The diamond, which is the traditional April birthstone and has special significance for anyone born in that month, is said to improve relationships and give the wearer more inner strength.
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Are there two birthstones for April?
The fact that there is no universal consensus on what each birthstone should be and that most sources include different stones for the same month is one of the fascinating aspects about birthstones! Different cultures have created unique birthstone calendars, which have frequently been updated and modified over time. The benefit of this for modern consumers is the ability to select from a variety of stones depending on your taste, ethical priorities, and financial constraints during specific months of the year. As an example, April was once thought to just have one birthstone, the diamond, but there are really four others that have been connected to the month throughout history and are also worthy of consideration. The recent association of diamonds with “conflict” or “blood” stones, which have been used to finance organized crime, bloodshed, insurrection, and civil war in many poor countries, most notably in Africa, has damaged diamond’s reputation as a gemstone. In addition, the manufacture of diamonds has allegedly engaged in labor abuse and damaged the environment at several production sites. Furthermore, throughout the past century or so, De Beers has marketed diamonds shrewdly, which has increased demand while purposefully reducing supply, which has led to an increase in pricing. For these reasons, some people have opted to forego using diamonds as the birthstone for April in favor of four fascinating substitutes that have established their legitimacy as genuine April birthstones: White topaz, quartz, opal, and sapphire.
(The birthstone calendar with a “conventional” design that most people are accustomed to)
Some of these jewels have been used as April birthstones since ancient civilizations in antiquity, long before diamonds were used. One such illustration is the over 3,500-year-old Ayurvedic birthstone calendar from ancient India. Additionally, more recently, some stones that resemble diamonds have been added. The notion that birthstones bring luck and wealth to their owners is the major characteristic that unites all birthstones. The quantity (or lack thereof) of specific gemstones in the environment surrounding each civilization heavily influenced many of the ancient birthstones, and this surely had an impact on the modern birthstone calendars. The American National Association of Jewellers made the first attempt to standardize the birthstone calendar in 1912. Since then, other additional gemmological associations have created their own calendars, the most contemporary of which frequently mention “alternative or “secondary birthstone alternatives for specific months. Although some calendars do identify diamond as the lone birthstone for April, this is mostly due to the stone’s aggressive marketing and enduring vogue during the previous century. In many ancient societies, sapphire and opal, two of the four alternate April birthstones, were well-established for the month of April long before diamond. Due to their physical similarities to diamond and ability to provide eye-clean color and scintillation (or “sparkle”) at a considerably lower cost, white topaz and quartz were added more recently.
(Sapphire is frequently linked to September, but historically, it was an April birthstone.)
The ancient Roman, Slavic, Hebrew, and Arabic calendars all recognized sapphire as the birthstone for April. It is true that a ruby is essentially a red “sapphire” because both are members of the corundum family of gemstones, which also contains sapphire (whereas a sapphire may be found in a spectrum of colours, including blue, pink, yellow, orange, green, black and white). The most common sapphire is blue, but pink, green, and yellow sapphires are also becoming more popular. According to legend, sapphire helps alleviate tension and anxiety while promoting inner calm and tranquillity. This mysterious stone has also been connected to easing anxiety and tension as well as promoting spiritual awakening. In the traditional Tibetan calendar, opal was regarded as the birthstone for April ” (sometimes referred to as the “mystical birthstone calendar in ancient writings). Beautiful opal is known for reflecting a rainbow of colors, a phenomenon brought on by layers of silica contained in the stone’s physical structure. Opals must be handled carefully because they are a delicate gemstone. It is a “mineraloid, a “amorphous stone without a crystalline structure, in chemical words. Opal was treasured by the ancient Greeks as a source of wisdom, while the Romans saw it as a representation of optimism and purity. Opal is highly prized nowadays for its aesthetic appeal and its reflecting properties. Additionally, according to some spiritualists, it enables people to communicate their ideas and emotions more clearly and honestly.
Although white topaz has not historically been associated with April, it is now, partly because of its physical resemblance to diamond. The simplicity with which cutters can facet white topaz to produce stunning scintillation is one of its primary qualities. Topaz is said to aid its possessor in letting go of negative energy and imprisoning thoughts. Due to its physical closeness to topaz, quartz is also a well-liked substitute for diamond and is notably well-liked as the April birthstone in the UK. Quartz is a mineral that comes in a wide range of colors, but the one that is most closely associated with April is the white or colorless variety. Quartz is considered to inspire creativity. The Herkimer Diamond is a very unique member of the quartz family. In reality, Herkimer diamonds are a type of quartz that can only be discovered in Herkimer County, New York State, in the United States. They got the name “diamond due to the fact that they resemble the precious stone closely and form as double terminated crystals, or diamond-shaped crystals. It is comforting to know that there is a variety of birthstones available with varied degrees of historical links and contemporary spiritual interpretations for people for whom the month of April holds special significance. The most important factor is that you select a stone that you are drawn to and feel a connection to.
What actual birthstone does April have?
