Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for ilumination. It reportedly give its wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares. Garnets are found in the U.S., Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil and India

The Greeks believed that it would prevent intoxication when worn. The amethyst has also symbolized peace, protection and tranquility. It is mainly found in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia

In ancient times, the stone was said to aid seafarers. To dream of an aquamarine signifies the making of new friends; to wear aquamarine earrings brings love and affection. It is the universal symbol of youth, hope and health. The aquamarine is mainly found in Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia and Ukraine.

Discovered about 2,500 years ago in India, the ancients believed they were splinters from the stars, or maybe crystallized lightening or hardened dew drops.

The emerald was thought to cure a wide range of ailments, including low IQ, poor eyesight and infertility, it also enabled the wearer to predict the future. They are characterized by a garden of included crystals trapped within, known as the "jardin", because under magnification, you will see lovely patterns resembling foliage in a gardin. Emeralds are found mainly in Columbia, Brazil, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Pearls have been recognized as the symbol of modesty, chastity and purity. They symbolize a happy marriage. Moonstone is sometimes used as an alternative since it physically resembles some pearls.

Known as the "Lord of the Gems", the ruby is said to protect their owners from all kinds of misfortune. A fine ruby assures its owner that he would live in harmony with his neighbors. Many ancients believed the ruby possessed an inner flame that burned eternally. Rubies are found in Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Afghanistan and India.

Peridots formed as the result of volcanic action. Tiny peridot crystals are sometimes found in the black sands of Hawaii. They were considered powerful amulets against all evil and said to be favored by pirates. The peridot is found in Burma, China and the U.S.

The sapphire was honored by ancient priests and sorcerers for it was said to enable them to foretell the future. Ancients believed the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet. Sapphire is found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Kasmir, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China and the US.

Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity throughout the ages. Medieval writers believed opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose. It is though to banish evil spirits and favor children, the theater and friends. Opals are found in Australia, Mexico and the US. Tourmaline is used sometimes as a birthstone for October by those who prefer a faceted stone.

Citrine, the other birthstone for November is known as the "healing quartz". This golden gemstone is said to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy and warmth within the wearer. Citrine can be found in a variety of shades ranging from pastel yellow to dark brownish orange. It is one of the most affordable of gemstones and plentiful in nature. Citrine is found most frequently in Brazil, Bolivia, and Spain.

Discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania, and found exclusively in this tiny area of the world, tanzanite exhibits a rich violet-blue color for which the gemstone is treasured; often it is heat-treated to achieve this color. Colors range from blue to purple, and tanzanites that are medium dark in tone, vivid in saturation, and slightly violet blue command premium prices. As tanzanite can be less expensive than sapphire, it often was purchased as an alternative. However, it has increased in popularity and now is valued more for its own beauty and brilliance than as a sapphire substitute.