Birthstones have long captivated the imagination of gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry collectors, and those who believe in the spiritual and symbolic meanings of gemstones. These stones, each associated with a specific month of the year, carry a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and scientific significance. The modern concept of birthstones was established in 1912 by the Jewelers of America (JA), which standardized the list of gemstones for each month. While the idea of associating gemstones with months is ancient, it was this organization that gave it a structured, contemporary form, making it a popular tradition in jewelry design and personal adornment.
This article delves into the birthstones for each month, focusing on their gemological properties, historical and cultural significance, and the meanings attributed to them. We will explore how these gemstones are formed, where they are found, and the legends that surround them. Whether you are a gemologist, a jewelry buyer, or simply curious about the stones that mark the months of the year, this article offers a comprehensive overview of the birthstones by month.
Birthstones by Month
The modern list of birthstones, as defined by the Jewelers of America, assigns specific gemstones to each month of the year. Some months are associated with a single stone, while others have multiple options. These stones vary in their mineral composition, hardness, color, and symbolic meanings. Below is the list of birthstones by month:
| Month | Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine, Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot, Spinel |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz, Citrine |
| December | Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon |
This list is not static and has evolved over time. For example, while alexandrite and tanzanite are relatively modern additions, some traditional stones like turquoise and lapis lazuli remain popular in certain regions. The selection of a birthstone is often influenced by both personal preference and the availability of the gemstone in the market.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Birthstones
The practice of assigning gemstones to months of the year has ancient roots, though the modern standardized list is a more recent development. One of the earliest references to gemstones associated with months comes from the biblical Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Old Testament. This sacred object, worn by the high priest of the Israelites, contained 12 gemstones, each representing a tribe of Israel. While the identities of some of these stones are uncertain, the tradition of associating gemstones with groups or individuals laid the foundation for later systems of gemstone symbolism.
In medieval Europe, gemstones were believed to have protective and healing properties. For example, garnet, the birthstone of January, was thought to protect the wearer from nightmares and snakebites. Amethyst, the February birthstone, was said to help with sobriety and wisdom. These beliefs were often reinforced by the church, which incorporated gemstones into religious jewelry and iconography.
The modern birthstone list, as we know it today, was formalized by the Jewelers of America in 1912. The goal was to create a consistent and marketable system that jewelers could use to promote gemstone jewelry. The list was designed to be both educational and commercial, encouraging consumers to associate gemstones with their birth months and purchase jewelry accordingly.
Despite the standardized list, many cultures have their own traditional birthstones, which may differ from the modern Western list. For example, some traditional systems include stones like sardonyx for August or lapis lazuli for December. These variations reflect the diversity of cultural beliefs and the global nature of gemstone trade.
Gemological Properties and Formation of Birthstones
Each birthstone has unique gemological properties that define its appearance, durability, and value. These properties include hardness, refractive index, chemical composition, and crystal structure. Understanding these characteristics helps gemologists identify, evaluate, and care for each stone.
January – Garnet
Garnet is a group of silicate minerals that come in a wide range of colors, from deep red to green, yellow, and even blue. The most common color is red, which is why it is often associated with the January birthstone. Garnet has a Mohs hardness of around 7, making it relatively durable for everyday wear. It is composed of various species, including almandine, pyrope, and grossular. Garnet is found in metamorphic and igneous rocks and is mined in countries like India, Brazil, and the United States.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst is a variety of quartz and is known for its striking purple color, which ranges from deep violet to light lilac. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale and is composed of silicon dioxide. Amethyst forms in geodes and is found in countries like Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia. The stone has been prized for centuries for its beauty and is one of the most popular gemstones in the world.
March – Aquamarine and Bloodstone
Aquamarine, the March birthstone, is a beryl mineral that comes in shades of blue and green. It has a hardness of 7.5–8 and is composed of beryllium aluminum silicate. Aquamarine is found in granite pegmatites and is most commonly mined in Brazil and Nigeria.
Bloodstone, also a March birthstone, is a type of chalcedony that has a green base with red spots, resembling blood. It has a hardness of 6.5–7 and is composed of silicon dioxide. Bloodstone is found in India, Australia, and the United States.
April – Diamond
Diamond is the birthstone of April and is one of the most well-known and valuable gemstones in the world. It is composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice and has the highest hardness on the Mohs scale at 10. Diamonds are formed under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's mantle and are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions. They are found in countries like South Africa, Russia, and Canada.
May – Emerald
Emerald is the birthstone of May and is a variety of beryl that is colored green by the presence of chromium or vanadium. It has a hardness of 7.5–8 and is composed of beryllium aluminum silicate. Emeralds are found in metamorphic rocks and are most commonly mined in Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia.
June – Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
Pearl is the traditional birthstone of June and is formed in mollusks such as oysters and mussels. It is composed of calcium carbonate and has a hardness of 2.5–4.5. Pearls are found in both saltwater and freshwater environments and are highly valued for their luster and organic origin.
Alexandrite, a relatively modern addition to the birthstone list, is a variety of chrysoberyl that changes color in different lighting. It has a hardness of 8.5 and is composed of beryllium aluminum oxide. Alexandrite is found in Russia, Brazil, and Sri Lanka.
Moonstone is another June birthstone and is a type of feldspar that displays a pearly luster known as adularescence. It has a hardness of 6–6.5 and is composed of potassium aluminum silicate. Moonstone is found in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
July – Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone of July and is a variety of corundum colored red by the presence of chromium. It has a hardness of 9 and is composed of aluminum oxide. Rubies are found in metamorphic rocks and are most commonly mined in Myanmar, Thailand, and India.
