A Bit of November Lore

 

A Bit of November Lore

In 1863, Abraham Lincoln, declared the last Thursday of November to be a National Day of Thanksgiving.

 

 

Who first come to this world below,

With drear November’s fog, and snow,

Should prize the Topaz’s amber hue,

Emblem of friends and lovers true.

 

 

Modern Birthstone:  Topaz or Citrine

Zodiac (Scorpio): Beryl

 

 

“The name ‘November’ is believed to derive from ‘novem’ which is the Latin for the number ‘nine’.  In the ancient Roman calendar November was the ninth month after March.  As part of the seasonal calendar November is the time of the ‘Snow Moon’ according to Pagan beliefs and the period described as the ‘Moon of the Falling Leaves’ 


by Black Elk.”

–   Mystical WWW

 

 

T   hanks for time to be together, turkey, talk, and tangy weather.
H  
for harvest stored away, home, and hearth, and holiday.
A  
for autumn’s frosty art, and abundance in the heart.
N  
for neighbors, and November, nice things, new things to remember.
K  
for kitchen, kettles’ croon, kith and kin expected soon.
S  
for sizzles, sights, and sounds, and something special that about.
That spells THANKS for joy in living and a jolly good Thanksgiving.
 


–   Aileen Fisher, All in a Word

 

 

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Gemstone of the Day for 3/26 is Aquamarine

 

Gemstone of the Day

Aquamarine – a symbol of beauty, honesty, and loyalty.

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Stone’s names:–>Color: Aquamarines are found in a range of blue shades, from the palest pastel to greenish-blue to a deep blue. While the choice of color is largely a matter of taste, the deeper blue gems are more rare. Aquamarine is a pastel gemstone, and while color can be quite intense in larger gemstones, the smaller Aquamarines are often less vivid.

Description: Be3Al3(SiO3)6 Aquamarine is pale greenish blue or bluish green variety of beryl. Beryl is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminum silicate, a commercial source of beryllium. It has long been of interest because several varieties are valued as gemstones. These are aquamarine, emerald and heliodor. Aquamarine is the most common variety of gem beryl, it occurs in pegmatite, in which it forms much larger and clearer crystals than emerald.

The name’s origin: Aquamarine name is derived from Latin words meaning sea and water, therefore name “aquamarine” means sea water.

Birthstone: Aquamarine along with bloodstone are birthstones of Pisces (Fish): Feb. 19 – March 20.

Wedding anniversary: Aquamarine is the anniversary gemstone for the 16th and 19th year of marriage.
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Varieties:
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Care and treatment: As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect aquamarine from scratches and sharp blows. Keep aquamarine jewelry in the dark place, as it often becomes paler if left out in the sun. Clean your Aquamarine in ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush.
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From the stone history:
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Shopping guide: Aquamarine is a beautiful affordable gemstone found in a range of blue shades. The highest quality aquamarine is transparent. Aquamarine is a hard gemstone making it a good choice for jewelry that is worn frequently like aquamarine rings. However due to its delicate color and clarity it is best displayed in a more prominent position such as in earrings and pendants.
A nice, medium dark blue aquamarine is a perfect gift for any occasion, but especialy for weddings, as aquamarine is a symbol of beauty, honesty, and loyalty. When buying aquamarine jewelry for yourself, note that wearring aquamarine in earrings brings love and affection.
In its finest color aquamarine will be a rather dark blue, rivaling a nice medium blue <!––>sapphire. But they are rare and expensive. Be ware far too many blue topaz have been sold as aquamarines, as blue topaz is much cheaper.
For many years aquamarine is a favorite of many consumers.

Healing ability: Aquamarine works against nerve pain, glandular problems, toothache, and disorders of the neck, jaw and throat. It strengthens liver and kidneys. Aquamarine diminishes problems with eyes, ears and stomach, relieves cough. Moreover, aquamarine protects from perils of the sea, including seasickness. It is said to help ease depression and grief.

Mystical power: Aquamarine has a soothing effect on “just married” couples, assisting them in working out their differences and insuring a long and happy marriage. Aquamarine is said to re-awaken love in long-married couples and signify the making of new friends.
It also provides courage and strengthens the will. Aquamarine protects against the wiles of the devil. Others say that the Aquamarine is an excellent stone for meditation.

Deposits: Aquamarine is found in Brazil, India, Russia (Ural mountains) and USA (Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, North Carolina, Colorado and Vermont). Aquamarines are mined in a number of exotic places including Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique. Brazil is the source of the finest aquamarines.