The tradition of associating specific gemstones with each month of the year—birthstones—is a practice steeped in history and evolving beliefs. While the concept dates back to ancient civilizations, the modern birthstone list as it is commonly known today solidified in 1912 with the creation of a standardized list by the National Association of Jewelers. This list, and the historical traditions that inform it, continue to shape the gemstone industry and provide a meaningful connection between individuals and the natural world. This article will explore the birthstones assigned to each month, detailing their historical context, symbolism, and modern interpretations, drawing from both the established “modern” list and the enduring “ancient” or “traditional” associations.
The practice of linking gemstones to specific months has roots in biblical times, with connections made to the twelve stones on Aaron’s breastplate. Over time, cultural traditions and astrological beliefs further refined these associations. Today, three distinct sets of birthstones—ancient, traditional, and modern—exist, offering a range of choices for those seeking a gemstone with personal significance. While the modern list is widely recognized, many individuals still draw upon the traditional stones, often selecting based on personal preference or the perceived benefits of a particular gem.
January: Garnet – A Stone of Protection and Trust
The birthstone for January, consistently recognized across both modern and ancient lists, is the garnet. This gemstone is known for its deep red hue, though it actually occurs in a wide spectrum of colors, including yellow, green, and even variations that change color under different lighting conditions. Garnet isn’t a single mineral, but rather a group of silicate minerals—pyrope, almandine, spessartine, andradite, and grossular—each contributing to the variety in color. Indian astrology attributes garnet with the ability to improve self-confidence and mental clarity, fostering creativity and a calm mind, while also warding off negative emotions like anxiety and depression.
February: Amethyst – Clarity, Calmness, and Healing
February is represented by the captivating purple gemstone, amethyst. This stone has been valued for centuries for its association with peace, courage, and stability. Historically, amethyst was believed to calm the mind and protect against negative energies, leading to its widespread use in jewelry and spiritual practices.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone – Serenity and Courage
March presents a choice between two birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine, with its serene blue hues, symbolizes serenity and courage. The traditional stone for March, bloodstone, also embodies courage and truth.
April: Diamond – Purity, Strength, and Eternity
April’s birthstone, the diamond, is celebrated for its exceptional clarity and strength. Symbolizing everlasting love and resilience, the diamond remains a popular choice for engagement rings, representing commitment and purity.
May: Emerald – Growth, Renewal, and Fertility
May is graced by the vibrant green emerald, a gemstone associated with growth, renewal, and fertility. Like the garnet and amethyst, the emerald maintains its position on both the ancient and modern lists.
June: Pearl and Alexandrite – Wisdom, Peace, and Loyalty
June offers a dual birthstone selection: the classic pearl and the color-changing alexandrite. Pearls symbolize wisdom, peace, and loyalty, while alexandrite, discovered more recently, is prized for its ability to appear different colors depending on the light source. The addition of alexandrite to the modern list occurred in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America.
July: Ruby – Passion, Vitality, and Love
July’s birthstone, the ruby, is renowned for its intense red color, symbolizing passion, vitality, and love. The ruby consistently appears on both the ancient and modern lists.
August: Peridot and Spinel – Positivity, Strength, and Health
August boasts two birthstones: peridot and spinel. Peridot, a vibrant green gem, is associated with positivity, strength, and health. In 2016, spinel was officially added as a birthstone for August by the American Gem Trade Association and the National Association of Jewelers, expanding the options for those born in this month. Historically, sardonyx was also associated with August.
September: Sapphire – Wisdom, Royalty, and Faith
September is represented by the sapphire, a gemstone often associated with wisdom, royalty, and faith. The sapphire maintains its place on both the ancient and modern lists.
October: Tourmaline and Opal – Creativity, Hope, and Truth
October offers a choice between tourmaline and opal. Tourmaline, available in a wide range of colors, symbolizes creativity, hope, and truth. Opal, known for its iridescent play of color, was the traditional October birthstone, but tourmaline was added to the modern list.
November: Topaz and Citrine – Prosperity, Joy, and Energy
November presents a choice between topaz and citrine. Topaz, often found in golden hues, symbolizes prosperity, joy, and energy. Citrine, a yellow variety of quartz, shares similar associations.
December: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise – Protection, Balance, and Luck
December offers the most diverse selection of birthstones: Tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise. Tanzanite, a relatively recent discovery, has been added to the modern list, while zircon and turquoise represent the traditional associations. These stones symbolize protection, balance, and luck. Lapis Lazuli was previously associated with December but has been replaced by blue zircon and Tanzanite in modern lists.
Modern Additions and Evolving Traditions
The birthstone list is not static. The modern list has been updated over time to include newly discovered gemstones and to offer more variety. For example, spinel was added for August in 2016, and Tanzanite was added for December. Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association continue to refine the list, reflecting changing tastes and the availability of new gems.
The popularity of birthstones also varies geographically. Analysis of birth data reveals that peridot, associated with August, is the most common birthstone in a significant number of states, likely due to the higher number of births occurring in that month. Ruby, linked to July, is also frequently the most common birthstone across the United States.
Ultimately, the choice of a birthstone is a personal one. Whether adhering to the traditional associations, embracing the modern list, or simply selecting a gemstone that resonates with individual preferences, birthstones offer a unique and meaningful connection to the natural world and the passage of time.