Birthstones have captivated human imagination for centuries, serving as both personal adornments and symbols of deeper spiritual and historical meaning. These gemstones are linked to the 12 months of the year and have been cherished for their beauty, rarity, and the lore that surrounds them. The tradition of birthstones dates back to ancient times, evolving over the centuries into the modern list we recognize today. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 12 birthstones by month, exploring their geological properties, historical significance, cultural symbolism, and their role in modern jewelry and spiritual practices.
A Brief History of Birthstones
The concept of birthstones is rooted in religious and cultural traditions that trace back thousands of years. The earliest known reference to birthstones appears in the Book of Exodus, where it is described that Aaron, the brother of Moses, wore a breastplate adorned with 12 gemstones during his time as a high priest. These stones were believed to represent the 12 tribes of Israel and were arranged in four rows of three. The exact identities of these stones are debated among scholars due to the imprecise naming conventions of ancient gemology, where stones were often identified by their color rather than their chemical composition.
The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (340–420 A.D.) was one of the first to connect the 12 stones with the 12 months of the year and the 12 zodiac signs. This linkage marked the beginning of the birthstone tradition as we understand it today. Josephus also noted that these stones were believed to possess protective and healing properties, and their powers were thought to be amplified during the month they were assigned.
By the 5th century A.D., the concept of birthstones had spread to other parts of the world. In India, the Hindu text Ratna Pariksha identified nine gems (Navaratna) associated with the planets and the days of the week, further reinforcing the idea that gemstones held cosmic significance. This tradition emphasized the importance of wearing stones aligned with one’s astrological chart to maintain harmony and ward off negative influences.
The practice of wearing birthstone jewelry became more widespread during the 8th and 9th centuries, especially among the European nobility, who reserved certain stones for royal use. Religious texts from this era also began associating particular gemstones with apostles and saints, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of birthstones.
In the 18th century, birthstones began to be associated with birth months, rather than zodiac signs. The modern list of birthstones was formalized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America), and this list has remained largely unchanged since then. There are now three recognized sets of birthstones:
- Ancient: Based on the stones of Aaron’s Breastplate and early traditions.
- Traditional: A blend of ancient and evolving practices.
- Modern: The standardized list established by the jewelry industry in 1912.
Despite the formalization of the modern list, alternative and additional gemstones have been incorporated over time. For example, Alexandrite was added to June in 1952, and Spinel was added to August in 2016 by the American Gem Trade Association. These additions reflect the ongoing evolution of the birthstone tradition and the recognition of new gemstone discoveries.
The 12 Modern Birthstones by Month
Each of the 12 modern birthstones is associated with a specific month and carries its own unique set of gemological properties, cultural symbolism, and spiritual meanings. Below is a detailed overview of each birthstone, including its primary and secondary gemstone designations, historical background, geological composition, sources, symbolism, and care instructions.
January - Garnet
Primary Birthstone: Garnet
Alternative Stone: None (Garnet is the only modern birthstone for January)
Historical Background: Garnet is one of the oldest known gemstones, with its use dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. The name "garnet" comes from the Latin word "granatum," meaning "pomegranate," due to its deep red color resembling the fruit’s seeds.
Gemological Properties: Garnet is a group of silicate minerals with a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is commonly found in red, but also occurs in green, orange, yellow, purple, and even color-changing varieties. The most well-known types include pyrope, almandine, and spessartine.
Sources: Garnet is found in Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, the United States (especially California and New York), and Madagascar.
Symbolism and Meaning: Garnet is associated with love, passion, and vitality. It is believed to promote confidence and protection, making it a popular stone for those born in January.
Care Instructions: Garnet is relatively hard, but it can be scratched by harder materials. Clean it with warm water and a soft cloth, and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures.
February - Amethyst
Primary Birthstone: Amethyst
Alternative Stone: None (Amethyst is the only modern birthstone for February)
Historical Background: Amethyst has been revered for centuries in Greek, Roman, and Celtic cultures, where it was believed to ward off drunkenness and promote sobriety. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word "amethustos," meaning "not drunk," due to its use in drinking vessels.
Gemological Properties: Amethyst is a type of quartz with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. It ranges in color from violet to deep purple, and its color is due to iron impurities and natural irradiation.
Sources: Amethyst is found in Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, Zambia, and the United States (especially Colorado).
Symbolism and Meaning: Amethyst is associated with calmness, clarity, and spiritual wisdom. It is often used in meditation and is believed to promote emotional balance and protection.
Care Instructions: Amethyst is durable but should be cleaned with mild soap and water. Avoid heat treatments, as they can cause the color to fade.
