12 Months Of Facts About Birthstone

12 Months of Facts About Birthstones Most frequently sought in a bold red color, un- earthed primarily in Europe, Russia, and South Africa. GARNET дaлиолу Garnets have served as enduring symbols of loyalty, honesty, and passion. F Did you know? Garnets are believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression, but were also used in ancient Asia and the American South- west as bullets because the stone was said to cause wounds more dangerous than those caused by regular bullets. Moh's Scale of Hardness: A form of Quartz mineral in a pleasing violet or purple shade, mined primarily from vol- canic rocks in Africa and Brazil. Linked to an increased sense of calm, serenity, and under- AMETHYST standing, the stone is believed to minimize the stress and anxiety of the wearer. February F Did you know? Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness and the gemstone still sym- bolizes sobriety. Fine amethysts have been featured in the British Crown Jewels, and have been a fa- vorite with such diverse figures as Egyptian royalty to Catherine the Great. Moh's Scale of Hardness: With its soulful shades, the aquamarine is synonymous with serenity and harmony, and is often found in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia. Ancient sailors carried it along as a good luck token to ward off accidents and illnesses. AQUAMARINE March F Did you know? Aquamarine is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful, and was considered to be ef- fective as a treatment for anxiety. Long been considered the symbol of happiness and ever- lasting youth, aquamarine was also thought to induce sleep. Moh's Scale of Hardness: The hardest, most durable gemstone found in nature, its unrivaled sparkle and beauty make it a natural choice for the wedding and INTAMOND engagement rings that are used to commemo- rate a lifetime of love and loyalty. April F Did you know? The word diamond comes from the Greek word "adamas" meaning unconquerable or invincible. Diamonds were also supposed to impart virtue, generosity, as well as to calm the mentally ill and even to determine lawsuits in the wearer's favor. Moh's Scale of Hardness: EMERALD May Symbolizing love, prosperity, and overall happiness, the emerald was known as the crowning jewel of Queen Cleopatra from an- cient Egyptian times. The earliest mining of emeralds took place in Egypt, Austria, and Pakistan. - Did you know? Emerald is said to give a supernatural ability to fore- tell future events. Aside from this attribute, the gem was thought to improve its owner's memory and elo- quence, and was also said to quicken intelligence. Some people also believed emerald wearers were immune to ills like epilepsy. Moh's Scale of Hardness: PEARL June Pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and mnussels. The process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years. Principal oyster beds lay in the Per- sian Gulf, along the coasts of India and Sri Lanka, and in the Red Sea. - Did you know? Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experi- ence, to quicken the laws of karma and to cement engagements and love relationships. They are thought to keep children safe. Chinese use pearls as medicines for thousands of years. Moh's Scale of Hardness: RUBY July Mined primarily in Burma, Sri Lanka, Tanza- nia, Thailand, and Kenya, the ruby is one of the most precious and rare of today's natu- rally mined gemstones. Second only to dia- monds in regard to hardness and quality, a fine ruby stone will endure beautifully for generations. F Did you know? In ancient times, it was thought that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in heart affairs. Furthermore, the wearer acquired the ability to live in peace with his enemies. In some places ruby was even thought to confer invulnerability. Moh's Scale of Hardness: PERIDOT САирия Derived of the naturally occurring mineral Oliv- ine, peridot is a rare stone rich in magnesium and iron, and most commonly found in an olive green color. Found in volcanic lava, peridot is mined primary in Brazil, Kenya, Germany, Mexico, Australia, and the Hawaiian islands. Did you know? According to ancient legends, peridot has the power to protect and purify and also reduce anger and jeal- ousy. As a medical remedy, it was powdered to cure asthma. It was also believed that holding a peridot under the tongue lessened the thirst ofa person suf- fering from fever. Moh's Scale of Hardness: Prized since ancient times for its beauty and durability, the sapphire is derived from the Corundum family of minerals, mined from the deepest layers of the earth's crust. The highest quality stones are found in Sri Lanka. SAPPHIRE decpest layers of the carth's crust. The highest September * Did you know? Sapphire is believed to offer healing properties for rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. At one time it was credited to remove all