August – Peridot and Spinel
Peridot, the August birthstone, is a silicate mineral that comes in a range of green colors. It has a hardness of 6.5–7 and is composed of magnesium iron silicate. Peridot is found in volcanic rocks and is most commonly mined in Pakistan, the United States, and Egypt.
Spinel is another August birthstone and is a mineral composed of magnesium aluminum oxide. It has a hardness of 8 and is found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Spinel is mined in countries like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
September – Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone of September and is a variety of corundum colored blue by the presence of iron and titanium. It has a hardness of 9 and is composed of aluminum oxide. Sapphires are found in metamorphic rocks and are most commonly mined in Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
October – Opal and Tourmaline
Opal is the October birthstone and is a hydrated amorphous form of silica. It has a hardness of 5.5–6.5 and is known for its play-of-color effect, which is caused by the diffraction of light. Opal is found in countries like Australia, Mexico, and Ethiopia.
Tourmaline is another October birthstone and is a group of complex borosilicate minerals that come in a wide range of colors. It has a hardness of 7–7.5 and is found in pegmatite deposits. Tourmaline is mined in countries like Brazil, Nigeria, and the United States.
November – Topaz and Citrine
Topaz is the November birthstone and is a silicate mineral that comes in a range of colors, including blue, yellow, and pink. It has a hardness of 8 and is composed of aluminum silicate. Topaz is found in pegmatite deposits and is most commonly mined in Brazil, Russia, and the United States.
Citrine is another November birthstone and is a variety of quartz that is colored yellow by the presence of iron. It has a hardness of 7 and is composed of silicon dioxide. Citrine is found in geodes and is mined in countries like Brazil, Spain, and Madagascar.
December – Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon
Turquoise is the traditional December birthstone and is a phosphate mineral that comes in shades of blue and green. It has a hardness of 5–6 and is composed of copper aluminum phosphate. Turquoise is formed in arid regions and is most commonly mined in the United States, Iran, and China.
Tanzanite is a relatively modern addition to the birthstone list and is a variety of zoisite. It has a hardness of 6–7 and is composed of calcium aluminum silicate. Tanzanite is found only in Tanzania and was first discovered in the 1960s.
Zircon is another December birthstone and is a zirconium silicate mineral that comes in a range of colors, including blue, yellow, and red. It has a hardness of 6.5–7.5 and is found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Zircon is mined in countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Australia.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each birthstone is associated with a range of symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties that have been passed down through history. These beliefs vary across cultures and time periods but often reflect the perceived qualities of the gemstone.
Garnet, for example, is believed to provide protection and stimulate blood circulation. It is also associated with love and loyalty. Amethyst is thought to promote clarity, sobriety, and spiritual awareness. It is also believed to help with sleep and reduce stress.
Aquamarine is associated with calmness and clarity of thought, while bloodstone is believed to promote courage and physical strength. Diamond, as the hardest natural substance, symbolizes strength, purity, and eternal love.
Emerald is linked to fertility, love, and wisdom. It is also associated with the heart and is believed to promote emotional balance. Pearl is connected to purity, innocence, and wisdom, while alexandrite is said to promote balance between the body and mind.
Moonstone is believed to enhance intuition and emotional stability, while ruby is associated with passion, vitality, and protection. Spinel is thought to promote joy and emotional healing.
Peridot is linked to positive energy and abundance, while sapphire represents truth, wisdom, and divine knowledge. Opal is associated with creativity and inspiration, while tourmaline is believed to protect against negative energy.
Topaz is connected to strength, courage, and good fortune, while citrine is associated with happiness, abundance, and personal power. Turquoise is believed to promote healing and protection, while tanzanite is linked to transformation and spiritual growth.
Care and Cleaning of Birthstones
Proper care is essential to preserving the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewelry. Each gemstone has specific requirements based on its hardness, composition, and susceptibility to damage. Here are some general guidelines for caring for birthstones:
- Hardness: Gems with a lower hardness (such as pearls and turquoise) should be handled with care to avoid scratches and abrasions. Softer stones should be stored separately from harder ones to prevent damage.
- Cleavage and Fracture: Some gemstones, like opal and tanzanite, are prone to cleavage or fracture. These stones should be protected from sharp impacts and should not be cleaned using ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
- Chemical Sensitivity: Some gemstones, such as emerald and opal, are sensitive to chemicals. They should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water and should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or solvents.
- Light Exposure: Opal, in particular, should not be left in direct sunlight for long periods, as it can lose its moisture and become brittle. Tanzanite and other color-change stones should also be protected from prolonged exposure to strong light sources.
By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your birthstone jewelry remains beautiful and valuable for years to come.
Conclusion
Birthstones offer a unique and meaningful connection between individuals and the gemstones associated with their birth months. Whether you believe in the symbolic and metaphysical properties of these stones or simply appreciate their beauty and history, birthstones have a rich tradition that continues to captivate people around the world. From the deep red of January's garnet to the pale blue of December's turquoise, each birthstone tells a story of its own. As we have explored in this article, the modern list of birthstones was formalized in 1912 by the Jewelers of America, but the tradition of associating gemstones with months has ancient roots. These stones are not only beautiful but also carry a wealth of history, cultural significance, and scientific properties that make them fascinating to study and cherish.