_AGATE._--A stone, showing irregular bands of browns and yellows, which
is often known as onyx, cornelian, etc. It is supposed to have special
powers in making and binding friendships, Also, it insures long life,
health and prosperity for those born in June.
_AMBER._--A brownish material, resembling stone, which is derived from
fossilized pine trees. It provides health and happiness when worn round
the neck by people born in August.
_AMETHYST._--A form of quartz, showing a range of color-shades from
purple to lilac. Originally it was worn by the Greeks as a preventive
of drunkenness, and, then, as a cure for all excesses of passion.
Later, it became the stone associated with St. Valentine. This
immediately constituted it the particular charm for lovers. It is the
February birthstone.
_AQUAMARINE._--A bluish-green form of the beryl or topaz. As the name
implies, sea-water, it has long been a mascot for sailors and for those
setting out on a long sea journey. It stands for faithfulness: thus
it is an appropriate stone for a bridegroom to give to his wife, as a
wedding gift.
_BERYL._--A pale green stone which is sometimes found with a yellowish
tinge. The latter is known as the gold beryl. It is avoided by many
people as it stands for doubt, uncertainty and qualities of a wavering
nature.
_BLOODSTONE._--A stone found with many different colorings and
markings. A frequent variety has a greenish surface, sprinkled with
patches of vivid red: whilst a totally different variety shows a
mottling of red and brown, with streaks of green. The red markings
suggested the name of "bloodstone," and the blood became a symbol of
bravery, strength and the powers of fighting. Thus, it is a stone to
be worn by a man, rather than a lady. In olden days, the women gave
bloodstones to their menfolk before going into battle.
_CARBUNCLE._--Garnets, when given a round or oval shape, with the
surface domed and not cut into facets, are so called.
_CHRYSOLITE._--A form of beryl, generally found in colors ranging from
olive-green to amber-orange. It is a stone for the September-born and
is supposed to banish evil passions and sadness of mind.
_CORAL._--A reddish stone, formed by a microscopic animal living in sea
water. It is used chiefly for beads. Children wearing such beads are
said to be preserved from dangers, whilst married women are ensured
a life of happiness. Its powers are chiefly applied to those born in
November.
_DIAMOND._--A pure form of carbon, water-white in color. The largest
known diamond was given to Edward VII, by the Transvaal government
in 1907. It weighs one and three-quarter pounds, and is known as the
Cullinan diamond. This precious stone is considered to be a symbol of
strength and virtue. In olden days, the leaders wore it when going into
battle to safeguard their courage. It should be worn on the left side
and is the month stone of April.
_EMERALD._--This is a delightful variety of green beryl. It has,
normally, a brilliant appearance, which is supposed to dwindle should
either the giver or the receiver become unfaithful to the other. It
stands as a symbol for kindness and true love. It is the month-stone of
May.
_GARNET._--A ruby-colored stone in the usual form, but there are brown,
yellow, green and black varieties. It stands for constancy and fidelity
and is the month-stone of January.
_JADE._--A very hard stone, usually a rich green, but there are white
and other varieties. The Chinese considered that those who wore it
would be assured a long and contented life.
_JASPER._--An ornamental form of quartz, varying from a reddish-brown
to a brownish-black, usually streaked with other colors. It is
particularly hard, and this makes it a symbol of firmness and endurance.
_LAPIS LAZULI._--This heavenly blue stone is worn as a sign of truth
and honesty. The ancients considered that it would charm away certain
diseases.
_MOONSTONE._--Sometimes called the water opal, this whitish stone
reflects a bluish tinge. It is supposed to safeguard those who travel
to distant parts, especially if the journey is mostly by sea.
_OLIVINE._--A green form of chrysolite, which see.
_ONYX._--A form of agate in which the bandings of color are milk-white,
alternating with another hue. White and red bands produce the
stone known as the cornelian onyx: white and flesh colored bands,
chalcedonyx: and white and green bands, sardonyx. The latter is the
month-stone of August and stands for conjugal felicity.
_OPAL._--A semi-transparent stone, the most usual varieties being
whitish in color, but flashing various hues as the angle is changed.
The opal has been connected with more legends than, probably, any
other stone. To some it is a harbinger of bad luck, but most people
agree that it is a stone that brings good fortune to the wearer. It is
the month-stone of October. Then it denotes hope, it sharpens the sight
and the faith of the possessor. It is supposed to lose its flashing
qualities when worn by the unfaithful.
_PEARL._--A pearl is a symbol of purity and perfection, and, when given
to a lady, is said to inspire her love.
_PERIDOT._--A form of olivine or chrysolite. See "Chrysolite."
_PORPHYRY._--A stone which usually shows light red or white spots on a
background of deep red. There are green varieties, however. This stone,
when given to a lady, is a tribute to her beauty.
_RUBY._--A stone of deep, clear carmine color, when at its best. It is
the month-stone of July, and is supposed to correct evils resulting
from mistaken friendships.
_SAPPHIRE._--A beautiful blue stone which is reserved for those born
in September. It is usually supposed to bring good fortune to those in
love, but some people hold that it is a symbol of repentance.
_SARDONYX._--See "Onyx."
_TOPAZ._--A glassy stone, red, blue, yellow or green in color; but
amber is the most usual. It is the stone for those born in November,
and denotes fidelity and friendship.
_TURQUOISE._--A waxy bluish-green stone. It belongs to those born in
December and stands for prosperity in love.
_ZIRCON._--It is a stone of lustrous grey-black color. It is a symbol
of sympathy.