The 2023 Birthstones: A Celebration of Tradition, Science, and Culture

The tradition of birthstones—gemstones associated with the month of one's birth—has a rich and complex history that spans centuries, continents, and cultures. In 2023, these timeless gemstones continue to captivate gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology alike. The modern list of birthstones was officially standardized in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association, now known as Jewelers of America. This list has seen updates over the years, with the most recent addition in 2002 when tanzanite was added to the December birthstone lineup. Today, each month is represented by a unique gemstone, and some months even have multiple stones to reflect both traditional and modern preferences.

This article explores the 2023 birthstones in detail, highlighting their gemological properties, historical significance, cultural symbolism, and care requirements. From the deep red of January’s garnet to the sparkling brilliance of April’s diamond, each birthstone tells a story of its own. Through a combination of scientific insights and cultural lore, we will uncover what makes these gems not only beautiful but also meaningful in the context of personal identity and tradition.

History and Lore

The concept of associating gemstones with specific dates or months has ancient roots, though the modern list of birthstones is a product of more recent history. By the Middle Ages, the idea of wearing a gemstone corresponding to one's birth month had become more widespread in Europe. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that the modern list of birthstones began to take its current form. In 1912, the American National Retail Jewelers Association officially standardized the list, a move that helped to solidify their place in Western culture. This standardization was not the end of the story; the list has continued to evolve, reflecting cultural shifts and the discovery of new gemstones. For example, tanzanite was added to the December birthstone list in 2002, offering a modern twist to a centuries-old tradition.

The historical evolution of birthstones reflects broader societal changes. In the 15th to 20th centuries, the list of birthstones varied significantly across different cultures and regions. For instance, March was associated with bloodstone and jasper in some traditions, while in others, it was linked to aquamarine and bloodstone. These variations highlight the influence of local gemstone availability, cultural beliefs, and trade routes on the adoption and adaptation of birthstone traditions.

The U.S. version of the birthstone list, as standardized in 1912, has remained relatively consistent over the years, with only minor additions. In 2019, the list was updated again to include spinel as an alternative August birthstone, alongside peridot and sardonyx. This addition reflects the growing appreciation for spinel, a gemstone that has been historically mistaken for ruby and other red gemstones. Spinels are known for their vibrant colors and excellent clarity, making them a valuable addition to the birthstone repertoire.

Geological Formation and Sources

Understanding the geological formation and sources of birthstones provides valuable insights into their rarity, availability, and market dynamics. Each birthstone is formed through unique geological processes and is found in specific regions around the world. For example, January’s birthstone, garnet, is a silicate mineral that forms in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Garnet comes in a wide range of colors, from deep red to rare blue, and is found in countries such as Russia, Greece, Wyoming, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. The most valuable and rare garnet varieties include tsavorite and demantoid green garnets.

February’s birthstone, amethyst, is a purple variety of quartz and is formed in geodes and cavities in rocks. Amethyst is found in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and the United States. The availability of amethyst has increased over the years, making it more affordable compared to other gemstones. March’s birthstone, aquamarine, is a beryl mineral that forms in igneous rocks. It is found in Brazil, Nigeria, and Madagascar. Aquamarine is known for its clear blue-green to deep blue colors and is often used in jewelry due to its durability and beauty.

April’s birthstone, diamond, is one of the hardest and most valuable gemstones. Diamonds form under high pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth’s mantle. They are found in countries such as South Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia. The formation of diamonds is a slow process, taking millions of years, which contributes to their rarity and value. The 2023 birthstone list includes diamond as April’s birthstone, highlighting its enduring popularity and significance.

Other notable birthstones and their sources include:

