The concept of birthstones is deeply embedded in American culture, reflecting a blend of historical traditions, scientific knowledge, and modern marketing. In the United States, the idea of assigning gemstones to specific months of the year was formalized in the 20th century through the efforts of the National Association of Jewelers, which later became known as Jewelers of America. This organization played a pivotal role in standardizing the American birthstone list in 1912, ensuring a consistent and marketable set of gemstones that could be promoted and sold across the country. Over time, the list has evolved, incorporating new gemstones such as tanzanite and spinel, which were added in 2002 and 2016, respectively.
This article delves into the rich history of American birthstones, examining their origins, the standardization process, and the cultural significance they hold today. It also explores the geological properties of these gemstones, their symbolic meanings, and the practical considerations for their care and use in jewelry. By understanding the multifaceted nature of American birthstones, we gain insight into how these gems have become more than just decorative objects; they are cultural artifacts that reflect our values and traditions.
History and Lore
The history of American birthstones is intertwined with the broader narrative of gemstone lore that spans centuries and continents. The concept of birthstones is thought to have originated from the Bible, specifically from the breastplate of the high priest Aaron, which featured twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel. This idea was later adapted into a system where twelve gemstones came to represent the twelve months of the year. However, the modern American birthstone list is a product of 20th-century standardization efforts. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers convened to officially adopt a list of birthstones, creating a standardized set that would be practical for American jewelers to promote and sell. This list combined various customs that had evolved over time, ensuring that the chosen stones would be both culturally significant and commercially viable.
The list was not static; it underwent revisions to reflect changing tastes and the availability of new gemstones. In 1952, the Jewelry Industry Council of America updated the list by adding alexandrite to June, citrine to November, pink tourmaline to October, and zircon to December. These additions were not arbitrary; they were chosen based on their beauty, rarity, and the demand for more diverse options in the jewelry market. The inclusion of these new stones reflected a growing interest in alternative gemstones and the desire to offer more choices to consumers.
Further changes occurred in 2002 and 2016, with tanzanite and spinel being added to December and August, respectively. These additions were driven by the need to incorporate newly discovered gemstones that were gaining popularity. Tanzanite, a relatively rare gemstone found only in Tanzania, was added to December, while spinel, known for its vibrant colors and clarity, was introduced as an additional birthstone for August. These additions not only expanded the list of available gemstones but also highlighted the dynamic nature of birthstone traditions, which continue to evolve with the times.
In addition to the standard American birthstone list, there are also cultural variations that reflect the diverse heritage of the United States. For example, the traditional British chart includes bloodstone for March and rock crystal for April as alternatives, while the Hindu Ayurvedic system is based on astrological signs rather than calendar months. These variations illustrate how birthstone traditions are not confined to a single culture or country; they are shared and adapted across different communities, creating a rich tapestry of meanings and associations.
Geological Formation and Sources
The geological properties of American birthstones are as varied as their historical significance. Each gemstone has unique characteristics that define its appearance, durability, and value. For instance, garnet, the birthstone for January, is a silicate mineral that comes in various colors, including deep red, green, and even colorless. It is typically found in metamorphic rocks and is known for its hardness, which ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This hardness makes it suitable for use in jewelry, as it can withstand daily wear and tear.
Amethyst, the February birthstone, is a form of quartz that is known for its beautiful purple color. It is found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States. Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively durable and ideal for jewelry. The color of amethyst is due to the presence of iron impurities, and it is often used in rings, pendants, and other types of jewelry.
March's birthstone, aquamarine, is a beryl mineral that is known for its blue-green color. It is typically found in granite pegmatites and is known for its clarity and brilliance. Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the more durable birthstones. This hardness allows it to be cut into various shapes and sizes, making it a popular choice for rings and other types of jewelry.
April's birthstone is the diamond, a mineral composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice. Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. They are found in alluvial deposits and kimberlite pipes, and their formation requires high pressure and temperature over millions of years. The clarity and brilliance of diamonds make them highly desirable for jewelry, and they are often used in engagement rings and other significant pieces.
