Gemstone Mythology

Gemstones have such cool myths and legends around them! Humans have always been amazed by sparkly stones. 

Let’s explore some mythical gems that have captivated people throughout history in this article! 

• Diamond

These April birthstones may have started in India, where myths say lightning struck rocks and created the first diamond! Ancient Egyptians thought they were divine tears. 

Greeks wore them as good luck battle charms. And royal diamond cutting took off in 15th-century Venice. Even Plato thought diamonds held celestial spirits inside! No wonder diamonds became the ultimate jewels for crowns and engagement rings!

• Ruby 

In Hinduism, deep red rubies were the “King of Jewels.” Warriors implanted them as protective talismans. Rubies symbolize passion, luck, and healing. Legends say rubies marked where Adam stepped when exiled from Eden.

• Emerald 

Beliefs say emeralds could heal eyesight or make childbirth easier. The May birthstone was linked to fertility by some cultures. Today emeralds are thought to soothe anxiety, heal the body, and bring insight. 

But these delicate green gems scratch easily! Be sure to choose a safe jewelry setting.

• Opal

Greek tales said opals came from Zeus’ happy tears. Aborigines saw them as footprints of the Creator. Arabs believed lightning made them fall from the sky. 

Many cultures tied them to love, hope, and good fortune – if they displayed colorful “fire.” Choose a protective bezel setting for these fragile, rainbow-like stones.

• Sapphire 

The rich blue of sapphires represented heaven, royalty, and prosperity. Greeks associated them with vision and insight. Persians saw sapphires as the blue sky holding up the Earth! Their mythology of wisdom and calm continues till today.

• Amethyst 

The ancient Greeks thought amethyst prevented drunkenness! Hebrew legends said it brought insightful dreams and safety. Farmers wore purple amethyst to protect crops. 

Now this February birthstone eases headaches, connects us to the Divine, and restores balance.

• Citrine 

This golden gem was a “merchant’s stone” believed to enhance communication, creativity, and wealth. Citrine adorned historic swords and homes when affordable. Its warm yellow hues and energy make citrine popular again today.

• Garnet 

Garnet comes from the Latin word for pomegranate seeds, symbolizing marriage and eternity in the Persephone myth. Egyptian pharaohs adorned their burials with garnets, and Romans used them to seal documents. 

Once linked to Christ’s sacrifice, now it’s thought to heal heartbreak and depression.

• Aquamarine 

The sea-colored aquamarine was connected to the ocean by ancient Greeks and Romans. Sailors trusted it to ensure safe voyages and rekindled love. 

In medieval times, it was thought to shield against poisons. Today this March birthstone helps introspection and calms the mind.

• Peridot 

The lyrical name peridot comes from Arabic and Greek words for “gem” and “abundance.” Its green was beloved for consistency by Romans, who called it the evening emerald. 

Peridot symbolizes Pele’s tears in Hawaii and aids digestion in Hinduism. Now it removes negativity, soothes anger, and nurtures relationships.

Final Thoughts 

Humans across cultures and history have told amazing stories about stones that shine from within. 

Can you imagine ancient people discovering a diamond that seemed to glow, maybe in a cave or while mining? They must have been blown away! No wonder legends grew around gems with mystical healing powers.