One of the most coveted and adored jewels in the world, diamond sparkles with a fire of its own. This brilliant jewel, which represents strength and clarity, is the lucky birthstone of April babies. The word “diamond” derives from the Greek word “adamas,” which means “invincible or unbreakable,” due to how strong it is. Long before it was designated as the birthstone for April, people admired diamonds for their eternal beauty. The origins of diamond are just as intriguing as the legends that surround them.
Diamond
Both a modern and traditional birthstone are diamonds for April. The eternal love sign has endured through the ages and is still listed as the birthstone for April.
The word “diamond” derives from the Greek “adamas,” which means “unsurmountable; indestructible.” It takes billions of years for a diamond to develop naturally. Despite the fact that there are other things to take into account, diamonds are typically thought of as being more expensive than other jewels.
Diamond is a translucent crystalline form of carbon that is four times harder than corundum and has the same chemical make-up as corundum. It is among the world’s toughest naturally occurring materials.
Due to its high difficulty, diamond cutting demands skill and understanding. One-carat diamonds can only be created from one in a million raw diamonds. The “Golden Jubilee” now holds the record for largest cut diamond in the world. Gabriel Tolkowsky carved and polished the 755-carat rough stone. He spent two years creating the largest cut diamond in the world. Because it was given as a present to the King of Thailand for his 50th Coronation Anniversary in 1997, the diamond was given the name “Golden Jubilee.”
Along with representing love, diamonds also stand for power, tenacity, bravery, elegance, and luxury. Wearing a diamond is advantageous since it is thought to make you physically stronger. The energy that fosters mental clarity and aids in overcoming challenges and hardships in life is said to be carried by diamond. It makes sense that diamond, one of the world’s hardest materials, is also said to be a protective gemstone that shields the wearer from harm and curses. For instance, it is said that diamond can protect you from the evil eye’s curse. An unknown poet from the second century BCE stated the following regarding this particular diamond myth:
Diamond has been the most popular gem for wedding bands and engagement rings for more than 500 years. This custom can be dated back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond engagement ring to Mary, Duchess of Burgundy, in medieval Europe. Numerous affluent people and even royalty were inspired by this. Later, as diamond became more widely available (though it was still pricey), it spread among common people.
Sapphire
The traditional April birthstone is sapphire. Because its legacy as an April gem dates back to the Renaissance era, some people refer to it as the “old April birthstone.” The fate of April borns and sapphire is entwined through decades of history, and it isn’t something you can just shake off. Today, sapphire may be better recognized as the September birthstone. Sapphire’s status as the birthstone for April was acknowledged in Tiffany’s birthstone poem from 1907 (see the beginning of this article).
Although sapphire comes in a variety of hues, blue is the most well-known. As a result of the existence of several chemical components, sapphire can take on any color. Other sapphire colors include yellow, purple, green, brown, violet, orange, pink, colorless, and black in addition to blue sapphires.
The enigmaticly captivating black sapphire is a corundum variation. It comes in two different forms: semitransparent and opaque. The largest black star sapphire in the world, weighing 733 carats, was discovered in an Australian mine. A special type of sapphire called a star sapphire has a striking star pattern that appears to float on its surface. Harry Kazanjian chose to sacrifice more than 400 carats in order to preserve the star pattern on the unusual diamond when he cut it.
In contrast to its contemporary counterpart diamond, sapphire has a different significance and connotation. Although sapphires are sometimes said to offer protection to their wearers, they are more commonly associated with honesty, sincerity, intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, and dignity. Sapphire also has a spiritual significance because it was thought to represent heaven. Because of this, clerics in the Middle Ages wore sapphires.
Given its favorable vibrational patterns, sapphire is a suitable gift for April babies.
What shade represents April?
The diamond is the traditional and recognized birthstone for the month of April. The alternate April birthstone is any transparent stone, such as sparkling quartz, and the April birthstone is clear or white.
Zodiac birthstones include diamond for the Aries star sign (Mar 21Apr 20) and rock crystal (quartz) for the Pisces star sign (Feb 20 – Mar 20). The Sweet Pea and Daisy, which are the birthflowers for April, are additional birthday emblems.
Engagement and wedding rings typically contain diamonds, which represent passion and enduring love. They are the most popular gemstone in the world and are valued based on the four “Cs”: carat weight, clarity, color, and cut.
Diamond jewelry is a thoughtful present for a memorable birthday in April as well as for 10th, 60th, and 75th wedding anniversaries.
Watch the brief educational movies below to learn more about the background, meaning, and characteristics of diamonds and quartz.
What other gemstone is the birthstone for April?
Alternatives to Diamonds as April Birthstones White topaz and quartz, two of the most common diamond substitute gemstones, are also the alternate birthstones for April. Quartz and topaz both have a range of color development.
Is white topaz a birthstone for April?
With the arrival of spring, the month of April ushers in new life and warmer temperatures.
People born in April are classified according to astrology as either the Aries ram or the Taurus bull.
The birthstone for both of these zodiac signs is White Topaz.
It’s interesting to note that this stone strongly correlates with the recognized elements of Aries and Taurus, namely Fire and Earth, respectively.
