Gemstone Meanings, Boji Stones and more.

When I was younger, I used to collect gemstones, no, not the expensive ones like rubies and diamonds ;-) just ordinary gemstones like Amethysts, Lapis Lazuli and the like. I had quite a collection, and whilst doing so, acquired a lot of background knowledge about gemstones and the meanings they have in different cultures and traditions. As things, and life, goes on, I gave up collecting gemstones and settled instead for books, but until this day, they still fascinate me. Gemstone meanings were kind of taken over lately by the 'New Age' movement and the weird and wonderful, that attribute to them all kind of magical properties. Which is funny, because the history of gemstones, their cultural heritage and their use in traditional ceremonies is far more interesting, at least for me, than 'Amber is good against tinnitus' statements. No matter if you are a fan of jewelry, a gemstone collector or a New Age spiritualist, I am sure you will find at least some of the things in this article interesting. If you want to learn more about Gemstones and their meanings, have a look at the resources box further down on the right hand side which lists a range of good sources.

Gemstones, as defined by Wikipedia are 'a piece of mineral that is used to make jewelry and other adornments'. Sounds a bit boring, doesn't it? Let's try without wikipedia, shall we? A Gemstone is also called a gem, for short, or a precious or semi-precious stone that was given a certain meaning by different traditions and cultures. And not all of them are really stones. Pearls and amber (a fossil resin) are also counted as gemstones, even if they are not strictly speaking 'stones'. Further below you will find a long list of gemstones with their associated meanings, plus a list of birthstones also ;-) But here first a bit more of background information:

Gemstones are valued for different aspects, like their luster or the way they break and reflect the light. The rarer they are, the higher they are valued normally, but even very common 'stones' such as amethysts and amber are held in high esteem. In the end, it is not the market value alone that makes us cherish them, but the value of tradition, culture and sentiment we have for them. Distinguishing between precious and semi-precious stones doesn't make much sense when you have this attitude, as material value is far less important than the underlying meaning of the stone. But it is important to jewel investors ;-)

Precious and Semi-Precious Gemstones

In general, precious stones are considered to be diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, as well as pearl and opal in some cultures, whilst all other are considered to be semi-precious or less. Amethyst was once considered a precious stone, until huge resources of it have been discovered in South America, lowering its market value. For me it is still precious, because it is my birth stone several times over (see below for more information). Additional weight is put on the clarity of the stone (the 'water'), its color and eventual impurities. Also the later ones can actually increase the value and significance, as it happens with amber that has inclosed fossil insects and the like.

Interesting to know is also, that gemstones that look so differently like rubies and sapphires are actually the same material (corundum or aluminum oxide), they just look different because of minor amounts of different impurities they do contain. A completely different aspect of gemstones concerns the so-called 'asteria' which are star effects caused by the crystalline structure of the stone. Sapphires are famous for this and if you have the chance to look into a 'star sapphire', you will see the star shape kind of hovering inside the stone, a beautiful optical illusion. 'Star sapphires' are highly valued because of their rarity and often considered a 'love charm' or 'love sign' by gemstone lore. But as I said before, gemstones are not only valued because of their market price, they are also appreciated because of their aesthetic beauty and cultural significance.

Unfortunately natural occurring gemstones are often 'tricked' into appearing something else, with the help of heat treatments or even radiation. Whilst they might look like the 'real thing', they have been changed at a molecular level and can have never the significance of the ones they try to imitate, in my opinion. Same, also in my opinion, for artificially, or lab, created gemstones. They are a fraud as far as I am concerned. Great for cheap, affordable jewelry, but they don't carry the same meaning, at least not for me.

Two passages in the Bible, one in the Old, and one in the New Testament, make references to a series of precious stones. The breast plate of Aaron, the first High Priest of Israel, is described like this in Exodus 28:

“Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there was a Ruby, a Topaz and a Beryl; in the second row a Turquoise, a Sapphire and an Emerald; in the third row a Jacinth, an Agate and an Amethyst; in the fourth row a Chrysolite, an Onyx and a Jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree settings. There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.”