May's birthstone is the emerald, a beryl mineral that is known for its deep green color. Emeralds are typically found in metamorphic rocks and are known for their inclusions, which can affect their clarity. Despite these inclusions, emeralds are highly valued for their beauty and are often used in high-end jewelry. They have a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively durable, although they can be susceptible to damage if not cared for properly.
June's birthstone is the pearl, which is formed within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk. Pearls can vary in color and luster, and they are known for their smooth, round shape. Unlike other birthstones, pearls are organic and do not have a specific hardness, but they are relatively soft and require gentle handling to prevent damage. They are often used in earrings, necklaces, and other types of jewelry.
July's birthstone is the ruby, a corundum mineral that is known for its deep red color. Rubies are typically found in metamorphic rocks and are known for their hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. This hardness makes them ideal for use in jewelry, as they can withstand daily wear and tear. Rubies are highly valued for their beauty and are often used in rings and other significant pieces of jewelry.
August's birthstone is the peridot, a silicate mineral that is known for its vibrant green color. It is typically found in volcanic rocks and is known for its hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Peridots are often used in jewelry due to their unique color and relatively low hardness, making them a popular choice for rings and other types of jewelry.
September's birthstone is the sapphire, a corundum mineral that is known for its blue color. Sapphires are typically found in metamorphic rocks and are known for their hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. They are highly valued for their beauty and are often used in engagement rings and other significant pieces of jewelry.
October's birthstone is the opal, a hydrated amorphous silica that is known for its unique play of colors. Opals are typically found in sedimentary rocks and are known for their softness, with a hardness of 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This softness makes them more susceptible to damage, so they require gentle handling when used in jewelry.
November's birthstone is the topaz, a silicate mineral that is known for its clarity and brilliance. Topaz is typically found in igneous rocks and is known for its hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. This hardness makes it ideal for use in jewelry, as it can withstand daily wear and tear. Topaz is often used in rings and other types of jewelry due to its beauty and durability.
December's birthstone is the turquoise, a hydrated phosphate mineral that is known for its blue-green color. Turquoise is typically found in the oxidation zones of copper deposits and is known for its softness, with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. This softness makes it more susceptible to damage, so it requires gentle handling when used in jewelry.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with American birthstones have deep roots in history and culture. Each gemstone carries its own unique set of meanings and powers, which have been attributed to them by various cultures and traditions. For example, garnet, the birthstone for January, has been associated with protection and strength for centuries. It is believed to ward off evil and promote courage, making it a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their confidence and determination. In different lighting, certain garnets change color, representing being open to change and the ability to adapt to new circumstances.
Amethyst, the February birthstone, is known for its protective and healing qualities. It is believed to bring wisdom and clarity to those who wear it, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking to make sound decisions. Amethyst is also associated with creativity and loyalty, making it a symbol of friendship and trust. This gemstone has been prized by royalty for centuries, and its deep purple color is often associated with royalty and elegance.
Aquamarine, the March birthstone, is believed to represent the flow of imagination and the ability to solve problems. It is associated with the sea and is often used in jewelry to promote a sense of calm and tranquility. This gemstone is believed to help individuals connect with their inner strength and inspire them to take action in their communities.
Diamond, the April birthstone, is a symbol of purity, love, and strength. Its hardness and brilliance make it a popular choice for engagement rings and other significant pieces of jewelry. Diamonds are often associated with eternal love and commitment, and they are believed to promote clarity and focus in relationships.
Emerald, the May birthstone, is a symbol of renewal and vitality. It is associated with the heart and is believed to promote love and compassion. Emeralds are often used in jewelry to symbolize the connection between individuals and the natural world, and they are believed to enhance communication and understanding in relationships.
Pearl, the June birthstone, is a symbol of wisdom and purity. It is associated with the moon and is believed to promote balance and harmony. Pearls are often used in jewelry to symbolize the beauty of nature and the importance of inner peace.
Ruby, the July birthstone, is a symbol of passion and energy. It is associated with the heart and is believed to promote courage and vitality. Rubies are often used in jewelry to symbolize the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Peridot, the August birthstone, is a symbol of transformation and renewal. It is associated with the sun and is believed to promote joy and optimism. Peridots are often used in jewelry to symbolize the importance of change and growth in life.
