Stones have mystic meanings

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

The International Jewelry Stone Association President Fazıl Özen says there is historical relationship between people and precious stones. AA photos

Throughout history precious stones have been used to accent women’s beauty and men’s power.

Although currently precious stones are very expensive, interest in them still continues. Precious stones such as diamonds, rubies and emeralds are used to create jewelry, but can also signify the character of the people who wear them, and sometimes their feelings, as well.

Lucky stones or birthstones refer to the supposed personalities of people born at certain times of the year. If people carry them they are said to bring good luck, because the stones are believed to have metaphysical powers. Many ancient civilizations, including India and Babylon, considered stones to have mystical and magical powers.

One such tradition categorizes the stones according to system known as “Aaron’s Armor.” A total of 12 stones make up the “armor,” 12 being a powerful number corresponding to the 12 signs of the zodiac and the 12 months of the year. In early times, the names of the stones were different than they are today, but the same stones are still used to signify the zodiac and are called birthstones.

Which stone for which month?

The month of September is represented by the sapphire, which signifies peace and benevolence. The stone for March is aquamarine, also signifying peace, as well as happiness.

Diamonds are known as “king’s stones” because of their shine. The stone’s name comes from the Greek word “adamas,” meaning “invincible.” It is the birthstone for April.

Coming from the beryl group of stones, emeralds can be any shade of green, and sometimes turquoise. The emerald signifies beauty and love, was associated with the ancient Greek god Hermes, and is the stone for May.

Rubies mean love and passion. The stone’s red color means “passion never ends.” Ruby belongs to July. It also signifies power and fire.

Amethyst, from the quartz group, is February’s stone. The stone’s name is from the Greek word meaning “sober.” It is believed that if a person carries an amethyst they will never get drunk.

The yellow citrine is also from the quartz family. In French “citrine” (“citron”) means “lemon.” In ancient times citrine was known as the stone of happiness, and it is the birthstone for November.

August’s stone is the peridot, which is a lucky stone. In ancient times it was given to brides to bring them luck. October’s stone is tourmaline, signifying hope and health.

There is a lengthy historical relationship between people and precious stones, International Jewelry Stone Association President Fazıl Özen told Anatolia news agency. People have always wanted to have shiny, valuable things.

“Stones are also believed to bring people health and power. Even though this belief belongs to ancient times, people today are still using these stones to heal or to give them power,” Özen said.