In this podcast, you’ll learn all about gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. We’ll talk about which gemstones are associated with which months of the year and you’ll learn lots of vocabulary connected to precious stones.
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You forget (forgot) the most important dictator in the history of modern Spain, Francisco Franco. He was in XtheX power from 1936 until 1975.
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Gemstones
Many thanks to Carmen who sent us a lovely email and suggested today’s topic.
Gemstone: A precious or semi-precious mineral used in jewelry or decoration.
Precious stone: A high-value gemstone, such as a diamond, ruby, sapphire, or emerald.
Semi-precious stone: A gemstone that is less valuable than precious stones, like amethyst or garnet.
Carat: A unit of weight for gemstones, equivalent to 200 milligrams.
Luster: The way a gemstone reflects light.
Clarity: The absence of internal flaws or inclusions in a gemstone.
Brilliance: The brightness and reflection of light from a gemstone.
Rarity: The scarcity of a gemstone, contributing to its value.
Radiance: A warm, glowing light emitted by a gemstone.
What is your favorite gemstone, and why?
Astrology and the 12 signs of the Zodiac: https://inglespodcast.com/540
Birthstone: A gemstone associated with a specific month of the year.
Do you know your birthstone and what characteristics it is said to have?
JANUARY: Garnet
Symbolizes protection, trust, and friendship. Its deep red color is associated with vitality and energy. Some believe that garnets shield the wearer from injury. This made them particularly popular amongst warriors and royalty.
FEBRUARY: Amethyst
As the color purple has long been connected with royalty, amethysts were favored by the ruling class. Over time, amethysts have also come to be associated with spirituality, mental clarity, and healing. Ancient cultures believed it guarded against intoxication.
MARCH: Aquamarine
The name “aquamarine” comes from the Latin for “seawater”, and the stones were thought to protect seafarers and travellers (they have a calming blue colour). Some associate aquamarines with marital happiness and superior intellect.
APRIL: Diamond
Due to their extreme hardness, overall durability, and undeniable beauty, diamonds are associated with strength, fertility and eternal love. Diamonds are often used in engagement and wedding rings, making them the ultimate gem of commitment.
MAY: Emerald
Represents rebirth, love, and fertility. The vibrant green stone is often linked to growth and renewal. Some people believe that wearing emeralds will give the wearer heightened intelligence and allow them to think objectively.
JUNE: Pearls
Pearls are the only gems found in living creatures, oysters.
These days, most pearls are cultivated or cultured, since they are now extremely rare in nature.
Pearls are associated with qualities like honesty, purity, and wisdom. Some cultures associate pearls with the divine, believing that pearls were tears shed from heaven.
JULY: Ruby
Rubies have long been connected with physicality and strength, passion and love. Favored by warriors, rubies were thought to be intimately connected with the human body.
AUGUST: Peridot
Peridots have been credited with protecting their wearer during the night. This is due to the fact that the lively appearance of peridot fostered ancient associations between the gemstone and the sun. It was thought that keeping the stone close during dark hours repelled nighttime evil spirits.
SEPTEMBER: Sapphire
Sapphires are considered a protective gemstone. They may shield the wearer from physical harm as well as bad intentions and envy.
Blue sapphires are considered highly spiritual stones and have been worn by priests.
OCTOBER: Opal
Opals are associated with light and magic. As such, some credited opals with healing properties, especially for the eyes. Some believed that opals could even make the wearer invisible.
NOVEMBER: Topaz or Citrine
Topaz symbolizes love and affection, while Citrine, with its sunny yellow hues, represents joy and prosperity.
DECEMBER: Turquoise (or Tanzanite or Zircon)
Turquoise is linked to protection and good fortune, Tanzanite represents transformation, and Zircon symbolizes wisdom and spiritual growth.
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The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later’