Here are some fascinating facts about the myths and legends surrounding blue gemstones, particularly Sapphires, Turquoise, and Aquamarine:
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- Sky and Earth: Some ancient Persians believed the sky’s blue color was a reflection of a gigantic blue sapphire that the Earth rested upon.
- Stone of Destiny: Star sapphires were known as the “Stone of Destiny” in Christian mythology. Their star-like pattern was believed to represent faith, destiny, and hope, and they were used as talismans against evil spirits.
- Divine Favor and Wisdom: Blue sapphires were associated with attracting divine favor, promoting wisdom, and providing protection from envy and harm.
- Healing Properties: In folklore, blue sapphires were believed to have various healing powers, including curing eye ailments, stopping nosebleeds, and treating sores and boils.
- Love and Commitment: Blue sapphires have become popular choices for engagement rings, symbolizing love, loyalty, and commitment. The iconic engagement ring of Princess Diana, now worn by Kate Middleton, features a blue sapphire.
- Not Just Blue: A common myth is that sapphires only come in blue. However, they exist in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, green, and the rare padparadscha, a blend of pink and orange.
- Associated with Saturn: In Vedic astrology, blue sapphire is believed to be ruled by the planet Saturn and is worn to remove its harmful effects and bring blessings.
- Love Charm: Some believed turquoise was a love charm, and a gift of turquoise jewelry symbolized a man’s pledge of love.
- Rain and Hunting: Many Native Americans believed turquoise could bring rain and ensure accurate aim when hunting.
- Earth and Sky: In some Native American cultures, the blue color of turquoise symbolizes the sky, and the green symbolizes the Earth.
- Protection and Wisdom: Turquoise was believed to protect the wearer, instill tranquility, and promote wisdom.
- Symbol of Friendship and Happiness: Turquoise is widely known as a symbol of friendship and happiness.
- Sailor’s Gem: Roman mythology associated Aquamarine with Neptune, god of the sea, and it became known as the “sailor’s gem,” believed to protect sailors from sea monsters and sickness.
- Reawakening Love: Aquamarine is said to reawaken love in married couples, making it a popular 19th anniversary gift.
- Protection at Sea: Ancient Greek sailors wore aquamarine talismans and even threw them into the sea to appease Poseidon and ensure safe passage.
- Lapis Lazuli: This stone, also known as “sapphirus” in ancient times, was believed to have spiritual significance and was used in ancient Egypt for amulets and jewelry. It was also used to create the beautiful blue pigment ultramarine.
- Blue Topaz: This stone has been used as a talisman for protection and strength by ancient Egyptians and Greeks.
- Tanzanite: This stone is known for its trichroism, exhibiting different colors when viewed from various angles. It is also the only place in the world where tanzanite is found.
General Blue Gemstone Symbolism:
- Tranquility and Peace: Blue gemstones, with their serene colors resembling the sky and ocean, are often associated with calmness, tranquility, and peace.
- Communication and Self-Expression: They are believed to enhance communication skills and allow for clearer expression of thoughts and feelings, with some associated with the throat chakra.
- Intuition and Wisdom: Deeper blue gems are often linked to the third eye chakra, promoting intuition, insight, and wisdom.
- Purity and Modesty: Some cultures see blue gemstones as symbolizing purity and modesty.
- Healing: Many believe blue gemstones promote physical healing, emotional well-being, and even spiritual growth.
Specific Blue Gemstone Myths & Trivia:
- Sapphire:
- Historically connected with royalty and protection from harm.
- Associated with the Greek god Apollo and the Oracle at Delphi.
- Ancient Persians believed the sky’s blue color came from the reflection of a giant sapphire pedestal supporting the earth.
- Mentioned in the Bible, potentially referring to Lapis Lazuli, and linked to the clergy.
- Associated with healing eye problems and acting as an antidote to poison.
- Star Sapphires: Believed to represent Faith, Hope, and Destiny.
- The “Star of India,” a large Star Sapphire, was stolen but recovered.
- Associated with September as a birthstone and linked to Taurus.
- Lapis Lazuli:
- Used in ancient Egypt for various purposes, including cosmetics, emblems of truth, and inlays on the death mask of Tutankhamun.
- Legends tell of King Solomon receiving a Lapis Lazuli ring from an angel, granting him power over demons.
- Historically used in exorcisms by grinding it into a powder and applying it to the head of the possessed person.
- Used by artists during the Renaissance, like Michelangelo, to create blue pigments.
- Modern associations include healing, love, peace, wisdom, and promoting psychic ability.
- Aquamarine:
- Sailors in the past believed it could protect them during voyages.
- Said to promote courage and inner strength.
- Turquoise:
- Known as “mefkat,” meaning “gem of joy,” by the ancient Egyptians.
- Valued for its therapeutic and metaphysical qualities.
- Plays a pivotal role in Native American folklore, with legends of the goddess Estsanatlehi (Changing Woman) and tears turning into turquoise.
- Kyanite:
- Said to bring clarity and help in letting go of painful experiences.
- The official gemstone of Finland.
- Sometimes called “the dream stone” for its ability to help recall dreams.
- Blue Calcite:
- Associated with mythological figures like the Norse god Odin and the Norwegian god of the sea Njord.
- Believed to help with emotional healing, stress relief, and fostering relationships.
- Sometimes called “blue ice calcite” due to a variety called Icelandic crystal.