March - Aquamarine
Primary Birthstone: Aquamarine
Alternative Stone: Bloodstone (in the ancient list)
Historical Background: Aquamarine has been used in ancient Roman and Greek jewelry, where it was believed to calm the sea and protect sailors. The name "aquamarine" comes from the Latin words "aqua" (water) and "marina" (sea), referring to its serene blue color.
Gemological Properties: Aquamarine is a beryl mineral with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its light blue to blue-green color, caused by iron impurities.
Sources: Aquamarine is found in Brazil, Colombia, Madagascar, Nigeria, and the United States (especially California).
Symbolism and Meaning: Aquamarine is associated with peace, tranquility, and courage. It is believed to enhance communication and promote emotional healing.
Care Instructions: Aquamarine is durable and can be cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures.
April - Diamond
Primary Birthstone: Diamond
Alternative Stone: None (Diamond is the only modern birthstone for April)
Historical Background: Diamond is one of the most ancient and revered gemstones, with evidence of its use in India dating back over 2,000 years. It became a symbol of eternal love and purity during the 15th century, when the Burgundian Duke of Burgundy used it in an engagement ring for Mary of Burgundy.
Gemological Properties: Diamond is the hardest natural material on Earth, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. It is composed of pure carbon and is known for its exceptional brilliance and refractive index.
Sources: Diamond is found in South Africa, Russia, Canada, Botswana, and Australia.
Symbolism and Meaning: Diamond is associated with strength, endurance, and eternal love. It is often used in engagement rings and high-value jewelry.
Care Instructions: Diamond is extremely durable, but it can be scratched by other diamonds. Clean it with warm water and a soft brush, and avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners if the setting is fragile.
May - Emerald
Primary Birthstone: Emerald
Alternative Stone: None (Emerald is the only modern birthstone for May)
Historical Background: Emerald has been prized since ancient Egypt and Mesoamerica, where it was associated with fertility, rebirth, and love. The name "emerald" comes from the Latin word "smaragdus," meaning "green."
Gemological Properties: Emerald is a beryl mineral with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its vibrant green color, caused by chromium or vanadium impurities.
Sources: Emerald is found in Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Egypt, and Madagascar.
Symbolism and Meaning: Emerald is associated with love, wisdom, and vitality. It is believed to enhance intuition and promote emotional healing.
Care Instructions: Emerald is relatively soft and can be fractured or scratched. Clean it with warm water and a soft cloth, and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or heat.
June - Pearl (and Alexandrite)
Primary Birthstone: Pearl
Alternative Stone: Alexandrite
Historical Background: Pearl has been used for thousands of years, with evidence of its use in ancient China, Egypt, and Rome. It is one of the few birthstones formed from organic processes, growing inside the mantle of mollusks.
Gemological Properties: Pearl is a nacreous organic gemstone with a hardness of 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its iridescent luster and soft white to cream color.
Sources: Pearl is found in Japan, China, Australia, and the Philippines.
Symbolism and Meaning: Pearl is associated with purity, innocence, and wisdom. It is believed to promote emotional balance and protection.
Care Instructions: Pearl is very soft and sensitive. Clean it with a soft cloth and avoid exposure to water or chemicals.
Alexandrite, added to the modern list in 1952, is a chrysoberyl mineral that changes color under different lighting conditions. It is associated with intuition, balance, and transformation.
Sources: Alexandrite is found in Brazil and Sri Lanka.
July - Ruby
Primary Birthstone: Ruby
Alternative Stone: Sardonyx (in the ancient list)
Historical Background: Ruby has been cherished for millennia in India, Myanmar, and Thailand, where it was associated with power, courage, and divine protection. The name "ruby" comes from the Latin word "ruber," meaning "red," due to its deep red color.
Gemological Properties: Ruby is a corundum mineral with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its vibrant red color, caused by chromium impurities.
Sources: Ruby is found in Myanmar, Thailand, India, Madagascar, and Afghanistan.
Symbolism and Meaning: Ruby is associated with passion, vitality, and protection. It is often used in engagement rings and high-value jewelry.
Care Instructions: Ruby is very durable and can be cleaned with warm water and a soft brush. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or heat.
August - Peridot (and Spinel)
Primary Birthstone: Peridot
Alternative Stone: Spinel
Historical Background: Peridot has been used since ancient Egypt and the Middle East, where it was believed to ward off nightmares and promote prosperity. The name "peridot" comes from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning "gem," due to its vibrant green color.
Gemological Properties: Peridot is a silicate mineral with a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its green color, caused by iron impurities.
Sources: Peridot is found in Zambia, Egypt, the United States (especially Arizona), and China.
