Birthstones have fascinated people for centuries with their vibrant colors, rich symbolism, and deep cultural connections. These gemstones are more than just beautiful stones—they serve as powerful symbols of identity, tradition, and personal significance. Each month is associated with one or more gemstones, and the colors of these stones reflect the diversity and beauty of the natural world.
From the deep red of January’s garnet to the brilliant blue of September’s sapphire, birthstones offer a unique way to connect with the natural world and our personal histories. This article explores the colors of birthstones by month, drawing on authoritative gemological and historical sources to provide a detailed and accurate overview.
We will examine the modern and traditional birthstones for each month, their symbolic meanings, their physical properties, and how they are used in jewelry today. By the end of this guide, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the colorful world of birthstones.
History and Lore of Birthstones
The tradition of assigning gemstones to specific months is ancient, with roots in both biblical and cultural lore. One of the earliest known references to birthstones appears in the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Old Testament (Exodus 28:15–30). This sacred Jewish artifact was said to contain twelve gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Over time, the concept of birthstones evolved and was adopted by various cultures around the world. In medieval Europe, gemstones were believed to possess mystical properties that could influence health, fortune, and spiritual well-being. The idea of associating gemstones with the zodiac signs further reinforced their significance.
In the modern era, the tradition of birthstones has been standardized to some extent, although there are still variations between different countries and cultures. In the United States, the modern birthstone list was largely popularized in the 20th century by jewelers and gemologists who sought to create a consistent and marketable system.
Geological Formation and Sources of Birthstones
Each birthstone is formed through unique geological processes that result in their distinct colors and properties. Understanding these processes helps explain the rarity, beauty, and value of each gemstone.
January – Garnet
Although garnet is commonly associated with the color red, these gemstones can be found in almost any color. Garnet is available in green (tsavorite and demantoid), orange (spessartine and hessionite), purple (rhodolite), yellow (mali and topazolite), pink (malaya), red (almandine and pyrope), and even black (melanite). Some garnet varieties are even opaque and are usually cut as cabochons.
Garnet is found in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and North America. The accompanying photo shows some of the many different colors in which garnet can occur. Garnet's wide range of colors and availability make it a popular choice for jewelry of all types.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and is the world's most popular purple gem. It enhances its status as a birthstone due to its widespread appeal and availability. Amethyst is formed in geodes and is often found in Brazil, Uruguay, and other countries with significant deposits. Its color ranges from light lilac to deep violet and is highly valued for its beauty and spiritual properties.
March – Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and is known for its light blue to sea green color. It is a type of beryl and is found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Nigeria, and Madagascar. Aquamarine is prized for its clarity and brilliance, making it a popular choice for jewelry.
April – Diamond
Diamond is the birthstone for April and is known for its clear, white, or sometimes colored (pink, yellow, blue) appearance. It is the hardest natural substance known to man, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. Diamonds are formed under high pressure and temperature deep within the Earth's mantle and are brought to the surface through volcanic activity. They are found in countries such as South Africa, Russia, and Botswana.
May – Emerald
Emerald is the birthstone for May and is known for its vibrant green color. It is a type of beryl and is found in countries such as Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. Emeralds are highly valued for their color and clarity, and they are often used in fine jewelry.
June – Pearl and Alexandrite
June has two birthstones: pearl and alexandrite. Pearls are formed in the soft tissue of mollusks and can be found in various colors, including white, cream, and black. They are often cultivated in countries such as Japan, China, and Australia. Alexandrite, on the other hand, is a rare gemstone that changes color in different lighting conditions. It is found in Russia and Sri Lanka.
July – Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone for July and is known for its fiery red color. It is a type of corundum and is found in countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Rubies are highly valued for their color and hardness, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale.
August – Peridot and Spinel
August has two birthstones: peridot and spinel. Peridot is known for its olive-green color and is found in countries such as the United States, China, and Pakistan. Spinel is available in various colors, including red, pink, blue, and black. It is found in countries such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
September – Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone for September and is known for its brilliant blue color. It is a type of corundum and is found in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Australia. Sapphires can also be found in other colors, including pink, yellow, and green. They are highly valued for their hardness and brilliance.
