Yellow topaz is the November birthstone. In ancient times, topaz was associated with wealth, beauty, strength, and protection. Today, yellow topaz is linked to friendship much like the yellow rose. Learn more facts and fascinating folklore surrounding this beautiful gem. Read on! Topaz Facts Its name is derived from the Greek word topazios which is

11/11 is widely recognized in the US and abroad as Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, respectively. But did you know that the time 11:11 (especially on 11/11) is believed to bring good luck? Learn all about the history, folklore, and mathematical significance of this special time and date below! The following article is inspired by

October’s birthstone is the opal. This rainbow-colored jewel holds many secrets. No one knows how an opal stone is scientifically formed. Over time, it has had curious connections with luck and magic. The Aztecs believed it brought necessary destruction for new creation. Read on to discover opal’s rich folklore and history! Opal Stone Facts How

According to popular folklore, a persimmon can predict winter weather. How do you make a persimmon forecast? It’s easy. Just split open a seed of a locally grown fruit and look at the pattern inside. If you see a fork, winter will be mild. A shovel (or spoon shape)? It will be snowy. A knife

Have you ever wondered why wishing on a shooting star is believed to be good luck? Learn more about shooting star superstitions and what makes them so special. Read on. What Is a Shooting Star? Shooting stars are a delight to see streaking through the night sky, and while these fleeting dashes of light only

Sapphire, September’s birthstone, is a stunning gem once reserved for royalty and believed to facilitate communication with the divine. This precious stone has been said to bring blessings from heaven to the wearer. In ancient times, one would wear a sapphire ring while visiting an oracle to increase the odds of receiving a prophecy. These

The August Birthstone is peridot—an enigmatic gemstone! It is often misidentified and mispronounced. Did you know that it falls to Earth in some meteorites? It’s also been found on the Moon! That’s why we call it the “space gem.” The peridot stone is believed to bring happiness and a sense of one’s destiny in life.

July’s birthstone is the ruby. Its name comes from the Latin word ruber meaning red. But its name in Sanskrit reveals more of its mysterious power and value: ratnaraj, the ruler of jewels. Prized for its distinct beauty and believed protective qualities, it is also thought to increase motivation and connect one with their passion

June’s birthstone is the pearl. Its name comes from the Old French word, “perle” which, oddly, is derived from the Latin word for “leg”—as in “leg-of-lamb.” It is believed that this was a reference to the shape of mollusk shells, where pearls form. Interestingly, pearl is the only birthstone that is not mined from the

Have you ever wondered if the poppy seeds on the bagel you’re eating come from the same poppy flower that produces opium? They actually do, but they have been scrubbed of the milky substance which forms illegal narcotics and therefore are perfectly safe to eat. Don’t be alarmed: The poppy flowers growing in your backyard are a different species! There are 120 varieties of poppies—only one of which you cannot grow in the US. Learn all about poppy flower history, nutrition, folklore, and tips for growing. Read on.