The tradition of associating specific gemstones with each month of the year dates back centuries, evolving from ancient astrological beliefs to the modern birthstone lists we recognize today. While the origins are complex and varied, the practice provides a meaningful way to personalize jewelry and imbue gemstones with symbolic significance. This article explores the recognized birthstones for each month, drawing upon historical context, gemological properties, and cultural lore, as understood through established sources.
Historical Development of Birthstone Lists
The concept of birthstones has a rich and layered history. Ancient civilizations often linked gemstones to the zodiac signs, believing that wearing a stone associated with one’s sign could bestow specific benefits. Early lists varied considerably, with different cultures attributing different stones to each month. A standardized system began to emerge in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers created a modern list, which has remained largely unchanged since. This list recognizes a primary gemstone for each month, with some months also having alternative or secondary stones. Further updates occurred in 1952, with the Jewelry Industry Council of America adding Alexandrite for June and pink tourmaline for October, and in 2016, when spinel was added as a birthstone for August by the American Gem Trade Association and the National Association of Jewelers. These additions reflect a desire to provide more affordable and diverse options for birthstone jewelry.
January: Garnet
Garnet is the traditional and modern birthstone for January. While often visualized as a deep red stone, garnets actually occur in a wide range of colors, including orange, yellow, green, and even colorless varieties. The red garnet, however, remains the most popular and recognizable. Symbolically, garnet represents passion, energy, and good health. Its hardness on the Mohs scale ranges from 6.5 to 7.5, making it relatively durable for everyday wear. Some varieties of garnet are considered rare.
February: Amethyst
February is represented by the captivating purple gemstone, amethyst. This gemstone was once considered as valuable as ruby and sapphire, signifying peace, clarity, and spiritual growth. Amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7, offering good durability. It is a relatively common gemstone, contributing to its affordability.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine, a beautiful blue-green gemstone, is the modern birthstone for March. Historically, bloodstone was also associated with this month. Aquamarine’s hardness ranges from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable choice for jewelry.
April: Diamond
Diamond, renowned for its brilliance and hardness, is the birthstone for April. Diamonds are used as a symbol of strength, courage, and eternal love, and are believed to have spiritual powers, bringing good fortune and repelling evil. With a Mohs hardness of 10, diamond is the hardest known natural substance, ensuring exceptional durability. Diamonds are considered among the rarest and most valuable of all gemstones.
May: Emerald
May’s birthstone, emerald, is another highly prized gemstone. Like diamond and ruby, emerald is considered rare. Emeralds are known for their vibrant green color and have been treasured for centuries. Their hardness is between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale.
June: Alexandrite, Pearl & Moonstone
June boasts a trio of birthstones: Alexandrite, pearl, and moonstone. Alexandrite is a relatively recent discovery, found in the Ural Mountains, and is prized for its unique color-changing ability – appearing bluish-green in daylight and purplish-red under incandescent light. Pearl, uniquely formed within living creatures (mollusks), symbolizes spiritual protection, wealth, and good luck, but is relatively soft, with a hardness of only 2.5-4.5 on the Mohs scale. Moonstone, named by the Roman natural historian Pliny, is often found in Sri Lanka and exhibits a delicate, translucent light blue color.
July: Ruby
Ruby, with its intense red hue, is the birthstone for July. Ruby is considered a rare gemstone. It symbolizes passion and vitality. Ruby has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it exceptionally durable.
August: Peridot & Spinel
August is represented by peridot and spinel. Peridot is unique in that it is typically found in only one color: lime green. It symbolizes strength, protection, and healing. Spinel was added as a birthstone for August in 2016. Peridot’s hardness ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire, most commonly known for its blue variety, is the birthstone for September. However, sapphires occur in a rainbow of colors. Sapphire has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it highly durable. Some varieties of sapphire are considered rare.
October: Tourmaline & Opal
October offers two birthstone choices: tourmaline and opal. Tourmaline is available in a wide range of colors, including pink, green, and bi-color options, and represents creativity, love, and healing. Opal, known for its play-of-color, is a more delicate gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6.5.
November: Golden Topaz & Citrine
November is represented by golden topaz and citrine. Citrine, with its warm yellow and orange hues, symbolizes joy, abundance, and prosperity. Topaz comes in a variety of colors, including blue, yellow, pink, and clear, and represents love, affection, and strength. Topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8.
December: Blue Zircon & Tanzanite
December’s birthstones are blue zircon and Tanzanite. Tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery and is known for its vibrant violet-blue color. Blue Zircon was added as a birthstone for December in updates to the traditional list.
Gemstone Hardness and Durability
The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a crucial factor in determining a gemstone’s suitability for different types of jewelry. The scale ranges from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest), with diamond ranking the highest. Gemstones with higher Mohs hardness ratings are more resistant to scratching and abrasion, making them ideal for everyday wear. The top five hardest birthstones are diamond (10), sapphire and ruby (9), topaz (8), and aquamarine (7.5-8). The softer birthstones, such as pearl (2.5-4.5), opal (5.5-6.5), peridot (6.5-7), garnet (6.5-7.5), and amethyst (7), are more prone to damage and may be best suited for less exposed settings or occasional wear.
Value and Rarity
The value of birthstones is determined by the “4Cs”: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Rich, vibrant hues generally command higher prices, although colorless diamonds are an exception. The rarity of a gemstone also significantly impacts its value. Diamonds, rubies, and emeralds are consistently ranked among the rarest and most expensive birthstones. The cheapest birthstones include topaz, tourmaline, amethyst, and citrine, offering affordable options for those seeking beautiful gemstone jewelry.
Conclusion
Birthstones represent a fascinating intersection of history, geology, and cultural belief. From ancient astrological associations to the standardized lists of the modern era, these gemstones continue to hold symbolic meaning for individuals around the world. Understanding the unique properties, origins, and significance of each birthstone enhances the appreciation for these natural treasures and provides a personal connection to the beauty and wonder of the gemological world.