Birthstones

     There are 12 birthstones in total, for the 12 months of the year. They are as follows: 

January: Garnet

February: Amethyst

March: Aquamarine 

April: Diamond

May: Emerald

June: Pearl

July: Ruby

August: Peridot

September: Sapphire

October: Opal

November: Topaz

December: Turquoise

     Red is the most common colour of the garnet. There are some other colours, such as green, or yellow. Garnets are very clean gems. They are also quite sturdy, and hard. 

     

     Amethysts are purple gems. The hardness of amethysts is the same as quartz, since the amethyst is a gem of the quartz family. These gems were worn by the Greeks and Romans. The amethyst used to be quite valuable, but since it could be found in many places, it has lost its price. 

     The Aquamarine is the gem of the sea. In Latin, he word comes from "aqua" and "marina." The Aquamarine comes from the Beryl family. Aquamarines' colours can vary from light blue, blue-green, or sea green. 

The diamond is one of the most popular gemstones. Diamonds are the hardest gemstone on Earth. The first diamond was discovered in India, then in Brazil. Usually, diamonds are made into jewelry, such as diamond earrings, rings, and necklaces. But 80% of the world's diamonds are not suitable for jewelry. 

    Emeralds are green members of the beryl family. Emeralds can be even more precious than diamonds of the same carat weight. The emerald is popular in ancient Rome, and were often buried with mummies. 

     Pearls are one of the cheapest substances. Pearl necklaces and wristbands are quite popular today. When the diamond was discovered in early 1700s, the pearl's demand dropped. Pearls tried to compete, but the diamonds were still in higher demand, because of the pearl's poor quality. 

     Rubies are known to be the king of gems, since only kings and queens wore them. They are extremely hard, next to diamonds. The ruby is usually red, but can come in violet, orangey, pinkish, or brownish. The ruby can be way more valuable than a diamond. Rubies belong to the family of Corundum. Rubies resemble vitality, confidence, and strength. 

(More gem facts coming out soon)!