Earth Sciences 1089G Term Paper:
The Science and Cultural Significance of My
Birthstone
Your report will follow this basic format:
Note that this is a structured report with specific sections identified by subheadings (e.g.,
Introduction, History of the birthstone…). In other words, use the subheadings below, each identified
in boldface type and underlined as subheadings for specific sections in your own report (e.g.
Introduction, History of the Brithstone Concept, etc.). This designed not only to help break the subject
down into smaller, more manageable, bite-sized pieces, but also to help keep your thoughts
organized and focused. Note that the word count for each section is approximate only (if one of
more of your sections is a little below the lower end of the word count, you should consider
finding more information). A little above the word count should be fine (but please keep it close
to the suggested amount).
As a cautionary note, you are also advised to ensure that the information you provide in
response to the instructions below is included in the correct section – not doing so could lead to
information in a specific section being missed by the people marking your report. The information
to be included under each subheading is as follows:
Title page – Provide a title page for your report. On your title page, include a title ([enter name of
your birthstone here]: My Birthstone, your full name, student number, course name and course
number.
– Introduction – Your report should begin with an introduction, explaining what this essay is about
(the main things discussed in your paper). This is a brief (and fairly general) statement that should
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inform the reader of what he/she can expect to read about (about 150 words or less).
– History of the birthstone concept, and my birthstone (about 500-600 words)
The western tradition of birthstones has a long history that stretches back to biblical times. Describe
the history of the western concept of birthstones in (as pertaining to the birthstone concept as a
whole, not merely your personal birthstone), from its inception (referring to twelve coloured stones
referred to in the Holy Bible) to the present system of assignment to month of birth established by
the National Association of Jewelers (which might be argued as a marketing ploy). There are also
eastern traditions of birthstones. Describe the basis for the concept of birthstones in Hinduism
as associated with the Navagraha (nine heavenly bodies). Now to determine your own birthstone! Below are common birthstones assigned to month
of birth (as is the standard convention for modern times in the western tradition). Determine which
birthstone is yours: December – Turquoise.
– The Lore of (Enter name of your birthstone here) (about 200-250 words).
Having been cherished items since ancient times, gemstones have long been believed to hold
healing, protective and even magical powers (although such powers have not been substantiated
by scientific studies). Describe the supernatural qualities that your birthstone is, or has been, said
to possess, explaining the specific basis for the belief in these specific qualities of your specific
birthstone. In many cases, the colour or optical qualities of a specific gemstone is said to have
some significance in the “powers.” In others, the reason for the belief lies in gemstone lore. As it
may be difficult to find scholarly sources (e.g. journal articles) for this section, so internet
sources are o.k. in this case.
– How does my birthstone form? (about 500-700 words).
Describe the geological circumstances under which gem-quality specimens of your personal
birthstone are formed, focusing on the chemical composition of the birthstone, the rock type(s) and
class in which gem-quality material of this gemstone most commonly occurs and the geological
processes involved in its formation. Is it formed under certain conditions of temperatures and/or
pressures? Does it form in magma? Does it involve metamorphism? Does its formation involve the
flow of fluids through pre-existing rock? Consider these types of things. Keep in mind that some
minerals can form in a variety of rock types but tend to require very specific conditions to produce.
When researching for this section, you should try to use at least some scholarly sources (i.e. sources
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other than web pages). Also make sure that you actually understand the technical terms used in your
report (it’s usually obvious to the reader if you are using terms or statements that you haven’t took
the time to find the actual meaning of).
– Where and how is my birthstone obtained? (about 150-350 words).
In this section, name at least one country that is major producer of your birthstone and describe how
the gemstone is obtained? (e.g. Is it mined on a commercial scale? Is it collected by hand? Is it
mined from solid rock? Is it collected from a different material (e.g. river sediment) than the rock in
which it originally formed?) Lastly, are the stones obtained ethically or are human rights commonly
violated in the process of obtaining them? Scholarly or internet sources are o.k.
– Desirable characteristics of my birthstone (about 400-600 words)
All of the gemstones included in the table either occur in a specific colour (e.g. ruby, emerald,
amethyst, etc.) or occur in a variety of basic colours (e.g. diamond, although usually colourless,
can be yellow, pink, blue, etc.). The basic colour of some gemstones such as opal and
moonstone is called “body colour” to distinguish it from iridescent colours (caused by structural
factors). Explain, in detail, the physical/chemical basis behind the colour of your particular
birthstone (beyond simply stating a specific chemical element or crystal defect). If your
birthstone comes in a variety of (body) colours, pick one colour and focus on that one.
Now consider one other property (other than colour) that is a highly prized property of the
gemstone that is your birthstone. Depending on your specific birthstone, such a property could
include clarity/diaphaneity (e.g. degree of transparency related to absence of crystal defects such
as fluid or gas inclusions, etc.), iridescence or play of light (e.g. related to crystal structure,
twinning, presence of inclusions, etc.), hardness, or a number of other qualities. As with the
colour part of this section (above), the important thing here is to provide the scientific basis of
why the gemstone possesses this property of interest.
As with the “How does my birthstone form?” section, this section should include references
from scholarly sources (but can also include internet sources).
– Conclusions – Summarize the significance of gemstones from both cultural and scientific viewpoints,
based on the findings of your research (about 100-150 words).
