Birthstones have long held a unique place in human culture, serving as both symbols of personal identity and carriers of ancient beliefs. Their association with specific months and days of the year reflects centuries of tradition, superstition, and evolving gemological knowledge. This article delves into the intricate system of birthstones by month and day, drawing from historical records, gemological properties, and cultural significance as outlined in the provided sources.
Introduction
The concept of birthstones by month is well established, with 12 primary stones assigned to each month of the year. These gemstones vary in composition, color, and symbolic meaning, often reflecting the natural environment or spiritual values of their respective months. In addition to monthly associations, some traditions assign gemstones to each day of the week and even to specific hours of the day, creating a detailed framework for personal connection through gemstones. These practices are rooted in ancient customs, evolving over time to include modern interpretations and expanded lists of stones.
This article will explore the historical background of birthstones, their geological characteristics, and the symbolic meanings attributed to them. It will also examine the more nuanced system of assigning gemstones to days of the week and hours of the day, highlighting how these traditions have been preserved and adapted over time.
History and Lore
The tradition of assigning gemstones to specific times in the calendar year has ancient roots. Some sources suggest that the practice may date back to biblical times, particularly with reference to the breastplate of Aaron described in the Old Testament. This sacred garment was adorned with 12 precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. While the exact identities of these stones remain debated, the symbolic use of gemstones for spiritual and protective purposes was firmly established in early religious and cultural practices.
By the Middle Ages, the practice of assigning gemstones to months had evolved into a more structured system. Medieval Europeans believed that the gemstones associated with each month had specific powers and were used as talismans to ward off illness, bring good fortune, or enhance personal virtues. For example, garnet, the birthstone of January, was believed to bring protection and peace, while amethyst, the birthstone of February, was associated with clarity and spiritual insight.
The modern list of birthstones was officially established in 1912 by the Jewelers of America organization. This list included 12 gemstones, each assigned to a specific month. Over time, additional stones have been introduced to reflect the diversity of gemstones available today and to accommodate changes in cultural preferences. For example, alexandrite and tanzanite are modern additions to the June and December lists, respectively.
Birthstones by Day of the Week
In addition to monthly associations, some traditions assign gemstones to each day of the week. According to one source, the birthstone for Monday is pearl, while Tuesday is garnet, Wednesday is cat’s eye, Thursday is emerald, Friday is topaz, Saturday is sapphire, and Sunday is ruby. These assignments reflect a blend of astrological influences and the symbolic properties of the stones.
For instance, ruby, associated with Sunday, was considered the "king of gems" and symbolized strength and nobility. Sapphire, linked to Saturday, was believed to offer protection and wisdom. These associations were not arbitrary but were influenced by the planetary influences and mythological beliefs of the time.
Birthstones by Hour of the Day
The practice of assigning gemstones to each hour of the day is even more intricate and less commonly known. According to one source, the birthstone for 1 a.m. is smoky quartz, for 2 a.m. it is hematite, and for 3 a.m. it is malachite. This pattern continues throughout the day, with each hour linked to a specific stone. For example, 1 p.m. is associated with zircon, 2 p.m. with emerald, and 5 p.m. with ruby. These assignments suggest a belief in the influence of time on the properties of gemstones and their effects on the wearer.
While the exact origins of this system are unclear, it appears to be a more esoteric and less widely adopted practice compared to the monthly and weekly associations. Nevertheless, it reflects the deep cultural and spiritual significance that gemstones have held in various societies throughout history.
Geological Formation and Sources
The gemstones associated with birthstones by month and day are found in diverse geological environments around the world. Their formation processes and sources vary depending on the mineral composition and the conditions under which they crystallize.
Garnet
Garnet is a silicate mineral group that includes several related species. It is typically found in metamorphic and igneous rocks, often forming under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. Garnet has a reasonably tough Mohs hardness rating of around 7, making it suitable for use in jewelry. The most common color for garnet is red, but it can also be found in shades of green, orange, yellow, purple, pink, brown, and even blue. Blue garnets, the rarest variety, were discovered in the 1990s.
Garnet is mined in various parts of the world, including India, Brazil, and the United States. Different varieties of garnet are found in different regions; for example, tsavorite and demantoid green garnets are considered rare and are highly prized for their brilliance and color.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz and is formed in geodes and other rock formations. It is commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, and Russia. Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale and is known for its vibrant color, which ranges from light lilac to deep purple. It was historically associated with the zodiac sign of Pisces and is said to bring clarity and spiritual insight.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a variety of beryl and is typically found in metamorphic rocks. It is mined in Brazil, Nigeria, and the United States. Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5–8 and is known for its blue to blue-green color, which is caused by trace amounts of iron. It is associated with courage and hope.
