March Birthstone: Aquamarine, “Sea Water”

The Aquamarine is one of the most treasured stones today for its hardness and resistance to elements. It is also considered the ‘poor man’s diamond’–while it is a hard mineral, it is abundantly mined since the 19th century in Brazil & Africa,  and therefore, more affordable than diamonds.

There is much lore attributed to the Aquamarine gemstone. Owing to its color,  the ancient Romans put into the user its name from the Latin word “aqua“, which means water; and “mare“, which means sea.   But the official reference to the gemstone was first applied in a significant publication on gemological study which was published in 1609 entitled, Gemmarum et Lapidum Historia by Anselmus de Boodt.  In one of the more famous stories, its origin is supposed to have come from the depths of the ocean, washed ashore in a jeweled trunk, supposedly a gift from the mermaids and from the Roman god of the sea, Neptune. Its direct reference to the sea also made the aquamarine a popular gem or amulet among sailors and pirates alike.

It was said that possession of the stone while on a sea voyage brought prosperity and insurance of safe passage no matter what the sea conditions might be.

But these are not the only known effects of Aquamarine to early societies. The aquamarine gemstone was also admired by the early Sumerians, Egyptians and Hebrews because it symbolized happiness and everlasting youth. It is also known to be effective in reconciliation of enemies, as an antidote to poison (during the middle ages), it blesses and prospers young love, reawakens love between married couples, render soldiers courageous and invincible in the face of battle, and as the wearer, it makes you friendlier, quicker in intellect and is a supposed cure of laziness. Like many gemstones, much mystical power is attribute to it–some false, and one hopes, some true.

On the biological front, aquamarine was considered a popular cure for afflictions that involved the digestive tract.

And yet, the most interesting history of the Aquamarine gemstone is its supposed ability to foretell the future. That’s right, this stone in crystal form is a favorite among fortune tellers.

The Aquamarine, it has been said, is also the perfect and appropriate post-honeymoon gift to your bride after your first night as husband and wife.

Apples of Gold has a fine selection of Aquamarine rings, earrings, and aquamarine pendants that can be cherish and admired through the generations when well cared for. Visit ApplesofGold.Com to view our entire selection!

Blue Topaz Ring – December Birthstone

“And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row” (Exodus 28:17).

Most scholars agree that the concept of birthstones had its origins not in the celestial sphere or the zodiac, but in the Breastplate of Aaron or the Hoshen, a ceremonial breastplate worn by the High Priest of the Israelites adorned with twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel–and later perhaps, a foreshadowing of the Twelve Apostles.

Because the ancients did not classify gemstones based on their mineral species, various cultures assigned a mystical or symbolic meaning to each gemstone instead. The Hebrews, the Romans, and the Arabs assigned ruby to the month of December, whereas Hindus chose Topaz, and the Russian and Polish chose Turquoise–all of which now serve as alternate gemstones for the month of December.

Topaz Gemstone Facts:

• Pure topaz is actually colorless and translucent but is usually tinted by small impurities. Typically colorless, gray, or pale, topaz is heat treated and irradiated to obtain its blue hue.

• Based on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, topaz has a hardness of 8. The Mohs Scale rates mineral hardness on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being diamond). Precious metals such as gold and silver are rated between 2.5 to 3, platinum is rated between 4 to 4.5, titanium comes in at 6, tungsten at 7.5, and tungsten carbide at 8 to 8.5.

• Blue Topaz is the Texas state gemstone, often cut by the Lone Star design. The Texas Natural Science Center exhibits a 1778 carat blue topaz found in a Brazilian mine (Wikipedia).

There are several varieties of the blue topaz common to the jewelry industry:

• Sky blue topaz — this is the most common blue topaz used in jewelry, referred to simply as blue topaz. This variety is similar in color to aquamarine but without aquamarine’s gray undertone.
• Swiss blue topaz — this variety has a more saturated appearance compared to sky blue topaz and is sometimes referred to as electric blue topaz.
• London blue topaz — this type of topaz has a steely, grayish, and deep blue color. This is the darkest blue topaz variety available in jewelry.

Symbolism and Meaning of the Topaz

There is some confusion regarding the mystical meaning of the topaz gemstone because most mythology surrounding the stone was based on the yellow topaz (alternative November birthstone). Topaz was associated with the sun, due to its fiery color, and like many gemstones, was considered a royal gemstone.

Depending on where you research your information, there are often numerous meanings associated with each gemstone. But with topaz, the consensus seems to declare that topaz is the gemstone of understanding, wisdom, and fulfillment.

Topaz is said to promote clear vision and understanding both of the self and of the world at large, making topaz the stone of both self-realization and worldly wisdom.

Topaz is also said to promote creativity, individuality, and self-expression. Other meanings include the topaz gemstone as a protective stone, a healing stone, and a promoter of truth.

As one of the stones in Hoshen or the Breastplate of Aaron, topaz inherently contains within its abstract and metaphysical properties a spiritual depth unrivaled by many gemstones. Although it is sometimes disputed whether the Biblical text referred to a yellow topaz or chrysolite (another yellow stone), in Jewish writings, the topaz is said to bring blessings of joy and abundance to one’s life.

Apples of Gold Jewelry offers many unique blue topaz rings.