May (Emerald): Emerald, a variety of beryl, is formed in metamorphic and igneous rocks. It is found in Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. Emeralds are known for their vibrant green color and are among the most valuable gemstones.
June (Alexandrite, Pearl, Moonstone): Alexandrite is a chrysoberyl mineral that exhibits a color change from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. It is found in Brazil, India, and Russia. Pearls are formed in mollusks and are found in freshwater and saltwater environments. Moonstone is a feldspar mineral that exhibits a shimmering effect known as adularescence. It is found in India, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
July (Ruby, Carnelian): Ruby is a variety of corundum and is formed in metamorphic rocks. It is found in Myanmar, Thailand, and Tanzania. Carnelian is a variety of chalcedony and is found in India, Brazil, and the United States.
August (Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx): Peridot is a silicate mineral that forms in volcanic rocks. It is found in Arizona, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Spinel is a mineral that forms in metamorphic and igneous rocks. It is found in Myanmar, Tanzania, and Vietnam. Sardonyx is a banded chalcedony and is found in India, Brazil, and the United States.
September (Sapphire): Sapphire is a variety of corundum and is formed in metamorphic rocks. It is found in Myanmar, Thailand, and Australia. Sapphires are known for their vibrant blue color, though they can come in a range of colors.
October (Tourmaline): Tourmaline is a complex silicate mineral that forms in igneous rocks. It is found in Brazil, Nigeria, and the United States. Tourmaline is known for its wide range of colors, from black to pink to green.
November (Citrine, Topaz): Citrine is a variety of quartz and is formed in geodes. It is found in Brazil, Spain, and Russia. Topaz is a silicate mineral that forms in igneous rocks. It is found in Brazil, Mexico, and the United States.
December (Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz): Tanzanite is a zoisite mineral that forms in metamorphic rocks. It is found only in Tanzania. Blue zircon is a zircon mineral that forms in metamorphic and igneous rocks. It is found in Australia, Myanmar, and Brazil. Blue topaz is a quartz mineral that is heat-treated to achieve its blue color. It is found in Brazil and Nigeria.

The sources and formation processes of these gemstones highlight their unique characteristics and the factors that contribute to their value and desirability. The availability of certain gemstones can also influence their market dynamics, with rarer stones commanding higher prices and being more sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Gemological Properties

The gemological properties of birthstones provide important information about their durability, appearance, and suitability for jewelry. Each gemstone has unique properties that make it suitable for different types of jewelry and uses. For example, January’s birthstone, garnet, has a Mohs hardness of around 7, making it relatively durable and suitable for everyday wear. Garnet is a silicate mineral that comes in a wide range of colors, from deep red to rare blue. The most valuable and rare garnet varieties include tsavorite and demantoid green garnets.

February’s birthstone, amethyst, has a Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable and suitable for jewelry. Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz and is known for its vibrant color and clarity. March’s birthstone, aquamarine, has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, making it one of the hardest and most durable birthstones. Aquamarine is a beryl mineral that is known for its clear blue-green to deep blue colors. It is often used in jewelry due to its durability and beauty.

April’s birthstone, diamond, has the highest Mohs hardness of 10, making it the hardest and most durable gemstone. Diamonds are formed under high pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth’s mantle. They are known for their brilliance and fire, making them highly desirable in jewelry. The 2023 birthstone list includes diamond as April’s birthstone, highlighting its enduring popularity and significance.

Other notable birthstones and their gemological properties include:

May (Emerald): Emerald has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, making it relatively durable. It is a beryl mineral that is known for its vibrant green color and is often found with inclusions, which can affect its clarity and value.
June (Alexandrite, Pearl, Moonstone): Alexandrite has a Mohs hardness of 8.5 to 9, making it one of the harder birthstones. It is a chrysoberyl mineral that exhibits a color change from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. Pearls have a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 4.5, making them soft and requiring careful handling. They are formed in mollusks and are known for their luster and iridescence. Moonstone has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5 and exhibits a shimmering effect known as adularescence.
July (Ruby, Carnelian): Ruby has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it one of the hardest and most durable birthstones. It is a corundum mineral that is known for its vibrant red color. Carnelian has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7 and is a variety of chalcedony known for its warm, reddish-brown color.
August (Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx): Peridot has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it relatively durable. It is a silicate mineral that is known for its vibrant green color. Spinel has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it one of the harder birthstones. It is a mineral that can come in a wide range of colors and is known for its clarity and brilliance. Sardonyx has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7 and is a banded chalcedony known for its red-brown and white bands.
September (Sapphire): Sapphire has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it one of the hardest and most durable birthstones. It is a corundum mineral that is known for its vibrant blue color, though it can come in a range of colors.
October (Tourmaline): Tourmaline has a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, making it relatively durable. It is a complex silicate mineral that is known for its wide range of colors, from black to pink to green.
November (Citrine, Topaz): Citrine has a Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable and suitable for jewelry. It is a variety of quartz that is known for its warm yellow to orange color. Topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it one of the harder birthstones. It is a silicate mineral that is known for its vibrant colors, from golden yellow to blue.
December (Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz): Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, making it relatively durable. It is a zoisite mineral that is known for its vibrant blue-violet color. Blue zircon has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7.5 and is a zircon mineral that is known for its brilliance and fire. Blue topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8 and is a quartz mineral that is heat-treated to achieve its blue color.

