~The Silver Web Birthstone Notes ~

One of the most frequently asked questions is; "Do you know the birthstone for…" This web page is dedicated to those inquiries.

Our fascination for gems most likely evolved alongside our need to adorn ourselves. Simple stone artifacts with holes drilled in them, have been found in prehistoric sites around the globe. These items have no apparent use ( although some may be replicas of then current tools ), other than to be worn when (presumably) hung from some sort of "string" .

Ancient humankind attributed powers & magical properties to almost anything, be it places, things, or beings. Gemstones, notwithstanding, have come down to us through antiquity steeped in folklore, mystery, and magic. All popular gems have varying powers ascribed to them. The basic concept is that the owner or wearer, would benefit from those powers. From these beliefs, it appears the tradition of birthstones has evolved.

The Silver Web Birthstone Guide

MONTH: Gemstone (mineral) Mohs scale # Gemstone; (mineral) Mohs scale#

APRIL: Diamond (diamond) 10

MAY: Emerald (beryl) 7.5-8

JUNE:  Alexandrite (chrysoberyl) 8.5 Moonstone (feldspar) 6-6.5, Pear l n/a

JULY: Ruby (corundum) 9

AUGUST: Peridot (olivine) 6-7 Sardonyx (chalcedony) 7

SEPTEMBER: Sapphire (corundum) 9 Bloodstone; (chalcedony) 7

OCTOBER: Opal (silicon oxide) 6.5-7.5

NOVEMBER: Topaz (aluminum silicate) 8

DECEMBER: Zircon (zirconium silicate) 6.5-7 Turquoise (hydrous copper alum. phost..) 6

JANUARY: Garnet (aluminum silicate) 6.5-7

FEBRUARY: Amethyst (quartz) 7

MARCH: Aquamarine (beryl) 7.5-8

Note: The Moh’s scale is a measure of hardness, utilized worldwide as the definitive scale for the hardness of a mineral. 10 is the hardest diamond is 10, 1 the softest talc is 1.

References:

Arem, Joel. Gems & Jewelry. New York: Bantam Books, 1975

Boegel, Helmuth. The Studio Handbook of Minerals. New York: Viking Press,1972

Pavitt, William T. & Kate. The Book of Talisman's, Amulets, & Zodiacal Gems. California: 1914

Walker, Barbara G. The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects. New York: Harper Collins, 1988

The birthstone for the month of  

NOVEMBER is TOPAZ or CITRINE

TOPAZ is Aluminum Silicate and 8 on the Moh's scale of hardness.

The name Topaz comes both from Topasos, a legendary island in the Red Sea where it was (presumed) first discovered, and the Sanskrit word "tapas" meaning, "fire". Over the millennia, many stones have been referred to as "Topaz", but only those with "Imperial" or "Precious", associated with "Topaz" are genuine and of Aluminum Silicate variety. Topaz occurs in a range of colors ranging from colorless (and once used as fake diamonds) to blues yellows, apricots, and reddish tones.

It has been believed to do many things for the owner, protect from both pestilence, to various dangers in travel, or injuries from burns. Topaz was also believed to help with chest and bowel complaints, and on a more spiritual note, it can energize the soul to stimulate creativity and a positive mindset.

CITRINE is Quartz is Silicone Dioxide and a 7 on the Moh's scale of hardness.

The lovely yellow tones of the Citrine come from the presence of finely divided crystals of iron oxides. It is a "sister" to the amethyst, differing only in the oxides that impart their respective colors.

The Silver Web has a unique selection of jewelry designs incorporating gemstones, or let us turn your design concepts into reality. Your stone(s) can be remounted, or we can find one to fit your needs.

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