The gemstone hyacinth holds a complex and often debated position in the history of birthstones, particularly as a traditional stone for the month of January. While the modern birthstone for January is widely recognized as garnet, historical texts and ancient traditions frequently cite hyacinth – a variety of zircon – as an equally valid, and sometimes preferred, association. This article will explore the history, properties, and symbolism of hyacinth, tracing its journey from ancient lore to its current, less prominent status as a birthstone. The available sources reveal a fascinating story of shifting identifications and enduring beliefs surrounding this vibrant gem.
History and Lore
The identification of hyacinth as a January birthstone dates back to medieval and biblical times. References to it appear in historical texts like the Lapidario de Alfonso X el Sabio from the 13th century, where it was believed to bring peace and aid in sleep. However, the “hyacinth” of ancient writers wasn’t necessarily the zircon we recognize today. Sources suggest that the ancient “hyacinth” often referred to a blue gem, potentially a blue sapphire, rather than the red or orange zircon currently associated with the name. This early confusion highlights the challenges in accurately identifying gemstones across different eras and cultures.
The association with January specifically appears to stem from attempts to align birthstones with the twelve stones on Aaron’s breastplate and the twelve Foundation Stones of the New Jerusalem as described in the Bible. However, the red garnet and blue hyacinth were often paired, creating a conflict in origin as garnet reigned for over 2500 years while hyacinth vied for recognition. This pairing arose because the red gem on Aaron’s breastplate did not find a clear match among the Foundation Stones of Revelation, leading to the combination of red garnet and blue hyacinth.
Throughout history, many gems purported to be hyacinth were, in fact, garnets. This misidentification continued for centuries, further complicating the stone’s historical record. Today, hyacinth specifically refers to a warm-colored zircon, ranging from red to yellow in hue. The name itself is derived from the Greek word for flower, referencing the color similarities between the gem and the hyacinth blossom.
Geological Formation and Sources
Hyacinth, in its modern definition as a zircon variety, is an aluminum and glucinum silicate. It forms as hexagonal prisms in a variety of colors, though the hyacinth variety is characterized by its red, orange, or yellow hues. While the sources do not detail specific geological formation processes, they do indicate that jacinth (another name for hyacinth) can be found in Australia, India, Brazil, and Florida.
The discovery of alexandrite, a related gem, in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 is mentioned, though the direct connection to hyacinth’s sourcing is not explicitly stated. Alexandrite gained attention because its color change – green to blue-green in daylight and crimson to purple-red in incandescent light – mirrored the imperial colors of Russia. This historical detail illustrates the importance of geographical origin and color symbolism in the appreciation of gemstones.
Gemological Properties
The sources provide limited specific gemological data for hyacinth. It is described as a “highly hard mineral” and a “semi-precious stone.” The modern understanding of zircon places it at a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable but susceptible to scratching.
The color range of hyacinth is noted as red, orange, or yellow. The value of hyacinth, when referring to the zircon variety, can vary significantly. While fine red garnets typically cost around $70–$100 per carat, rarer, intensely red hyacinths can range from $200 per carat for darker stones to $300–$500 per carat for intense red hues. This price difference underscores the importance of color saturation and clarity in determining a gemstone’s value.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Historically, hyacinth was believed to possess a range of protective and beneficial properties. It was recommended to travelers, particularly those on long journeys, and was thought to become dull when stormy weather approached, brightening in clear conditions. This belief extended to health, with hyacinth thought to foretell sickness or well-being.
The Rosicrucian brotherhood, a society claiming access to ancient wisdom, considered hyacinth one of their jewels in the Arabian Garden of Peace, representing “the true knowledge of absolute love and the triumph over the crude elements of earthly understanding.” This association highlights the stone’s connection to spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
Beyond protection during travel, hyacinth was also believed to aid in sleep and promote spiritual awareness and comprehension. Some sources suggest it could even secure special treatment during travel, such as favorable conditions on flights or in hotels. These beliefs demonstrate the enduring human desire to imbue gemstones with protective and empowering qualities.
Care and Cleaning
Due to the limited gemological information provided in the sources, specific care instructions for hyacinth are not detailed. However, given that hyacinth is a zircon, general zircon care guidelines can be applied. Zircon is relatively durable but can be brittle and susceptible to scratching. Cleaning should be done with mild soap and warm water, using a soft brush to remove dirt and grime. Ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals should be avoided, as they can damage the stone.
Conclusion
Hyacinth’s story as a birthstone is one of shifting identities and enduring beliefs. While the modern January birthstone is predominantly garnet, the historical significance of hyacinth – as a zircon variety – remains noteworthy. From its ancient associations with peace and protection to its symbolic role within esoteric societies, hyacinth represents a rich tapestry of lore and tradition. The confusion surrounding its identification throughout history underscores the challenges of accurately classifying gemstones across time and cultures. Despite its less prominent status today, hyacinth continues to hold a place in the history of birthstones, reminding us of the enduring human fascination with the beauty and power of gemstones.