The Mystical Properties of Gemstones

Gemstones have been revered for centuries for their beauty, value and unique qualities. But man has also been enthralled by their supposed mystical properties. The ancients ascribed many magical powers to gemstones. Here are some of the main properties that have been associated with each birthstone through the ages.

Garnet (January) — Garnet was thought to light up the night and protect owners from nightmares. (Noah used a garnet lantern to navigate the Ark through 40 days and nights of torrential rain.) It was also thought to ward off evil spirits, spark creativity and dispel anger.

Amethyst (February) — Amethyst was considered by the Greeks and Romans to be a strong antidote against drunkenness. It was also believed to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence, as well as bring peace of mind to the wearer and prevent fatal poisoning.

Aquamarine (March) — This stone was believed to be the treasure of mermaids with the power to keep sailors safe at sea. Other properties ascribed to the gem include the ability to help couples smooth out their differences; protection against the devil; the ability to quicken the intellect; and the power to attract new friends.

Diamond (April) — The most precious of all gems has been ascribed with many special powers throughout history, including the power to amplify either good or evil in its wearer; the ability to increase personal clarity to help one see things clearly; and the ability to keep someone straight-forward and honest.

Emerald (May) — The Romans believed that emeralds had a soothing effect on the soul. Middle Age seers used emeralds to foretell the future and ward off evil spirits. The stone was also said to improve memory and bring great wealth to its wearer.

Pearl (June) — These treasures from the sea were worn by medieval knights going to battle as a talisman against injury.

Ruby (July) — This most prized of red stones was implanted by warriors under their skin to make them invincible in battle. It has also been used as a talisman against danger and disaster.

Peridot (August) — The ancients believed this gem had the power to ward off evil spirits, nightmares and enchantments. It also was said to strengthen any medicine drunk from goblets carved from the stone.

Sapphire (September) — The ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire that gave its blue reflection to the sky. Sapphire was also considered a powerful talisman that protected travelers. According to tradition, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it the most sacred stone.

Opal (October) — The Arabs thought opal would ward off lightning and render its wearer invisible.

Citrine (November) — In ancient times, citrine was carried as protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. It was also thought to give calmness and mental balance to its wearer.

Blue Topaz (December) — Topaz was thought to dispel enchantment, increase one’s strength and make its wearer invisible. It could also detect poisoned food or drink; bring friendship; promote patience and a pleasant disposition; and ensure fidelity. Topaz also was thought to ward off sudden death.

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What’s the most and least valuable gemstones?

I need a professional / gemstones die-hard fan here if possible. Can I have a list of the most valuable to the least valuable gemstones? Just include the most common gemstones in the market. I’ve searched the net but got too much information and no sortings. Thanks to whoever that can help.

Answer
Valueable? Meaning most expensive? Most sought after? Most durable? Rarest? Valuable can be interpreted in several different ways.

The natural varieties of Alexandrite, Tanzanite, and Paraiba Tourmaline are probably the most expensive, and rarest. The latter two are one source only gemstones, and Alex was mined out years ago. Each can fetch many thousands of dollars per carat, particularly for the larger solitaires.

I would create a list of most to least, using cost per carat, rarity, and availability as follows:

Alexandrite
Paraiba Tourmaline
Tripple A grade Ceylon or Kanchanaburi Sapphire
Tanzanite/Diamond
Triple A grade Emerald/Ruby
Salt Water South Sea Pearls
Tsavorite (green ) Garnet & Spessartite (Orange) Garnet
Tourmaline – Indicolite, Watermelon and Rasberry
Spinel
Other Beryl’s (Aquamarine, Morganite, Goeshenite)
Zircon (especially blue, but red, white and golden as well)
Peridot
Cultured Pearls – at least AA grade
Common Topaz – Sky blue, Swiss blue, etc…
Garnet (red – almandine, pyrope, etc…)
Quartz- Amethyst, Citrine, Rutillated, etc…
Cubic Zirconia and other man made stones.

Of course, there are many that I’ve left off the list, but you asked for the most common.

Hope this gives you the answers you were looking for.