of the folklore behind some of my favourite stones. Hope you enjoy…

The Stones

The name Aquamarine actually means “water of the sea”. It earned its name in the early 1700’s because of its beautiful light blue colour. It is found in Brazil, throughout Africa and Asia and also in Colorado. Aquamarine is said to bring peace, protection and courage and was often used as a talisman for good luck by sailors as they thought it could protect them against the evil storms at sea. It’s often been referred to as the treasure of mermaids. It is also the birthstone for March.

Amethyst is found in many places around the world including Canada. It was believed to have gotten its beautiful purple colour from the tears of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. Legend says the god was angered by the insult of a mortal and in his furry he released a furious tiger on a young maiden. The maiden was on her way to pay homage to the goddess Artemis when the tiger leapt at her. Artemis in an attempt to save the maiden turned her into a crystal statue. Dionyusus in drunken remorse shed his tears of wine onto the statue dying it a deep purple and bestowed upon it the power to ward off drunkeness. Amethyst is also known as the royal stone of kings. Because purple was such a difficult dye to make it became the colour of royalty and Amethyst with its rich purple colour soon became the most valuable of stones. It was once more sought after than diamonds. Amethyst has been said to ward off negative energy and protect against the evils of the world. Some of the oldest examples of Amethyst date back to 3000 BC when they were worn by ancient Egyptians to protect them from witchcraft. Amethyst is also the birthstone for February.

Amazonite is believed to have been first discovered in the Amazon River in Brazil thousands of years ago. It is now also found in Russia, Australia and throughout Africa. It’s colour and markings can look quite different depending on where it is found. Amazonite has been known throughout history as a peaceful stone, one that soothes the soul, sweeping away ones worries and fears. It’s said to promote creativity and self worth. Some legends say that Amazonian women warriors used this stone as they believed it would bring them courage in battle.

Apatite is actually a very rare type of tourmaline. It can be found in many colours but the most sought after is the rich teal blue. Sometimes the colour is so vibrant it almost appears to glow. It’s powerful energy is said to clear confusion and help concentration. It’s said to help improve memory skills, aid in problems solving and give us the ability to communicate our ideas. It’s been believed that Apatite can open the mind enhancing creativity, giving us the tools we need to reach our goals.

Black Onyx has been known as a very mystical stone throughout history. In Ancient Greek, the name Onyx means nail of a claw. Legend says that Cupid used one of his arrows to cut the fingernails of his mother, Venus. The fingernails fell into the sacred Indus River and metamorphosed into Onyx. It’s powers have been said to absorb negative energy and protect its wearer from Evil. Some say the more negative energy the stone absorbs the darker it gets. Cleopatra wore black Onyx as she believed the stone would vibrate to warn her of impending danger. Onyx is also said to help us overcome our difficult pasts and bring us renewed strength and happiness.

Citrine has been a prized stone throughout history because of its warm yellow colour. Ancient civilizations believed Citrine withheld the power of the sun. It was used as a protective amulet against many bad things in Medieval times, including providing protection against the poisonous venom of Scotland’s Addler. Citrine also has a long tradition of being the stone of success, wealth and prosperity. For centuries it has been called the merchant’s stone as it was believed that if you placed a citrine stone in your cash box you were sure to have a successful day.

Through generations Emeralds have been treasured and considered a sacred stone of truth, love and hope. From legends of Cleopatra to tales of treasures lost at sea, they carry with them an immense amount of history and folklore dating back to 3500 BC. They have been a favourite among royalty as people belived wearing Emeralds would bring them power and riches. It was also said that Emeralds could help to restore ones eye sight. People believed that eye sight could be restored by simply starring into the powerful green gem.

Garnet is one of the oldest known gemstones. Ancient Egyptians used garnets as talismans when they buried mummies in tombs. Garnets were said to shine as though they had an eternal light. Legend says that Noah fixed this stone on the mast of the Ark as a source of light and it guided him on his voyage. Ever since then Garnet has been referred to as a travellers stone, helping guide those on their journeys and protect them of misfortune. Garnet is also known as a friendship stone. It was believed that if you gave someone a garnet you would be sure to see that person again. It soon became a talisman of respect and was used to seal a friendship.

