A specific stone for each month is thought to have originated as far back as the book of Exodus in the Old Testament. Historians believe the Hebrew high priests described breastplates featuring 12 gemstones, one each for the 12 tribes of Israel.
From the 8th century each gemstone was connected to the 12 apostles, as well as birth months and zodiac signs, but it wasn't until the 15th century that people started wearing the stones of the zodiac. They believed that each gemstone had special powers and they were very powerful during that month of their birth.
These beliefs continued into the early nineteen hundreds when the Jewelers of America stepped in and organized an official list. They made a few changes and picked stones that were commercially popular and not necessarily what was already associated with that month. Today you will find that some months have more than one stone, the one originally selected based on tradition and the stars, and the newer list with stones easier to sell.For November, the original stone from the time of the Bible is the Topaz, golden smoky topaz, but when that wasn't so available the Citrine was selected for the similarities of color. Not quite as smoky as the yellow topaz the citrine offers a brillance enjoyed by people born in every month.
As to the meanings of Citrines, it is the Naval Chakra, the center of physical and material powers and radiates to the number 6. It is said to bring positive meanings and success to your life. It is one of only two minerals on our planet that does not hold or accumulate negative energy but does dispel it. It prepares your body, mind and emotions to expel their problems.
The beautiful sunny yellow is the stone of happiness and energy from the Sun. Something so powerful should find its way into everyones jewelry box.
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Wonderful! My mother loved citrine...I should go pul out those earrings of hers and wear them! Thanks for the visit;)
ReplyDeleteYou have educated me today! I did not know any of that about birthstones.
ReplyDeleteI love my birthstone.
ReplyDeleteAnd the surprising thing about it is the fact that it goes so well with my colouring.
I wonder if that is true about all birthstones - they are suited to the person born during that month.