The world of gemstones has long been intertwined with symbolism, history, and cultural significance. Within the virtual realm of Animal Jam, this fascination is reflected in the popular “Birthstone Display,” a members-only den item introduced in January 2013. This article explores the history, collection, and significance of the Animal Jam birthstones, as presented within the game and its associated community resources. The focus will be on the gemstones themselves, their association with specific months, and the display that allows players to showcase their collections.
The concept of birthstones, gemstones popularly associated with the month of one’s birth, forms the foundation of this in-game feature. Animal Jam implements this tradition by releasing a new gemstone each month in the Epic Wonders shop, mirroring the calendar year. These gemstones are available for a limited time, encouraging players to collect them all and display them in the dedicated Birthstone Display den item. The system operates on a monthly rotation, with the current month’s gemstone replacing the previous one at the beginning of each new month. A parallel system exists within Play Wild, where birthstones are found in Jam Mart Furniture.
History and Lore of the Display
The Birthstone Display itself debuted in January 2013, quickly becoming a sought-after item for dedicated players. It is described as a hanging display case featuring a large, round backboard and twelve small wooden shelves, each designed to hold a single monthly gemstone. The display remains available year-round, providing a permanent showcase for completed collections. Initially, the gemstones were advertised in the Jamaa Journal, informing players of the current month’s offering.
The broader history of birthstones, as reflected within the Animal Jam context, draws from ancient traditions. The association of gemstones with specific months dates back centuries, with various cultures attributing different meanings and powers to each stone. The game’s selection largely aligns with modern and traditional Western birthstone lists, though some variations exist, particularly when considering historical sources.
Monthly Gemstone Breakdown
The following list details the Animal Jam birthstones, organized by month, as presented in available resources:
- January: Garnet – consistently identified as the primary birthstone for this month across modern, traditional, ancient Italian, Russian, Tibetan, and Indian calendars.
- February: Amethyst – recognized for its historical association with royalty and believed to possess magical properties, preventing intoxication in ancient Roman and Greek cultures.
- March: Aquamarine – not explicitly detailed in the provided sources.
- April: Diamond – not explicitly detailed in the provided sources.
- May: Emerald – not explicitly detailed in the provided sources.
- June: Pearl – not explicitly detailed in the provided sources.
- July: Ruby – not explicitly detailed in the provided sources.
- August: Peridot – specifically mentioned as the author’s own birthstone.
- September: Sapphire – featured in the context of a “Super Sapphire Potion” in Play Wild, which spawns sapphires for players to collect.
- October: Opal – the current month’s birthstone at the time of one source’s writing.
- November: Topaz – the next month’s birthstone following October, according to one source.
- December: Turquoise – not explicitly detailed in the provided sources.
It is important to note that the provided sources primarily focus on listing the gemstones by month rather than detailing their gemological properties or historical significance beyond the brief notes provided.
The Super Sapphire Potion and Play Wild
While the core birthstone collection resides within the main Animal Jam game, Play Wild offers a unique interaction with one of the gemstones: the Sapphire. The “Super Sapphire Potion,” released on January 2, 2019, allows players to spawn a “Giant Sapphire.” Clicking this giant sapphire awards the player, and any nearby players, with three sapphires. This potion has become popular due to its legitimate method of earning sapphires and its social aspect, allowing players to share the reward with friends. The potion itself is described as a glass vial containing blue liquid, with the description “Gift Sapphires to everyone around you!”.
Garnet: A January Focus
The gemstone Garnet receives the most detailed attention within the provided sources, particularly regarding its historical significance as a January birthstone. It is identified as both the modern and traditional birthstone for January, and consistently designated as such in various ancient calendars, including those of the Romans, Italians, Polish, Russians, Hebrews, Arabs, and Hindus. Before becoming the designated January birthstone, Garnet was also associated with the zodiac signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. A Gregorian birthstone poem further emphasizes Garnet’s symbolism, associating it with constancy, true friendship, and fidelity.
The Birthstone Display as a Collectible
The primary appeal of the Animal Jam birthstones lies in the completionist aspect of collecting them all and displaying them. The Birthstone Display serves as the central hub for this collection, allowing players to visually represent their dedication and participation in the monthly gemstone releases. The display’s consistent availability since its initial release in 2013 ensures that players can continue to add to their collections as new gemstones are introduced. The item’s exclusivity to members further enhances its desirability, creating a sense of prestige for those who own and complete the display.
Sources and Community Resources
The Animal Jam community actively documents and shares information about the birthstones. Resources like the Animal Jam Wiki and various blogs provide additional details and updates on release dates, trading values, and community events related to the gemstones. The “Power Birthstone” book, mentioned in one source, suggests a deeper exploration of the magical powers attributed to each stone, though the book itself is not detailed within the provided materials. Animal Jam Amino is also presented as a platform for players to connect, learn, and share information about the game, including the birthstone collection.
Conclusion
The Animal Jam Birthstone Display represents a charming integration of real-world gemstone lore into a virtual environment. While the provided sources offer a relatively limited scope of information regarding the gemological properties and detailed histories of each stone, they effectively illustrate the core mechanics of the collection and the display’s significance within the Animal Jam community. The monthly release schedule, the exclusive display item, and the interactive elements like the Super Sapphire Potion in Play Wild all contribute to a compelling and engaging experience for players interested in collecting and showcasing these virtual gemstones. The emphasis on Garnet as a January birthstone provides a small glimpse into the rich history and symbolism associated with these stones, encouraging further exploration beyond the game itself.