Now here’s a fun holiday that we can get behind: Jewel Day!
Celebrated on March 13th, Jewel Day celebrates those sparkly little gems that bring colour and joy to outfits and lives. In fact, the word jewel comes from an Old French word “jouel”, meaning toy or delight, which itself came from the Latin word “jocus”, meaning joke or jest. Since joy and delight are as precious as gems, we’re going to share the ones that delight each of us the most!
Robyn
I have a few gemstones that I consider my favourites. Labradorite tops that list. Labradorite is a Canadian gemstone, first identified in Newfoundland and Labrador. It can also be found in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Beyond Canada, labradorite can also be found in Madagascar.
The thing I love most about labradorite is the colours. Labradorite is “chatoyant”, meaning that when light shines on the stone from different angles, different colours can be seen. Blue and purple are most common, but some will also have pink, green, and even orange. It’s a spectacular stone, full of surprises.
Another favourite stone of mine is jade. While labradorite is flashy and bright, jade is calm and soothing. Jade is translucent, most commonly in varying shades of light to deep green. Interesting to note: jade is actually one of two types of mineral: nephrite, and jadeite. Nephrite ranges from creamy white to deep green, and is the jade found in Canada! Jadeite comes in green, including that iconic Imperial jade green colour, as well as white, lavender, and a butterscotch yellow!
The thing I love most about jade is also the colour, especially when it’s in that lovely deep, forest-y green. It reminds me of going on a forest walk, of fresh air, and soft mossy pathways.
Roxy
I don’t know if I have a favourite gemstone. Ask the question on any given day and my answer may well be different but two that always seem to come back to the forefront are moonstone and amethyst.
Moonstone belongs to the feldspar mineral group. It is known for its milky or pearly appearance, often displaying a shimmering phenomenon called adularescence, which creates a soft glow reminiscent of moonlight. Moonstone comes in various colors, including white, gray, peach, and blue, with the most prized being the bluish variety. It has been used in jewelry for centuries and is believed to have mystical properties, including enhancing intuition and promoting emotional balance.
Amethyst is a variety of quartz, known for its beautiful purple hues, ranging from pale lavender to deep violet. Amethyst is often used in jewelry and decorative pieces due to its striking color and clarity. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, amethyst is associated with various metaphysical properties, including promoting calmness, clarity of mind, and spiritual growth.