The Jewish historian Josephus, who lived in the first century of our era, interpreted them as signs for the twelve months (and the zodiac!) of the year as well as being symbols for the twelve tribes of Israel.

In the New Testament, the book of Revelation describes the new Jerusalem like this:

“And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was Jasper; the second, Sapphire; the third, a Chalcedony; the fourth, an Emerald. The fifth, Sardonyx; the sixth, Sardius; the seventh, Chrysolyte; the eighth, Beryl; the ninth, a Topaz; the tenth, a Chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a Jacinth; the twelfth, an Amethyst.”

Without going into too much detail, you should keep your gemstones in a storage solution that avoids that they scratch each other. You don't have to spend a lot of money on expensive presentation boxes that are lined out with velvet, in the beginning every plastic divider box can be used. Just make sure to put in a bit of colorless silk paper first to avoid that the stones 'rattle'. Later, as your collection grows and you acquire better and larger gemstones, you can always transfer your best pieces into an elegant presentation box. Keep your collection, when not on show, out of strong (sun)light and in an place that doesn't suffer from sudden changes in temperature or humidity. Some stones will need special conditions, such as a minimum humidity, but most gemstones will do just fine in a cool, dark, but well aired spot of your home. Others, like pearls, are less happy to be stored away, pearls like to be handled and worn to keep their shine and luster. But all this knowledge you will learn over time as you grow your collection and acquire more knowledge about them and about gemstone meanings!

Collecting gemstones doesn't have to be an expensive pastime. A good place to start is by buying a mix of gemstones at Amazon or Ebay. Buying first smaller, cheaper stones will give you the possibility to get accustomed to the look and feel of each gemstone variety and to learn more about them without spending large sums of money first. If you live close to an area where some varieties can be found, you should also explore the possibility of going on a gemstone dig yourself, but be sure that you have the permission of the landowner to do so! If you have the chance to join a group or association of hobby mineralogists and / or gemstone collectors that meet regularly, that is also a great way to learn more about your new pastime. And last, but not least, there are a lot of good books around that help you with gemstone identification and give you more background information about them.

Birth stones are connected to the moment of birth, being it day, month or year. The time of your birth, defines the stone that becomes your 'birth stone' or 'birth gemstone'. Below a short list of them, for further details regarding each gemstone, see exhaustive list below. Historically this tradition has developed with the Gregorian calendar, at least in the western world. The stone in question was given to the child at baptism and acquired so a significance for its whole life. On the right hand side of this article, you'll find an old poem that was first published by Tiffany&Co in 1870, describing which stone should be matched to which month for each person. Interesting enough it only concentrates on birthstones for women ;-)

Whilst Birthstones are a western, and especially a Polish, tradition, the idea also exists in Asia. But first a list of modern birthstones and zodiac stones, published by, and agreed upon, the Jewelers of America Association:

• Garnet - Aquarius (20^th January 20 to 18th February)
• Aquamarine - Pisces (19^th February to 20^th March)
• Diamond - Aries (21^st March to 19^th April)
• Sapphire - Taurus (20^th April to 20^th May)
• Agate - Gemini (21^st - 20^th June)
• Emerald - Cancer (21^st June 21 to 22^nd July)
• Onyx - Leo (23^rd July to 22^nd August)
• Carnelian - Virgo (23^rd August to 22^nd September)
• Peridot - Libra (23^rd September to 22^nd October)
• Beryl - Scorpio (23^rd October to 21^st November)
• Topaz - Sagittarius (22^nd November to 21^st December)
• Ruby - Capricorn (22^nd December to 19^th January)

Another way of looking at gemstones connected to the moment of birth, the following are symbols of the actual weekday a person was born:

• Monday: Pearl
• Tuesday: Garnet
• Wednesday: Cat's-eye or Tiger's Eye
• Thursday: Emerald
• Friday: Topaz
• Saturday: Sapphire
• Sunday: Ruby

By her who in January was born, no gem save garnets shall be worn. They will ensure her constancy, true friendship and fidelity.

