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If cold December gave you birth
The
month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do
of
unknown author
Blue Topaz
is the modern birthstone for December along with Turquoise, but topaz is also associated with November birthdays
and comes in various different colors. December babies can also choose onyx, or the once traditional stone of ruby.  The ancient Greeks thought topaz gave them strength, while in Europe during the Renaissance period (1300 to
1600's) it was thought that topaz would break magic spells and help to calm anger. In India when topaz was worn above
the heart, it was thought to bring long life, intelligence and beauty. |
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Below is a chart of the modern birthstones used in the
USA today, it also shows birth flowers and the different star signs. Astrology has been around for hundreds of
years. The different gemstones and crystals were also believed to have had magical powers and were much
used in spells and for crystal healing. Amethyst has a very calming influence, rose quartz is the stone of love, and garnets were once given as a parting gift to ensure that the friends met up again some time in the future. More details can
be found on the relevant gemstone page.
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Natural,
and Organic Gemstones Gemstones form naturally in rocks and it is a mixture
of the minerals, water, heat and other deposits that determine the formation and type of crystal. There are actually four organic gemstone groups Amber, Coral, Jet and Pearl. These stones range a from 2 -4 on the Mohs Scale they can easily be marked or scratched. Coral and Pearl are the more durable of the group. The association of Crystals with Crystal Healing For hundreds of years, gemstones and crystals have been associated with healing properties and spiritual seekers,
healers and others have been drawn by the clarity and purity of crystals they believe hold special powers. It is not
really fully understood just how crystals can help the healing process within the body, but even today with all of our modern
medicines, there are still a lot of people who practice crystal healing. Crystals
can help promote a feeling of balance and calm. For example, Amethyst can be useful in soothing headaches. Copper is well
known for its ability to reduce inflammation and bracelets are available in our local drug stores/chemists for this purpose.
Turquoise can be used when there is a need for calm, healing energy. There will be more to come on this subject. References: Jewelers
of America Leaflet for modern birthstones
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