Birthstones, as they are known, are precious colored stones traditionally associated with specific months of birth, believed to bestow fortune and strength upon those born within those months. These captivating gems, varying in color and allure, have long been incorporated into jewelry, serving as treasured gifts and sentimental keepsakes. The history and symbolism surrounding these stones are rich and varied, continuing to fascinate and enchant.
History and Origin of Birthstones
The practice of associating gemstones with specific months has ancient roots, though the modern system evolved over time. Ancient astrologers believed that gemstones reflected the influence of the planets and constellations, creating a connection between humans and the cosmos. Initially, zodiac stones and birthstones were largely synonymous, with each sign linked to a particular gem. Over the centuries, this system diversified, leading to the assignment of multiple stones to some months and the emergence of modern birthstone lists. The enduring appeal of birthstones lies in their perceived ability to resonate with individual personalities and destinies.
December’s Blue Topaz and Tanzanite
December boasts blue topaz as a primary birthstone. This gem is known for its bright blue color and a Mohs hardness of 8, making it a durable choice for jewelry. Gift ideas featuring blue topaz include twisted silver square pendant necklaces, asymmetrical aqua and blue topaz designs, and three-stone petal pendants.
January’s Garnet: A Stone of Deep Red Hues
January is represented by the garnet, a gemstone celebrated for its deep red color. Garnet possesses a Mohs hardness of 7-7.5. Jewelry options featuring garnet include leverback earrings with garnet, carnelian, and tourmaline, as well as marquise garnet earrings.
February’s Amethyst: Symbol of Intellect and Temperance
Amethyst, the February birthstone, is a violet or light lavender quartz. With a Mohs hardness of 7, it symbolizes intellect, temperance, and love. Historically, amethyst was believed to prevent excessive passion and temptation, making it popular among religious leaders. Legend attributes its name to the nymph Amethystos, who transformed into stone to evade Bacchus. Amethyst was also thought to have medicinal properties, treating skin ailments and tumors, and even preventing drunkenness when drinking from an amethyst cup. Available jewelry includes amethyst marquise rings and asymmetrical amethyst earrings.
March’s Aquamarine: The Stone of the Sea
Aquamarine, the modern March birthstone, is a pale blue gem whose name derives from Latin words meaning “water” and “sea.” Its Mohs hardness ranges from 7.5-8. Legend connects aquamarine to mermaids and sailors, believing it offered protection at sea. The stone is associated with tranquility and a happy marriage, making it a popular choice for engagement rings. Bloodstone is listed as an alternative traditional March birthstone. Jewelry options include asymmetrical aquamarine earrings and silver designs with aquamarine and tourmaline.
April’s Diamond: The Pinnacle of Hardness
April’s birthstone, the diamond, is renowned for its exceptional hardness, registering a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. Diamonds are clear in color and are often featured in rings, earrings, and pendants. Gift ideas include diamond edge rings, kiss earrings with white diamonds, and diamond dot gold earrings.
May’s Emerald: Stone of Joy and Vitality
Emerald, the May birthstone, is a vibrant green gem symbolizing joy and vitality. Its Mohs hardness is 7.5-8. In ancient times, emeralds represented fertility and rebirth. Emeralds are rarely flawless; their inclusions, known as jardins (French for gardens), are considered to add character. Medieval medicine attributed healing properties to emeralds, claiming they could cure headaches, epilepsy, and rejuvenate the spirit. Contemporary emerald jewelry includes slide pendant necklaces and earrings with lapis lazuli.
June’s Pearl: A Classic Gem
June is represented by the pearl, a classic gem with a long history of symbolism.
Zodiac Birthstones: A Celestial Connection
Beyond monthly birthstones, an older tradition links gemstones to zodiac signs. Ancient and medieval astrologers assigned gems to planets, believing they mirrored celestial influences. These zodiac stones were originally the same as birthstones, but today, zodiac stones often include semi-precious gems, while standard birthstones encompass precious stones. A chart outlines these connections: Aries (red jasper), Taurus (rose quartz), Gemini (tiger’s eye), Cancer (chrysoprase), Leo (rock crystal), Virgo (citrine), Libra (orange citrine), Scorpio (carnelian), Sagittarius (sapphire), Capricorn (onyx), Aquarius (turquoise), and Pisces (amethyst).
Days of the Week and Gemstone Energies
A further extension of this belief system associates gemstones with days of the week, each linked to a specific planet and its corresponding energy. Sunday is linked to gold topaz, Monday to moonstone or pearl, Tuesday to ruby or garnet, Wednesday to turquoise, sapphire, or lapis lazuli, Thursday to amethyst, Friday to emerald, and Saturday to diamond.
Opal: October’s Colorful Gem
October’s birthstone, opal, is a unique mineral containing up to 20% water. Its colors range from pink and orange to black, with white and green being the most common. Rare varieties include Fire Opal (translucent with yellow, orange, or red hues) and Peruvian Opal (blue and green). Australia is the primary source of opal, though it is also found in the United States and Mexico. Historically, opal was considered lucky due to its mixed colors, believed to contain elements of all other precious gemstones. However, in Russian culture, opal is sometimes viewed as a bad omen.
Citrine: Virgo and Libra’s Golden Stone
Citrine, a yellow to orange gemstone, is associated with both Virgo (August 24-September 23) and Libra (September 24-October 23). It has a Mohs hardness of 7. Alternative stones for Virgo include zircon, beryl, and jasper, while Libra’s alternatives are diamond, opal, and peridot.
Carnelian: Scorpio’s Deep Red Gem
Carnelian, a deep red gemstone, represents Scorpio (October 24-November 22). Alternative stones for Scorpio include obsidian, ruby, and topaz.
Sapphire: Sagittarius’s Dark Blue Stone
Sapphire, a dark blue gemstone, is the birthstone for Sagittarius (November 23-December 21). Topaz, spinel, and amethyst are listed as alternative stones.
Onyx: Capricorn’s Black Gem
Onyx, a black gemstone, is associated with Capricorn (December 22-January 20). Ruby and green tourmaline are alternative stones.
Turquoise: Aquarius’s Blue Gem
Turquoise, a blue gemstone, represents Aquarius (January 21-February 19). Garnet and jasper are listed as alternative stones.
Mohs Hardness Scale Comparison
The Mohs hardness scale is a useful tool for understanding a gemstone’s durability. Here’s a simplified comparison:
| Mineral | Hardness |
|---|---|
| Talc | 1 |
| Gypsum | 2 |
| Calcite | 3 |
| Fluorite | 4 |
| Apatite | 5 |
| Orthoclase | 6 |
| Quartz | 7 |
| Topaz | 8 |
| Corundum | 9 |
| Diamond | 10 |
This scale demonstrates the relative resistance of gemstones to scratching. Diamonds, with a hardness of 10, are the most durable, while softer stones like opal require more careful handling.
Conclusion
Birthstones continue to hold a special place in our culture, blending historical lore, astrological beliefs, and aesthetic appeal. From the deep red of January’s garnet to the vibrant green of May’s emerald, each gemstone carries a unique symbolism and significance. Whether chosen for their perceived metaphysical properties, their connection to a birth month, or simply their beauty, birthstones remain treasured symbols of individuality and enduring fascination.