Ever since time began, it has been a common belief that people derived luck and good fortune by wearing precious stones. A stone, however, that brought luck to one person might be ineffective when worn by someone else. Thus everybody is required to find out which stone he or she must wear in order to enjoy the utmost good fortune.

As a rule, the stone which any particular person must choose is decided by the month in which that individual was born. But this it not invariably the case. Many people have noticed that luck has come to them when they have been wearing some other stone than that decreed by their birth-month. And, of course, the opposite has often happened. History records a well-known case in point. The Hope diamond, for instance, wrecked the lives of several royal personages, even including some that were born in April; while an opal, possessed by members of the Spanish royal family, brought disaster to many people, one after the other, although certain of them were born in October.

Clearly, then, the proper thing is for all of us to choose our lucky stone according to our own preferences; but failing any definite preference to select it according to the month of our birth.

STONES OF THE MONTHS

Twelve verses of poetry have been written which set down in rhyme the stones for all the months of the year. Here they are:—

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

AN ABC OF PRECIOUS STONES

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.