Iolite is an incredible stone rich with history. It was long ago used by Vikings as a compass to navigate them at sea. By observing the sky through thin slices of Iolite, they were able to determine the exact location of the sun. The stone worked as a light polarizer eliminating mist and fog making it clearer for them to see their way. Iolite is also known for its spiritual attributes. It is said to enhance curiosity, creativity and achievement. It is said to promote spiritual growth and help us except ourselves so that we can except others.

Jade has been a treasured stone for centuries, symboling good luck, prosperity and success. It has played a very big role in Chinese culture since 5000 BC. An ancient legend tells the story of a battle long ago where the Mongols invaded China. Saddened by the lose of those who died the dragons cried and their tears turned to Jade when they hit the earth. Chinese nobility would burry their dead with Jade beliving it would help the deceased achieve mortality. However Jade wasnt only important in Chinese culture, but also to the Maori people of New Zealand. The Maori carved Jade into tools, weapons and ornaments, also a pendant which they called the hei-tiki. They believed the hei-tiki would help protect and guide their families.

Kyanite is a favourite stone not only for it gorgeous denim blue colour but also for it’s powerful healing energy. Many have claimed the energy is so strong it feels like floating on a sea of vitality. Instead of absorbing negative energy Kyanite destroys it with positivity. When our mind becomes consumed with darkness it shines like a beacon guiding us back to the light. Kyanite is said to have the ability to relieve pain and stress of the entire body and ward off illnesses.

Larimar is a rare gem found in the Caribbean Sea, carrying with it the deep secrets of the ocean. It’s created from the remains of corals and algae buried deep within the oceans floor millions of years ago and turned to stone. Larimar has been said to have the ability to heal the mind body and soul. It’s calm and peaceful energy relives stress and anxiety and helps those with emotional struggles to see things from a different perspective. Legend says that the sleeping prophet Edgar Cayce predicted that a magnificent blue stone would be found in the carribean where the lost city of Atlantis lay. Shortly after, Larimar was discovered. He believed this stone would carry with it strong powers that would heal the world.

Peridot has a strong connection to nature. With the stone’s cheerful green colour it was believed to hold the positive energy from the sun promoting happiness. The stone was said to ward off dark and evil spirits and keep away nightmares. In Hawaii ancient folklore told stores of Peridot being the tears of Pele, the goddess of elements. They used to say when it rained, the gems would fall from the sky. Peridot is the birthstone for August.

Pearls are created when grains of sand work their way inside of an oyster or clam. The mollusk surrounds the grain of sand with a nacrel eventually creating the pearl. There are no stones more classic and timeless than the pearl. They are a symbol of generosity, purity and loyalty and are said to bring good luck as well as provide protection to those who wear them. There are many legends of how pearls became to be. The ancient Japanese believed that pearls were created from the tears of mermaids. In Persian legends pearls were said to be created when rainbows met the earth. Pearl is also the birthstone for May.

Rose Quartz has forever been used as a talisman of positivity, love and relationships. It’s soft feminine energy heals emotional wounds promoting acceptance and love from within ones self making it possible to truly love another. Rose quartz has a long history dating way back to ancient Greek mythology. Legend says, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty was trying to save her lover Adonis from the jealous Ares. While trying to do so she cut herself on a briar bush. When her blood mixed with the blood of Adonis, it stained the quartz a subtle pink, and rose quartz was born. The Egyptians believed that Rose Quartz could prevent aging and healers in the Middle Ages used the stone in their potions.