impurities and foreign matter from the eye, aside from considered an anti- depressant and an aid to psychokinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance and astral projection. Moh's Scale of Hardness: Deposited as a mineral gel, opal can be found in a wide variety of rock formations, includ- ing basalt, Australia is the source of a vast majority of the world's opal supply. onite, stone, and rhyolite. OPAL October Did you know? Named after the Latin word opalus (meaning "precious stone"), the opal is believed by many to bring good luck to its wearer. In the Middle Ages, opal was thought to be beneficial for eyesight, some people even believed it could render the wearer invisible. Moh's Scale of Hardness: TOPAZ November Mined primarily in Sri Lanka, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, topaz is comprised of the minerals aluminum and fluorine. Due to its rarity, red or pink topaz is given the highest market value. - Did you know? The most famous topaz is actually a colorless topaz that was originally thought to be a diamond. It is a 1680 carat stone known as the "Braganza Diamond" set in the Portuguese Crown Jewels. Moh's Scale qf Hardness: TURQUOISE December Turquoise is one of the oldest known gem ma- terials. The Egyptians were mining turquoise in the Sinai as early as 5,500 BC. The Persian word for turquoise is "ferozah" or “firozah," which means victorious. - Did you know? Turquoise attracts money, success and love. Its powers include protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. Relaxes the mind, and eases mental tension. This gemstone was also thought to promote prosperity. Moh's Scale of Hardness: BRilliANCe + 12 Months of Facts About Birthstones C. Most frequently sought in a bold red color, un- earthed primarily in Europe, Russia, and South Africa. GARNET January Garnets have served as enduring symbols of loyalty, honesty, and passion. F Did you know? Garnets are believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression, but were also used in ancient Asia and the American South- west as bullets because the stone was said to cause wounds more dangerous than those caused by regular bullets. Moh's Scale of Hardness: A form of Quartz mineral in a pleasing violet or purple shade, mined primarily from vol- canic rocks in Africa and Brazil. Linked to an increased sense of calm, serenity, and under- AMETHYST standing, the stone is believed to minimize the stress and anxiety of the wearer. February F Did you know? Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness and the gemstone still sym- bolizes sobriety. Fine amethysts have been featured in the British Crown Jewels, and have been a fa- vorite with such diverse figures as Egyptian royalty to Catherine the Great. Moh's Scale of Hardness: With its soulful shades, the aquamarine is synonymous with serenity and harmony, and is often found in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia. Ancient sailors carried it along as a good luck token to ward off accidents and illnesses. AQUAMARINE March F Did you know? Aquamarine is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful, and was considered to be ef- fective as a treatment for anxiety. Long been considered the symbol of happiness and ever- lasting youth, aquamarine was also thought to induce sleep. Moh's Scale of Hardness: The hardest, most durable gemstone found in nature, its unrivaled sparkle and beauty make it a natural choice for the wedding and INTAMOND engagement rings that are used to commemo- rate a lifetime of love and loyalty. April F Did you know? The word diamond comes from the Greek word "adamas" meaning unconquerable or invincible. Diamonds were also supposed to impart virtue, generosity, as well as to calm the mentally ill and even to determine lawsuits in the wearer's favor. Moh's Scale of Hardness: EMERALD May Symbolizing love, prosperity, and overall happiness, the emerald was known as the crowning jewel of Queen Cleopatra from an- cient Egyptian times. The earliest mining of emeralds took place in Egypt, Austria, and Pakistan. - Did you know? Emerald is said to give a supernatural ability to fore- tell future events. Aside from this attribute, the gem was thought to improve its owner's memory and elo- quence, and was also said to quicken intelligence. Some people also believed emerald wearers were immune to ills like epilepsy. Moh's Scale of Hardness: PEARL June Pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and mnussels. The process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years. Principal oyster beds lay in the Per- sian Gulf, along the coasts of India and Sri Lanka, and in the Red Sea. - Did you know? Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experi- ence, to quicken the laws of karma and to cement engagements and love relationships. They are thought to keep children safe. Chinese use pearls as medicines for thousands of years. Moh's Scale of Hardness: RUBY July Mined primarily in Burma, Sri Lanka, Tanza- nia, Thailand, and Kenya, the ruby is one of the most precious and rare of today's natu- rally mined gemstones. Second only to dia- monds in regard to hardness and quality, a fine ruby stone will endure beautifully for generations. F Did you know? In ancient times, it was thought that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in heart affairs. Furthermore, the wearer acquired the ability to live in peace with his enemies. In some places ruby was even thought to confer invulnerability. Moh's Scale of Hardness: PERIDOT August Derived of the naturally occurring mineral Oliv- ine, peridot is a rare stone rich in magnesium and iron, and most commonly found in an olive green color. Found in volcanic lava, peridot is mined primary in Brazil, Kenya, Germany, Mexico, Australia, and the Hawaiian islands. Did you know? According to ancient legends, peridot has the power to protect and purify and also reduce anger and jeal- ousy. As a medical remedy, it was powdered to cure asthma. It was also believed that holding a peridot under the tongue lessened the thirst ofa person suf- fering from fever. Moh's Scale of Hardness: Prized since ancient times for its beauty and durability, the sapphire is derived from the Corundum family of minerals, mined from the deepest layers of the earth's crust. The highest quality stones are found in Sri Lanka. SAPPHIRE decpest layers of the carth's crust. The highest September * Did you know? Sapphire is believed to offer healing properties for rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. At one time it was credited to remove all impurities and foreign matter from the eye, aside from considered an anti- depressant and an aid to psychokinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance and astral projection. Moh's Scale of Hardness: Deposited as a mineral gel, opal can be found in a wide variety of rock formations, includ- ing basalt, Australia is the source of a vast majority of the world's opal supply. onite, stone, and rhyolite. OPAL October Did you know? Named after the Latin word opalus (meaning "precious stone"), the opal is believed by many to bring good luck to its wearer. In the Middle Ages, opal was thought to be beneficial for eyesight, some people even believed it could render the wearer invisible. Moh's Scale of Hardness: ТОPAZ November Mined primarily in Sri Lanka, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, topaz is comprised of the minerals aluminum and fluorine. Due to its rarity, red or pink topaz is given the highest market value. - Did you know? The most famous topaz is actually a colorless topaz that was originally thought to be a diamond. It is a 1680 carat stone known as the "Braganza Diamond" set in the Portuguese Crown Jewels. Moh's Scale qf Hardness: TURQUOISE December Turquoise is one of the oldest known gem ma- terials. The Egyptians were mining turquoise in the Sinai as early as 5,500 BC. The Persian word for turquoise is "ferozah" or “firozah," which means victorious. - Did you know? Turquoise attracts money, success and love. Its powers include protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. Relaxes the mind, and eases mental tension. This gemstone was also thought to promote prosperity. Moh's Scale of Hardness: BRilliANCe + 12 Months of Facts About Birthstones C. Most frequently sought in a bold red color, un- earthed primarily in Europe, Russia, and South Africa. GARNET January Garnets have served as enduring symbols of loyalty, honesty, and passion. F Did you know? Garnets are believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression, but were also used in ancient Asia and the American South- west as bullets because the stone was said to cause wounds more dangerous than those caused by regular bullets. Moh's Scale of Hardness: A form of Quartz mineral in a pleasing violet or purple shade, mined primarily from vol- canic rocks in Africa and Brazil. Linked to an increased sense of calm, serenity, and under- AMETHYST standing, the stone is believed to minimize the stress and anxiety of the wearer. February F Did you know? Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness and the gemstone still sym- bolizes sobriety. Fine amethysts have been featured in the British Crown Jewels, and have been a fa- vorite with such diverse figures as Egyptian royalty to Catherine the Great. Moh's Scale of Hardness: With its soulful shades, the aquamarine is synonymous with serenity and harmony, and is often found in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia. Ancient sailors carried it along as a good luck token to ward off accidents and illnesses. AQUAMARINE March F Did you know? Aquamarine is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful, and was considered to be ef- fective as a treatment for anxiety. Long been considered the symbol of happiness and ever- lasting youth, aquamarine was also thought to