Birthstones, those captivating gems linked to the months of our birth, hold a timeless allure. Believed to bestow fortune and strength upon those born within their corresponding month, these stones are more than just beautiful adornments; they are imbued with history, symbolism, and a fascinating journey through cultural beliefs. From the deep reds of January’s garnet to the vibrant blues of December’s tanzanite, each birthstone possesses a unique story, and their incorporation into jewelry makes for treasured, sentimental gifts. The practice of associating gems with specific months dates back to antiquity, but the standardization of the modern list occurred in 1912 with the American National Retail Jeweler’s Association (now the Jewelers of America). This article will delve into the origins, history, and significance of these cherished gemstones, as understood through historical records and gemological understanding.
History and Lore
The association of precious gems with the months of the year is an ancient practice, rooted in traditions stretching back to the earliest civilizations. The origins of this connection can be traced to the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Book of Exodus, which featured twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. In the first century A.D., the Jewish historian Josephus proposed a link between these stones and the twelve zodiac signs, laying the groundwork for the later association with birth months. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that birthstones began to be widely linked to specific months.
The standardization of the modern birthstone list occurred in 1912, a pivotal moment in the history of these gems. Prior to this, variations existed in which stones were assigned to each month. The National Association of Jewelers created a list that, with a few updates, remains the standard today. Updates occurred in 1952 with the addition of alexandrite for June and pink tourmaline for October, and again in 2016 when spinel was added as a birthstone for August. This demonstrates an evolving understanding and appreciation of the diverse world of gemstones.
Monthly Birthstones: A Comprehensive Overview
The birthstone chart comprises three sets: ancient, traditional, and modern. While some months retain the same stone across all three lists, others showcase variations, reflecting the changing preferences and discoveries throughout history. The following table summarizes the modern, ancient, and traditional birthstones for each month:
| Month | Modern List | Ancient List |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond | Diamond |
| May | Emerald | Emerald |
| June | Alexandrite | Pearl |
| July | Ruby | Ruby |
| August | Peridot / Spinel | Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| October | Tourmaline | Opal |
| November | Golden Topaz / Citrine | Topaz |
| December | Blue Zircon / Tanzanite | Turquoise |
Gemological Properties and Origins
Garnet (January): Garnet isn’t a single mineral but a group of silicate minerals, most famously recognized for its deep red hue. However, garnets can also be found in a variety of other colors, including green. The name is believed to originate from the Latin granatum, meaning “pomegranate,” due to the resemblance of the gem’s color and shape to the fruit’s seeds.
Amethyst (February): A purple variety of quartz, amethyst derives its name from the Greek amethystos, meaning “not drunk.” Ancient cultures believed the stone could prevent intoxication, leading to its use in drinking vessels and jewelry.
Aquamarine/Bloodstone (March): March has two traditional birthstones. Aquamarine, a beautiful blue-green beryl, and Bloodstone, a dark green chalcedony speckled with red hematite. Bloodstone’s name reflects the appearance of the red inclusions, resembling drops of blood.
Diamond (April): The hardest natural substance known to humankind, the diamond’s name comes from the Latin adamas, meaning “hardest” or “invincible.” Diamonds are prized for their brilliance, clarity, and durability. They are not limited to colorless varieties, naturally occurring in shades of blue, pink, red, orange, yellow, and black, with red diamonds being the rarest and most expensive.
Emerald (May): A vibrant green beryl, the emerald has been revered for centuries. Its rich color and rarity contribute to its high value.
Alexandrite/Pearl (June): June boasts two birthstones: alexandrite, a color-changing gem, and pearl, an organic gemstone formed within oysters. Alexandrite displays different colors under different lighting conditions.
Ruby (July): A variety of the mineral corundum, ruby is known for its intense red color. It rates a nine on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond. Rubies are often heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity. Essential producers of rubies include Vietnam, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
Peridot/Spinel (August): August offers a choice between peridot and spinel. Peridot, with its greenish-yellow to yellowish-green hue, derives its name from the Arabic word faridat, meaning “gem.” Spinel, available in a wide range of colors including purple, orange, blue, green, pink, and red, was once mistaken for ruby. Spinel has a hardness of eight, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Sapphire (September): Typically known for its blue variety, sapphire is also found in other colors. It is another variety of the mineral corundum, like ruby.
Tourmaline/Opal (October): October presents tourmaline and opal as birthstones. Tourmaline comes in a vast spectrum of colors, while opal is known for its play-of-color, a unique optical effect.
Golden Topaz/Citrine (November): November’s birthstones are golden topaz and citrine, both varieties of quartz. Topaz is known for its golden hues, while citrine displays shades of yellow to orange.
Blue Zircon/Tanzanite (December): December offers blue zircon and tanzanite. Tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery, found only in Tanzania, and is prized for its vibrant blue-violet color.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, birthstones have been attributed with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. Ancient cultures believed these gems possessed healing powers and could protect against negative energies. For example, bloodstone was thought to have the power to stanch blood and even render people invisible, while spinel was believed to cure blood loss and inflammatory diseases and promote harmony. The belief that amethyst could prevent intoxication is another well-known example. While modern gemology does not support these claims, the enduring association of birthstones with specific powers continues to fascinate and inspire.
Value and Rarity
Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are generally considered the most expensive birthstones, due to their high demand and relative scarcity of high-quality specimens. The Koh-I-Noor diamond, an oval-shaped stone weighing 105.6 carats, is considered one of the most expensive and mysterious jewels in the world. Red diamonds are particularly rare and command exceptionally high prices. The value of a birthstone is determined by the “four Cs”: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight, along with its rarity and exclusivity.
Conclusion
Birthstones represent a captivating blend of history, geology, and cultural significance. From their ancient origins in the Breastplate of Aaron to their standardization in the 20th century, these gems have held a special place in human culture. Each birthstone possesses a unique story, a distinct set of gemological properties, and a rich tapestry of symbolism. Whether cherished as personal talismans, treasured gifts, or simply admired for their beauty, birthstones continue to enchant and inspire, connecting us to the enduring allure of the natural world.