December has two birthstones rich in history. For those of you considered an "old soul," Zircon is the stone for you. It is found in Australian deposits and are actually the oldest minerals on the face of the earth. Similarly, the Turquoise was among the first gems to be mined, and while many historic sites have been depleted some are still worked on to this day.
The Topaz is a magnificent stone most commonly found throughout Asia and typically takes on a golden hue. Known as the "Imperial Topaz," this gem was once reserved solely for the Russian royal family. Not only does it have royal popularity but the Topaz also carries a healing energy on a physical level (for digestion) as well as for promoting self-love and emotional balance.
If you were born in the month of October, you have the luck of having two incredibly beautiful gems as your birthstone! Both the Opal and Tourmaline represent the month of October, as well as the 14th and 8th wedding anniversary. The Opal is most commonly found in deposits in Australia in the town of Coober Pedy, while the Tourmaline is actually most commonly found in California.
The Sapphire comes from a gemstone family called corundum, the same family as the Ruby. Throughout history, this gemstone was believed to be extremely divine, as many members of the church were observed wearing it in representation of heaven. The Sapphire was believed to bring spiritual blessings and grant those who wore it protection.
The Peridot is one of the only gemstones that does not come in a range of colors. This is due to its high iron content which determines the concentration of green pigmentation. By contrast, the Sardonyx can be seen with lines of different shades of color, being as this gem is comprised of multiple types of stone welded together during formation.
The Ruby is the deep red & elegant birthstone for the month of July. These charming gemstones can be found throughout Thailand, Pakistan, Afghanistan, & Myanmar. The Rubies' red color has provoked a connection to blood, many believing the Ruby represents blood flow, and the power of life. The ruby is thought of as one of the most powerful gemstones, so if you need some self empowerment in your life, this fierce and passionate ruby is the way to go.
The Pearl is the very unique and elegant birthstone for the month of June, being as it is the only gemstone gathered from a living organism. Most Pearls are found in pinctada maxima oysters which are found off the coast of Australia.
As the gem of spring, the Emerald stuns in a gorgeous deep green and is known for bringing growth, renewal and a hopeful future. Emeralds are known to be very rare, often being more limited than diamonds. The first Emerald mines were found in Egypt around 330 BC and were often known as the mines of Cleopatra, the princess of Egypt. Cleopatra was known for her love of Emeralds.
Diamonds are typically found in alluvial deposits, which are essentially sites of volcanic rock. These deposits are found worldwide, however most diamonds in the market today come from South Africa, Botswana, and Russia. This incredibly strong stone has also inspired its name: The word diamond stems from the greek word adamas, meaning unconquerable.
The aquamarine is found mostly in the country of Brazil, which is also where the largest aquamarine recorded was discovered at 110kg! This gemstone represents the 19th wedding anniversary and is said to bring happiness into marriage.