induce sleep. Moh's Scale of Hardness: The hardest, most durable gemstone found in nature, its unrivaled sparkle and beauty make it a natural choice for the wedding and INTAMOND engagement rings that are used to commemo- rate a lifetime of love and loyalty. April F Did you know? The word diamond comes from the Greek word "adamas" meaning unconquerable or invincible. Diamonds were also supposed to impart virtue, generosity, as well as to calm the mentally ill and even to determine lawsuits in the wearer's favor. Moh's Scale of Hardness: EMERALD May Symbolizing love, prosperity, and overall happiness, the emerald was known as the crowning jewel of Queen Cleopatra from an- cient Egyptian times. The earliest mining of emeralds took place in Egypt, Austria, and Pakistan. - Did you know? Emerald is said to give a supernatural ability to fore- tell future events. Aside from this attribute, the gem was thought to improve its owner's memory and elo- quence, and was also said to quicken intelligence. Some people also believed emerald wearers were immune to ills like epilepsy. Moh's Scale of Hardness: PEARL June Pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and mnussels. The process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years. Principal oyster beds lay in the Per- sian Gulf, along the coasts of India and Sri Lanka, and in the Red Sea. - Did you know? Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experi- ence, to quicken the laws of karma and to cement engagements and love relationships. They are thought to keep children safe. Chinese use pearls as medicines for thousands of years. Moh's Scale of Hardness: RUBY July Mined primarily in Burma, Sri Lanka, Tanza- nia, Thailand, and Kenya, the ruby is one of the most precious and rare of today's natu- rally mined gemstones. Second only to dia- monds in regard to hardness and quality, a fine ruby stone will endure beautifully for generations. F Did you know? In ancient times, it was thought that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in heart affairs. Furthermore, the wearer acquired the ability to live in peace with his enemies. In some places ruby was even thought to confer invulnerability. Moh's Scale of Hardness: PERIDOT August Derived of the naturally occurring mineral Oliv- ine, peridot is a rare stone rich in magnesium and iron, and most commonly found in an olive green color. Found in volcanic lava, peridot is mined primary in Brazil, Kenya, Germany, Mexico, Australia, and the Hawaiian islands. Did you know? According to ancient legends, peridot has the power to protect and purify and also reduce anger and jeal- ousy. As a medical remedy, it was powdered to cure asthma. It was also believed that holding a peridot under the tongue lessened the thirst ofa person suf- fering from fever. Moh's Scale of Hardness: Prized since ancient times for its beauty and durability, the sapphire is derived from the Corundum family of minerals, mined from the deepest layers of the earth's crust. The highest quality stones are found in Sri Lanka. SAPPHIRE decpest layers of the carth's crust. The highest September * Did you know? Sapphire is believed to offer healing properties for rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. At one time it was credited to remove all impurities and foreign matter from the eye, aside from considered an anti- depressant and an aid to psychokinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance and astral projection. Moh's Scale of Hardness: Deposited as a mineral gel, opal can be found in a wide variety of rock formations, includ- ing basalt, Australia is the source of a vast majority of the world's opal supply. onite, stone, and rhyolite. OPAL October Did you know? Named after the Latin word opalus (meaning "precious stone"), the opal is believed by many to bring good luck to its wearer. In the Middle Ages, opal was thought to be beneficial for eyesight, some people even believed it could render the wearer invisible. Moh's Scale of Hardness: ТОPAZ November Mined primarily in Sri Lanka, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, topaz is comprised of the minerals aluminum and fluorine. Due to its rarity, red or pink topaz is given the highest market value. - Did you know? The most famous topaz is actually a colorless topaz that was originally thought to be a diamond. It is a 1680 carat stone known as the "Braganza Diamond" set in the Portuguese Crown Jewels. Moh's Scale qf Hardness: TURQUOISE December Turquoise is one of the oldest known gem ma- terials. The Egyptians were mining turquoise in the Sinai as early as 5,500 BC. The Persian word for turquoise is "ferozah" or “firozah," which means victorious. - Did you know? Turquoise attracts money, success and love. Its powers include protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. Relaxes the mind, and eases mental tension. This gemstone was also thought to promote prosperity. Moh's Scale of Hardness: