For millennia, gemstones have captivated humanity with their radiant beauty and rich symbolic meanings. Rooted in folklore, religion, and diverse cultural practices, these precious stones carry profound personal and spiritual significance, making them treasured for far more than their aesthetic appeal. Their storied past and mystical qualities continue to fascinate and inspire people worldwide.
We assign meanings to gemstones to find significance in the natural world. Cultures have created a symbolic language around gemstones, drawn to their beauty, rarity, and enduring nature.This practice enhances their perceived value, transforming gemstones into powerful talismans and meaningful gifts.
Why Do We Assign Meaning To Gemstones?
We assign meaning to gemstones for several reasons – let’s dive in!
1. Historical Significance
Throughout history, gemstones have been rare and valuable, often associated with royalty, wealth, and power. This historical context has imbued them with a sense of importance and prestige.
2. Cultural Beliefs
Different cultures have developed their own myths, legends, and beliefs around gemstones. For example, ancient Egyptians believed that turquoise provided protection, while the Romans associated diamonds with invincibility. These cultural stories have been passed down through generations, embedding symbolic meanings into the stones.
3. Religious Symbolism
Many religions attribute spiritual or divine properties to gemstones. For instance, in Christianity, the twelve gemstones on the High Priest’s breastplate each represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Similarly, Hinduism and Buddhism link specific stones to spiritual concepts and practices.
4. Folklore and Legends
Folklore and legends often feature gemstones with magical or protective powers. These stories add layers of meaning and mystique to the stones, making them more than just physical objects.
5. Psychological Influence
Humans naturally seek to find meaning and patterns in the world around them. With their unique colours and qualities, Gemstones are perfect candidates for this tendency. Assigning meanings to gemstones can provide comfort, hope, and a sense of connection to something greater.
6. Astrology and Birthstones
Astrology and assigning birthstones to specific months have popularised the idea that gemstones can influence our lives. Many people believe that wearing their birthstone brings good luck or positively affects their well-being.
7. Symbol of Personal Identity
Gemstones are often used to express personal identity or milestones. For example, engagement rings use diamonds to symbolise love and commitment. This personal connection enhances the significance of the stone.
Exploring 20 Different Types of Gemstones and Their Meanings
Diamonds
Diamonds are composed of pure carbon in a cubic crystal structure. Ancient Romans believed diamonds were splinters from falling stars or tears of the gods. In medieval Europe, diamonds were thought to have healing properties for ailments ranging from fatigue to mental illness.
Rubies
Rubies are the red variety of the mineral corundum. Ancient Hindus believed that offering rubies to the god Krishna would make one an emperor in the future. In India and Burma, rubies were associated with safety and peace.
Sapphires
Sapphires are a gemstone variety of corundum that typically appear blue but can occur in various colours except red. Closely associated with royalty, sapphires were believed to attract abundance and blessings. In ancient times, they symbolised wisdom, peace, happiness, and fidelity.
Emeralds
Emeralds are the green variety of the mineral beryl. Ancient Greeks and Romans associated emeralds with Venus, the goddess of love and hope. Some legends claimed placing an emerald under the tongue could give the ability to see the future.
Amethysts
Amethysts are a variety of quartz ranging in colour from pale lilac to deep purple. Ancient Greeks associated amethysts with Dionysus, the god of wine, believing the gem could prevent drunkenness. The word “amethystos” meant “not drunk” in ancient Greek.
Topaz
Topaz is a silicate mineral that occurs in various colours. The gem was believed to symbolise love and fidelity, give strength and increase cognitive abilities. Interestingly, orange topaz was associated with fire in many cultures.
Opals
Opals are a hydrated silica gem known for their spectrum of hues. In ancient Rome, opals symbolised love and hope. Ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and protection against disease.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a blue-to-green mineral composed of hydrated copper and aluminium phosphate. Native American tribes of the Southwest wore turquoise as a protective amulet. In ancient Persia (modern-day Iran), it was believed to ward off the “evil eye.”
Garnets
Garnets are a group of silicate minerals that come in various colours, with red being the most common. Ancient Greeks associated garnets with pomegranates eaten by Persephone in the underworld. In ancient Egypt, pharaohs wore red garnet necklaces.
Aquamarines
Aquamarines are a blue-to-blue-green variety of the mineral beryl. Their name means “seawater” in Latin. They have long been associated with water and are believed to keep sailors safe at sea. Some legends claim they first washed up on shore from sirens’ treasure chests.
Peridots
Peridots are the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, known for their distinctive lime-green colour. Ancient Egyptians associated peridots with protection against nightmares and believed they brought confidence, good luck, and health.
Citrines
Citrine is a yellow-to-orange variety of quartz, named after the French word for lemon. Known as the “healing quartz,” citrine is believed to promote vitality and energy and is also widely associated with happiness, health, and good luck.
Jade
Jade is a term for two distinct metamorphic rocks: nephrite and jadeite. It is often green but can be other colours. In ancient China, jade, known as the “Stone of Heaven,” was used in ceremonies, burials, and as a talisman. Similarly, in ancient Mesoamerican and Maori cultures, jade was esteemed for its association with life, spirituality, and protection.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a blue variety of the mineral known as zoisite that is found almost exclusively in Tanzania. It is believed to open the third eye, help reach higher consciousness, encourage perception and intuition and help detoxify the body.
Pearls
Pearls are organic gems formed within molluscs: the oldest precious gem, pearls, symbolised protection against fire in ancient China. In Europe, they were associated with purity.
Morganite
Morganite is a pink to orange-pink variety of beryl. It was believed to bring positive healing energy, inner peace, joy, confidence, and unconditional love. It was also thought to soothe anxiety and stress.
Spinel
Spinel is a mineral occurring in various colours. While it has often been mistaken for other gemstones historically, it was also considered a high-energy and healing stone that brought hope, energy, and joy to life.
Moonstone
Moonstone is a variety of feldspar known for its adularescence or “floating” light effect. In various cultures, moonstone was believed to embody divine feminine energy, enhance intuition, and promote emotional healing and new beginnings.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a complex boron silicate mineral that occurs in a wide range of colours. Ancient cultures attributed several symbolic meanings to tourmaline, believing it inspires artistic expression and promotes reconciliation and self-confidence.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a rock primarily composed of lazurite, renowned for its intense blue colour with gold flecks. Often called the “wisdom stone,” it is believed to protect against psychic and mental attacks. Additionally, it’s associated with peace, harmony, honesty, and self-awareness.
What We Think About Gemstones
Over centuries, the symbolism of gemstones became intertwined with folklore, astrology, and medicinal practices. Today, they hold more personal and aesthetic meanings, often associated with birthdays, anniversaries, and individual aspirations.
We are captivated by the evolving symbolism of gemstones! Whether you believe in their mystical meanings and powers or appreciate their aesthetic beauty, one thing is certain: you’ll cherish these gems forever.
Visit our store or shop online to find your perfect gem! If you need any guidance, please contact us – our passionate team is ready to help you find the gemstone that resonates with you.