With it’s illuminating inner glow the Ruby was thought to have come from fire. Legends say that by placing a single ruby in a pot of water the water would boil. Some of the earliest Rubies were found in Shri Lanka and date as far back as the 4th century B.C. In many cultures the Ruby was considered the stone of the kings. It symbolized power and wealth and was once upon a time even more valuable than the diamond. It was also used as a talisman for protection. It was believed that those who wore the Ruby especially those who wore it on the left, would live a peaceful life protected from all perils. They even believed the stone would protect their homes from wicked storms. Burmese soldiers took this even a step farther and believed that by inserting rubies into their flesh they would be protected from wounds from spears and swords. In addition to their protective powers, rubies were said to help to eliminate anger and rid of evil thoughts. Ruby is also the birthstone for July.

Although most people think of blue when they think of Sapphire, it also comes in green, yellow, pink, white and black. It quickly became known as the stone of royalty and it was believed to attract abundance and wealth and was said to protect against fraud as well as negative energies. It has also been said to calm the mind, strengthen intuition, and invite spiritual clarity. The Star Sapphire also known as “the stone of destiny” is said to hold the highest amount of mystical power. Simple looking into the stone was said to bring good fortune. Sapphire is the birthstone for September.

Tanzinite is only found in Tanzanita, South Africa. It was first discovered in 1967. Legends say that the stone was discovered by a Masai cattle herder after a bolt of lightening hit a tree in Merelani setting the grassy plains of Tanzania on fire. The fire heated the ground exposing the tanzanite by changing the brown ziosite crystals into a deep violet blue. Although Tanzanite is a newly discovered stone it quickly became a favorit among collectors with its breathtaking violet blue colour. Tanzanite is said to transform the body by strengthening the immune system and regenerating cells, skin and hair. It is also said to detoxify the blood. Tanzanite is one of the birthstones for December.

Labradorite was discovered in the 1700’s in Labradore Canada. The Inuit people believed that the lights or the Aurora Borealis were trapped inside the stone. There are legends of an Inuit warrior who stumbled apon a cave embeded with Aurora Borealis within it’s stone walls. The warrior pierced the stones with his spear releasing the lights but some stayed trapped within where it would stay forever. To this day Labradorite is said to carry with it the fire of the Northern Lights. The beautiful bewitching flashes of irredecent light in this remarkable stone have spurred many myths and legends. Stories of aliens sending us messages, tales of the lost city of Atlantis and ancient fables of gods using the stone’s light to travel across the burning rainbow bridge between heaven and earth. Labradorite is said to have a powerful energy which soothes anxiety and helps clear the mind bringing us renewed strength to conquer our struggles and fears. It is believed that this stone will help us to realize our destiny and will assist us in following the steps we must take to get there.

Lapis Lazuli has been prized for it’s remarkable beauty for thousands of years and is rich with history. In ancient Egypt Lapis Lazuli was believed to have magical powers that could protect one from evil spirits. The stone was used in the creation of all sorts of jewelry, amulets and ceremonial objects. It was also used in the making of burial masks for the pharos, which include the famous mask of King Tutankhamun. Lapis can look very different depending on where it is from. While Chilean lapis is a lighter blue stone with lines of white calcite running through it, Lapis from Russia and Afghanistan is an intense dark blue with lines of golden pyrite. All types are beautiful in their own way but the Afghan Lapis is the most sought after.

Moonstone has a mystical beauty unlike any other. It has a unique composition that refracts and scatters light to create a phenomenon called adularescence. It was believed this remarkable dancing glow came from the energy of the moon and became known as a tool for divine wisdom. It’s radiant glow is said to wash away fears and bring light to the dark. It’s said to aid those going through life changes helping to balance emotion and aids in intuition. Moonstone was also known as a travellers stone and it was believed that carrying the stone would help those navigating through the night.

Topaz is most commonly found in a warm golden yellow but can be treated to produce shades of blue and pink. Blue Topaz is probably the most popular. Often associated with the Egyptian sun god, Ra, Topaz was believed to hold strong protective powers. The stone was thought to have the power to protect ones health and beauty as well as keep ones home safe. Topaz was believed to provide us with strength and courage when under pressure and wisdom to recognize our own truth. Blue Topaz symbolizes mental clarity and a peaceful expression. Topaz is the birthstone for December.