BRilliANCe + 12 Months of Facts About Birthstones C. Most frequently sought in a bold red color, un- earthed primarily in Europe, Russia, and South Africa. GARNET January Garnets have served as enduring symbols of loyalty, honesty, and passion. F Did you know? Garnets are believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression, but were also used in ancient Asia and the American South- west as bullets because the stone was said to cause wounds more dangerous than those caused by regular bullets. Moh's Scale of Hardness: A form of Quartz mineral in a pleasing violet or purple shade, mined primarily from vol- canic rocks in Africa and Brazil. Linked to an increased sense of calm, serenity, and under- AMETHYST standing, the stone is believed to minimize the stress and anxiety of the wearer. February F Did you know? Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness and the gemstone still sym- bolizes sobriety. Fine amethysts have been featured in the British Crown Jewels, and have been a fa- vorite with such diverse figures as Egyptian royalty to Catherine the Great. Moh's Scale of Hardness: With its soulful shades, the aquamarine is synonymous with serenity and harmony, and is often found in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia. Ancient sailors carried it along as a good luck token to ward off accidents and illnesses. AQUAMARINE March F Did you know? Aquamarine is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful, and was considered to be ef- fective as a treatment for anxiety. Long been considered the symbol of happiness and ever- lasting youth, aquamarine was also thought to induce sleep. Moh's Scale of Hardness: The hardest, most durable gemstone found in nature, its unrivaled sparkle and beauty make it a natural choice for the wedding and INTAMOND engagement rings that are used to commemo- rate a lifetime of love and loyalty. April F Did you know? The word diamond comes from the Greek word "adamas" meaning unconquerable or invincible. Diamonds were also supposed to impart virtue, generosity, as well as to calm the mentally ill and even to determine lawsuits in the wearer's favor. Moh's Scale of Hardness: EMERALD May Symbolizing love, prosperity, and overall happiness, the emerald was known as the crowning jewel of Queen Cleopatra from an- cient Egyptian times. The earliest mining of emeralds took place in Egypt, Austria, and Pakistan. - Did you know? Emerald is said to give a supernatural ability to fore- tell future events. Aside from this attribute, the gem was thought to improve its owner's memory and elo- quence, and was also said to quicken intelligence. Some people also believed emerald wearers were immune to ills like epilepsy. Moh's Scale of Hardness: PEARL June Pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and mnussels. The process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years. Principal oyster beds lay in the Per- sian Gulf, along the coasts of India and Sri Lanka, and in the Red Sea. - Did you know? Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experi- ence, to quicken the laws of karma and to cement engagements and love relationships. They are thought to keep children safe. Chinese use pearls as medicines for thousands of years. Moh's Scale of Hardness: RUBY July Mined primarily in Burma, Sri Lanka, Tanza- nia, Thailand, and Kenya, the ruby is one of the most precious and rare of today's natu- rally mined gemstones. Second only to dia- monds in regard to hardness and quality, a fine ruby stone will endure beautifully for generations. F Did you know? In ancient times, it was thought that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in heart affairs. Furthermore, the wearer acquired the ability to live in peace with his enemies. In some places ruby was even thought to confer invulnerability. Moh's Scale of Hardness: PERIDOT August Derived of the naturally occurring mineral Oliv- ine, peridot is a rare stone rich in magnesium and iron, and most commonly found in an olive green color. Found in volcanic lava, peridot is mined primary in Brazil, Kenya, Germany, Mexico, Australia, and the Hawaiian islands. Did you know? According to ancient legends, peridot has the power to protect and purify and also reduce anger and jeal- ousy. As a medical remedy, it was powdered to cure asthma. It was also believed that holding a peridot under the tongue lessened the thirst ofa person suf- fering from fever. Moh's Scale of Hardness: Prized since ancient times for its beauty and durability, the sapphire is derived from the Corundum family of minerals, mined from the deepest layers of the earth's crust. The highest quality stones are found in Sri Lanka. SAPPHIRE decpest layers of the carth's crust. The highest September * Did you know? Sapphire is believed to offer healing properties for rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. At one time it was credited to remove all impurities and foreign