ZODIAC SIGNS & GEM STONES
Capricorn(Dec. 22nd - Jan. 21st)
Ruby & Lapis Lazuli
The name Lapis Lazuli comes from the Persian word lazhward meaning blue, in allusion to its color. In ancient times, lapis lazuli was known as sapphirus, which is the name that we use today for the blue corundum variety sapphire. Lapis Lazuli has been highly valued for many thousands of years.
The most famous locality for fine quality lapis lazuli is the same ancient deposit high in the mountains of Afganistan where it was originally mined at least 6000 years ago. Lapis lazuli was often made into jewelry, carvings, amulets and talismans which were believed to have occult powers.
Lapis lazuli was said to dispell melancholy and depression, and to cure recurring fevers. It was also said to impart ancient knowledge, and the wisdom to use it. Up until the nineteenth century, lapis lazuli was ground up and mixed with oil to produce the deep blue-green pigment known as ultramarine which meant literally beyond the sea, as the lapis lazuli was brought from far away by ship
Aquarius(Jan. 21st - Feb. 21st)
Garnet
The word Garnet is believed to have derived from the Latin granatum, meaning pomegranate and referring to its deep red coloured seeds. Garnet has been used in jewellery since ancient times and was thought to have great curative powers, protecting the wearer from harm. It is believed that Garnet powers the emotions, promoting confidence and strength of character.
Pisces(Feb. 22nd - Mar. 21st)
Amethyst
Amethyst is said to be the stone of contentment and to bestow stability, serenity and peace. Amethyst belongs to the quartz family and its variation in colour is largely due to the traces of iron it contains. Amethyst was highly prized in antiquity for its calming effect and the name derived from the Greek amethustos or “non-inebriated”.
It is often used as a meditation stone to help relax the mind and as an aid to finding inner peace.
Aries(Mar.22nd - Apr. 20th)
Bloodstone
Taurus(Apr.21st - May. 21st)
Sapphire
Gemini(May 21st - June 21st)
Agate
Agate obtains its typical banded appearance through the deposition of other quartz substances within the layers. It enjoyed a high reputation as a protective stone in the ancient world. The tradition still holds strong today as Agate is widely used in spiritual healing, believed to balance and bring harmony to the body and mind.
Cancer(June 22nd - July 22nd)
Emerald
Leo(July 23rd - Aug. 22nd)
Onyx
Onyx is valued for its strong lustre and colour and has been used in jewellery and ornamentation since pre-historic times. Onyx is a type of chalcedony and is coloured black through the presence of iron and carbon.
Wearing onyx is thought to bring self-mastery, confidence and assertiveness.
Virgo(Aug. 23rd - Sept. 23rd)
Carnelian
Carnelian is a stone from the quartz family, cornelian is found all over the world but it is widely held that the best stones come from India. The name is derived from the Latin word for horn.
Carnelian is said to help the wearer “live in the moment” as well as restoring the natural energy flow of the body.
Libra(Sept. 23rd - Oct. 23rd)
Peridot
The name Peridot is thought to have been derived from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. Peridot was used in ancient Egypt as a stone for jewellery. It is said to alleviate anxiety and fear and to relieve insomnia.Peridot is thought to bring joy and good fortune
Scorpio(Oct.24th - Nov 21st)
Beryl
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Beryl is quite unkown to many people when in its original pure form. Here it is colourless. But is is a very important gemstone as when we see Beryl in its green form it is know as Emerald and in its blue form as Aquamarine.
The double reference to water in the name Aquamarine is a mix of the Latin words aqua, for water, and marina, “of the sea” suggests that the ancients connected the stone closely with water.
In addition to appearing in settings with other, more precious gems, Aquamarine was also highly valued by sailors, who considered it to be a lucky stone.In the Middle Ages it was thought that aquamarine would reduce the effect of poisons
Sagittarius(Nov. 22 - Dec. 21st)
Topaz
The name Topaz is derived from the Sanskrit word tapas. In ancient cultures topaz was considered to be the stone of Jupiter, representing rule over one’s own life, self-realisation and wisdom. When heated, yellow topaz often becomes reddish-pink. Topaz is said to promote peaceful and calm emotions.
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