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| An Artist impression of gemstones (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
We refer to them as "Birthstones." And we associate these special stones with each month of the year.
Much has been written about them in history, mythology and even the scientific circles.
Here is a quick reference and terms used for birthstones.
What are Minerals?
Inorganic materials meaning substances that were never alive or what we call Minerals whose atoms that usually appear in a regular pattern, or crystal.
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| Mineral collection (Photo credit: ☺ Lee J Haywood) |
Rocks
Rocks comprise of one or more minerals. Other forms in the rock category are clay, sand and lime stones.
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| Different Minerals (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
What are the types of Gemstones?
Gemstones are considered to be highly prized minerals. Gems stands apart from other minerals because of it clarity, rarity and beauty. Other important qualities that make gemstones a favorite of jewelry makers are the color, luster and hardness.
There’s no hard and fast rule as to which minerals cut it as gems and which don’t. It’s mostly a matter of custom and preferences.
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| Gemstones (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Precious and semi-precious gems-What are the differences?
Gems can be divided into 2 groups and that is precious and semi-precious. The most rare and expensive gems are classified as precious and they are diamonds, emeralds, rubies, pearls, and sapphires.
What is left are gems such as varieties of quartz that includes amethyst, opal, and bloodstone are categorized as semiprecious.
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| Semi-precious gemstones : quartz, amethyst, blue topaz, spinel. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Gems in the annals of history
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| The five cardinal gems of antiquity. Clockwise from top: Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst, Diamond. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
In the Bible under Exodus 28 and 39, it was found that a special gem is associated with each month.
Archaeologist have also discovered an original breastplate of the High Priest of the Hebrews that was said to be made by Moses in 1250 BC, according to instructions he received during 40 days in the mountains.
There were 12 gems in the breastplate that were later linked with the signs of the zodiac, and was much later experts deciphered to be connected with the months in the year.
Due to different cultures, the gem list for each month are not the same. Jewelers’ lists are more often than not inconsistent.
Unless you’re a professional geologist, the terminology of birthstones may be a bit confusing.
Check out the special story of your birthstone in the coming articles in a series about Birthstones.
Until my next post, Have An AweSome Day!
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