Sun Zodiac Gemstones

Everyone knows what their Birthstone is; but how many know their Sun or Zodiac gemstone? According to the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), “Most gem scholars agree that the tradition of birthstones arose from the Breastplate of Aaron: a ceremonial religious garment set with twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel and also corresponded with the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve months of the year.Because ancient people did not always classify gemstones by mineral species like we do, there is some debate about which gemstones were set in the breastplate and why. Because of this, different cultures around the world have developed different birth stone lists. The modern day list that you know is only the most recent list: some older lists still exist. Some also argue that the proper way to assign gemstones is according to astrological sign and not month.”

Below is a list of the Sun/Zodiac Signs and their corresponding gemstone or birthstone. If you’d like to choose yours based on your actual birth date, you can go the ICA website and use their Gem-o-Matic to discover your actual or preferred gemstone for your birthday, anniversary or any other date you like.

Sun Sign = Birthstone
Capricorn 12/22 – 1/20 – Ruby, Agate, Garnet
Aquarius 1/21 – 2/19 – Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal, Amethyst
Pisces 2/20 – 3/20 – Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Amethyst, Bloodstone
Aries 3/21-4/20 – Bloodstone, Diamond
Taurus 4/21-5/21 – Sapphire, Turquoise, Amber, Blood Coral, Emerald
Gemini 5/22-6/21 – Agate, Chrysoprase, Pearl
Cancer 6/22-7/23 – Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby
Leo 7/24-8/23 – Tourmaline, Sardonyx, Onyx
Virgo 8/24-9/23 – Jasper, Carnelian, Jade, Sapphire
Libra 9/24-10/23 – Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot
Scorpio 10/24-11/22 – Aquamarine, Topaz
Sagittarius 11/23-12/21 – Sapphire, Amethyst, Turquoise, Topaz

Opals, Not Just in Australia

Deep in the Andes Mountains of Peru there is a great mine find….Pink and Blue Peruvian Opal. Pure Peruvian Opal is rare and accounts for less than 10% of the opals produced in the Andes. The Blue Peruvian Opal gets its color from rich copper, just like that of Turquoise and Chrysocolla gemstones. The Peruvian Opal colors range from milky or pure light pinks to pale greens and intense blues. Some beads or pendants cuts may have a filigree pattern of manganese dendrites. The rarest and most sought after of course is the most intense and translucent of blue or pink.
I fell in love with this gemstone when I found it at the Tucson International Gem Show this past February. It is the most beautiful of all gemstones that I have come across. Ancient Romans associated opal with hope and good luck.

Pink Opal healing properties are said to of peace and tranquility, especially noted for its energies in healing emotions. It is also known as the gemstone of hope, great achievement and is said to be the stone of love, but only to faithful lovers.