The gemological properties of these birthstones provide important information about their durability, appearance, and suitability for jewelry. Understanding these properties can help jewelers and consumers make informed decisions about the care and use of these gemstones.

Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs

The symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with birthstones have a rich and varied history, reflecting the cultural and spiritual significance of these gemstones. Each birthstone is believed to carry unique properties and meanings, which have been passed down through generations. These beliefs vary across different cultures and historical periods, but they often share common themes of protection, healing, and personal empowerment.

January’s birthstone, garnet, has been associated with various meanings throughout history. In ancient times, garnet was believed to bring good health, fortune, and joy. It was also used in medieval medicine to treat inflammatory diseases and heart issues. In Indian astrology, garnet is recommended to improve depression and negative thoughts. The deep red color of garnet is often associated with love, passion, and vitality, making it a popular choice for jewelry that symbolizes these qualities.

February’s birthstone, amethyst, has long been associated with the power to cure drunkenness and make the wearer quick-witted in business. This belief dates back to ancient Greece, where it was thought that wearing amethyst could prevent intoxication. Amethyst is also believed to promote calmness, clarity, and spiritual growth. Its purple color is often associated with royalty, nobility, and wisdom, making it a symbol of sophistication and elegance.

March’s birthstone, aquamarine, is named after the Latin word for seawater and is associated with the ocean. It is believed to have the power to protect sailors and promote calmness and tranquility. Aquamarine is also associated with courage and communication, making it a popular choice for those seeking to express themselves more effectively. Its clear blue-green to deep blue colors are often associated with the sea, making it a symbol of serenity and peace.

April’s birthstone, diamond, is one of the most valuable and enduring symbols of love and commitment. Diamonds are often associated with purity, strength, and eternal love. The phrase "diamonds are forever" has become a cultural icon, reflecting the idea that love and commitment can last a lifetime. Diamonds are also believed to promote clarity of thought and enhance personal power, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and other significant jewelry pieces.

Other notable birthstones and their symbolic meanings include:

May (Emerald): Emerald is associated with love, fertility, and rebirth. It is believed to promote harmony, balance, and emotional well-being. Emerald is also associated with the heart chakra and is believed to enhance love and compassion.
June (Alexandrite, Pearl, Moonstone): Alexandrite is associated with transformation and adaptability. It is believed to enhance intuition and promote emotional balance. Pearl is associated with purity, innocence, and wisdom. It is believed to promote calmness and serenity. Moonstone is associated with femininity, intuition, and emotional balance. It is believed to enhance intuition and promote emotional stability.
July (Ruby, Carnelian): Ruby is associated with passion, love, and vitality. It is believed to enhance courage and confidence and promote emotional stability. Carnelian is associated with motivation, creativity, and vitality. It is believed to enhance confidence and courage and promote emotional well-being.
August (Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx): Peridot is associated with protection and healing. It is believed to promote calmness and serenity and enhance emotional well-being. Spinel is associated with vitality and energy. It is believed to enhance courage and confidence and promote emotional stability. Sardonyx is associated with courage, strength, and protection. It is believed to promote self-control and motivation.
September (Sapphire): Sapphire is associated with wisdom, truth, and loyalty. It is believed to enhance clarity of thought and promote emotional stability. Sapphire is also associated with the third eye chakra and is believed to enhance intuition and spiritual growth.
October (Tourmaline): Tourmaline is associated with protection and grounding. It is believed to enhance emotional stability and promote a sense of balance and harmony. Tourmaline is also associated with the root chakra and is believed to enhance grounding and stability.
November (Citrine, Topaz): Citrine is associated with abundance, prosperity, and success. It is believed to enhance motivation and confidence and promote emotional well-being. Topaz is associated with strength, power, and vitality. It is believed to enhance courage and confidence and promote emotional stability.
December (Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz): Tanzanite is associated with transformation and spiritual growth. It is believed to enhance intuition and promote emotional balance. Blue zircon is associated with clarity of thought and emotional stability. It is believed to enhance intuition and promote emotional well-being. Blue topaz is associated with calmness and serenity. It is believed to enhance emotional stability and promote a sense of balance and harmony.

The symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with birthstones provide a deeper understanding of their cultural and spiritual significance. These beliefs can influence the choice of gemstones for personal use and jewelry design, reflecting the values and aspirations of individuals and cultures.

Care and Cleaning

Proper care and cleaning of birthstone jewelry are essential to maintaining its beauty and longevity. The care requirements for each gemstone depend on its physical properties, such as hardness, cleavage, and sensitivity to heat and chemicals. Understanding these properties can help jewelers and consumers make informed decisions about the care and maintenance of their birthstone jewelry.

January’s birthstone, garnet, has a Mohs hardness of around 7, making it relatively durable. However, it is important to avoid exposing garnet to harsh chemicals and high temperatures, as this can cause damage. Garnet can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store garnet jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.

February’s birthstone, amethyst, has a Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable. However, amethyst can be sensitive to heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can cause it to fade. It is important to avoid exposing amethyst to high temperatures and direct sunlight for extended periods. Amethyst can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store amethyst jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.

March’s birthstone, aquamarine, has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, making it one of the hardest and most durable birthstones. Aquamarine can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store aquamarine jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones. Aquamarine is relatively stable and can withstand normal wear and tear.

April’s birthstone, diamond, has the highest Mohs hardness of 10, making it the hardest and most durable gemstone. Diamonds can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and they should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store diamond jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones. Diamonds are extremely durable and can withstand normal wear and tear, but they can still be damaged by impact or improper handling.

Other notable birthstones and their care requirements include:

May (Emerald): Emerald has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, making it relatively durable. However, emerald is often filled with oil or other substances to enhance its clarity, and these treatments can be damaged by harsh chemicals and high temperatures. It is important to avoid exposing emerald to harsh chemicals and high temperatures, as this can cause the filling to evaporate or the gemstone to crack. Emerald can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store emerald jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
June (Alexandrite, Pearl, Moonstone): Alexandrite has a Mohs hardness of 8.5 to 9, making it one of the harder birthstones. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store alexandrite jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones. Pearl has a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 4.5, making it soft and requiring careful handling. It is important to avoid exposing pearl to harsh chemicals and high temperatures, as this can cause damage. Pearl can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Moonstone has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, making it relatively durable. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store moonstone jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
July (Ruby, Carnelian): Ruby has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it one of the hardest and most durable birthstones. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store ruby jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones. Carnelian has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it relatively durable. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store carnelian jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
August (Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx): Peridot has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it relatively durable. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store peridot jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones. Spinel has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it one of the harder birthstones. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store spinel jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones. Sardonyx has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it relatively durable. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store sardonyx jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
September (Sapphire): Sapphire has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it one of the hardest and most durable birthstones. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store sapphire jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
October (Tourmaline): Tourmaline has a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, making it relatively durable. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store tourmaline jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
November (Citrine, Topaz): Citrine has a Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store citrine jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones. Topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it one of the harder birthstones. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store topaz jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
December (Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz): Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, making it relatively durable. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store tanzanite jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones. Blue zircon has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7.5, making it relatively durable. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store blue zircon jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones. Blue topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it one of the harder birthstones. It can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, and it should be dried with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. It is also advisable to store blue topaz jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.

Proper care and cleaning of birthstone jewelry are essential to maintaining its beauty and longevity. By understanding the physical properties of each gemstone and following appropriate care guidelines, jewelers and consumers can ensure that their birthstone jewelry remains in excellent condition for years to come.

Conclusion

The 2023 birthstones represent a fascinating blend of tradition, science, and culture. Each gemstone has a unique history, geological formation, and symbolic meaning that contributes to its enduring appeal. From the deep red of January’s garnet to the sparkling brilliance of April’s diamond, these gemstones continue to captivate and inspire. Whether worn for their beauty, their durability, or their symbolic significance, birthstones offer a meaningful connection to personal identity and heritage. By understanding the properties, history, and care requirements of these gemstones, jewelry enthusiasts and gemstone collectors can make informed choices and appreciate the rich legacy of birthstones.