Birthstones - 9275 Words

Birth Stones The first association of a special gem with each month was recorded in the Bible, in Exodus 28 and 39. An original breastplate of the High Priest of the Hebrews was said to be made by Moses in 1250 BC, according to instructions he received during 40 days in the mountains. The 12 gems in the breastplate were later linked with the signs of the zodiac, and later still associated with the months in the year. Different cultures have different lists. Jewelers’ lists are often inconsistent. Unless you’re a geologist, the terminology of birthstones may be a bit confusing. So here’s a quick primer on birthstone terms. Minerals are made of inorganic materials (substances that were never alive), whose atoms are arranged in a regular†¦show more content†¦When heated to 400 or 500 degrees Celsius, an amethyst’s color changes to a brownish-yellow or red. Under some circumstances, the stones can turn green when heated. Heat may even transform an amethyst into a naturally-rare mineral called citrine. And even without heating, the violet color of an amethyst may fade over time. Commercial sources of amethyst are Brazil and Uruguay; while in the U.S., most amethyst is found in Arizona and North Carolina. The amethyst has a rich history of lore and legend. It can be traced back as far as 25,000 years ago in France, where it was used as a decorative stone by prehistoric humans. It has also been found among the remains of Neolithic man. It’s said that the signet ring worn by Cleopatra was an amethyst, engraved with the figure of Mithras, a Persian deity symbolizing the Divine Idea, Source of Light and Life. It is also said to be the stone of Saint Valentine, who wore an amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant, Cupid. Saint Valentine’s Day is still observed in February. The word amethyst comes from the Greek word â€Å"amethystos† meaning â€Å"not drunk,† and was believed to prevent its wearers from intoxication. The following is a story from Greco-Roman mythology, as quoted from Birthstones by Willard Heaps: â€Å"Bacchus, the god of wine in classical mythology, was offended by Diana the huntress. Determined on revenge, he declared that the first person he met as he went through the forest wouldShow MoreRelatedEssay about Birthstones Have Been Around Since Prehistoric Times1024 Words   |  5 PagesBirthstones have been around since prehistoric times.birthstone and in those days were believed to have some magical force that could prevent the owner or wearer of the gemstone. These birthstones were traditionally related to the Zodiac. However, current birthstones are linked to calendar months, and every month has its proprietary unique birthstone, with its own story properties. Many people like to wear jewelry set with their birthstone, as the prehistoric meanings and relations with these gemstonesRead MoreMy Favorite Gemstone783 Words   |  4 Pagesyears old I remember looking through a birthstone chart in a magazine and seeing that my birthday stone was an Opal. I told my grandmother that I wanted a birthstone necklace for my birthday, but I didnt want the plain old white one, I want the beautiful ruby one in the picture, after all red is my favorite color and I loved how pretty it sparkled even in the picture. My grandmother said if I wanted a birthstone necklace that she would get me my actual birthstone which is Opal, and that I should beRead MoreEssay on The Unique Characteristics of Rubies1048 Words   |  5 PagesBeing born in the month of July means that one’s birthstone happens to be the pink t o blood-red colored gemstone called the Ruby. The word â€Å"ruby† comes from yet another word, â€Å"ruber† which translates in to red from the dead language of latin, even though this stone is not necessarily always red. Rubies are used most used modernly in jewelry, but are valued by the scientific world through the use of lasers. But July’s birthstone, ruby, has a lot more to what you see physically. From it is chemicalRead MoreThe Ideal Weight Of The Stone Essay1654 Words   |  7 Pagesbusiness and fortune. Therefore a person whose birth planet is mercury must wear this gemstone. This planet is acknowledged being â€Å"planet of love† or â€Å"prince of planets†. Emerald: Usually, the green color emerald stone is contemplated being the birthstone of mercury planet. The green color stone aid an individual to perceive all the enrich properties of emerald stone in short span of time. Minimum weight of the stone the minimum weight of the emerald stone is 4.25 carat. Metal: The green color emeraldRead More Christmas - An Extraordinary Holiday Essay797 Words   |  4 Pagesfavorite compact disc or perfume. I believe that this is our daughters favorite part, although they would never admit it. Santa also brings one gift for everyone. It always amazes me how he always knows just what to bring. Whether it is the beautiful birthstone necklaces for our daughters, or the brown leather rodeo equipment for my husband or the most awesome mothers ring for me, Santas gifts are always the most thoughtful. After all the bright, cheerful paper has been torn off the last of the giftsRead MoreWhat I Have Learned About Hypothetical Syllogism Essay807 Words   |  4 Pagesthe conclusion without doubt, or all is true (which is a deductive argument). not with a possibility. (Which is inductive argument).The two premise are true but the conclusion is false. (Inductive argument). I wear a ring on my finger, it is my birthstone, but I am not married any more. Just because a women wears a ring on her finger, does not always mean she is married. This may be sound, but has an invalid conclusion. I feel we need more information to come up with a valid and sound argument.Read MoreEssay On A Diamond799 Words   |  4 Pagesd=1keywords=oval+cut+engagement+ringsrefinements=p_72%3A2661618011 Sterling Silver Natural Green Amethyst Diamond Halo Ring While we do include a diamond on this list, were a huge fan of unusual colors for engagement rings. Amethyst is the birthstone of February, which makes this gemstone a great choice for an engagement ring. Shell know that you chose it deliberately, personally for her. The green is incredibly subtle in this amethyst, so keep that in mind when ordering. Its a natural gemstoneRead MoreMy Life As A Civilian995 Words   |  4 Pagesmilitary has granted me. But I no longer want to be confined to this lifestyle. I aspire to explore different cultures while being free to make my own choices. Some time ago I received the gift of a necklace: a gold cross studded twice with my birthstone, opal. It came in a little velveteen box that I remember clearly. Though I’ve long since lost the box (and the necklace, probably), the words that were printed on the inside are still etched into my mind. It listed a few traits of October babiesRead MoreAn Essay About My Own Mind1032 Words   |  5 Pageshappen. I need to fix this. I know leaving isn t an option anymore. I just need to get it together. Breathe. I need to infiltrate my own mind. He took my memories and I need to find them. I need to find out where he is. I placed my hands on my birthstone. I feel it get warmer and warmer as I delve into my own mind. Deeper and deeper. Until I am completely enveloped in my own flames. The stone melts into my hands and swirls up across my arms in intricate spirals, up my neck as it comes together onceRead MoreThe Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne1574 Words   |  7 Pages in this month of June, with its delicate gems, which might be imagined to offer their fragrance and fragile beauty to the prisoner as he went in, and to the condemned criminal as he came forth to his doom† (41). It is worth noting that June’s birthstones consist of alexandrite and pearl, and its birth flowers are honeysuckle and rose, which suggests the meaning to why Pearl is named the way she is, as well as why the rose is a prominent theme throughout the story. By stating that the rose-bush is