Semiprecious Stone / Forklore:     

Chalcedony : Yellow, Red, Pink

The term chalcedony is derived from the name of the ancient Greek town Chalkedon in Asia Minor.  Hot wax would not stick to it so it was often used to make seal impressions.

It is thought to increase vitality, stamina, and endurance and to promote emotional balance and charity while relieving melancholy, fever, gallstones, and eye problems.

Chalcedony and its named varieties are well represented in various birthstone charts and can be found for all the months except January, April, and November.

 

Amethyst: Green,Purple

Amethyst is the official birthstone for February

Throughout history amethyst has been used to guard against drunkenness and is thought to be helpful in overcoming addiction. It has been used for hearing disorders, insomnia, headaches and other pain. Some sources suggest it is used to stabilize mental disorders.

 

Garnet:

Garnet is the birthstone for January

Garnet's powers include healing, strength, and protection and it is often worn to relieve inflammations of the skin. It is also believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression. In earlier times, garnets were exchanged as gifts between friends to demonstrate their affection for each other and to insure that they meet again.

 

Moonstone:

Moonstone is one of the modern June birthstones

Moonstone is found in Brazil, Germany, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United States.

Moonstone's healing properties are said to promote digestion, to protect against epilepsy, to calm emotions, cure headaches and nose bleeds, and protect against sun stroke.

 

Topaz: Blue, Brown

Topaz is the birthstone of November

During the Middle Ages topaz was thought to heal both physical and mental disorders and prevent death.

The Greeks believed it had power to increase strength and to make its wearer invisible while the Romans believed it had power to improve eyesight. The Egyptians wore it as an amulet to protect them from injury.

 

Tourmaline:

Tourmaline is the birthstone of October

The name Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese (Sri Lanka) word tura mali which translates as the stone of mixed colors.

Tourmalines are mined everywhere in the world including Africa, Afghanistan, Africa, Australia, Brazil, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Siberia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, the USA, and Zimbabwe

Ancient legend says that tourmaline is found in all colors because it travelled along a rainbow and gathered all the the rainbow's colors.

Tourmaline is believed to strengthen the body and spirit, especially the nervous system, blood, and lymphs. It is also thought to inspire creativity and was used extensively as a tailsman by artists and writers.

 

Aquamarine:

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March

Mined in Brazil, Kenya and Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Russia

Since early times, aquamarine has been believed to endow the wearer with foresight, courage, and happiness. It is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful. As a healing stone, it is said to be effective as a treatment for anxiety and in the Middle Ages it was thought that aquamarine would reduce the effect of poisons

A legend says that sailors wore aquamarine gemstones to keep them safe and prevent seasickness.