The February born shall find sincerity and peace of mind, freedom from passion and from care, if they, the amethyst will wear.

Who in this world of ours their eyes, in March first open shall be wise, in days of peril firm and brave and wear a aquamarine to their grave.

She who from April dates her years, diamond shall wear, lest bitter tears for vain repentance flow: this stone, emblem of innocence is known.

Who first beholds the light of day in spring's sweet, flower month of May and wears an emerald all her life shall be a loved and happy wife.

Who comes with summer to this earth and owes to June her hour of birth, with ring of pearl on her hand, can health, wealth, and long life command.

The gleaming ruby should adorn, all those who in July are born, for thus they'll be exempt and free, from love's doubts and anxiety.

Wear a sardonyx, or for thee, no conjugal fidelity, the August born without this stone, `Tis said, must live unloved and lone.

A maiden born when autumn leaves are rustling in September's breeze, a sapphire on her brow should bind; to bring her joy and peace of mind.

October's child is born for woe, and life's vicissitudes must know, but lay an opal on her breast and hope will lull those woes to rest.

Who first comes to this world below in dreary November's fog and snow, should prize the topaz amber hue, emblem of friends and lovers true.

If cold December gave you birth the month of snow and ice and mirth place on your hand a turquoise blue; success will bless whate'er you do.

The Ayurveda, an ancient Asian medicine school, recognizes the following relations between birth and gemstones:

• January - Garnet
• February - Amethyst
• March - Bloodstone (Hematite)
• April - Diamond
• May - Agate
• June - Pearl
• July - Ruby
• August - Sapphire
• September - Moonstone
• October - Opal
• November - Topaz
• December - Ruby

Disclaimer: The following paragraph about Boji Stones (TM), and this whole article about Gemstone Meanings for that matter, is purely my opinion, based on my own research of the available material. No responsibility can be taken by me for what readers do with the information contained in them.

First of all, Boji (TM) is not a scientific name for any stone, but a registered trademark, which means that nobody else than the Boji Inc. is allowed to sell stones, or anything else for that matter, under this name. Before I explain further why I believe that Boji Stones (TM) are a scam, or at least a very successful marketing story, here some scientific background information about them. Boji Stones (TM) are also known under the following, not trademark protected as far as I know, names: 'Pop-Rocks', 'Living Stones' or simply 'Pyrite'. If you are able to read German, the following website explains the truth rather nicely ;-) Edelstein Datenbank about Pop Rocks.

So what is the fuss all about?

Boji (TM) is NOT a scientific name for a stone, it is a registered trademark in the USA (1990), Germany (1996) and, most likely also in other countries. Geologically and mineralogically they are simple pyrites in ball or spheric form. Also known under the name of Pop-Rocks (they do explode, 'pop', when thrown into a fire) these stones are sold as having astonishing properties, such as to be alive. Commonly sold in pairs or 'couples', they are said to come in female (rounder) and male (edgier) versions. Nobody has seen so far Boji Stone (TM) Babies, and procreation is one of the scientific evidences and proofs for considering something to be a life form ;-) If you want to read the 'True Story' behind their 'discovery' look at their own website for some real fairy tales.

Back to science, these stones originated in a process when fossil matter decayed on the bottom of prehistoric oceans. Sulfur was set free and, under the anaerobic conditions there, the sulfur (Hydrogensulfid to be exact) reacted with iron and iron composites and formed spherical Pyrites. More background information about Pyrites can be found at Wikipedia here. After the mud on the prehistoric ocean bottom was compressed over time to clay sediment, the resulting Pyrite stayed enclosed until the tectonic movements rose the ancient ocean bottoms to the surface and erosion set them free again. They were often, due to the influence of air oxygen, subsequently covered in Limonite which is converted Pyrite in very simple 'lay man' terms.

