The association of gemstones with specific months, and more broadly with astrological signs and even parts of the body, is a practice with roots stretching back millennia. While modern birthstone lists are largely standardized, their origins are complex and varied, drawing from biblical traditions, religious beliefs, and historical interpretations. A significant early influence on these traditions stems from Hebrew lore, specifically the breastplate of Aaron, described in the Book of Exodus. This article will explore the gemstones linked to each month according to Hebrew tradition, as detailed in available sources, and their subsequent evolution into modern birthstone associations.
The Breastplate of Aaron and Early Associations
The foundation of Hebrew birthstone traditions lies in the biblical account of Aaron, the high priest and brother of Moses. According to the Book of Exodus, God instructed Moses to create a breastplate adorned with twelve gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones were set in four rows of three, mounted in gold filigree, and engraved with the names of the tribes. This breastplate served not only as an ornamental piece but also as a symbolic representation of the entire nation, carried close to Aaron’s heart and presented to God.
This historical artifact became a cornerstone for associating specific gemstones with particular periods or groups, eventually evolving into the concept of birthstones. The twelve stones featured on the breastplate are considered the earliest precursors to the modern birthstone list. While the exact identification of these stones has been debated over centuries, and translations vary, the commonly accepted correspondences, as referenced in the provided sources, are: Sardius, topaz, and carbuncle; emerald, sapphire, and diamond; ligure, agate, and amethyst; beryl, onyx, and jasper.
Monthly Gemstone Correspondences in Hebrew Tradition
The provided sources detail specific gemstones traditionally associated with each month according to Hebrew beliefs. It is important to note that these associations are not always consistent across all interpretations, and some months have multiple assigned stones.
January: Onyx is listed as a traditional Hebrew birthstone for January. February: Amethyst is the traditional Hebrew birthstone for February. March: Aquamarine is identified as the traditional Hebrew birthstone for March. April: Diamond is a traditional Hebrew birthstone for April. May: Emerald is a traditional Hebrew birthstone for May. June: Beryl is a traditional Hebrew birthstone for June. July: Ruby is a traditional Hebrew birthstone for July. August: Peridot is the traditional Hebrew birthstone for August. September: Sapphire is the traditional Hebrew birthstone for September. October: Opal is the traditional Hebrew birthstone for October. November: Topaz is a traditional Hebrew birthstone for November. December: Ruby is a traditional Hebrew birthstone for December.
It is also noted that some sources list alternative or additional stones for certain months. For example, Zircon is listed alongside Peridot for August, and Turquoise alongside Ruby for December. These variations highlight the fluidity of these traditions over time.
The Influence of Other Traditions
The Hebrew tradition of associating gemstones with the tribes of Israel was not isolated. The sources indicate that other cultures and belief systems also contributed to the development of birthstone lore. During the eighth and ninth centuries, Christians assigned stones to represent the twelve apostles, creating another layer of symbolic association. Furthermore, the book of Revelations lists foundation stones for the new Jerusalem, ordered according to the Roman calendar, further influencing the evolving birthstone system. These interwoven influences demonstrate the complex cultural exchange that shaped the birthstone traditions we recognize today.
Gemological Properties and Origins of Key Stones
While the sources primarily focus on the historical and religious significance of these gemstones, some information regarding their properties and origins is provided.
Sapphire: Described as “the gem of soul and autumn,” sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, second only to diamond in hardness. It occurs in many colors, though the name traditionally refers to the blue variety. Sapphires have been sourced from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Cambodia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China, Vietnam, Madagascar, and the United States.
Peridot: Known as the “gem of the sun,” peridot is a variety of olivine, mined as early as 1500 BC on Saint John’s Island near Egypt. Modern sources include Arizona, China, Myanmar, and Pakistan.
Aquamarine: Derived from the Latin words meaning “sea water,” aquamarine is a gemstone first mined in Brazil in 1811, though its use dates back to 480-300 BC by the Greeks. It is found in a range of pastel blue and greenish-blue shades.
Opal: Commonly known as “opalus” (meaning “a stone”) in Latin, opal is found in shimmering colors with flashes of yellow, orange, green, and more. It is formed from particles of amorphous silica found between cracks in rocks. Opals were first discovered in 1872 in Australia, but are also found in Mexico, the U.S., and other countries.
Ruby: Referred to as “the king of gems,” ruby is associated with vitality, confidence, and strength.
Topaz: The name "Topaz" is derived from the Greek word "Topazos". Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine that is found in pegmatites near silica rock that are volcanic in origin. Blue Topaz has three main shades: London Blue, Sky and Swiss.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources touch upon some of the symbolic meanings attributed to these gemstones. Aquamarine, for example, was believed in the Middle Ages to magically overcome the effects of poison and is associated with the treasure of mermaids, offering protection to sailors. Peridot was believed to bring royal dignity to its wearer. Blue Topaz, when gifted, symbolizes eternal love and faithfulness. While the sources do not delve deeply into metaphysical beliefs, they hint at a long-held tradition of attributing specific powers and qualities to gemstones.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide detailed care instructions for these gemstones. However, given that opal is described as “very brittle and sensitive to heat,” it can be inferred that it requires careful handling and should be protected from extreme temperatures. The hardness of sapphire, being second only to diamond, suggests it is a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear.
Conclusion
The Hebrew birthstone tradition, rooted in the biblical account of the breastplate of Aaron, represents a significant early influence on the development of modern birthstone lore. The association of specific gemstones with the twelve tribes of Israel laid the foundation for a complex system of symbolic meaning that has evolved over centuries, incorporating influences from Christian beliefs, astrological associations, and cultural exchange. While the precise correspondences have varied over time, the enduring practice of linking gemstones to specific months reflects a deep-seated human desire to find meaning and connection in the natural world. The gemstones themselves, with their unique geological origins and captivating beauty, continue to inspire awe and wonder, serving as enduring symbols of hope, protection, and enduring love.