Diamond
Diamond is a form of crystalline carbon and is formed under extreme pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth’s mantle. It is the hardest known natural substance, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. Diamonds are found in kimberlite pipes and alluvial deposits around the world, including in South Africa, Russia, and Australia.
Emerald
Emerald is a variety of beryl that contains chromium or vanadium, giving it its characteristic green color. It is typically found in metamorphic rocks and is mined in Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil. Emerald has a hardness of 7.5–8 and is known for its brilliance and fire.
Pearl
Pearls are formed within the soft tissue of certain mollusks, particularly oysters and mussels. They are composed primarily of nacre, a substance secreted by the mollusk to coat irritants that enter the shell. Pearls are found in both saltwater and freshwater environments, with the most valuable pearls coming from the Persian Gulf and the South China Sea.
Ruby
Ruby is a variety of corundum that contains chromium, giving it its red color. It is formed under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions and is typically found in metamorphic rocks. Rubies are mined in Myanmar (Burma), Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. Ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and is one of the most valuable gemstones.
Peridot
Peridot is a silicate mineral that is formed in the Earth’s mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. It is typically found in basaltic rocks and is known for its yellow to green color. Peridot is mined in Egypt, the United States, and China. It has a hardness of 6.5–7 and is associated with peace and marital happiness.
Sapphire
Sapphire is a variety of corundum that contains trace elements of iron and titanium, giving it its blue color. It is formed under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions and is typically found in metamorphic rocks. Sapphires are mined in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Australia. It has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and is associated with protection and wisdom.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a complex borosilicate mineral that comes in a wide range of colors, including pink, green, blue, and black. It is formed in pegmatite deposits and is known for its piezoelectric properties. Tourmaline is mined in Brazil, Nigeria, and the United States. It has a hardness of 7–7.5 and is associated with spiritual insight and grounding.
Topaz
Topaz is a silicate mineral that is formed in igneous rocks. It is known for its clarity and is available in a range of colors, including yellow, blue, and pink. Topaz is mined in Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale and is associated with strength and vitality.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite that was discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is known for its trichroic nature, meaning it can display three different colors—blue, purple, and brown—depending on the angle of light. Tanzanite has a hardness of 6–7 and is associated with transformation and spiritual awakening.
Gemological Properties
Each of the gemstones associated with birthstones has unique gemological properties that make them suitable for different types of jewelry and applications. These properties include hardness, color, clarity, and refractive index.
| Gemstone | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Color | Clarity | Refractive Index | Cut | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garnet | 6.5–7.5 | Red, green, blue, orange, yellow, purple | Usually transparent to translucent | 1.7–2.0 | Round, oval, cushion | Patience, creativity, consistency |
| Amethyst | 7 | Purple | Usually transparent | 1.54–1.55 | Round, oval, princess | Clarity, spiritual insight |
| Aquamarine | 7.5–8 | Blue to blue-green | Usually transparent | 1.56–1.58 | Oval, emerald, pear | Courage, hope |
| Diamond | 10 | Colorless (can be yellow, brown, or blue) | Usually transparent | 2.417–2.419 | Round, princess, emerald | Love, innocence, eternity |
| Emerald | 7.5–8 | Green | Often included | 1.56–1.60 | Emerald, oval, cushion | Success, happiness, goodness |
| Pearl | 2.5–4.5 | White, black, pink, silver | Usually translucent | 1.50–1.70 | Round, baroque | Purity, beauty |
| Ruby | 9 | Red | Often included | 1.76–1.78 | Round, oval, princess | Strength, nobility, contentment |
| Peridot | 6.5–7 | Yellow to green | Usually transparent | 1.65–1.70 | Round, oval, emerald | Peace, marital happiness |
| Sapphire | 9 | Blue (can be pink, yellow, or green) | Usually transparent | 1.76–1.78 | Round, oval, princess | Protection, wisdom |
| Tourmaline | 7–7.5 | Multicolored | Usually transparent | 1.62–1.64 | Round, oval, emerald | Spiritual insight, grounding |
| Topaz | 8 | Yellow, blue, pink | Usually transparent | 1.61–1.63 | Round, oval, princess | Strength, vitality |
| Tanzanite | 6–7 | Blue, purple, brown | Often included | 1.69–1.70 | Oval, cushion, princess | Transformation, spiritual awakening |
These properties influence the way each gemstone is cut, polished, and set into jewelry. For example, diamonds, with their high hardness and refractive index, are often cut in ways that maximize their brilliance and fire. In contrast, pearls, which are relatively soft, are typically left in their natural round shape and set in protective settings to prevent damage.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs associated with birthstones vary across cultures and historical periods. These beliefs are often rooted in the perceived properties of the stones and their associations with celestial bodies.
