The Virgo Birthstone from the Bible: Sard or Carnelian

Astrology and the Virgo Birthstone Sard

Astrology is a belief system that explains the influence of celestial bodies on human affairs. Crucial to astrology is the zodiac, which consists of 12 signs, each associated with specific personality traits.

Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac. Represented by the maiden, Virgos exhibit practicality, attention to detail and an analytical nature. They are reliable, hardworking and organized individuals who strive for perfection in all aspects of their lives.

With every sign in the zodiac comes a birthstone. Birthstones are gemstones popularly associated with a month of the year, and believed to bring luck, protection and other benefits to those born in that month. The oldest of the month stones were also assigned to the zodiac signs. For Virgo, the birthstone is sard.

Origin of the Virgo Birthstone Sard in the Bible

The recognition of sard as the birthstone for Virgo has origins in interpretations of the Bible. Exodus 28:15-21 describes the breastplate of the Israelite high priest, which has sard as the first of twelve gemstones.

The Book of Revelation (21:20) also mentions sard in describing the foundations of the New Jerusalem. Sard was the precious stone decorating the sixth foundation of the city walls. The gemstone’s place as the sixth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem has led to its designation as the birthstone of the sixth sign of the zodiac, Virgo.

Physical Characteristics of the Virgo Birthstone Sard

Sard, as well as carnelian, is a variety of chalcedony, which is the cryptocrystalline form of quartz. These gemstones are valued for their attractive colors, durability and suitability for use in various jewelry and decorative items.

1. Color

Sard and carnelian typically range in color from reddish brown to orange, but can also include shades of brown, red and even nearly black.

2. Transparency

Sard and carnelian are usually translucent to opaque, thus either allowing light to pass only partly or not at all.

3. Luster

They have a waxy to vitreous, or glass-like, luster.

4. Hardness

On the Mohs scale, sard and carnelian have a hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it relatively durable and suitable for use in jewelry.

5. Formation

Sard and carnelian form when silica-rich solutions seep into cavities or fractures in rocks. Over time, these solutions deposit layers of silica, which eventually crystallize to form chalcedony. The presence of iron oxide gives the stone its reddish color, turning it into either sard or carnelian depending on the depth of the shade.

6. Fracture and Cleavage

Neither sard nor carnelian cleaves along planes, but both typically fracture in a conchoidal manner, meaning that they break with smooth, curved surfaces.

7. Varieties

The name ‘sard’ in antiquity refers to a gemstone encompassing a range of colors, including that of carnelian. This gem offers a spectrum of warm, earthy tones that make it prized for use in jewelry, decorative items and as carving materials.

1. Carnelian

This variety typically ranges from orange to reddish-brown, but is most valuable in a vibrant red.

3. Brown Sard

Brown sard is a variety of sard that exhibits hues of reddish brown to brown, and thus lack the intense orange tones characteristic of carnelian.

4. Red Sard

Red sard is a deeper-red variety, often closer in color to carnelian, but with a brownish red hue.

5. Black Sard

Black sard is a darker variety, often appearing nearly black in color. This stone typically contains subtle hints of red or brown.

Historical Use of the Virgo Birthstone Sard

Valued throughout history, sard and carnelian have been used in various cultures for a multitude of purposes.

1. Ancient Egypt

Carnelian was highly prized by the ancient Egyptians, and was used extensively in jewelry, amulets and seals. Associated with vitality, courage and protection, the gemstone was also believed to offer protection in the afterlife.

2. Ancient Greece and Rome

Both sard and carnelian were popular gemstones in ancient Greece and Rome. The stones figured in jewelry, engraved gemstones and cameos. With its association with courage and power, warriors and leaders often wore carnelian.

3. Ancient India

Carnelian was highly regarded in ancient Indian culture, and was associated with the Hindu god Surya, the sun god. Believed to bring prosperity, courage and good luck, the stone was used in jewelry, amulets and talismans.

4. Ancient Mesopotamia

Sard and carnelian were prized gemstones in ancient Mesopotamia, where they were used in jewelry, seals and amulets. These stones were associated with protection, courage and strength.

5. Islamic Art

Carnelian continued to be revered in Islamic art and culture. Thought to invite luck and repel the envy of one’s neighbors, the stone adorned jewelry, decorative objects and religious items, such as prayer beads and amulets.

6. Medieval Europe

Sard and carnelian remained popular in medieval Europe, where they figured in jewelry and insignia. Believed to possess protective qualities, the stones often figured in talismans.

Metaphysical Properties of the Virgo Birthstone Sard

Sard and carnelian have been associated with various symbolisms and beliefs across cultures and time periods.

1. Courage and Strength

Both sard and carnelian impart courage, strength and resilience to the wearer. In ancient times, warriors wore carnelian amulets for protection and to boost their bravery in battle.

2. Vitality and Energy

These stones are associated with vitality, energy and passion. Sard and carnelian stimulate creativity, motivation and enthusiasm, making them popular among artists, athletes and individuals seeking to enhance their zest for life.

3. Creativity and Confidence

Sard and carnelian promote creativity, confidence and self-expression. The stones awaken the creative spirit within and encourage individuals to pursue their passions fearlessly.