October – Opal and Tourmaline
October has two birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Opal is known for its multicolored appearance and is found in countries such as Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. Tourmaline is available in various colors, including pink, green, and black. It is found in countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, and the United States.
November – Topaz and Citrine
November has two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Topaz is known for its warm-hued colors and is found in countries such as Brazil, Russia, and the United States. Citrine is a type of quartz and is found in countries such as Brazil, Madagascar, and Spain. Both topaz and citrine are highly valued for their color and affordability.
December – Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
December has three birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. Tanzanite is a rare gemstone that is found only in Tanzania and is known for its blue-violet color. Turquoise is a blue-green gemstone that is found in countries such as the United States, Mexico, and China. Zircon is a gemstone that can be found in various colors, including blue, green, and yellow. It is found in countries such as Australia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
Gemological Properties of Birthstones
Understanding the gemological properties of birthstones is essential for appreciating their beauty and value. Each gemstone has unique characteristics that contribute to its appearance and durability.
January – Garnet
Garnet has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is available in various colors and is known for its brilliance and clarity. Garnet is often used in jewelry because of its durability and affordability.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It is available in a range of purple colors and is known for its clarity and brilliance. Amethyst is often used in jewelry because of its beauty and affordability.
March – Aquamarine
Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its light blue to sea green color and is highly valued for its clarity and brilliance. Aquamarine is often used in jewelry because of its durability and beauty.
April – Diamond
Diamond has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. It is the hardest natural substance known to man and is highly valued for its clarity and brilliance. Diamond is often used in jewelry because of its durability and beauty.
May – Emerald
Emerald has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its vibrant green color and is highly valued for its clarity and brilliance. Emerald is often used in jewelry because of its beauty and durability.
June – Pearl and Alexandrite
Pearl has a hardness of 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale. It is a soft gemstone that is often cultivated and is highly valued for its luster and beauty. Alexandrite has a hardness of 8.5 to 9 on the Mohs scale. It is a rare gemstone that changes color in different lighting conditions and is highly valued for its rarity and beauty.
July – Ruby
Ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its fiery red color and is highly valued for its hardness and brilliance. Ruby is often used in jewelry because of its durability and beauty.
August – Peridot and Spinel
Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its olive-green color and is highly valued for its clarity and brilliance. Spinel has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It is available in various colors and is highly valued for its durability and brilliance.
September – Sapphire
Sapphire has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its brilliant blue color and is highly valued for its hardness and brilliance. Sapphire is often used in jewelry because of its durability and beauty.
October – Opal and Tourmaline
Opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its multicolored appearance and is highly valued for its luster and beauty. Tourmaline has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is available in various colors and is highly valued for its durability and brilliance.
November – Topaz and Citrine
Topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its warm-hued colors and is highly valued for its durability and brilliance. Citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It is a type of quartz and is highly valued for its durability and brilliance.
December – Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is a rare gemstone that is highly valued for its blue-violet color and brilliance. Turquoise has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It is a blue-green gemstone that is highly valued for its luster and beauty. Zircon has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. It is available in various colors and is highly valued for its durability and brilliance.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs of Birthstones
Each birthstone carries unique symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs that have been passed down through generations. These beliefs vary across cultures and time periods, but they all contribute to the rich history of birthstones.
January – Garnet
Garnet is associated with protection, love, and strength. It is believed to bring energy, passion, and safe travels. Garnet is also believed to enhance relationships and promote a sense of security.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst is associated with peace, wisdom, and clarity. It is believed to bring balance and spiritual growth. Amethyst is also believed to calm the mind and enhance intuition.
March – Aquamarine
Aquamarine is associated with serenity, courage, and renewal. It is believed to bring calmness and protection for travelers. Aquamarine is also believed to enhance communication and promote a sense of peace.
April – Diamond
Diamond is associated with strength, purity, and eternal love. It is believed to bring invincibility and prosperity. Diamond is also believed to enhance confidence and promote a sense of security.
May – Emerald
Emerald is associated with love, renewal, and prosperity. It is believed to bring growth, fertility, and wisdom. Emerald is also believed to enhance intuition and promote a sense of abundance.
