For centuries, cultures around the world have recognized a profound connection between humanity and the Earth’s treasures. This connection is particularly evident in the enduring tradition of birthstones, where specific gemstones are assigned to each month, believed to offer protection, fortune, and a unique personal resonance. The practice, spanning generations, finds a special significance in regions like Sri Lanka, historically known as “Ratna Dweepa” or the Island of Gems, where many of these celebrated stones originate. This article will explore the history, meaning, and beauty of each gem in the official list of birthstones by month, as established by modern and traditional lists.
The origins of associating gemstones with specific times of the year are ancient, tracing back thousands of years. Many scholars believe the tradition began with the Breastplate of Aaron, a sacred garment described in the Book of Exodus, adorned with twelve different gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The first-century historian Josephus connected these stones to the twelve signs of the zodiac, and the custom evolved into owning all twelve stones and wearing the appropriate one for each month, believing it held heightened powers during that period.
While the concept is ancient, the standardized list of birthstones used today was formalized in the early 20th century. However, even today, jewelers and individuals often draw from both modern and traditional lists, selecting stones that appeal to them personally. Some traditional gems remain popular due to their affordability or availability, such as turquoise and cultivated pearls.
January: The Resilient Garnet
The birthstone for January is garnet, a remarkably diverse gemstone. Though commonly recognized for its deep red hue, garnet can be found in nearly any color. Certain varieties even exhibit a color change when exposed to different lighting conditions. Garnet isn’t a single mineral but rather a group of several, including pyrope, almandine, spessartine, andradite, and grossular. These minerals contribute to the variations in color; andradite ranges from yellow to green, pyrope and almandine display shades of purple to red, and spessartine appears in orange to yellow tones.
In Indian astrology, garnet is believed to enhance self-confidence and mental clarity, fostering creativity and a calm mind. It is also thought to help mitigate negative emotions like anxiety, depression, and anger.
February: The Royal Amethyst
February is represented by amethyst, a gemstone consistently recognized throughout history. Both the modern and traditional lists designate amethyst as the February birthstone.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March presents a choice between aquamarine and bloodstone. The modern list favors aquamarine, while the traditional list features bloodstone. In the United Kingdom, bloodstone remains a popular choice.
April: The Invincible Diamond
April’s birthstone is the diamond, a gem celebrated for its brilliance and durability. Both the modern and traditional lists recognize the diamond as the April birthstone.
May: The Rejuvenating Emerald
May is associated with the emerald, a vibrant green gemstone. Like the diamond, the emerald holds its place on both the modern and traditional birthstone lists.
June: Pearl, Alexandrite & Moonstone
June boasts three birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. The traditional birthstone for June is pearl, while the modern list includes alexandrite alongside pearl and moonstone.
July: The Passionate Ruby
July is represented by the ruby, a gemstone known for its intense red color. The ruby is consistently listed as the July birthstone on both modern and traditional charts.
August: Peridot & Spinel
August offers a choice between peridot and spinel. The modern list recognizes both, while the traditional list primarily features sardonyx, with peridot and spinel being more recent additions. In 2016, spinel was officially added as a birthstone for August by the American Gem Trade Association and the National Association of Jewelers.
September: The Celestial Sapphire
September’s birthstone is sapphire, a gem renowned for its rich blue hue. Sapphire consistently appears on both the modern and traditional birthstone lists.
October: Opal & Tourmaline
October is represented by opal and tourmaline, offering a kaleidoscope of color. Opal is famous for its mesmerizing “play-of-color,” flashing with a rainbow of hues as it moves, symbolizing faithfulness and creativity. Tourmaline, available in more colors than any other gemstone, is believed to be a stone of reconciliation and compassion.
November: Topaz & Citrine
November’s birthstones are topaz and citrine, known for their warm, sunny hues. Topaz, while often associated with golden yellow or blue, comes in a variety of colors, with the rare “Imperial Topaz” displaying a reddish-orange hue, symbolizing affection and strength. Citrine, the golden-yellow variety of quartz, is known as the “merchant’s stone,” believed to bring prosperity, joy, and abundance. Sri Lanka is a known source of high-quality topaz, including beautiful blue and valuable colorless varieties.
December: Turquoise, Zircon & Tanzanite
December offers a choice of three stunning blue stones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Turquoise, one of the oldest known gemstones, is prized for its opaque, robin’s egg blue color and is considered a talisman of good fortune and protection.
The standardization of birthstones has evolved over time. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers created a modern list, which has remained largely unchanged. Updates have occurred, such as the addition of alexandrite for June in 1952 and pink tourmaline for October. More recently, in 2016, spinel was added as a birthstone for August. Despite the modern list, the ancient list continues to be used, and many individuals choose to combine stones from both lists based on personal preference.
Conclusion
The tradition of birthstones by month is a captivating blend of history, lore, and personal significance. From the biblical origins linked to the Breastplate of Aaron to the standardized lists of the 20th and 21st centuries, the practice continues to resonate with people around the world. Whether one adheres to the modern or traditional lists, or chooses a stone based on its aesthetic appeal or perceived metaphysical properties, the enduring allure of birthstones lies in their ability to connect us to the Earth’s beauty and to our own unique stories.