APRIL BIRTHSTONE: DIAMOND
Diamond, the April birthstone, is known as the “king” of all crystals or “Stone of Invincibility.” Made of pure carbon, a diamond possesses the strongest crystal structure of all naturally occurring minerals. In the modern world, we traditionally associate diamonds with engagement rings. They have become a token of love and commitment and fondly known to be “a girl’s best friend.” But these associations are derivative of its earliest symbolism.
From the ancient era, diamonds were associated with the planet Mars (the ruling planet of April, Aries), known to symbolize the “god of war.” Ancient Greek warriors wore diamonds to fortify strength and invincibility. It is also believed that diamonds were discovered in India, where in Hindu tradition, diamonds are associated with Venus, the planet of love. The combination of physical properties and planetary associations lends itself to our modern associations with diamonds. They represent unbreakability, purity, innocence, endurance, courage, love, faithfulness, and strength of character and ethics.
Metaphysical
Diamonds are known for its high frequency energy and ability to radiate light. The energy disperses into brilliant lights of fire, when touched by the sun, otherwise known as prisms. Its frequency and light are why diamonds are known for illumination, often associated with the Crown chakra. It stimulates imagination, creativity, and ingenuity; opening the mind to new possibilities. It can “burn through” heavier emotions providing a semblance of lightness and joy. Physically, it’s known to accelerate waste removal within the body and purify to strengthen the mind. In doing so, the crystal has the ability to balance and restore energy levels.
Properties
Name The word diamond is derived from the Late Latin word “diamas,” or Latin “adamas,” which is of Greek origin meaning “indestructible,” “invincible,” and “untamed.”
Color Diamonds in its natural and purest carbon form are clear. As a stone of light, diamonds are not ruled by colors, instead, it is colorless, refracting and diffusing color. However, in diamonds with impurities such as nitrogen, a rainbow of diamond colors can be seen. They range from reds, pinks, orange, yellow to the greens and blues, to black and browns. The deeper and more saturated the color, the more valuable they are.
Moh’s scale 10 on the scale measuring gemstone hardness, diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring mineral. Because of its hardness diamonds are used in saws and cutting tools.
Regions Botswana, Russia, Canada, Namibia, and Angola are the largest producers of diamonds. Certain mines are expected to run out of diamonds by 2022, which is just around the corner. Sustainability of the environment and ethical conflict free diamonds are some of the major debates surrounding diamond production. Within each step from the mine to cutting to export, there are various risks involved. These risks range from environmental concerns, abuse of labor laws, especially in children, and whether or not the money exchanged supports conflict. For more information, stay tuned for a future post on these very topics.