4. Grounding and Stability

Sard and carnelian have grounding and stabilizing properties, helping to anchor the wearer to the present moment and provide a sense of security and stability during times of change or uncertainty.

5. Protection and Warding off Negativity

Sard and carnelian offer protection against negative energies, psychic attacks and harmful influences. The stones often figured as talismans or amulets for warding off evil and promoting spiritual protection.

6. Emotional Healing

Sard and carnelian are associated with emotional healing and balance, helping to release pent-up emotions, alleviate stress, and promote a sense of inner peace and harmony.

7. Inspiration

Some people believe that carrying a sard or carnelian can inspire new ideas as well as enhance creativity, making them popular among artists, writers and other creative individuals.

Astrological Significance of the Virgo Birthstone Sard

The metaphysical properties associated with sard or carnelian complement and support the personality traits commonly attributed to individuals born under Virgo.

1. Courage and Strength

Virgos may have inner strength and resilience, but might also need more. The courage-enhancing properties of sard or carnelian can support Virgos in facing challenges with confidence and determination.

2. Vitality and Energy

Virgos are often hardworking and diligent, but may sometimes need a boost of energy to maintain their momentum. Sard or carnelian’s vitality-boosting properties can help Virgos stay motivated and energized, especially during busy periods.

3. Creativity and Confidence

Many Virgos possess a strong creative streak, but may sometimes doubt their abilities. Sard or carnelian’s ability to stimulate creativity and confidence can encourage Virgos to trust in their ideas and express themselves more freely.

4. Grounding and Stability

Virgos value practicality and organization, but they may sometimes feel overwhelmed by their perfectionist tendencies. Sard or carnelian’s grounding and stabilizing properties can help Virgos maintain a sense of balance and perspective, even in chaotic situations.

5. Protection and Warding off Negativity

Virgos are sensitive souls who may be affected by negativity in their environment. Sard or carnelian’s protective qualities can shield Virgos from negative energies and promote a sense of emotional well-being.

6. Emotional Healing

Virgos can be self-critical and may benefit from emotional healing and inner peace. Sard or carnelian’s calming and harmonizing properties can help Virgos release stress, manage their perfectionism, and cultivate a greater sense of self-acceptance.

7. Inspiration

The belief that carrying a sard or carnelian can enhance creativity and inspire new ideas makes them particularly appealing to Virgos who are artists, writers and other creative individuals.

Popular Varieties of Virgo Birthstone Sard

The different colors of sard, including that of carnelian, have varying associations with Virgo. Some offer unique energies that resonate better with the traits of Virgo individuals.

1. Carnelian

Carnelian is perhaps the most well-known variety associated with Virgo. Its warm, vibrant hues of orange to reddish brown resonate with the earthy and practical nature of Virgo individuals. Carnelian’s energies of creativity, vitality and confidence are particularly beneficial for Virgos, and help to inspire new ideas and boost self-expression.

2. Brown Sard

With its reddish-brown hues, brown sard is another variety closely associated with Virgo. Its warm, earthy tones evoke feelings of stability, grounding and practicality, which resonate well with Virgo’s analytical and detail-oriented personality. Brown sard’s energies can help Virgos stay centered and focused on their goals, while its calming presence soothes anxieties and promotes a sense of inner peace.

3. Red Sard

With its deeper red hues, red sard stimulates the more dynamic aspects of Virgo’s personality. This variety is particularly suited for Virgos who are seeking to tap into their creative energies and pursue their passions with confidence and enthusiasm. Red sard’s stimulating properties can ignite Virgo’s inner fire and inspire them to embrace new opportunities with courage and determination.

Care and Maintenance of Virgo Birthstone Sard

Caring for sard or carnelian jewelry is relatively simple. By dispelling some myths and following these simple tips, you can keep your sard or carnelian jewelry looking beautiful and vibrant for years to come.

1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

While sard and carnelian are relatively durable gemstones, it’s still best to avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals, such as bleach, chlorine and other household cleaners. These chemicals can damage the surface of the stone and affect its appearance over time.

2. Regular Cleaning

To keep your sard or carnelian jewelry looking its best, gently clean it with a soft, damp cloth and a mild soap solution. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes, as these can scratch the surface of the stone.

3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Sard and carnelian are relatively heat-resistant, but sudden changes in temperature can cause them to crack or fracture. Thus, it’s best to store your jewelry away from sources of extreme heat, such as radiators or hot surfaces.

4. Storage

When not wearing your sard or carnelian jewelry, store it in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches and other damage. Avoid storing your sard or carnelian with other jewelry that may scratch or damage the stone.

5. Enhancing Shine

If your sard or carnelian jewelry starts to lose its luster over time, you can gently polish it with a soft cloth to restore its shine. Avoid using polishing compounds or abrasive materials, as these can damage the surface of the stone.

The Beauty of the Virgo Birthstone Sard

The Virgo birthstone sard, as well as carnelian, embodies warmth and vitality. Ranging in colors from reddish-brown to orange, these varieties of chalcedony inspire courage, creativity and confidence in Virgo individuals. With their grounding and stabilizing energies, sard and carnelian support Virgos in facing challenges with resilience, fostering inner strength and promoting a sense of balance and harmony in their lives.