For as long as man has existed, objects of nature have played vital, myriad roles. The brilliance, intense colors, luster, rarity, and formability of gemstones have positioned them as one of the most valued, magical aspects of nature.

According to Walter Schumann (2006), gemstones have, "...a touch of the mysterious...they possess powers protecting against injury from the outside, or for gaining inner strength, but especially also for medicinal purposes."

Birthstones are purportedly related to zodiac signs and thus particular characteristics and qualities are sometimes thought to be associated with when one is born.