Symbolism and Meaning: Peridot is associated with joy, abundance, and protection. It is believed to enhance creativity and promote emotional healing.
Care Instructions: Peridot is relatively hard and can be cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or heat.
Spinel, added to the modern list in 2016, is a garnet mineral that is often mistaken for ruby or sapphire. It is associated with love, courage, and balance.
Sources: Spinel is found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.
September - Sapphire
Primary Birthstone: Sapphire
Alternative Stone: None (Sapphire is the only modern birthstone for September)
Historical Background: Sapphire has been used for thousands of years in India, Egypt, and Europe, where it was associated with wisdom, truth, and divine favor. The name "sapphire" comes from the Latin word "sapphirus," meaning "blue," due to its deep blue color.
Gemological Properties: Sapphire is a corundum mineral with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its vibrant blue color, caused by iron and titanium impurities.
Sources: Sapphire is found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, Madagascar, and Australia.
Symbolism and Meaning: Sapphire is associated with wisdom, truth, and protection. It is often used in engagement rings and high-value jewelry.
Care Instructions: Sapphire is very durable and can be cleaned with warm water and a soft brush. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or heat.
October - Tourmaline (and Opal)
Primary Birthstone: Tourmaline
Alternative Stone: Opal
Historical Background: Tourmaline has been used since ancient times in Asia and Africa, where it was believed to ward off evil and promote healing. The name "tourmaline" comes from the Sinhalese word "turmali," meaning "mixed colors," due to its wide range of colors.
Gemological Properties: Tourmaline is a complex borosilicate mineral with a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its wide range of colors, including pink, green, blue, and black.
Sources: Tourmaline is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and the United States (especially California).
Symbolism and Meaning: Tourmaline is associated with healing, protection, and emotional balance. It is believed to promote emotional healing and enhance intuition.
Care Instructions: Tourmaline is relatively hard and can be cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or heat.
Opal, an alternative stone, is a silica-based mineral with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its iridescent play of color and is associated with imagination, creativity, and emotional healing.
Sources: Opal is found in Australia, Mexico, and Ethiopia.
November - Golden Topaz (and Citrine)
Primary Birthstone: Golden Topaz
Alternative Stone: Citrine
Historical Background: Topaz has been used since ancient Egypt and the Middle East, where it was believed to ward off nightmares and promote strength. The name "topaz" comes from the Greek word "topazios," meaning "to find," due to its yellow and golden colors.
Gemological Properties: Topaz is a silicate mineral with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its golden to yellow color, caused by hydrogen impurities.
Sources: Topaz is found in Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka, and the United States (especially California).
Symbolism and Meaning: Topaz is associated with strength, wisdom, and protection. It is believed to enhance creativity and promote emotional healing.
Care Instructions: Topaz is relatively hard and can be cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or heat.
Citrine, an alternative stone, is a quartz mineral that is often heat-treated to enhance its color. It is associated with joy, abundance, and energy.
Sources: Citrine is found in Brazil, Spain, and the United States (especially California).
December - Tanzanite (and Blue Zircon / Turquoise)
Primary Birthstone: Tanzanite
Alternative Stones: Blue Zircon, Turquoise
Historical Background: Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone, discovered in 1967 in Tanzania. It is the only gemstone found in only one place on Earth, making it rare and highly sought after.
Gemological Properties: Tanzanite is a trigonal mineral with a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its vibrant blue to violet color, caused by vanadium impurities.
Sources: Tanzanite is found only in Tanzania, near the Serengeti plains.
Symbolism and Meaning: Tanzanite is associated with transformation, intuition, and emotional healing. It is believed to promote spiritual growth and emotional balance.
Care Instructions: Tanzanite is relatively soft and can be fractured or scratched. Clean it with warm water and a soft cloth, and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or heat.
Blue Zircon and Turquoise were part of the ancient and traditional lists and are still used by some. Blue Zircon is a zircon mineral with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, while Turquoise is a phosphate mineral with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.
Conclusion
The 12 modern birthstones by month represent a fascinating intersection of geology, history, and culture. From the deep red of garnet to the iridescent blue of tanzanite, each gemstone carries its own unique properties and symbolism. The tradition of birthstones has evolved over thousands of years, influenced by ancient religious texts, cultural beliefs, and the evolving jewelry industry. While the modern list was formalized in 1912, the inclusion of new gemstones like alexandrite and spinel reflects the ongoing evolution of this tradition.
For gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology, understanding the history, properties, and symbolism of each birthstone adds depth and meaning to the appreciation of these natural treasures. Whether worn for personal significance, spiritual protection, or aesthetic beauty, birthstones continue to hold a special place in the hearts of people around the world.