Garnet
Garnet is associated with patience, creativity, and consistency. It is believed to bring protection and peace, particularly to those who travel or face challenges. In some traditions, garnet is also considered a symbol of friendship and is used to strengthen relationships.
Amethyst
Amethyst is associated with clarity, spiritual insight, and emotional balance. It is believed to enhance intuition and promote a sense of calm. Amethyst is also associated with the zodiac sign of Pisces and is said to bring wisdom and understanding.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is associated with courage, hope, and serenity. It is believed to bring calm and confidence to the wearer and is often used in jewelry for those who need to make important decisions or face difficult situations.
Diamond
Diamond is associated with love, innocence, and eternity. It is believed to represent the unbreakable bond between two people and is often used in engagement rings and other symbols of commitment.
Emerald
Emerald is associated with success, happiness, and goodness. It is believed to bring prosperity and positive energy to the wearer and is often used in jewelry to attract good fortune.
Pearl
Pearl is associated with purity, beauty, and wisdom. It is believed to bring grace and elegance to the wearer and is often used in jewelry for those who wish to enhance their appearance and demeanor.
Ruby
Ruby is associated with strength, nobility, and contentment. It is believed to bring vitality and passion to the wearer and is often used in jewelry to enhance confidence and self-esteem.
Peridot
Peridot is associated with peace, marital happiness, and courage. It is believed to bring harmony and balance to relationships and is often used in jewelry for those who seek to improve their personal connections.
Sapphire
Sapphire is associated with protection, wisdom, and truth. It is believed to bring clarity and insight to the wearer and is often used in jewelry to enhance decision-making and problem-solving.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is associated with spiritual insight, grounding, and emotional balance. It is believed to bring a sense of stability and calm to the wearer and is often used in jewelry for those who seek to enhance their spiritual awareness.
Topaz
Topaz is associated with strength, vitality, and protection. It is believed to bring energy and confidence to the wearer and is often used in jewelry to enhance physical and mental well-being.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is associated with transformation, spiritual awakening, and emotional healing. It is believed to bring clarity and insight to the wearer and is often used in jewelry for those who seek to enhance their personal growth and development.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning are essential for preserving the beauty and value of birthstone jewelry. The specific care instructions vary depending on the gemstone’s hardness, cleavage, and sensitivity to heat, light, and chemicals.
Garnet
Garnet is relatively hard and durable, making it suitable for everyday wear. It can be cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid exposing it to extreme heat or harsh chemicals, as these can cause discoloration or damage.
Amethyst
Amethyst is sensitive to heat and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause it to fade. It should be stored in a cool, dark place and cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is relatively hard and durable, but it can be sensitive to impact. It should be stored separately from other jewelry to avoid scratches and cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent.
Diamond
Diamond is the hardest gemstone and is highly durable. It can be cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent or with steam cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Emerald
Emerald is relatively soft and can be easily scratched or chipped. It should be stored separately from other jewelry and cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid using steam or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can cause damage.
Pearl
Pearl is relatively soft and sensitive to chemicals, heat, and abrasion. It should be stored in a soft cloth and cleaned with a damp cloth. Avoid using water or chemicals, as these can cause damage.
Ruby
Ruby is relatively hard and durable, making it suitable for everyday wear. It can be cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent or with steam cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Peridot
Peridot is relatively soft and can be easily scratched or chipped. It should be stored separately from other jewelry and cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent.
Sapphire
Sapphire is relatively hard and durable, making it suitable for everyday wear. It can be cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent or with steam cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is relatively hard and durable, but it can be sensitive to heat and light. It should be stored in a cool, dark place and cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent.
Topaz
Topaz is relatively hard and durable, making it suitable for everyday wear. It can be cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent or with steam cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is relatively soft and can be easily scratched or chipped. It should be stored separately from other jewelry and cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid using steam or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can cause damage.
Conclusion
Birthstones by month and day offer a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and geological significance. From the deep red of garnet to the brilliant blue of tanzanite, each gemstone carries its own unique properties and meanings. Whether used for personal adornment, spiritual protection, or as a symbol of identity, birthstones continue to captivate and inspire people around the world. Understanding their history, formation, and care ensures that these precious stones can be enjoyed and preserved for generations to come.