Birthstones, as their name suggests, are precious colored stones traditionally linked to the month of one’s birth. These gemstones are believed to bestow good fortune and strengthen the wearer’s character. Their captivating colors and enigmatic appeal have made them popular choices for jewelry, particularly as sentimental gifts for loved ones and as commemorative pieces for wedding anniversaries. The history and symbolism surrounding these stones are rich and varied, evolving over centuries to create the modern birthstone chart recognized today.
History and Origin
The concept of associating gemstones with specific periods dates back to the biblical Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Book of Exodus. This breastplate featured twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, arranged in four rows of three. In the first century A.D., the Jewish historian Josephus proposed a connection between these stones and the twelve signs of the zodiac. However, the widespread association of gemstones with birth months did not emerge until the 18th century.
The modern birthstone list, as it is largely known today, was standardized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers. This list wasn’t static, however. Updates occurred in 1952 with the addition of alexandrite for June and pink tourmaline for October. Further refinement came in 2016 when spinel was officially recognized as a birthstone for August, joining peridot. Currently, three sets of birthstones are recognized: ancient, traditional, and modern, offering a range of options for each month.
Monthly Birthstone Chart
The following chart details the modern, ancient, and southwestern birthstones associated with each month, as currently recognized.
| Month | Modern List | Ancient List | Southwestern |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Garnet | Red Coral |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst | Charoite, Purple Spiny Oyster Shell, Sugilite |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone | Light Colored Turquoise |
| April | Diamond | Diamond | |
| May | Emerald | Emerald | |
| June | Alexandrite | Pearl | |
| July | Ruby | Ruby | |
| August | Peridot / Spinel | Sardonyx | |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire | |
| October | Tourmaline | Opal | |
| November | Golden Topaz / Citrine | Topaz | |
| December | Blue Zircon / Tanzanite | Turquoise |
Gemological Properties and Notable Stones
While a comprehensive overview of all birthstones is beyond the scope of available information, several stones are highlighted below based on the provided sources.
Garnet (January): Garnets are not a single mineral but a group of closely related minerals, including pyrope, almandine, andradite, grossular, and spessartine. Varieties include rhodalite, demantoid, and tsavorite. Though commonly known for their red hues, garnets occur in a variety of colors. The name "garnet" is derived from the Latin word for pomegranate, due to the resemblance of deep red varieties to the fruit’s seeds.
Amethyst (February): Information regarding the gemological properties of amethyst is limited within the provided sources.
Aquamarine (March): Derived from the Latin words for "sea water," aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, sharing its classification with emerald. Its color ranges from light blue-green, lending it a calming appearance. Aquamarine is typically transparent and free from inclusions. Major sources include Brazil, Pakistan, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, China, Myanmar, Russia, and Ukraine. It is a popular choice for 19th wedding anniversary gifts.
Diamond (April): Diamonds are highly prized for their color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. While often associated with colorless stones, diamonds naturally occur in a spectrum of colors, including blue, pink, red, orange, yellow, and black. Red diamonds are the rarest and most expensive. The Koh-I-Noor, an oval-shaped diamond weighing 105.6 carats, is considered one of the most prestigious and enigmatic diamonds in history.
Ruby (July): Information regarding the gemological properties of ruby is limited within the provided sources.
Sapphire (September): Information regarding the gemological properties of sapphire is limited within the provided sources.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, birthstones have been attributed with various symbolic meanings and purported healing powers. Red garnets, for example, were believed to stop bleeding, cure inflammations, and prevent bloodshed by fostering peace between enemies. Ancient practitioners even ground garnets into poultice powder for medicinal purposes, using red varieties for fever and yellow for jaundice. Wearing garnets was also thought to protect travelers from danger, and a loss of luster was interpreted as a warning of impending doom.
Aquamarine, with its sea-toned hues, was believed to calm turbulent sea waves and ensure the safety of sailors. It is also associated with restoring peace and harmony in troubled marriages. Garnet symbolizes trust and friendship, while red coral, a southwestern birthstone for January, represents the lifeblood of Mother Earth, offering tranquility and clarity. Amethyst is believed to bring wisdom, and the purples of Charoite, Purple Spiny Oyster Shell, and Sugilite (February’s southwestern stones) are associated with royalty and protection.
Care and Cleaning
Due to the limited information provided, specific care instructions for each birthstone cannot be detailed. However, general guidelines can be inferred from their known properties. For example, aquamarine, with a relatively good hardness, can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Diamonds, being the hardest known natural substance, are durable but still require careful cleaning to maintain their brilliance.
Conclusion
Birthstones represent a fascinating intersection of geology, history, and cultural belief. From their ancient origins in the Breastplate of Aaron to the standardized lists of the 20th and 21st centuries, these gemstones have held a special place in human tradition. They continue to be cherished as personal symbols, meaningful gifts, and beautiful adornments, each stone carrying with it a unique story and significance. The enduring appeal of birthstones lies in their ability to connect us to the past, to each other, and to the natural world.