A birthstone chart is more than just a list of gemstones assigned to each month of the year. It is a window into centuries of cultural, symbolic, and geological significance. These charts reflect the intersection of tradition, commerce, and belief systems, showcasing how different societies have used gemstones to mark identity, celebrate birth, and even seek protection or fortune. In this article, we will explore the origins and evolution of the birthstone chart, the differences between traditional and modern lists, the gemological properties of the stones, and their cultural and symbolic meanings.
The Concept and Purpose of a Birthstone Chart
A birthstone chart is a visual reference that assigns specific gemstones to each of the 12 months in the Gregorian calendar. These gemstones, both precious and semi-precious, have been associated with birth months for centuries. The chart serves multiple purposes:
- Cultural and Historical Reference: It preserves ancient traditions that connected gemstones to months and their symbolic meanings.
- Educational Tool: It offers insights into the properties, colors, and meanings of each gemstone.
- Jewelry Design Guidance: It helps jewelers, collectors, and gift-givers choose appropriate gemstones for birth-related jewelry.
- Symbolic Connection: Many people wear their birthstone as a meaningful token of identity, protection, or personal power.
According to sources, birthstone charts are often categorized into two types:
- Modern Birthstone Chart: Standardized by the Jewelers of America in 1912 and updated periodically.
- Traditional Birthstone Chart: Reflects older cultural and regional beliefs, and may include multiple stones for a single month.
Some charts also include alternative gemstones, especially for months where multiple options have historical or cultural significance. These charts are widely used in jewelry design, gift-giving, and personal symbolism.
Historical Origins of Birthstones
The history of birthstones is deeply rooted in ancient traditions. One of the earliest recorded references to gemstones associated with months comes from the Biblical Book of Exodus, where the High Priest Aaron’s breastplate was adorned with 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. While the exact identities of these stones remain debated among scholars, this passage is often cited as the foundation of the birthstone concept.
By the Middle Ages, the idea of associating gemstones with months and zodiac signs had spread across Europe and the Middle East. These stones were believed to possess mystical properties and were often worn as amulets or talismans for protection and healing. For example:
- Garnet in January was believed to promote constancy and was thought to glow in the dark.
- Amethyst in February was used to ward off drunkenness and promote clarity.
- Aquamarine in March was associated with calmness and protection during sea voyages.
These early associations laid the groundwork for the traditional birthstone chart, which continued to evolve through the centuries. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the modern birthstone chart was officially standardized.
The Evolution of the Modern Birthstone Chart
In 1912, the Jewelers of America (now known as Jewelers of America) created a modern list of birthstones, assigning a single gemstone to each month. This list was later updated in 1952, 2002, and 2016 to reflect new discoveries and changes in the gemstone market.
Here is the modern birthstone chart as standardized in 2016:
| Month | Modern Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Alexandrite |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot / Spinel |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz / Citrine |
| December | Tanzanite / Blue Zircon |
In 2016, spinel was added as a secondary gemstone for August, and pink tourmaline was added for October. These updates reflect the growing appreciation for alternative gemstones and the increasing availability of new varieties.
Differences Between Traditional and Modern Birthstones
The traditional birthstone chart includes multiple gemstones for some months and reflects older European and Middle Eastern beliefs. For example:
| Month | Traditional Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl / Moonstone |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal |
| November | Topaz |
| December | Turquoise / Lapis Lazuli |
These traditional stones often differ from the modern list. For instance:
- March traditionally includes bloodstone, while the modern list features aquamarine.
- October traditionally features opal, but the modern list includes tourmaline as well.
- December traditionally features turquoise, but the modern list includes tanzanite and blue zircon.
The modern list was designed to simplify the selection of gemstones for jewelry and to align with global trade and availability. However, the traditional list retains its cultural and historical value, especially in regions where these associations have been passed down through generations.
Gemological Properties of Key Birthstones
Understanding the gemological properties of each birthstone helps in identifying them, selecting appropriate settings, and caring for them properly. Here is a summary of the key properties of some prominent birthstones:
Garnet (January)
- Chemical Formula: Typically silicate minerals, with various species like pyrope, almandine, and grossular.
- Color: Red is most common, but garnets can also be green, blue, orange, or even colorless.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 6.5–7.5
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.7–2.0
- Cleavage: None
- Sources: India, Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States
Garnet is a durable gemstone that can be faceted or carved. Blue garnets, such as tsavorite, are particularly rare and valuable.
Amethyst (February)
- Chemical Formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
- Color: Purple, ranging from light lilac to deep violet.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 7
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.54–1.55
- Cleavage: None
- Sources: Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia
Amethyst is a popular gemstone known for its vibrant color and affordability. It is often used in fashion jewelry and spiritual practices.
Aquamarine (March)
- Chemical Formula: Beryllium aluminum silicate (Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆)
- Color: Blue to blue-green, due to iron impurities.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 7.5–8
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.56–1.60
- Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
- Sources: Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar
Aquamarine is a durable and versatile gemstone, often used in rings and pendants. It is associated with calmness and clarity.
Diamond (April)
- Chemical Formula: Carbon (C)
- Color: Colorless to yellow, pink, blue, and other hues.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 10
- Luster: Adamantine
- Refractive Index: 2.417
- Cleavage: Perfect in four directions
- Sources: South Africa, Russia, Canada, Australia
Diamond is the hardest natural substance known to man. It is the ultimate symbol of love and commitment in the jewelry world.
