June, March, July, October, November, August, and December each boast not one, but multiple gemstones associated with their respective months. While primary birthstones often take center stage, these secondary stones offer a fascinating array of colors, histories, and lore. This article delves into the captivating world of these lesser-known birthstones – alexandrite, moonstone, bloodstone, turquoise, onyx, tourmaline, citrine, and spinel – exploring their geological origins, gemological properties, historical significance, and enduring symbolism.
A Spectrum of Alternatives
The tradition of associating specific gemstones with each month of the year has evolved over centuries. Originally, only a limited number of stones were linked to particular months, often based on availability and cultural significance. As gemological knowledge expanded and new sources were discovered, the list of birthstones grew, offering a wider range of choices and allowing individuals to find a stone that resonates with their personal preferences. The inclusion of secondary birthstones provides even greater diversity, catering to different tastes and budgets.
Alexandrite: The Color-Changing Enigma
Alexandrite, a secondary birthstone for June, is renowned for its remarkable color-changing ability. This rare variety of chrysoberyl exhibits a green or bluish-green hue in daylight or fluorescent light, transforming into a reddish-purple under incandescent light. Discovered in Russia in the 19th century, it was named in honor of Tsar Alexander II. Alexandrite is found in limited quantities in Russia, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. Its hardness registers at 8.5 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for use in fine jewelry. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, alexandrite is believed to promote intuition and enhance creativity.
Moonstone: The Mystical Glow
Also representing June, moonstone is celebrated for its unique adularescence – a shimmering, ethereal glow that resembles the light of the moon. A type of feldspar mineral, moonstone occurs in a variety of colors. Ancient cultures associated moonstone with lunar goddesses and believed it possessed spiritual and emotional properties, including promoting calmness, intuition, and fertility. Ranking between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, moonstone is closely linked to the lunar cycle and is thought to symbolize emotional balance and encourage inner growth.
Bloodstone: A Stone of Courage
March benefits from the inclusion of bloodstone, also known as heliotrope. This distinctive gemstone is characterized by its dark green color speckled with red or brown inclusions, resembling drops of blood. These inclusions are formed by impurities of iron oxide. Historically, bloodstone was believed to promote courage, strength, and vitality, and was even thought to grant clairvoyance and preserve health. With a Mohs hardness of 7, bloodstone is a durable option for jewelry and decorative objects.
Turquoise: A Symbol of Protection
December’s second birthstone, turquoise, is a captivating blue-green mineral. Interestingly, the color turquoise actually derives its name from the gemstone itself, rather than the other way around. Found in arid regions, particularly in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Iran, turquoise often displays vein-like markings called “matrix,” which, contrary to popular belief, tend to lower its value. Native American tribes considered turquoise to bring good luck, protection against evil, and healing properties, while ancient Egyptians used it to adorn the tombs of pharaohs for its protective qualities. Turquoise scores between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale.
Onyx: Strength and Focus
July’s secondary birthstone, onyx, is most commonly recognized for its solid black color. The name “onyx” originates from the Greek word for fingernail, stemming from a myth that Venus’s fingernails were transformed into the stone by Cupid. Found in Brazil, India, and the United States, onyx is a variety of chalcedony with a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7. It is believed to promote strength, focus, and protection against negative energy, and is even thought to aid in recovering from heartbreak.
Tourmaline: A Rainbow of Possibilities
October is enriched by the presence of tourmaline, a gemstone that boasts an extraordinary range of colors. Formed from aluminum, boron, and silicon, tourmaline is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East Africa. It can be pink, green, blue, yellow, or black, and some stones even exhibit multiple colors, such as the striking “Watermelon Tourmaline” with its green and reddish-pink hues. Tourmaline is known for its unique optical properties, including its ability to become electrically charged when heated or rubbed. Ranking 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, tourmaline is believed to promote self-confidence, health, creativity, and protection.
Citrine: The Stone of Abundance
November’s second birthstone, citrine, is a beautiful gemstone with a warm golden hue. A type of quartz, citrine is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth and is found in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States. Its color ranges from pale yellow to dark orange, and it scores a 7 on the Mohs scale. Citrine gained popularity in Hollywood during the 1920s and 1930s after actress Greta Garbo was revealed to have a large collection of citrine jewelry. Symbolizing positivity, abundance, and creativity, citrine was historically known as “the money stone,” believed to bring wealth and success to its wearer.
Spinel: A History of Misidentification
August benefits from the inclusion of spinel, a gemstone historically mistaken for other varieties, most notably ruby. The name “spinel” comes from the Latin word spina, meaning thorn, referencing the shape of its crystals. For centuries, some of history’s most famous “rubies” were, in fact, spinels, including the approximately 170-carat Black Prince’s “ruby” which is now set in the British Imperial State Crown. Spinel comes in a wide array of colors, including intense red, vibrant pink, orange, purple, violet, blue, and bluish-green. Major sources include Tajikistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Pakistan. Red spinel, along with other red gems, was once believed to be a remedy for blood loss and inflammatory diseases, and to promote harmony. Spinel is traditionally given as a 22nd wedding anniversary gift.
Conclusion
The world of birthstones extends far beyond the commonly recognized primary stones. These secondary birthstones – alexandrite, moonstone, bloodstone, turquoise, onyx, tourmaline, citrine, and spinel – each possess unique characteristics, rich histories, and enduring symbolism. They offer a diverse palette of colors and properties, allowing individuals to connect with a gemstone that truly resonates with their personal story and preferences. While often overshadowed, these secondary birthstones are integral to the fascinating tapestry of gemological tradition and continue to captivate and inspire.