matter from the eye, aside from considered an anti- depressant and an aid to psychokinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance and astral projection. Moh's Scale of Hardness: Deposited as a mineral gel, opal can be found in a wide variety of rock formations, includ- ing basalt, Australia is the source of a vast majority of the world's opal supply. onite, stone, and rhyolite. OPAL October Did you know? Named after the Latin word opalus (meaning "precious stone"), the opal is believed by many to bring good luck to its wearer. In the Middle Ages, opal was thought to be beneficial for eyesight, some people even believed it could render the wearer invisible. Moh's Scale of Hardness: ТОPAZ November Mined primarily in Sri Lanka, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, topaz is comprised of the minerals aluminum and fluorine. Due to its rarity, red or pink topaz is given the highest market value. - Did you know? The most famous topaz is actually a colorless topaz that was originally thought to be a diamond. It is a 1680 carat stone known as the "Braganza Diamond" set in the Portuguese Crown Jewels. Moh's Scale qf Hardness: TURQUOISE December Turquoise is one of the oldest known gem ma- terials. The Egyptians were mining turquoise in the Sinai as early as 5,500 BC. The Persian word for turquoise is "ferozah" or “firozah," which means victorious. - Did you know? Turquoise attracts money, success and love. Its powers include protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. Relaxes the mind, and eases mental tension. This gemstone was also thought to promote prosperity. Moh's Scale of Hardness: BRilliANCe + 12 Months of Facts About Birthstones C. Most frequently sought in a bold red color, un- earthed primarily in Europe, Russia, and South Africa. GARNET January Garnets have served as enduring symbols of loyalty, honesty, and passion. F Did you know? Garnets are believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression, but were also used in ancient Asia and the American South- west as bullets because the stone was said to cause wounds more dangerous than those caused by regular bullets. Moh's Scale of Hardness: A form of Quartz mineral in a pleasing violet or purple shade, mined primarily from vol- canic rocks in Africa and Brazil. Linked to an increased sense of calm, serenity, and under- AMETHYST standing, the stone is believed to minimize the stress and anxiety of the wearer. February F Did you know? Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness and the gemstone still sym- bolizes sobriety. Fine amethysts have been featured in the British Crown Jewels, and have been a fa- vorite with such diverse figures as Egyptian royalty to Catherine the Great. Moh's Scale of Hardness: With its soulful shades, the aquamarine is synonymous with serenity and harmony, and is often found in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia. Ancient sailors carried it along as a good luck token to ward off accidents and illnesses. AQUAMARINE March F Did you know? Aquamarine is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful, and was considered to be ef- fective as a treatment for anxiety. Long been considered the symbol of happiness and ever- lasting youth, aquamarine was also thought to induce sleep. Moh's Scale of Hardness: The hardest, most durable gemstone found in nature, its unrivaled sparkle and beauty make it a natural choice for the wedding and INTAMOND engagement rings that are used to commemo- rate a lifetime of love and loyalty. April F Did you know? The word diamond comes from the Greek word "adamas" meaning unconquerable or invincible. Diamonds were also supposed to impart virtue, generosity, as well as to calm the mentally ill and even to determine lawsuits in the wearer's favor. Moh's Scale of Hardness: EMERALD May Symbolizing love, prosperity, and overall happiness, the emerald was known as the crowning jewel of Queen Cleopatra from an- cient Egyptian times. The earliest mining of emeralds took place in Egypt, Austria, and Pakistan. - Did you know? Emerald is said to give a supernatural ability to fore- tell future events. Aside from this attribute, the gem was thought to improve its owner's memory and elo- quence, and was also said to quicken intelligence. Some people also believed emerald wearers were immune to ills like epilepsy. Moh's Scale of Hardness: PEARL June Pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and mnussels. The process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years. Principal oyster beds lay in the Per- sian Gulf, along the coasts of India and Sri Lanka, and in the Red Sea. - Did you know? Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experi- ence, to quicken the laws of karma and to cement engagements and love relationships. They are thought to keep children safe. Chinese use pearls as medicines for thousands of years. Moh's Scale of Hardness: RUBY July Mined primarily in Burma, Sri Lanka, Tanza- nia, Thailand, and Kenya, the ruby is one of the most precious and rare of today's natu- rally mined gemstones. Second only to dia- monds in regard to hardness and quality, a fine ruby stone will endure beautifully for generations. F Did you know? In ancient times, it was thought that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in heart affairs. Furthermore, the wearer acquired the ability to live in peace with his enemies. In some places ruby was even thought to confer invulnerability. Moh's Scale of Hardness: PERIDOT August Derived of the naturally occurring mineral Oliv- ine, peridot is a rare stone rich in magnesium and iron, and most commonly found in an olive green color. Found in volcanic lava, peridot is mined primary in Brazil, Kenya, Germany, Mexico, Australia, and the Hawaiian islands. Did you know? According to ancient legends, peridot has the power to protect and purify and also reduce anger and jeal- ousy. As a medical remedy, it was powdered to cure asthma. It was also believed that holding a peridot under the tongue lessened the thirst ofa person suf- fering from fever. Moh's Scale of Hardness: Prized since ancient times for its beauty and durability, the sapphire is derived from the Corundum family of minerals, mined from the deepest layers of the earth's crust. The highest quality stones are found in Sri Lanka. SAPPHIRE decpest layers of the carth's crust. The highest September * Did you know? Sapphire is believed to offer healing properties for rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. At one time it was credited to remove all impurities and foreign matter from the eye, aside from considered an anti- depressant and an aid to psychokinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance and astral projection. Moh's Scale of Hardness: Deposited as a mineral gel, opal can be found in a wide variety of rock formations, includ- ing basalt, Australia is the source of a vast majority of the world's opal supply. onite, stone, and rhyolite. OPAL October Did you know? Named after the Latin word opalus (meaning "precious stone"), the opal is believed by many to bring good luck to its wearer. In the Middle Ages, opal was thought to be beneficial for eyesight, some people even believed it could render the wearer invisible. Moh's Scale of Hardness: ТОPAZ November Mined primarily in Sri Lanka, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, topaz is comprised of the minerals aluminum and fluorine. Due to its rarity, red or pink topaz is given the highest market value. - Did you know? The most famous topaz is actually a colorless topaz that was originally thought to be a diamond. It is a 1680 carat stone known as the "Braganza Diamond" set in the Portuguese Crown Jewels. Moh's Scale qf Hardness: TURQUOISE December Turquoise is one of the oldest known gem ma- terials. The Egyptians were mining turquoise in the Sinai as early as 5,500 BC. The Persian word for turquoise is "ferozah" or “firozah," which means victorious. - Did you know? Turquoise attracts money, success and love. Its powers include protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. Relaxes the mind, and eases mental tension. This gemstone was also thought to promote prosperity. Moh's Scale of Hardness: BRilliANCe + 12 Months of Facts About Birthstones C. Most frequently sought in a bold red color, un- earthed primarily in Europe, Russia, and South Africa. GARNET January Garnets have served as enduring symbols of loyalty, honesty, and passion. F Did you know? Garnets are believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression, but were also used in ancient Asia and the American South- west as bullets because the stone was said to cause wounds more dangerous than those caused by regular bullets. Moh's Scale of Hardness: A form of Quartz mineral in a pleasing violet or purple shade, mined primarily from vol- canic rocks in Africa and Brazil. Linked to an increased sense of calm, serenity, and under- AMETHYST standing, the stone is believed to minimize the stress and anxiety of the wearer. February F Did you know? Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness and the gemstone still sym- bolizes sobriety. Fine amethysts have been featured in the British Crown Jewels, and have been a fa- vorite with such diverse figures as Egyptian royalty to Catherine the Great. Moh's Scale of Hardness: With its soulful shades, the aquamarine is synonymous with serenity and harmony, and is often found in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia. Ancient sailors carried it along as a good luck token to ward off accidents and illnesses. AQUAMARINE March F Did you know? Aquamarine is said to increase intelligence and make one youthful, and was considered to be ef- fective as a treatment for anxiety. Long been considered the symbol of happiness and ever- lasting youth, aquamarine was also thought to induce sleep. Moh's Scale