The birthstone calendar is a fascinating intersection of geology, history, and cultural tradition. For centuries, people have associated gemstones with specific months of the year, believing that these stones carry unique energies, symbols, and even protective qualities. Today, birthstone calendars serve not only as a source of spiritual and cultural interest but also as a practical guide for those who love to wear jewelry with meaning.
This article explores the modern and traditional birthstone calendar, focusing on the gemstones assigned to each month. We will delve into the origins of the birthstone tradition, the properties of each gemstone, their symbolic meanings, and how they have evolved in modern jewelry and spiritual practices. The information presented is based on widely recognized sources, including modern and traditional birthstone charts, historical records, and contemporary gemological knowledge.
Historical Origins of the Birthstone Calendar
The concept of birthstones is not modern—it has ancient roots in various cultures. One of the earliest references to birthstones can be found in the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Old Testament. This sacred artifact was said to contain twelve gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. While the exact identities of these stones are debated, they laid the foundation for the idea that gemstones can be associated with specific groups, and later, with months of the year.
Over time, different civilizations developed their own versions of birthstone charts. The ancient Greeks and Romans, for example, believed that gemstones had powers linked to the stars and planets. The medieval European tradition, which closely resembles today’s modern birthstone calendar, began to take shape in the 14th century and was formalized in the 19th century by jewelers and gemologists.
The modern birthstone calendar was officially recognized in the United States in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers. This calendar has been updated over the years to include additional gemstones for months that already had one. These updates are based on the availability, beauty, and symbolic appeal of the stones.
The Modern Birthstone Calendar
The modern birthstone calendar assigns one or more gemstones to each month. This version is widely accepted and used in the jewelry industry today. Below is the complete list of modern birthstones:
| Month | Modern Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot, Spinel |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline |
| November | Citrine, Topaz |
| December | Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Topaz |
Some months, such as June, August, October, November, and December, have multiple recognized birthstones to offer variety in color, price, and style. These additions reflect the growing appreciation for different gemstones and their unique properties.
The Traditional Birthstone Calendar
The traditional birthstone calendar differs from the modern version in that it assigns different gemstones to certain months. These traditional stones often have historical or cultural significance and are sometimes less commonly used in contemporary jewelry. However, they still hold value for those who are interested in ancient traditions and spiritual practices.
A comparison of the traditional and modern birthstones is as follows:
| Traditional Birthstone | Month | Modern Birthstone Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Garnet | January | Garnet |
| Amethyst | February | Amethyst |
| Bloodstone | March | Aquamarine |
| Sapphire | April or September | Diamond (April), Sapphire (September) |
| Agate | May or June | Emerald (May), Pearl or Alexandrite (June) |
| Emerald | May | Emerald |
| Onyx | July or August | Ruby (July), Peridot (August) |
| Carnelian | July or August | Ruby (July), Peridot (August) |
| Peridot | August | Peridot |
| Beryl | October or November | Opal or Tourmaline (October), Topaz or Citrine (November) |
| Topaz | November | Topaz, Citrine |
| Ruby | July | Ruby |
The traditional calendar is less commonly used in the jewelry industry today, but it remains popular among those who value historical and spiritual connections to gemstones.
Gemological Properties of Each Birthstone
Each gemstone in the birthstone calendar has unique physical and chemical properties that contribute to its beauty and durability. Here is an overview of the most notable gemological properties of each birthstone:
January – Garnet
Garnet is a group of silicate minerals that can appear in a wide range of colors, including red, green, and even blue. The most common form is the deep red pyrope garnet. Garnet has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday jewelry. It is known for its luster and brilliance.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz and is one of the most popular gemstones. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale and is known for its vibrant color and clarity. Amethyst is often used in rings, pendants, and earrings.
March – Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a light blue to blue-green variety of beryl. It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 and is known for its clarity and brilliance. Aquamarine is often associated with the sea and is a popular choice for jewelry.
April – Diamond
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring mineral, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. It is a crystalline form of carbon and is known for its brilliance and durability. Diamonds are the most popular gemstone for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
May – Emerald
Emerald is a green variety of beryl. It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 and is known for its rich color and clarity. Emeralds are often found in inclusions, which are natural features that add to their character.
June – Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
Pearls are organic gemstones formed in mollusks. They have a hardness of 2.5 to 4.5 and require special care to prevent damage. Alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl that changes color in different lighting. Moonstone is a type of feldspar known for its adularescence, or shimmering effect.
July – Ruby
Ruby is a red variety of corundum. It has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and is known for its deep red color and brilliance. Rubies are among the most valuable gemstones and are often used in fine jewelry.
August – Peridot, Spinel
Peridot is a green gemstone with a hardness of 6.5 to 7. It is known for its vivid green color and is often used in jewelry. Spinel is a versatile gemstone that can appear in a range of colors. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale.
September – Sapphire
Sapphire is a blue variety of corundum. It has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and is known for its brilliance and durability. Sapphires are one of the most popular gemstones and are often used in engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
October – Opal, Tourmaline
Opal is a hydrated amorphous silica that is known for its play-of-color effect. It has a hardness of 5 to 6.5 and requires special care to prevent damage. Tourmaline is a group of silicate minerals that can appear in a range of colors. It has a hardness of 7 to 7.5.
November – Citrine, Topaz
Citrine is a yellow to orange variety of quartz. It has a hardness of 7 and is known for its vibrant color and clarity. Topaz is a silicate mineral that can appear in a range of colors, including blue and yellow. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale.
December – Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Topaz
Tanzanite is a blue to violet gemstone that was discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It has a hardness of 6 to 7. Zircon is a zirconium silicate that can appear in a range of colors. It has a hardness of 6 to 7.5. Blue Topaz is a heat-treated topaz that has a blue color and a hardness of 8.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
In addition to their physical properties, each birthstone is associated with symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs. These meanings are rooted in history, folklore, and spiritual traditions. Here is an overview of the symbolism associated with each birthstone:
January – Garnet
Garnet is associated with protection, strength, and vitality. It is believed to enhance energy and promote healing. Garnet is also associated with love and passion.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst is associated with peace, clarity, and spiritual balance. It is believed to help with stress and anxiety and to promote a sense of calm. Amethyst is also associated with wisdom and sobriety.
March – Aquamarine
Aquamarine is associated with serenity, youth, and a connection to water. It is believed to help with communication and to promote courage and clarity. Aquamarine is also associated with the sea and is believed to protect travelers.
April – Diamond
Diamond is associated with eternal love and strength. It is believed to represent purity and is often used in engagement rings. Diamond is also associated with brilliance and is believed to enhance self-confidence.
May – Emerald
Emerald is associated with rebirth, fertility, and eternal youth. It is believed to promote love and harmony and to enhance intuition. Emerald is also associated with beauty and is believed to protect against jealousy.
June – Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
Pearls are associated with purity, innocence, and wisdom. They are believed to promote calm and to enhance emotional balance. Alexandrite is associated with transformation and adaptability. It is believed to help with emotional healing and to enhance intuition. Moonstone is associated with intuition, balance, and feminine energy. It is believed to promote emotional stability and to enhance intuition.
July – Ruby
Ruby is associated with passion, protection, and prosperity. It is believed to enhance courage and to promote love and vitality. Ruby is also associated with strength and is believed to protect against harm.
August – Peridot, Spinel
Peridot is associated with renewal, joy, and prosperity. It is believed to promote healing and to enhance positivity. Peridot is also associated with light and is believed to protect against nightmares. Spinel is associated with warmth, love, and emotional healing. It is believed to enhance emotional balance and to promote harmony.
September – Sapphire
Sapphire is associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. It is believed to promote spiritual insight and to enhance clarity. Sapphire is also associated with truth and is believed to protect against deception.
October – Opal, Tourmaline
Opal is associated with creativity, inspiration, and emotional healing. It is believed to enhance imagination and to promote emotional balance. Opal is also associated with transformation and is believed to enhance intuition. Tourmaline is associated with grounding, protection, and emotional stability. It is believed to enhance confidence and to promote emotional balance.
November – Citrine, Topaz
Citrine is associated with energy, joy, and abundance. It is believed to promote optimism and to enhance personal power. Citrine is also associated with light and is believed to protect against negativity. Topaz is associated with strength, courage, and clarity. It is believed to promote emotional balance and to enhance wisdom.
December – Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Topaz
Tanzanite is associated with transformation, intuition, and emotional healing. It is believed to enhance spiritual insight and to promote emotional balance. Tanzanite is also associated with the heart and is believed to promote love and compassion. Zircon is associated with wisdom, clarity, and emotional balance. It is believed to enhance intuition and to promote emotional healing. Blue Topaz is associated with calm, serenity, and emotional balance. It is believed to promote emotional healing and to enhance intuition.
Care and Cleaning of Birthstone Jewelry
Proper care and cleaning are essential to maintaining the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewelry. Different gemstones have different hardness levels and chemical properties that affect how they should be cleaned and handled. Here are some general guidelines for cleaning and caring for each birthstone:
Garnet
Garnet can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone. Garnet is relatively durable but should be stored separately from harder gemstones to avoid scratches.
Amethyst
Amethyst can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using steam cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone. Amethyst should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent fading.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone. Aquamarine should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
Diamond
Diamond can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. It can also be cleaned with a mild jewelry cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner. Diamond is one of the hardest gemstones and is resistant to scratches and wear.
Emerald
Emerald can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone. Emerald is relatively soft and should be stored separately from harder gemstones to avoid scratches.
Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone
Pearls should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or heat. Alexandrite and Moonstone can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone. These gemstones should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
Ruby
Ruby can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. It can also be cleaned with a mild jewelry cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner. Ruby is a very hard gemstone and is resistant to scratches and wear.
Peridot, Spinel
Peridot can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone. Spinel can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Spinel is relatively hard and durable.
Sapphire
Sapphire can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. It can also be cleaned with a mild jewelry cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner. Sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones and is resistant to scratches and wear.
Opal, Tourmaline
Opal should not be exposed to heat or dryness, as it can cause it to crack. It can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and should not be exposed to harsh chemicals. Tourmaline can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone.
Citrine, Topaz
Citrine can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone. Topaz can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. It can also be cleaned with a mild jewelry cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner. Topaz is relatively hard and durable.
Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Topaz
Tanzanite can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone. Zircon can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Blue Topaz can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. It can also be cleaned with a mild jewelry cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner. Blue Topaz is relatively hard and durable.
Conclusion
The birthstone calendar is a rich and diverse system that connects gemstones with the months of the year. Each gemstone has unique physical and chemical properties that contribute to its beauty and durability. In addition, each birthstone is associated with symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs that add to its significance.
Whether you are choosing a birthstone for its beauty, its symbolic meaning, or its spiritual properties, the birthstone calendar offers a wealth of options. From the deep red of garnet to the brilliant blue of sapphire, each gemstone has its own unique story and significance.
By understanding the history, properties, and symbolism of each birthstone, you can make an informed choice when selecting gemstone jewelry. Whether you are looking for a meaningful gift or a personal treasure, the birthstone calendar offers something for everyone.