The concept of birthstones—assigning a specific gemstone to each month of the year—dates back thousands of years, rooted in ancient beliefs about the mystical powers and symbolic meanings of gemstones. Over time, these traditions evolved, particularly in the 20th century, when the modern birthstone list was formalized to reflect the availability, cultural relevance, and diversity of gemstones. One notable feature of this modern system is that several months are associated with more than one gemstone. These dual or triplet birthstone designations offer greater flexibility and choice for individuals seeking to connect with their birthstone through personal preferences, affordability, or symbolic resonance.
This article explores the months with multiple birthstones, their historical evolution, and the reasons behind the inclusion of additional gemstones. We will examine the significance of each of these stones, their gemological properties, and their cultural meanings, providing a comprehensive understanding of why certain months have more than one birthstone.
Introduction
While the idea of birthstones has ancient roots—dating back to the Breastplate of Aaron in the Old Testament—the modern list we recognize today was established in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America). This list was periodically updated to account for new discoveries, shifting cultural preferences, and the desire to make birthstones more accessible and inclusive.
In the current modern birthstone chart, four months are officially recognized as having two or even three birthstone options. These include June, October, November, and December, although some sources also include March, August, and December with three stones. The inclusion of multiple birthstones for these months reflects a combination of practical considerations, such as gem availability and affordability, as well as symbolic and cultural preferences.
This article will:
- Outline the history of the modern birthstone system
- Identify the months with multiple birthstones and their associated gemstones
- Explore the reasons behind the inclusion of multiple stones for certain months
- Discuss the gemological and symbolic properties of each of these stones
- Provide practical guidance on choosing the most suitable birthstone for those born in these months
History and Evolution of the Birthstone List
The tradition of associating gemstones with specific months has its roots in ancient cultures. The earliest known record of this practice comes from the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Old Testament, which featured twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones were linked to zodiac signs and, eventually, to the months of the year.
The first standardized list of birthstones for the modern calendar was created in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers in the United States. This list was intended to unify the varying birthstone traditions across different cultures and regions. In 1952, the list was revised by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, and it was updated again in the early 21st century to reflect the discovery of new gemstones and changing consumer preferences.
The inclusion of multiple birthstones for certain months was introduced to address several factors:
- Gemstone availability and affordability: Some gemstones were rare or difficult to source, making them less accessible to the general public.
- Cultural and regional preferences: Different cultures have historically associated different gemstones with the same month or zodiac sign.
- Aesthetic and symbolic diversity: Multiple birthstones allow individuals to choose a stone that resonates with their personality, zodiac sign, or preferred aesthetic.
The modern list of birthstones now includes the following months with two or more gemstones:
| Month | Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|
| March | Aquamarine, Bloodstone |
| June | Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone |
| August | Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz, Citrine |
| December | Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon |
Each of these months reflects a unique blend of historical, symbolic, and practical considerations that have influenced the selection of their respective birthstones.
Months with Two or More Birthstones
March – Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March is associated with two distinct gemstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone.
Aquamarine is a blue to blue-green variety of beryl, known for its clarity and brilliance. It is often associated with calmness, purity, and protection. Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear.
Bloodstone, also known as Heliotrope, is a form of jasper with red flecks (often iron oxide) on a green background. It has long been associated with courage, vitality, and protection. Bloodstone has a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale.
The inclusion of both Aquamarine and Bloodstone for March reflects both their historical use and their contrasting symbolic meanings—Aquamarine represents calm and clarity, while Bloodstone is associated with strength and vitality.
June – Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
June is one of the months with the most birthstone options, including Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone.
Pearl is an organic gemstone formed within mollusks. It symbolizes purity, wisdom, and new beginnings. Pearls are relatively soft, with a hardness of 2.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale, which means they require careful handling.
Alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl known for its color-changing properties. It appears green in daylight and red in incandescent light. Alexandrite is associated with transformation, intuition, and creativity. It has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable for jewelry.
Moonstone is a type of feldspar known for its shimmering surface and ethereal appearance. It symbolizes intuition, femininity, and mystery. Moonstone has a hardness of 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, so it requires gentle care.
The inclusion of these three stones for June reflects both historical and symbolic considerations. Pearls have long been associated with the month of June, while Alexandrite was added later due to its rarity and transformative symbolism. Moonstone, with its mystical qualities, further expands the options for those born in June.
August – Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
August is associated with Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx.
Peridot is a vibrant green gemstone known for its lively color and historical use as a protective stone. It is relatively hard, with a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale.
Spinel is a gemstone that is often mistaken for ruby due to its deep red color. It is known for its brilliance and durability, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. Spinel is associated with revitalization and passion.
Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony with a brown to reddish-brown color and white bands. It is associated with strength, grounding, and stamina. Sardonyx has a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale.
The inclusion of these three stones for August reflects both practical and symbolic considerations. Peridot and Spinel offer a range of colors and properties, while Sardonyx adds a more traditional, earthy option.
October – Opal and Tourmaline
October is associated with Opal and Tourmaline.
Opal is a gemstone known for its play-of-color, a phenomenon in which it displays a range of colors when viewed from different angles. Opal is associated with love, passion, and optimism. However, it is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale, and requires careful handling.