of Hardness: The hardest, most durable gemstone found in nature, its unrivaled sparkle and beauty make it a natural choice for the wedding and INTAMOND engagement rings that are used to commemo- rate a lifetime of love and loyalty. April F Did you know? The word diamond comes from the Greek word "adamas" meaning unconquerable or invincible. Diamonds were also supposed to impart virtue, generosity, as well as to calm the mentally ill and even to determine lawsuits in the wearer's favor. Moh's Scale of Hardness: EMERALD May Symbolizing love, prosperity, and overall happiness, the emerald was known as the crowning jewel of Queen Cleopatra from an- cient Egyptian times. The earliest mining of emeralds took place in Egypt, Austria, and Pakistan. - Did you know? Emerald is said to give a supernatural ability to fore- tell future events. Aside from this attribute, the gem was thought to improve its owner's memory and elo- quence, and was also said to quicken intelligence. Some people also believed emerald wearers were immune to ills like epilepsy. Moh's Scale of Hardness: PEARL June Pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and mnussels. The process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years. Principal oyster beds lay in the Per- sian Gulf, along the coasts of India and Sri Lanka, and in the Red Sea. - Did you know? Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experi- ence, to quicken the laws of karma and to cement engagements and love relationships. They are thought to keep children safe. Chinese use pearls as medicines for thousands of years. Moh's Scale of Hardness: RUBY July Mined primarily in Burma, Sri Lanka, Tanza- nia, Thailand, and Kenya, the ruby is one of the most precious and rare of today's natu- rally mined gemstones. Second only to dia- monds in regard to hardness and quality, a fine ruby stone will endure beautifully for generations. F Did you know? In ancient times, it was thought that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in heart affairs. Furthermore, the wearer acquired the ability to live in peace with his enemies. In some places ruby was even thought to confer invulnerability. Moh's Scale of Hardness: PERIDOT August Derived of the naturally occurring mineral Oliv- ine, peridot is a rare stone rich in magnesium and iron, and most commonly found in an olive green color. Found in volcanic lava, peridot is mined primary in Brazil, Kenya, Germany, Mexico, Australia, and the Hawaiian islands. Did you know? According to ancient legends, peridot has the power to protect and purify and also reduce anger and jeal- ousy. As a medical remedy, it was powdered to cure asthma. It was also believed that holding a peridot under the tongue lessened the thirst ofa person suf- fering from fever. Moh's Scale of Hardness: Prized since ancient times for its beauty and durability, the sapphire is derived from the Corundum family of minerals, mined from the deepest layers of the earth's crust. The highest quality stones are found in Sri Lanka. SAPPHIRE decpest layers of the carth's crust. The highest September * Did you know? Sapphire is believed to offer healing properties for rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. At one time it was credited to remove all impurities and foreign matter from the eye, aside from considered an anti- depressant and an aid to psychokinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance and astral projection. Moh's Scale of Hardness: Deposited as a mineral gel, opal can be found in a wide variety of rock formations, includ- ing basalt, Australia is the source of a vast majority of the world's opal supply. onite, stone, and rhyolite. OPAL October Did you know? Named after the Latin word opalus (meaning "precious stone"), the opal is believed by many to bring good luck to its wearer. In the Middle Ages, opal was thought to be beneficial for eyesight, some people even believed it could render the wearer invisible. Moh's Scale of Hardness: ТОPAZ November Mined primarily in Sri Lanka, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States, topaz is comprised of the minerals aluminum and fluorine. Due to its rarity, red or pink topaz is given the highest market value. - Did you know? The most famous topaz is actually a colorless topaz that was originally thought to be a diamond. It is a 1680 carat stone known as the "Braganza Diamond" set in the Portuguese Crown Jewels. Moh's Scale qf Hardness: TURQUOISE December Turquoise is one of the oldest known gem ma- terials. The Egyptians were mining turquoise in the Sinai as early as 5,500 BC. The Persian word for turquoise is "ferozah" or “firozah," which means victorious. - Did you know? Turquoise attracts money, success and love. Its powers include protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. Relaxes the mind, and eases mental tension. This gemstone was also thought to promote prosperity. Moh's Scale of Hardness: BRilliANCe +