Emerald (May)
- Chemical Formula: Beryllium aluminum silicate (Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆)
- Color: Green, due to chromium or vanadium impurities.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 7.5–8
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.56–1.60
- Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
- Sources: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil
Emerald is one of the "Big Three" gemstones, along with ruby and sapphire. It is prized for its rich green color and historical significance.
Alexandrite (June)
- Chemical Formula: Chromium-bearing chrysoberyl (BeAl₂O₄)
- Color: Changes from green in daylight to red under incandescent light.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 8.5
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.74–1.78
- Cleavage: None
- Sources: Russia, Sri Lanka, Brazil
Alexandrite is a rare and valuable gemstone known for its color change effect, which makes it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
Ruby (July)
- Chemical Formula: Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃)
- Color: Red, due to chromium or iron impurities.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 9
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.76–1.78
- Cleavage: None
- Sources: Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka
Ruby is the "king of gemstones" and has been prized for centuries for its fiery red color and durability.
Peridot (August)
- Chemical Formula: Magnesium iron silicate (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄
- Color: Greenish yellow to olive green.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 6.5–7
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.65–1.70
- Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
- Sources: Pakistan, Arizona, China
Peridot is a relatively affordable gemstone with a vibrant color. It is often used in fashion jewelry and is believed to promote friendship and happiness.
Sapphire (September)
- Chemical Formula: Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃)
- Color: Blue (due to iron and titanium), but also found in pink, yellow, and green.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 9
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.76–1.78
- Cleavage: None
- Sources: Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Madagascar
Sapphire is one of the most durable gemstones and is often used in engagement rings and high-end jewelry.
Tourmaline (October)
- Chemical Formula: Complex silicate (Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄)
- Color: Available in nearly every color, including pink, green, black, and multicolored (e.g., paraiba tourmaline).
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 7–7.5
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.62–1.64
- Cleavage: Poor
- Sources: Brazil, Nigeria, Afghanistan
Tourmaline is a versatile gemstone with a wide range of colors. It is particularly popular in October due to its vibrant hues.
Topaz (November)
- Chemical Formula: Aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide (Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂)
- Color: Colorless to yellow, blue, and pink.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 8
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.61–1.63
- Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
- Sources: Brazil, Mexico, Russia
Topaz is a popular gemstone due to its durability and affordability. It is often used in rings and pendants.
Tanzanite (December)
- Chemical Formula: Calcium aluminum silicate (CaAl₆(SiO₄)₃(OH)₄)
- Color: Violet to blue, due to trace elements.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 6–7
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.69–1.70
- Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
- Sources: Tanzania
Tanzanite is a rare gemstone found only in Tanzania. It is known for its stunning blue color and is a popular alternative to sapphire.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance of Birthstones
In addition to their gemological properties, birthstones carry deep symbolic and cultural meanings. These meanings have evolved over time and vary by culture, but some associations are widely recognized:
| Birthstone | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| Garnet | Constancy, protection |
| Amethyst | Sincerity, clarity |
| Aquamarine | Wisdom, calmness |
| Diamond | Innocence, purity |
| Emerald | Happiness, renewal |
| Alexandrite | Transformation, adaptability |
| Ruby | Passion, power |
| Peridot | Friendship, vitality |
| Sapphire | Truth, loyalty |
| Tourmaline | Hope, creativity |
| Topaz | Strength, success |
| Tanzanite | Success, spirituality |
These symbolic meanings are often used in jewelry design, gift-giving, and personal adornment. Many people choose to wear their birthstone as a way to connect with their identity or to seek positive energy and protection.
Caring for Birthstone Jewelry
Proper care is essential to maintaining the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewelry. The care requirements vary depending on the hardness, cleavage, and sensitivity of the gemstone. Here are some general guidelines:
| Gemstone | Recommended Care |
|---|---|
| Garnet | Clean with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the gem has inclusions. |
| Amethyst | Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, as it can fade the color. |
| Aquamarine | Store separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches. |
| Diamond | Can be cleaned with warm water and a soft brush. |
| Emerald | Avoid heat and harsh chemicals. Store in a soft cloth. |
| Alexandrite | Handle with care due to its rarity and sensitivity. |
| Ruby | Can be cleaned with warm water and a soft brush. |
| Peridot | Avoid exposure to heat and harsh chemicals. |
| Sapphire | Can be cleaned with warm water and a soft brush. |
| Tourmaline | Avoid heat and ultrasonic cleaners. |
| Topaz | Can be cleaned with warm water and a soft brush. |
| Tanzanite | Store in a soft cloth and avoid exposure to heat. |
It is also important to avoid wearing birthstone jewelry during activities that could cause physical damage, such as sports or manual labor.
Conclusion
The birthstone chart is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and gemology. From its biblical origins to its modern standardization, the chart has evolved to reflect the changing world of jewelry and gemstone appreciation. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or a student of gemology, the birthstone chart offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
Each gemstone not only has its own physical properties but also carries symbolic meaning, making it a powerful and personal choice for jewelry and gift-giving. By understanding the differences between traditional and modern birthstones, and by learning how to care for your birthstone jewelry, you can appreciate these gemstones in a more informed and meaningful way.
As you explore the birthstone chart, you may find a deeper connection to your own month and a newfound appreciation for the gemstones that have been cherished for centuries.