Sapphire, the September birthstone, is a symbol of loyalty and trust. It is associated with the heart and is believed to promote clarity and focus. Sapphires are often used in jewelry to symbolize the strength of relationships and the importance of honesty.
Opal, the October birthstone, is a symbol of creativity and inspiration. It is associated with the imagination and is believed to promote originality and innovation. Opals are often used in jewelry to symbolize the importance of thinking outside the box and embracing new ideas.
Topaz, the November birthstone, is a symbol of clarity and focus. It is associated with the mind and is believed to promote wisdom and understanding. Topaz is often used in jewelry to symbolize the importance of clear thinking and the pursuit of knowledge.
Turquoise, the December birthstone, is a symbol of protection and strength. It is associated with the body and is believed to promote healing and vitality. Turquoise is often used in jewelry to symbolize the importance of health and well-being.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning of American birthstones are essential to maintaining their beauty and longevity. Each gemstone has specific requirements for cleaning and maintenance, based on its hardness, composition, and susceptibility to damage. For example, diamonds, with their hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, are relatively easy to clean and can be cleaned using standard jewelry cleaning methods. They can be soaked in a mild detergent solution and then rinsed with warm water. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning diamonds, as this can damage their surface.
Emeralds, with their hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, require more gentle care due to their inclusions. These inclusions can make emeralds more susceptible to damage, so it is important to avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, which can cause the inclusions to expand and potentially crack the stone. Instead, emeralds should be cleaned using a soft cloth and a mild detergent solution. It is also important to store emeralds separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Rubies, with their hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, are relatively durable but still require careful handling. They can be cleaned using a mild detergent solution and a soft cloth. It is important to avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as these can cause the stone to crack or become damaged. Rubies should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Sapphires, with their hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, are highly durable and can be cleaned using standard jewelry cleaning methods. They can be soaked in a mild detergent solution and then rinsed with warm water. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning sapphires, as this can damage their surface.
Opals, with their hardness of 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, require special care due to their softness. They are highly susceptible to damage and should be cleaned using a soft cloth and a mild detergent solution. It is important to avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as these can cause the stone to crack or become damaged. Opals should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Topaz, with its hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, is relatively durable and can be cleaned using standard jewelry cleaning methods. It can be soaked in a mild detergent solution and then rinsed with warm water. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning topaz, as this can damage its surface.
Turquoise, with its hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, requires special care due to its softness. It is highly susceptible to damage and should be cleaned using a soft cloth and a mild detergent solution. It is important to avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as these can cause the stone to crack or become damaged. Turquoise should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Garnet, with its hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, is relatively durable but still requires careful handling. It can be cleaned using a mild detergent solution and a soft cloth. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning garnet, as this can damage its surface. Garnet should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Amethyst, with its hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, is relatively durable but still requires careful handling. It can be cleaned using a mild detergent solution and a soft cloth. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning amethyst, as this can damage its surface. Amethyst should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Aquamarine, with its hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, is relatively durable and can be cleaned using standard jewelry cleaning methods. It can be soaked in a mild detergent solution and then rinsed with warm water. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning aquamarine, as this can damage its surface.
Conclusion
The American birthstone tradition is a rich and evolving aspect of our cultural heritage, reflecting the historical, geological, and symbolic significance of these gemstones. From the standardization efforts of the National Association of Jewelers in 1912 to the recent additions of tanzanite and spinel, the list of American birthstones has adapted to reflect changing tastes and the availability of new gemstones. Each gemstone carries its own unique properties and meanings, making them more than just decorative objects; they are cultural artifacts that reflect our values and traditions.
Understanding the geological properties of these gemstones, their symbolic meanings, and the proper care required to maintain their beauty and longevity is essential for anyone interested in the world of gemstones. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or a student of gemology, the American birthstone tradition offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of history, culture, and science. As these gemstones continue to evolve and adapt, they will undoubtedly remain a cherished part of our cultural heritage for generations to come.