Authentic gemstones occur in nature and have been treasured by societies throughout antiquity. Precious gemstones have been set into the crowns of kings and queens , bartered through trade , used as currency, and treasured for their religious and healing qualities since time immemorial . Artificial gems, in stark contrast , are a modern invention, created in a laboratory and tailored to form in the desired shape and color , they are not generally regarded as carying the same healing or spiritual properties as genuine nature-made gemstones .

Both real and lab-created gems can be valuable, but there are no substitutions for genuine and rare natural gems such as rubies, garnets, emeralds, sapphires, ambers, topaz, zircons, and many more . In a previous article, we discussed the differences between genuine gemstones vs. lab-created synthetic stones. Here, we are going to delve a bit deeper into the gemstones themselves and talk about gemstone meanings, and why in some instances these meanings can be just as important to the giver, receiver, or wearer as the color or monetary value of the gemstone jewelry. 

It is most frequently in the giving and receiving of precious gemstone jewelry that we generally think of the meaning behind the gemstone . The time spent choosing the perfect engagement ring, for instance, often involves a lot of thought about how the engagement ring symbolizes the sentiment between the couple. What we mean here by gemstone meanings is more along the lines of the spiritual, esoteric, historic and healing qualities that are normally associated with precious gemstones . Most of us have seen some kind of gemstone jewelry being marketed in infomercials as having the power to heal all kinds of illnesses . While most of us roll our eyes and change the channel, it is important to recognize that there is a considerable historic and cultural significance to the origins of these meanings, and that for some even in modern times a belief in the abilities of gemstones to empower, calm, protect and even energize , is a very real sentiment. Moonstones, jade, and many others are often referenced as posessing these characteristics and are often used and worn for those meanings.

Gemstones and Their Meanings

Even the basic knowledge of ones birthstone, a precious or semiprecious gemstone associated with the month of our birth , is valued by many. We often see women, especially, who favor their birthstone for casual wear. Whether or not they understand the meaning of the gemstone representing their birth month is often debateable and most would, if asked about it , give some rendition of their astrological sign, asuming that there is a connection between the two . 

It is important to consider the stone’s meanings for a assortment of reasons. Some cultures consider particular gemstones to have strong connotations. Here in the United States we would not expect a man to choose a black onyx ring as a suitable engagement ring for his unsuspecting bride; while in some European countries it is more acceptable to use a colored gemstone for an engagement ring . In fact, the practice of using diamonds for engagement and wedding rings is a more recent trend, and by recent, I mean covering the last few hundred years or so.

While a detailed history of each gem would turn this article into a book unto itself, here is a straightforward, simple list of gemstones and their meanings. For a more detailed list and descriptions of each gem , check out this list of gemstones

Amethyst

The word Amethyst was taken from a beautiful Greek maiden . Pharaohs, Kings and Queens treasured this gem for it’s rich royal color. The shades of violet to purple has served as a symbol of royalty throughout antiquity.

Ametrine

Ametrine is a most unusual gemstone . It is actually two stones in one: it is a combination of Citrine and Amethyst . The gem is very rare and difficult to mine.

Black Onyx

Black Onyx is known as the “Black Magic Stone” The word Onyx comes from the Greek word meaning claw or fingernail of an animal. 

Citrine

Citrine was named the “Gem of Happiness” throughout Greek history. Known for being helpful in acquiring wealth, self-confidence and creativity . November’s birthstone.

Diamond

April’s birthstone, and of course known as “Girls Best Friend”.
The Greeks word for a Diamond is “Adamas” meaning invincible and/or unconquerable .
The Romans and Greeks believed Diamonds were the “Tears of the Gods” and splinters from falling stars.
The Hindus thought they were created when bolts of lightning struck rocks. They even placed them for eyes in their statues.

Diopside

“Chrome” (Russian) Diopside is called the “Crying Stone” in that it was believed the gem would heal trauma by bringing on tears.

Fire Opal

October’s birthstone. Known as the “Gem of the Bird of Paradise” throughout Aztec history.

Mystic Topaz

Also, November’s birthstone.
Egyptians called this stone the “Gem of the Sun”.
The Romans and Greeks also associated these golden crystals with their Highest God “Jupiter”.
Topaz is one of twelve gemstones set into walls around Jerusalem.

Neptune Topaz

November’s birthstone.
The name indicates beauty, wealth and rarity .
Greeks and Romans associated this gem with their Sun God, “Jupiter”

Ruby

July’s birthstone.
Once known as “Blood Drops” from mother earth by the Burmese people.
The beauty and rarity of the Ruby is considered undeniable.
Rubies are rarer and more exspensive than diamonds in that rubies are only found in a very few mines.

Tanzanite
December’s birthstone.
Considered the “fashion gem of the millennium.”
A thousand times rarer than diamonds.

Zircon

December’s birthstone
Zircon occurs in many colors and hues .
Zircon is one of the twelve gemstones in the walls around Jerusalem.
Widely used in Victorian jewelry in the 1880’s.
This gem was looked upon as a sign of purity and innocence .