For centuries, cultures around the world have assigned specific gemstones to each month of the year, creating a tradition of birthstones imbued with symbolism and meaning. Russia, with its rich history and vast mineral wealth, possesses a unique birthstone tradition, distinct from the modern Western interpretations. This article explores the historical Russian birthstone chart, the gemstones found within Russia’s borders, and their significance, drawing solely from available sources.
A 17th-Century Tradition
The Russian birthstone tradition most readily documented originates from a chart used by Russian merchants in the 17th century. This chart, unlike the standardized modern lists, provides a specific gemstone for each month, reflecting the availability and perceived properties of stones known at the time. According to this historical chart, January is associated with Jacinth, February with Amethyst, March with Bloodstone, April with Sapphire, May with Emerald, and June with Agate. The remaining months follow with Ruby for July, Alexandrite for August, Peridot for September, Aquamarine for October, Topaz for November, and Chrysoprase for December.
This system differs significantly from contemporary birthstone lists, highlighting the evolution of these traditions over time. The existence of multiple birthstone lists – Arabic, Hebrew, Hindu, Italian, and others – demonstrates the diverse cultural interpretations of gemstone symbolism. The Russian list represents a specific historical and mercantile perspective.
Russia’s Geological Wealth
Russia is a country exceptionally rich in mineral and gemstone deposits. It has emerged as a significant player in the global diamond market, currently ranking as the second-leading diamond-producing nation worldwide, accounting for approximately 22% of global production. The most prolific mining areas are located in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), in northeastern Russia, near the Arctic Circle.
However, Russia’s gemstone wealth extends far beyond diamonds. The Ural Mountains in Siberia are particularly renowned for their diverse mineral deposits. Among the gemstones found in Russia are Diamonds, Jade, Alexandrite, Charoite, Agate, Amber, Serphinite, Rhodonite, Diopside, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Topaz, Citrine, Emerald, Garnet, Opal, and Malachite. Many areas remain unexplored, suggesting the potential for further discoveries.
Russian Emeralds are particularly prized for their exceptional color and clarity, typically mined near Ekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains. The country is also celebrated for its rare and unusual stones, notably Demantoid Garnet and Alexandrite. These exceptional gemstones contribute significantly to Russia’s reputation within the gemological world.
Notable Russian Gemstones
Several gemstones hold particular significance within the context of Russian gemology. Alexandrite, first discovered in Russia in the 19th century, was named in honor of the future Czar Alexander II. This remarkable gemstone exhibits a unique color-changing property, appearing green in daylight and shifting to a purple-red hue under incandescent light. While Alexandrite lacks ancient symbolic associations, it is now linked to heightened intuition and pleasure by some. Due to its rarity, natural Alexandrite commands extremely high prices, often leading buyers to opt for synthetic alternatives.
Demantoid Garnet, another exceptional Russian gemstone, is known for its brilliant fire and dispersion. While not explicitly detailed in the provided sources regarding its birthstone association, its exceptional quality and rarity make it a noteworthy Russian gem.
Charoite, a relatively recent discovery, is a unique silicate mineral found exclusively in the Sakha Republic. Its swirling patterns and distinctive violet hues make it a highly sought-after ornamental stone.
Gemological Properties and Characteristics
The sources provide limited specific gemological data. However, some properties can be gleaned. Opal, found in regions like Poland, Mexico, the Czech Republic, Canada, Slovakia, Hungary, Turkey, and Ethiopia, possesses a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is characterized by a unique play of color and requires careful handling due to its relative delicacy.
Tourmaline, available in a wide range of colors – brown, red, blue, violet, pink, orange, yellow, green, or intermediate hues – exhibits pyroelectric properties, meaning it can attract and repel hot ashes. It is often referred to as the “Ceylonese Sri Lankan Magnet” by experts.
Ruby, a variety of the mineral corundum, is exceptionally hard and typically ranges in color from medium to medium-dark red, ideally with minimal purple or orange tones. All other colors of corundum are classified as sapphire.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
The provided sources primarily focus on the historical association of gemstones with months, rather than detailed symbolic meanings. However, the gifting of gemstones is often linked to specific sentiments. For example, Tourmaline is suggested as a gift to express love and affection. November birthstones, Citrine and Topaz, symbolize luck and prosperity, making them suitable gifts for those to whom one wishes to bestow these qualities.
The creation of elaborately ornamented Faberge Eggs, highly prized and sought after annually, represents a significant aspect of Russian gemstone artistry and cultural heritage. These eggs, often adorned with precious gemstones, exemplify the country’s skill in lapidary and jewelry making.
Care and Cleaning
The sources offer limited guidance on gemstone care. However, the mention of Opal’s delicacy suggests it requires careful handling to avoid damage. Given the hardness variations among the Russian birthstones, general gemstone care principles apply. Harder stones like Ruby and Sapphire can withstand more rigorous cleaning, while softer stones like Opal require gentler methods.
Conclusion
The Russian birthstone tradition, as documented in 17th-century merchant charts, provides a fascinating glimpse into the historical and cultural significance of gemstones within Russia. Coupled with the country’s abundant geological resources, including diamonds, Alexandrite, Emeralds, and unique stones like Charoite, Russia holds a prominent place in the world of gemology. While the provided sources offer a limited scope of information, they highlight the rich history and enduring appeal of Russian gemstones and their associated lore. The tradition of assigning gemstones to months, while evolving over time, continues to resonate with those seeking meaning and connection through these beautiful creations of nature.