Pop-Rocks can be found all over North America, but especially in the half-deserts of Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas, but they are also found in some parts of Europe, like France and Germany. Depending on how they weathered and / or eroded, they are either covered by a smoother (so-called 'female Bojis (TM)') or an edgier, more cubic (so-called 'male bojis) material and their colors vary between gray and brown shades and sometimes have also 'sulphur blossoms' on the surface where the sulphur leaves the stone, a sign of the ongoing decay of the Boji Stones (TM).

So-called Rainbow-Bojis (TM) (yes, another registered trademark ;-)) don't occur in nature, they are artificially manufactured by heating Pyrite, Pop-Rocks, and treating them with oxidants or even by simply painting them.

Pop-Rocks never had a big significance on the gemstone market, other than cowboys, Indians and children throwing them into fires and enjoying the 'pop', until Boji Inc. started their massive marketing campaign, promoting them especially in New Age and other esoteric circles. Sold as 'living beings' and declared to be 'real pets', they encountered an enthusiastic welcome and sold like 'hot cakes', if you forgive the pun.

Boji Inc.'s claims they are not Pyrites and have noting to do with the identical looking Pop-Rocks, were proven wrong by mineralogical lab tests at the University of Bochum (Germany) in 1997. By claiming that Boji Stones (TM) are different from other Pyrites, such as Pop-Rocks, Boji Inc. tries since many years to gain a market monopoly for this kind of 'wonder stone'.

The Fairy Tales

There are many stories about Boji Stones (TM) on the internet, both on the companies homepage as in esoteric and New Age forum and on similar sites. Claims made by different sources include:

Boji Stones (TM) are of extraterrestrial origin.
Mineralogical test have proven that they are a mineral formed from prehistoric sediments. No element has been found in them, that could serve as a proof for an extraterrestrial origin and they are clearly not meteorites.

Boji Stones (TM) are found in the exact middle of North America, its epicenter or even along leylines.
They are found in places where the earth surface is now what once was a prehistoric ocean bottom, lifted up by tectonic activities many million years ago.

Boji Stones (TM) are called by native, North American, Indians also 'Moquis' which translates to 'faithful friend'.

I could find no source from which native, Indian language these terms were translated into English. An internet search for the term showed that Moquis is indeed another name used for the Hopi tribes of Arizona. In my opinion, it is likely that members of the same tribe would refer to each other as 'faithful friends'.

Boji Stones (TM) are living beings that should be treated like pets.

The simplest scientific requirements for living beings are: procreation, movement and metabolism. Nobody has ever seen Boji Stone (TM) babies (no procreation), they don't move from alone and they don't eat or drink.

Boji Stones (TM) are the solution to all evil in the world, if everybody would have one; Greed, Aggressiveness, Wars and Poverty would disappear from the face of the earth.

It would be nice if solving the problems of the world would be so easy, and if they have such a noble influence, why are they then sold for over the top prices and not given away as a gift to humanity?

Gemstones Meaning for Boji Stones (TM)

In my opinion, in the best of cases a genius marketing campaign, in the worst of cases a fraud to make you pay over the top for a simple pyrite that is available for a few bucks elsewhere. Boji Stone (TM) prices are typically at least ten times higher as Pyrite prices, and both are exactly the same mineral.

Whilst researching for this article, I came across another 'weird and wonderful' gemstone, the so-called Rainbow Mayanite Quartz. Claims about its 'magical' properties can be summarized as follows: A new New Age and Healing Stone that helps the wearer to survive 2012! Now, without going into too much discussion about the whole '2012 hype', this stone is nor a new discovery nor magically displays a rainbow. The truth why some varieties of Quartz can display a rainbow phenomena is nicely, and scientifically, explained here Rainbow Quartz Article by an experienced gemstone hunter and mineralogist. I recommend his site for everybody that wants to get started with digging for their own gemstones, read especially the articles about how to treat (and not to treat!) the stones you found as some crystal will break soon after you take them out of the earth if you don't care right for them.