~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  

FEBRUARY is AMETHYST;

Amethyst is 7 on the Moh's scale of hardness.

Amethyst is the purple form of quartz, one of the most common minerals on the planet. Most other minerals occur with quartz, or are a form of silicon oxide.

The name Amethyst, is a Greek derivative of "amethustos", meaning "not drunken". The principle power ascribed to Amethyst, is the ability to keep it's possessor safe from the intoxicating effects of wine. Another virtue attributed to Amethyst is the ability to amplify and purify the healing, and spiritual energies of it's possessor.

The myth behind the name is that of a lovely nymph (a follower of the goddess Diana) who was unwantingly pursued by Bacchus, the Grecian god of wine. The maiden entreated Diana to protect her. Diana turned the threatened nymph into a precious quartz crystal. When Bacchus came upon the beautiful gemstone nymph, (possibly overcome with remorse) he bestowed the color purple on her, a dedication to the wine he so loved. He also imbued the crystal with power to maintain sobriety during times of excessive wine consumption.

The ancients use of purple wine glasses, to aid watering the wine down, might also have had some impact on this tale.

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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