All sorts of magic and symbolic properties have been ascribed to gemstones through the ages; for example, the cat’s-eye has been prescribed as a cure for paleness, citrine has been worn as a protection from danger, and the opal cherished as the symbol of hope. The result has been the creation of an intricate, chaotic, and contradictory but interesting mass of gem lore.

Among the treasures in the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History is a very old silver breastplate that once was in an ancient synagogue and supposedly was modeled after the one worn by Aaron, the first high priest of the Hebrews. In this plate are mounted twelve stones representing the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Among Christians, the Twelve Apostles also were represented symbolically by precious stones.

THE TWELVE TRIBES

Levi, Garnet

Zebulon, Diamond

Gad, Amethyst

Benjamin, Jasper

Simeon, Chrysolite

Issachar, Sapphire

Naphtali, Agate

Joseph, Onyx

Reuben, Sard

Judah, Emerald

Dan, Topaz

Asher, Beryl

THE TWELVE APOSTLES

Peter, Jasper

Andrew, Sapphire

James, Chalcedony

John, Emerald

Philip, Sardonyx

Bartholomew, Sard

Matthew, Chrysolite

Thomas, Beryl

James the Less, Topaz

Jude, Chrysoprase

Simon, Hyacinth

Judas, Amethyst

The number “12” seems to follow a chain of gemstone superstitions. Gemstones were considered to have mystical relationship not only with the Twelve Tribes and the Twelve Apostles but also with the Twelve Angels, the Twelve Ranks of the Devil, and the Twelve Parts of the human body.

Some stones were even endowed with astrological significance and were believed to be in sympathy with the twelve zodiacal signs. On the basis of an elaborate system of prognostications, an astrologer was considered able to foretell future events by proper observance of changes in hue and brilliance of the symbolic stones.

Aries the Ram, Bloodstone

Taurus the Bull, Sapphire

Gemini the Twins, Agate

Cancer the Crab, Emerald

Leo the Lion, Onyx

Virgo the Virgin, Carnelian

Libra the Scales, Chrysolite

Scorpio the Scorpion, Aquamarine

Sagittarius the Archer, Topaz

Capricornus the Goat, Ruby

Aquarius the Water Bearer, Garnet

Pisces the Fishes, Amethyst

Perhaps in our own space-oriented times the ancient superstitions sympathetically relating certain gemstones with the planets will be revived. In the distant past, moonstone, topaz, and other white stones were believed to be in sympathy with the Moon, diamond and ruby with the Sun, jasper and emerald with Mars, amethyst, topaz, and emerald with Venus, carnelian, topaz, and amethyst with Jupiter, turquoise and sapphire with Saturn, and rock crystal, agate, and emerald with Mercury. Since Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were unknown to the ancients, these planets have not been represented by gemstones.

Of special interest to the American public are birthstones. Many birthstone lists have been proposed, and in order to use this idea to popularize gemstones the American jewelry industry has agreed upon an official list. This list has served to bring about some uniformity in the selection of birthstones for the twelve months.

January, Garnet

February, Amethyst

March, Aquamarine or Bloodstone

April, Diamond

May, Emerald

June, Moonstone or Pearl

July, Ruby

August, Peridot or Sardonyx

September, Sapphire

October, Opal or Tourmaline

November, Topaz or Citrine

December, Turquoise or Lapis lazuli

All these associations and strange beliefs have served to create in the general public a mental image of gemstones that gives to them an increased exoticism and mysterious appeal far exceeding their monetary value.