Gemstones have been a girl’s best friends for centuries! Every fashion lover out there knows the importance of precious stones, and they’ve represented different things for each culture.
A while ago we studied some myths that surrounded 4 popular gemstones: the agate, the quartz, the amethyst and the turquoise. Now, we’re discovering the meaning behind 4 other jewels.
Read on and discover part II of our article about great myths behind 4 popular gemstones!
Great myths behind a popular gemstone: Opal
This beautiful precious stone is a favorite of many. The word “opal” derives from the Sanskrit word “upala”, which means “precious stone”, and it’s famous for an iridescent color that gives it an otherworldly charm and glimmer.
This stone can be found in different shades, from an almost colorless shade to yellow, orange, blue, brown or even black hues.
The opal became a favored stone amongst ancient cultures, since it was believed to increase consciousness as well as help heal afflictions of the eyes.
The Arabians believed opals were stones that had fallen from heaven, while later on it was mistakenly accused of being a bad luck gemstone if it wasn’t your birthstone. Nowadays, however, it’s one of the most popular gemstones in the world.
Great myths behind a popular gemstone: Pearl
One of the oldest precious stones in the world, pearls have been used as decorations and enhancements in many different crafts. Pearls are special gemstones, since they derive from living creatures, and their name derives from the Latin word “perna”, which means “leg”.
Since they’ve been used by so many cultures, pearls play important roles in many different mythologies and carry a wide array of meanings.
For ancient Chinese cultures, black pearls came from dragons, while in Japanese folklore they were believed to be the tears of mythical creatures, or, in Greek mythology, the tears of the gods.
According to Persians and Polynesians, pearls were born after a rainbow touched the earth. However, one of the most beautiful legends surrounding these unique gems comes from Hindu folklore, in which pearls were considered raindrops that had fallen from the moon into the sea.
In recent years, pearls have been linked to purity, innocence and perfection, and they’re one of the favorite gemstones of brides.
Great myths behind a popular gemstone: Hematite
Known as the “blood stone”, this precious gem has been used in jewelry for centuries. Its name comes from the Greek word for “blood” due to its reddish-brown color. However, the hematite can be found in different hues, from silver to dark gray or black.
Due to its similarities with the color of blood, the hematite has been used in many cultures to cure blood disorders.
Native Americans also used paint made with hematite as a way of gaining invincibility, since this popular gemstone is believed to provide protection and strengthening the mind as well as the heart of the person that wears it.
Great myths behind a popular gemstone: Cubic Zirconia
A very unique gemstone, the Cubic Zirconia is a synthetically manufactured jewel that resembles diamonds. Perhaps one of the most recently discovered gems in our list, the Cubic Zirconia was discovered in the 30s, yet they started being used in the 70s.
Due to its short life, this gemstone has fewer myths than older jewels such as pearls. Still, nowadays they’re believed to attract confidence, strength and prosperity to its wearer; and they’re great for those born in the month of April.
You might also like:
- Great myths behind 4 popular gemstones
- Jewelry trends: animal amulets and their meaning
- The amazing health properties of colors
Sources:
Badali Jewelry. Gemstone Meanings. http://badalijewelry.com/Gemstone-Meanings.html
Crystal Meanings. Hematite. http://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/hematite/ / Opal. http://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/opal/ /
Crystal Vaults. Opal Meaning and Uses. http://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/opal
Emily Gems. Hematite meaning and properties. https://crystal-cure.com/hematite.html / Pearls. https://crystal-cure.com/pearl.html
Gemstone Buzz. Synthetic Cubic Zirconia. http://www.gemstonebuzz.com/meaning/synthetic-cubic-zirconia
HubPages. The Meanings and Myths of Pearls. http://monarch13.hubpages.com/hub/pearl-myth
Opals. Opal Myths and Legends. http://www.opals.info/opal-myths.php
