Birthstones, as the name suggests, are precious colored stones traditionally associated with the month of one’s birth. These gemstones are believed to hold symbolic affiliation and bestow fortunes upon those born within their corresponding month. Each of the twelve months is dedicated to a unique stone, or in some cases, multiple stones, captivating the eye with their varied colors and enigmatic appeal. Understanding birthstones involves exploring their history, geological origins, gemological properties, and the meanings attributed to them across cultures. This article will delve into the world of birthstones, focusing on their colors and significance, as understood through historical and modern perspectives.
History and Origin of Birthstones
The practice of associating gemstones with specific months has ancient roots. Early examples of birthstone use appear in historical texts like the Book of Exodus, which references twelve different stones. These stones were often linked to the twelve tribes of Israel and held religious significance. Throughout history, humans have connected gemstones with symbolic events, including birthdays, anniversaries, and astrological beliefs. The creation of jewelry from natural materials, even those not essential for survival, is considered a defining characteristic of human culture.
The standardization of birthstones as we know them today is a relatively recent development, occurring just over a century ago. Jewelers assigned a specific stone to each month, creating a more organized system for marketing and selection. However, the list has been updated over time, with some months now having both traditional and modern birthstones, offering a wider range of choices.
Birthstones Categorized by Color
A useful way to understand the diverse world of birthstones is to categorize them by color. This approach allows for a clearer overview of the available options and their aesthetic qualities.
Red/Pink
January’s birthstone is the garnet, a dark red gemstone often compared to the ruby. While both are red and visually appealing, garnets are generally less expensive and durable than rubies, and their shade of red is typically less vibrant. July’s birthstone, the ruby, belongs to the corundum mineral family and ranks 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to the diamond. Rubies are considered one of the four precious gemstones – alongside diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires – and are essentially the red variety of sapphire. Pink sapphires, those not exhibiting a sufficiently deep red hue, are also recognized. Spinel, an additional birthstone for August, is particularly prized in its red variety, offering a more affordable alternative to rubies and also appearing in pink shades. Tourmaline, a secondary birthstone for October, is also found in breathtaking pink hues.
Yellow/Orange
November’s primary birthstone is topaz, typically yellow in color. Citrine, also yellow, serves as the alternative birthstone for November.
Blue
Blue is the most prevalent color among birthstones. Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, displays a refreshing shade of blue, sometimes with a combination of green and blue tones. September’s birthstone, the sapphire, is most famously known for its deep blue variety, though sapphires actually occur in a rainbow of colors. Like the ruby, sapphires rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness and are considered one of the four precious gemstones. Zircon, the main birthstone for December in the United States, is known for its colorless variety but also appears in blue, alongside other colors. Tanzanite and turquoise are additional blue birthstones for December, and are the only birthstones for December in the UK. Alexandrite, one of June’s two gemstones, can exhibit a blue hue, but is primarily known for its color-changing abilities. The other gemstone for June is the pearl.
Purple
The sources do not provide information on purple birthstones.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of birthstones vary significantly depending on the specific stone. However, some common characteristics can be highlighted.
The Mohs scale of hardness is a crucial factor in determining a gemstone’s durability and suitability for jewelry. Rubies and sapphires, both corundum, rank 9 on this scale, indicating excellent resistance to scratching. Garnets generally have a lower hardness, making them less resistant to wear.
Chemical composition also varies widely. Garnets are a group of silicate minerals with differing compositions, while rubies and sapphires are both aluminum oxide (Al2O3) with trace elements that create their respective colors. Topaz is a silicate of aluminum and fluorine, and citrine is a variety of quartz.
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness | Chemical Composition | Primary Color(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garnet | Variable | Silicate Minerals | Dark Red |
| Ruby | 9 | Al2O3 | Red |
| Sapphire | 9 | Al2O3 | Blue |
| Spinel | 8 | MgAl2O4 | Red, Pink |
| Topaz | 8 | Al2SiO4(OH,F)2 | Yellow |
| Citrine | 7 | SiO2 | Yellow |
| Aquamarine | 7.5-8 | Be3Al2Si6O18 | Blue |
| Zircon | 6.5-7.5 | ZrSiO4 | Colorless, Blue |
| Tanzanite | 6-7 | Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) | Blue/Violet |
| Turquoise | 2-6 | CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O | Blue/Green |
| Alexandrite | 8.5 | BeAl2O4 | Green/Red |
| Pearl | 2.5-4.5 | CaCO3 | White/Cream |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, birthstones have been imbued with symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. Garnets are associated with faith and fidelity. Sapphires are often linked to wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. While the sources do not elaborate extensively on the metaphysical beliefs surrounding each stone, it is understood that these beliefs contribute to the enduring appeal of birthstones.
Choosing a Birthstone
Modern consumers have several options when selecting a birthstone. One can choose based on the traditional assignment for their birth month, the more recently standardized modern birthstone, or even by color preference. Some individuals prefer to align their birthstone with their zodiac sign, a practice rooted in ancient astrological beliefs. Others may choose a stone based on its symbolic meaning, selecting a gem that resonates with their personality or aspirations.