Tourmaline is a group of gemstones that come in a wide range of colors. The most well-known variety is Rubellite, which is a deep red to pink tourmaline. Tourmaline is associated with vitality, energy, and protection. It has a hardness of 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it more durable than opal.
The inclusion of both Opal and Tourmaline for October reflects the diversity of gemstones that can be associated with the month. Opal has been linked to October for centuries, while Tourmaline was added in the 20th century to provide a more durable and colorful option.
November – Topaz and Citrine
November is associated with Topaz and Citrine.
Topaz is a gemstone known for its clarity and vibrant colors, including yellow, blue, and pink. It is associated with strength, clarity, and emotional stability. Topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable for jewelry.
Citrine is a yellow to orange variety of quartz, known for its warm color and uplifting energy. It is associated with happiness, optimism, and creativity. Citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear.
The inclusion of both Topaz and Citrine for November reflects both their visual appeal and their symbolic meanings. Topaz is a classic choice, while Citrine offers a more affordable and accessible option.
December – Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon
December is associated with Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon.
Turquoise is a blue to green gemstone with a long history of use in jewelry and decorative arts. It is associated with protection, wisdom, and spiritual awakening. Turquoise has a hardness of 5–6 on the Mohs scale, which means it requires careful handling.
Tanzanite is a relatively rare gemstone discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is known for its deep blue to violet color and is associated with transformation and emotional healing. Tanzanite has a hardness of 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Zircon is a gemstone that comes in a range of colors, including blue, yellow, and green. It is known for its brilliance and refractive properties. Zircon has a hardness of 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale, depending on the variety.
The inclusion of these three stones for December reflects both their aesthetic appeal and their symbolic meanings. Turquoise has long been associated with the month of December, while Tanzanite and Zircon were added to reflect modern preferences and the discovery of new gemstones.
Why Some Months Have Multiple Birthstones
The inclusion of multiple birthstones for certain months is based on a combination of historical, cultural, and practical factors.
Historical and Cultural Influences
Historically, different cultures have associated different gemstones with the same month or zodiac sign. For example, the ancient Greeks and Romans associated certain gemstones with specific planets and deities, while medieval Europeans had their own traditions. As these traditions were combined and standardized, it became clear that some months had multiple gemstone associations.
Cultural preferences also played a role in the inclusion of multiple birthstones. Some gemstones were more highly valued in certain regions or eras, leading to their inclusion in the birthstone list. For example, Alexandrite was added to the list of June birthstones in the 19th century due to its rarity and symbolic significance.
Practical Considerations
Practical considerations also influenced the inclusion of multiple birthstones for certain months. Some gemstones were rare or difficult to source, making them less accessible to the general public. By including additional gemstones, the birthstone list became more inclusive and affordable.
For example, Opal was once the only birthstone for October, but Tourmaline was added in 1952 to provide a more durable and colorful alternative. Similarly, Tanzanite was added to the list of December birthstones in 2002 to reflect modern preferences and the discovery of new gemstones.
Aesthetic and Symbolic Diversity
Finally, the inclusion of multiple birthstones for certain months reflects a desire to provide a greater range of options for individuals. Different people are drawn to different colors, meanings, and properties, and having multiple birthstones allows individuals to choose the one that resonates most with them.
For example, someone born in June might prefer the elegance of Pearl, the transformative power of Alexandrite, or the mystique of Moonstone. This flexibility makes the birthstone tradition more personal and meaningful.
How to Choose the Right Birthstone
For those born in a month with multiple birthstone options, the choice can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right birthstone:
Personal Preference
Personal preference is one of the most important factors in choosing a birthstone. Consider the color, appearance, and feel of each gemstone. Some people are drawn to the vibrant colors of Tourmaline, while others prefer the soft, ethereal glow of Moonstone.
Symbolic Meaning
Each gemstone has its own symbolic meaning, and choosing a stone that aligns with your personal values or aspirations can make the birthstone feel more meaningful. For example, Alexandrite is associated with transformation and creativity, while Citrine is associated with happiness and optimism.
Practical Considerations
Practical considerations, such as durability and affordability, are also important. Some gemstones are more suitable for everyday wear than others. For example, Pearl is relatively soft and requires careful handling, while Topaz is more durable.
Zodiac Sign
For those who are interested in astrology, choosing a birthstone that aligns with your zodiac sign can add another layer of meaning. While the zodiac and birthstone traditions are not directly connected, some people believe that certain gemstones enhance the qualities associated with their zodiac sign.
Availability and Accessibility
Finally, consider the availability and accessibility of each gemstone. Some stones, such as Alexandrite, are rare and expensive, while others, such as Citrine, are more affordable and widely available.
Conclusion
The inclusion of multiple birthstones for certain months reflects a rich history of cultural traditions, practical considerations, and symbolic meanings. By offering a range of options, the birthstone tradition becomes more inclusive and meaningful, allowing individuals to choose a gemstone that resonates with their personal preferences and values.
Whether you were born in March, June, August, October, November, or December, you are part of a long and fascinating tradition that connects people to the natural world through the beauty and symbolism of gemstones. As you explore the many options available for your birth month, you may find that the perfect birthstone is not just a symbol of your month of birth, but also a reflection of your personality, values, and aspirations.