The concept of birthstones – gemstones associated with specific months – possesses a rich and evolving history. While today we often select a single stone for each month, the tradition began with a connection to biblical times and the twelve tribes of Israel, later linked to the zodiac. The modern practice of assigning one gem per month solidified between the 16th and 18th centuries, with a standardized list emerging in the United States in 1912. This article will explore the diverse world of birthstones, detailing both traditional and modern associations, their historical significance, and key gemological properties, as understood through current knowledge.
The Historical Roots of Monthly Gems
The earliest origins of birthstones can be traced to the breastplate of Aaron, described in the Bible, which featured twelve gemstones representing the tribes of Israel. Over time, scholars like Josephus and St. Jerome began associating these gems with the signs of the zodiac, suggesting each stone held specific powers during its corresponding astrological period. This led to a practice of collecting all twelve gems for year-round talismanic or therapeutic benefit. However, the shift towards assigning a single stone to each month occurred much later, originating in Poland during the 16th to 18th centuries. The National Association of Jewelers in the United States formalized this practice in 1912, creating the “modern birthstone” chart that is widely recognized today. It is important to note that both traditional and modern lists exist, and individuals often choose stones based on personal preference or availability.
January: Garnet – Faith and Fidelity
Garnet stands as the birthstone for January, both traditionally and in the modern list. Characterized by its dark red hue, garnet symbolizes faith and fidelity. While specific details regarding its geological formation and sources are not provided in the available materials, its consistent association with January highlights its enduring appeal.
February: Amethyst – Temperance and Deep Love
Amethyst, a violet-colored gemstone, is the birthstone for February, holding its position on both the traditional and modern lists. It is said to represent temperance and deep love. Like garnet, further details regarding its origins and properties are not available within the provided sources.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone – Happiness and Tranquility
March presents a divergence between traditional and modern birthstone assignments. The modern birthstone for March is aquamarine, a pale blue gemstone symbolizing happiness and tranquility. Traditionally, bloodstone, a dark green variety, held this position.
April: Diamond – Enduring Love
Diamond, renowned for its brilliance and durability, is the birthstone for April, consistently recognized as such in both traditional and modern lists. It embodies enduring love and is known for being clear in color.
May: Emerald – Joy and Vitality
Emerald, a vibrant green gemstone, is the birthstone for May, maintaining its position across both traditional and modern designations. It symbolizes joy and vitality.
June: Alexandrite, Pearl, and Moonstone – Purity and Sincerity
June boasts multiple birthstone options. Alexandrite is the modern birthstone, while pearl and moonstone are traditional choices. These gems are associated with purity and sincerity.
July: Ruby – Passionate Love
Ruby, with its bold red color, is the birthstone for July, consistently recognized in both traditional and modern lists. It symbolizes passionate love. The sources note that finding high-quality rubies can be difficult, but acceptable quality stones are available in various shapes and sizes.
August: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx – Creative Expression
August presents a complex array of birthstone options. Peridot is the modern birthstone, appearing in shades of yellow-green to brown, with the light green variety being most popular. Spinel has recently been added as a modern alternative. Traditionally, sardonyx, a red and white variety of chalcedony, was the August birthstone. Peridot was historically believed to symbolize strength and ward off nightmares, while ancient Hawaiians associated it with the tears of the goddess Pele.
September: Sapphire – Wisdom and Loyalty
Sapphire, most commonly known for its dark blue hue, is the birthstone for September, holding its position on both traditional and modern lists. It symbolizes wisdom and loyalty. Notably, sapphire occurs in a wide range of colors except red, as red corundum is defined as ruby. In the Middle Ages, Christian clergy wore blue sapphires as symbols of heaven.
October: Tourmaline, Opal, and Aquamarine – Gentleness and Compassion
October offers a diverse selection of birthstones. Tourmaline is the modern birthstone, particularly the rare pink variety, symbolizing gentleness and compassion. The watermelon tourmaline, displaying both pink and green, represents compassion and selflessness. Opal and aquamarine are traditional alternatives. Some believe tourmaline possesses probiotic powers, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.
November: Topaz and Citrine – Self-Confidence and Kindness
November is represented by topaz as the modern birthstone, often referred to as the “fire stone” due to its bold and intense energy. It is said to promote self-confidence, kindness, and passion. Topaz is often colorless, orange, or golden-brown in its natural state but is frequently treated to achieve other colors, such as blue. Citrine serves as a traditional alternative.
December: Blue Topaz, Turquoise, and Lapis Lazuli – Peace and Calmness
December features multiple birthstone options. Blue topaz is the modern birthstone, while turquoise and lapis lazuli are traditional choices. These gems symbolize peace and calmness.
Gemological Properties: A Brief Overview
While the provided sources do not offer extensive gemological data, some properties are noted. Sapphire boasts a Mohs hardness of 9, while topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8. Tourmaline’s hardness ranges from 7 to 7.5. These values indicate relative resistance to scratching, with higher numbers signifying greater hardness. Garnet, amethyst, ruby, and emerald are all mentioned as birthstones, but their specific hardness values are not provided in these sources.
Days of the Week and Gemstone Associations
Beyond monthly birthstones, the sources also mention a tradition of associating gemstones with days of the week, believed to absorb planetary energies. These associations include:
- Sunday: Gold Topaz
- Monday: Moonstone or Pearl
- Tuesday: Ruby or Garnet
- Wednesday: Turquoise, Sapphire, or Lapis Lazuli
- Thursday: Amethyst
- Friday: Emerald
- Saturday: Diamond
A Table Summarizing Birthstone Assignments
| Month | Modern Birthstone | Traditional Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond | Diamond |
| May | Emerald | Emerald |
| June | Alexandrite | Pearl, Moonstone |
| July | Ruby | Ruby |
| August | Peridot, Spinel | Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| October | Tourmaline | Opal, Aquamarine |
| November | Topaz, Citrine | Topaz |
| December | Blue Topaz | Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli |
Conclusion
The world of birthstones is a fascinating blend of history, tradition, and gemological significance. From their origins in biblical times to the standardized lists of the 20th century, these gemstones have held cultural and symbolic importance for centuries. While modern consumers often have a choice between traditional and modern birthstones, the enduring appeal of these gems lies in their beauty, perceived powers, and the personal connection they offer to the month of one’s birth. The provided sources offer a glimpse into this rich history and the diverse range of gemstones associated with each month, highlighting their enduring legacy.