Eases stress, improves memory, overcomes depression and helps body to heal itself. In some religious groups in ancient Greece, an amber necklace was worn by the High Priest or Priestess as proof of the high energy inherent in the stones.

It is a stone of metamorphosis. It is an ancient healer of all levels of mind, body, and spirit. It is used for cleansing, purifying, and re-structuring of the body, as well as of the mind and spirit. It protects one against psychic attack. It transforms lower energies into higher ones. It has been used to assist in healing arthritic bones, and hearing problems. It is also one of the recommended stones to wear at an interview. It will allow you to be calm and at ease, all the while retaining good judgment and intuitive abilities. Amethyst has traditionally symbolized peace and tranquility. The early Greeks associated it with the god of wine, Bacchus, because of its rich purple color. Amethyst is also believed to keep wearers quick-witted and clear-headed.

Because of its colour, aquamarine was once referred to as "The Sailor's Stone" and was said to protect seafarers. Ancient Hindu mystics believed that aquamarine promoted mental clarity; medievals credited it with giving the wearer insight and foresight. Today, some people believe the stone gives them inspiration and inner peace, and enhances communication skills.

Topaz is named after an island in the Red Sea called Topazios. It has been worn for protection for thousands of years. Ancient Greeks associated topaz with strength. During the Middle Ages, Topaz was believed to act as a guardian angel and was said to make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. Renaissance Europeans believed topaz could break magic spells.

Chalcedony has been associated with many positive qualities including protecting the wearer from dangers and promoting strength, healing, emotional balance, vitality, endurance, kindness, and friendliness. Chalcedony is said to have been used as a sacred stone by Native Americans to promote stability within the tribe.

Because of its soothing color, emerald was long believed to relieve eyestrain and stress, and cure diseases like cholera and malaria. It was also thought to make the wearer more intelligent and quick-witted.

Garnets inspire love, they awaken creativity, the attract good luck, and they regenerate the body, protecting it from toxins, anemia, and disorders. Until the 18th century, soldiers often wore garnets to heal battle wounds. Garnets were also believed to promote true love.

In China, jade has long been associated with a pure spirit and clear mind. Through the centuries, it has also been carved into numerous shapes: dragon carvings are associated with goodness, power and prosperity; the butterfly means long life; heaven is symbolized by Pi, the flat, round disk which has a hole in the center.

Why are they unlucky? Well, it seems that in Victorian times opals were greatly prized, they were quite rare, they were in large demand by the nobility, and they commanded high prices. During the midst of all this, opals were discovered in Australia, and the market became flooded. Suddenly all the opals purchased by the nobility became worthless. Hence, they were unlucky. Of course, there are those who say the only unlucky thing about opals is not having them. Opals are best worn on the left hand, as far away from the body as possible. When worn properly, they emit love to others. They can enhance cosmic consciousness and bring joy, creativity, and intuition.

Ancients believed that peridot, especially when set in gold, protected the wearer from terrors of the night. Later, peridot was worn to attract romance. It was also believed to attract wealth and ward off stress.

Opens the heart, particularly if worn as a necklace or in a bag over the breastbone. Emotional release results from this, and healing follows release. It is also used for loving, positive outlook, for forgiveness, self-acceptance, and cheering. It stimulates a feeling of oneness with the goddess' universe. In healing, use Rose Quartz for heartache, and emotional pain, for disease of the throat, ears, nose and sinuses, kidneys, high blood pressure, and for adults recovering from abused childhoods.

In ancient India, rubies were believed to stimulate spiritual creativity, cure various illnesses and protect soldiers in battle. Other ancients believed that rubies would bring love and protect health and wealth. In the Middle Ages, rubies were considered the wedding stone, promoting passion and contentment in marriage.

Ancient royals believed that blue sapphires protected them from harm and envy. In the Middle Ages, sapphires were worn by the clergy to symbolize Heaven and by lay people to invoke blessings. Throughout the ages, various cultures have worn sapphires to bring wisdom and spirituality.

Worn together with a garnet, it enhances productivity. In India, many people have long believed that topaz, when worn above the heart, will bring intelligence, beauty and long life. Ancient Greeks associated topaz with strength; Renaissance Europeans believed topaz could break magic spells.

Because of the pearl's beautiful spherical shape, people have long associated it with the moon; its water origins impart to it that element's life-sustaining, mysterious qualities. Ancient Chinese believed that pearls protected the wearer from fire and dragons; in Europe, pearls symbolized modesty and purity.

The only worthwhile use for this stone is for "scrying" and its ability to increase one's natural psychic powers. To see images in pieces of crystal, water, etc. which reveal the future of secrets of the past or present; to act as a crystal gazer.

Used to be ground up into powder to stop bleeding, especially in hemophiliacs. This technique was apparently used only in medieval times and became a lost art in the last century. Ancient healers used it for headaches, blood disorders, and hysteria. It is energizing and enhances personal magnetism.

This must be done. "No attempt here is made to claim cures. In time of illness, see the care-giver of your choice."

Each month has a precious or semiprecious stone assigned to it. Find out yours by reading our Comprehensive Guide on Birthstones