Gemstones - How to Discuss

Gemstones are rock minerals used for jewelry purposes, and they are acquired naturally from the earth through mining. Every gem has its unique characteristic and aesthetic value, and it could also be a mixture of two or more metals. Let us talk about the top five stones which are in trend.

What are gemstones?

Since ancient times, gemstones and crystals have been used for their extraordinary powers and magical qualities. They can be made into jewelry to enhance the natural beauty of the stone itself, or they can be worn as protective amulets. Most people know that diamonds are considered very valuable, but few people understand what other gemstones exist and what they do.

What do gemstones represent

Below is a list of gemstones and what they represent.

Amethyst:

The ancient Greeks believed that Amethyst made one immune to the effects of alcohol. In India, amethysts are supposed to provide their owner with good luck in all aspects of life. Amethyst is also considered a stone that inspires wisdom, and when worn around the neck, it protects its bearer from disease and illness.

Diamond:

Diamonds have been considered the most precious type of gemstone for thousands of years. The diamond was once thought to be a piece of fallen stars, so this type of gemstone was placed in the crown jewels because it signified royalty or divine right to rule. It also represents clarity, purity, strength, and endurance.

Emerald

The emerald was associated with the Egyptian god of the underworld, Osiris. It is believed to give its owner good luck. Emeralds also represent fertility, rebirth, love, wisdom, harmony, youthfulness, and everlasting life or eternal youth. Some sources cite that emeralds are poisonous qualities when powdered, but this is not confirmed in any other source except for Fiona Macdonald’s novel featuring Egyptian mythology series called “The Falcon Chronicles.”

Jade:

Jade is a stone that many cultures around the world have revered since antiquity. The Chinese believe Jade represents the five virtues of humanity - courage, generosity, justice, wisdom, and benevolence. In the Native American Navajo culture, Jade is a symbol of beauty and everlasting life.

Lapis Lazuli:

Ancient Egyptian priests were believed to have lapis lazuli in their eyes because it was thought that anyone who could invoke the power and wisdom of the sun god Ra would be blessed with great power and eloquence. Lapis lazuli is considered a stone that inspires harmony and inner peace.

Opal:

Opal was once believed to represent hope by many cultures worldwide, including Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Africans, Asians, Turks, Russians, and Australians. It was also used to cure eye disorders such as weak or sore eyesight in certain cultures. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks believed that opals provided their owners with good luck, and to ancient Australian Aboriginals, opals represented rainbows and were a symbol of love.

Pearl:

Pearls have been considered to be the gemstone of wisdom in many cultures since antiquity. In Ancient Greece, it was said that “a happy man has the rarest type of wisdom - common sense.” This rare wisdom was supposed to come from pearls because they are created by wise mother nature herself.

Ruby:

According to medieval legend, this red gemstone could make its owner invisible if he held it tightly on his left hand during a full Moon and whispered his wishes clearly to it. In other folklore, the ruby possesses magical properties that enable its owner to foresee their future and therefore prevent misfortunes from befalling them.

Sapphire:

This divine gemstone is described in Exodus 28:15-30, where it says, “stones shall be with pure gold, sapphire and carbuncle, and emerald.” Because of this reference in the Bible and many others like it throughout Greek, Roman, and Biblical texts, sapphires have been used for thousands of years as a protection against evil spirits, bad dreams, nightmares, and possession by devils. Sapphires also represent power, knowledge, wealth, prestige, and fame.

Topaz:

The ancient Egyptians associated topaz with the Sun god Ra, whereas the Phoenicians believed it represented friendship. Topaz is thought to enhance creativity and also increase psychic awareness. This gemstone also represents fidelity, goodwill, honor, and generosity.

Like many other gemstones mentioned in this article, opal, for example, various cultures worldwide hold different views on what they represent. Still, throughout history, most have been used as amulets of protection against evil spirits. They are one of our earliest forms of technology that some people even say can help us communicate with extra-terrestrial beings or what some may call “higher spiritual beings.”