The Content Blender


November 18, 2008

Birthstone Origins: Stranger than Fiction

Filed under: Uncategorized — admin @ 12:41 pm

In the Old Testament, the book of Exodus tells the story of the Breastplate of Aaron, used in religious ceremonies. (Aaron…just in case you were absent from Sunday school that day…was the Biblical figure who performed, at Moses’ direction, the miracles that confounded Pharaoh and his magicians.)
Aaron’s breastplate was adorned with four rows of gemstones, three gemstones in each row, in the following pattern: Sardius, topaz, carbuncle; emerald, sapphire, diamond; ligure, agate, amethyst; beryl, onyx, jasper. These twelve gemstones represented the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve positions were later co-opted by astologers who linked them to the twelve months of the calendar year and the twelve signs of the zodiac.
The Traditional Birthstone List contains these older birthstones and represents birthstone traditions heralding back to the 15th century. The Modern Birthstone List was created by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912 in Kansas City, Missouri. Gemstone purists complained that the NAJ list was devised solely for commercial purposes (they probably didn’t believe in Santa Claus either!). As a result, astrologers who prescribed gems often substituted alternate or secondary stones. The Mystical Birthstone list below originated in from Tibet over a thousand years ago. The Ayurvedic Birthstone list is derived from age-old Ayurvedic Indian Medicine, a practice of native people for more than a century.
Month Modern Traditional Mystical Ayurverdic
January Garnet Garnet Emerald Garnet
February Amethyst Amethyst Amethyst Bloodstone
March Aquamarine Bloodstone Jade Bloodstone
April Diamond Diamond Opal Quartz
May Emerald Emerald Sapphire Agate
June Pearl Alexandrite Moonstone Pearl
July Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby
August Peridot Sardonyx Diamond Sapphire
Sept. Sapphire Sapphire Agate Lapis Lazuli
October Opal Tourmaline Tourmaline Jasper
November Yellow Topaz Citrine Citrine Pearl
December Turquoise Lapis Lazuli Onyx Ruby
Astrologically speaking, your place on the Zodiac is more meaningful than your birth month for tapping into your “power,” which has led to the creation of the following list of “Star Stones” related to the star under which you were born, rather than the day.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) - Ruby, Agate, Garnet
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) - Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal, Amethyst,
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) - Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Amethyst, Bloodstone
Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) - Bloodstone, Diamond
Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) - Sapphire, Turquoise, Amber, Blood Coral, Emerald
Gemini (May 21-Jun. 20) - Agate, Chrysoprase, Pearl
Cancer (Jun. 21-Jul. 22) - Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby
Leo (Jul. 23-Aug. 22) - Tourmaline, Sardonyx, Onyx
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) - Jasper, Carnelian, Jade, Sapphire
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) - Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) - Aquamarine, Topaz
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) - Sapphire, Amethyst, Turquoise, Topaz
So whether you choose an emerald from the Breastplate of Aaron, a moonstone from Tibet’s mystical birthstone list, an opal for its ayurvedic birthstone properties, or your very own “star sign” representative…may the force (of the birthstone) be with you!

About the Author

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A Look at Industrial Air Compressors

Filed under: Uncategorized — admin @ 6:39 am

Manufacturers and industry alike depend on the services of industrial air compressors. Most industries that use air compressors use high quality industrial-grade models. These models are different, more powerful and more expensive than ones that are used for lightweight jobs and for regular homeowners.

Industrial air compressors can be fueled by either natural gas or electricity. Most industries use natural gas to power their air compressors. Even though both types of energy used to run these industrial air compressors can be costly, many businesses find that using natural gas as a power source greatly reduces their utility costs.


Most industries use a two-stage type of air compressor for their needs. Generally speaking, this type of industrial air compressor is built for heavy-duty jobs. These offer a much higher level of air compression, as compared to smaller or compact models. Industrial air compressors usually also offer the ability to store unused air for future usage. These also can be more energy efficient because they run on a higher level of horsepower than other models; this increased usage of horsepower also creates a better working machine that is less likely to break down and requires less maintenance.


As with the purchase of any type of air compressor, those purchasing industrial air compressors need to be especially cautious of safety and quality standards. Very few industries are legally allowed to buy air compressors that are not certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Increased workplace safety and liability concerns have made it necessary for most companies to purchase high-quality, certified-devices to ensure the well-being of their employees. Some safety features may include a safety valve to use in the case of excess air pressure in the unit. The valve will automatically release air, therefore decreasing pressure, in the event of an overload of power. Without this safety device, users of the machine run the risk of causing an explosion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Air Compressors provides detailed information about portable, industrial, engine-driven, 12 volt, and used air compressors, as well as air compressor parts, manufacturers, and more. For more information go to Air Compressors and/or visit our affiliate site at Original Content.