White topaz, also known as pure topaz, is characteristically appropriate for the purity connected with nascent life in the Springtime and is dripping with historical history. Rogers & Brooke is offering 10% off any White Topaz jewelry designs in honor of the arrival of spring and all April birthdays.
For the entire month of April, Rogers & Brooke Jewelers is offering 10% off white topaz jewelrySome exclusions may apply. See store for details.
The Flying Rams (Aries), who might be born between April 1 and April 19, are distinguished by their ability to think strategically and for having a strong sense of enthusiasm, tenacity, and exuberant optimism. The Wandering Bulls (Taurus), who complete the month of April from the 20th to the 30th, are regarded as very pragmatic and frequently serve as a voice of reason in the middle of unwholesome and chaotic conditions. Taurus is grounded, steady, and realistic, in contrast to Aries’ usual boldness, sincerity, and self-assurance. Taurus is committed and patient, whereas Aries is tenacious and eager. Taurus is loving, whereas Aries is passionate. While Taurus belongs to the Earth element and Aries to the Fire element, both signs can relate to the White Topaz birthstone through the elements.
THE HISTORY OF WHITE TOPAZ
The history of the topaz gemstone itself is extensive and may be found all over the world. It’s unclear where the name “Topaz” came from. Some suggest that the name derives from the Sanskrit word “tapas,” which means “fire,” while others assert that it is derived from the Red Sea island of Topazos, with “Topazos” meaning “to seek” in Greek. According to legend, the sun god Ra and his golden radiance gave topaz its hue. It is also recorded that the Greeks believed topaz could provide its users special abilities like strength and invisibility. The stone was connected to Jupiter, the sun deity of the Romans. When pink topaz was discovered in Russia in the 1800s, it was so prized that only the Czar, his family, and a small group of people he presented pink topaz to were permitted to own it.
According to myths and folklore, topaz is a gemstone with various mystical properties that are said to increase and fall with the moon’s phases. It is regarded as a potent stone of healing and is claimed to reduce anxiety and sadness while enhancing mental clarity. Topaz is most well-known, however, for its alleged capacity to foster the wearer’s personal achievement and creativity. Topaz was allegedly one of the stones in the high priest’s breastplate from the Bible.
The Smithsonian Institution and the American Museum of Natural History in New York each have numerous magnificent cuts or rough stones on display, while the Portuguese Crown has a massive specimen set of topaz.
GAINING CLARITY ON WHITE TOPAZ
Although topaz that has been naturally created (in the earth of Taurus) can appear in light tints of yellow, brown, grey, violet, pink, and milky green, these gemstones are not thought of as genuine topaz. In reality, impurities in nature, flaws in the crystal structure, or heat treatment (Aries’ fire) are what cause the hue of any topaz stone. Given that topaz stones do not generally occur in nature, experts have used a variety of techniques to produce vibrantly colored stones for jewelry applications. Topaz is a magnificent and dazzling colorless gemstone also known as White Topaz when it is fully pure and unaffected. Brazil is where topaz gemstones are currently most commonly found. However, Texas, Colorado, and Topaz Mountain in Utah are other sources of topaz.
White Topaz is a very tough silicate stone with a MOHS hardness of 8.
Fashioned stones frequently lack obvious faults and have a “vitreous sheen,” or a glassy look, as a result of being colorless.
White Topaz is frequently used as a diamond alternative in the jewelry business because it has a clarity similar to diamonds at a considerably lower price range.
What stone was my birthstone?
According to calendar months, birthstones are categorized as follows:
- birthstone for January is garnet.
- Birthstone for February is amethyst.
- Birthstone for March is aquamarine.
- Diamond, which symbolizes April.
- Emerald, May’s birthstone.
- June’s birthstone is pearl.
- Ruby, birthstone for July.
- Birthstone for August: peridot.
What color is Taurus’ birthstone?
The earthy, grounded color of Taurus is green. Given that fresh green is a symbol of unwavering advancement, it should come as no surprise that it feeds the Taurus spirit and strengthens a bond with nature and growth. This sign enjoys watching things flourish and grow. The reappearance of green in the springtime strengthens the association with this sign that suggests someone who is still a child at heart. Possess you a green thumb? Do you like to dig in the garden? Or do you enjoy taking care of a few houseplants? You might be shocked by how “getting your green on” might bring you back to reality. Ideally, ground oneself by using the
Emerald or diamond is the birthstone for Taurus?
Each Zodiac sign has a different set of crystals and gemstones linked with it. Knowing which gemstone to carry with you and wear will help you attract positive energies into your life as well as help you drive away bad energy and give you a newfound sense of freedom. The Emerald is predominantly the birthstone for Taurus. But this star sign is also linked to a variety of other treasures.
The second sign of the zodiac is Taurus, which is born between April 20 and May 20. Its association with crystals and stones is even more significant because it is an earth sign. All of the stones for Taurus relate to the traits of those who were born under this sign.
Learn more about these and determine which stone for Taurus is best for you or a friend who was born under this sign.