June – Pearl and Alexandrite
Pearl is associated with purity, wisdom, and transformation. It is believed to bring elegance, balance, and adaptability. Pearl is also believed to enhance self-esteem and promote a sense of harmony. Alexandrite is associated with transformation and adaptability. It is believed to bring balance and promote a sense of change.
July – Ruby
Ruby is associated with passion, courage, and vitality. It is believed to bring love and life force. Ruby is also believed to enhance vitality and promote a sense of energy.
August – Peridot and Spinel
Peridot is associated with prosperity, energy, and peace. It is believed to bring good fortune and promote a sense of harmony. Peridot is also believed to enhance creativity and promote a sense of joy. Spinel is associated with vitality and energy. It is believed to bring strength and promote a sense of well-being.
September – Sapphire
Sapphire is associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. It is believed to bring clarity and promote a sense of integrity. Sapphire is also believed to enhance intuition and promote a sense of trust.
October – Opal and Tourmaline
Opal is associated with hope, creativity, and innocence. It is believed to bring inspiration and promote a sense of individuality. Opal is also believed to enhance creativity and promote a sense of change. Tourmaline is associated with strength, good fortune, and peace. It is believed to bring vitality and promote a sense of balance.
November – Topaz and Citrine
Topaz is associated with love, affection, and strength. It is believed to bring warmth and promote a sense of security. Topaz is also believed to enhance communication and promote a sense of clarity. Citrine is associated with energy and prosperity. It is believed to bring abundance and promote a sense of optimism.
December – Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
Tanzanite is associated with protection, healing, and wisdom. It is believed to bring calm and promote a sense of balance. Tanzanite is also believed to enhance intuition and promote a sense of peace. Turquoise is associated with protection, healing, and wisdom. It is believed to bring calm and promote a sense of balance. Turquoise is also believed to enhance intuition and promote a sense of peace. Zircon is associated with protection, healing, and wisdom. It is believed to bring calm and promote a sense of balance. Zircon is also believed to enhance intuition and promote a sense of peace.
Care and Cleaning of Birthstones
Proper care and cleaning of birthstones are essential for maintaining their beauty and longevity. Each gemstone has unique requirements that must be followed to prevent damage and ensure their continued brilliance.
January – Garnet
Garnet is relatively durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It should be avoided using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Garnet should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst is relatively durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It should be avoided using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Amethyst should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
March – Aquamarine
Aquamarine is relatively durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It should be avoided using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Aquamarine should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
April – Diamond
Diamond is extremely durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It can also be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners. Diamond should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
May – Emerald
Emerald is relatively fragile and should be cleaned with mild soap and water. It should be avoided using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Emerald should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
June – Pearl and Alexandrite
Pearl is relatively soft and should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. It should be avoided using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Pearl should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches. Alexandrite is relatively durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It should be avoided using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Alexandrite should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
July – Ruby
Ruby is relatively durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It can also be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners. Ruby should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
August – Peridot and Spinel
Peridot is relatively durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It should be avoided using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Peridot should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches. Spinel is relatively durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It can also be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners. Spinel should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
September – Sapphire
Sapphire is relatively durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It can also be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners. Sapphire should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
October – Opal and Tourmaline
Opal is relatively soft and should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. It should be avoided using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Opal should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches. Tourmaline is relatively durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It can also be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners. Tourmaline should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
November – Topaz and Citrine
Topaz is relatively durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It can also be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners. Topaz should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches. Citrine is relatively durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It can also be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners. Citrine should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
December – Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
Tanzanite is relatively soft and should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. It should be avoided using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Tanzanite should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches. Turquoise is relatively soft and should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. It should be avoided using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Turquoise should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches. Zircon is relatively durable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water. It can also be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners. Zircon should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Conclusion
Birthstones are more than just beautiful gemstones; they are symbols of identity, tradition, and personal significance. Each month is associated with one or more gemstones, and the colors of these stones reflect the diversity and beauty of the natural world. Understanding the history, geological formation, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of birthstones provides a deeper appreciation for these remarkable gemstones.
Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or a student of gemology, birthstones offer a unique way to connect with the natural world and our personal histories. By choosing a birthstone that resonates with you, you can celebrate your birthday in a meaningful and beautiful way.