The tradition of associating gemstones with specific months, known as birthstones, is a practice steeped in history and lore. While the modern list is relatively recent, formalized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers, the concept dates back to ancient times, with different cultures attributing various powers and meanings to colored stones. Today, birthstones offer a personalized connection to jewelry, a symbolic representation of the month of one’s birth, and a fascinating glimpse into the world of gemology. This article will explore the birthstones assigned to each month, detailing their properties, origins, and significance as outlined by available resources.
A Historical Overview
The practice of linking gemstones to the months of the year has evolved over centuries. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, believed in the protective and healing properties of gemstones. The association with the zodiac was also prominent, with each sign linked to specific stones believed to enhance their inherent qualities. The modern birthstone list represents a consolidation of these traditions, with some months having multiple accepted stones – a “traditional” and a “modern” option. Updates to the list have occurred over time, with the Jewelry Industry Council of America adding alexandrite for June in 1952 and the American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America adding spinel for August in 2016. This demonstrates the ongoing refinement and expansion of the birthstone canon.
The Monthly Birthstones
The following outlines the birthstones associated with each month, based on the provided information.
January: Garnet
Garnet, the birthstone of January, is not limited to the deep red hues often associated with it. In fact, garnet encompasses a range of colors, including green (tsavorite and demantoid), orange (spessartine and hessonite), purple (rhodolite), yellow (mali and topazolite), pink (malaya), and even black (melanite). Most garnet species are not rare, though tsavorite and demantoid green garnets are notable exceptions. Garnet is a silicate mineral group with a Mohs hardness of around 7, making it reasonably durable.
February: Amethyst
February’s birthstone, amethyst, is a variety of quartz known for its purple coloration.
March: Aquamarine & Bloodstone
March boasts two birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine is a blue-green variety of beryl. Bloodstone is a traditional option for March.
April: Diamond
April is uniquely represented by the diamond, renowned for its exceptional hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and brilliance. Diamonds are considered exceptionally durable and suitable for all types of jewelry.
May: Emerald
May’s birthstone, the emerald, is a vibrant green beryl. However, emeralds are prone to breakage.
June: Alexandrite & Pearl
June has two birthstones: alexandrite and pearl. Alexandrite is known for its color-changing properties, appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light. Pearl, an organic gemstone, is relatively soft and easily scratched.
July: Ruby
July’s birthstone, the ruby, is a red variety of corundum, second only to diamond in hardness (9 on the Mohs scale). Rubies are often heat-treated to enhance their color. Sources include Vietnam, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
August: Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx
August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Peridot, a yellowish-green gem, is found in basalt flows and even in meteorites. Spinel, a more recent addition to the birthstone list, comes in a wide range of colors, including red and blue, and is exceptionally durable (hardness of 8). Sardonyx is another traditional option.
September: Sapphire
September’s birthstone, the sapphire, is most commonly known for its blue hues, but it can occur in various colors. Like ruby, it is a variety of corundum with a hardness of 9.
October: Tourmaline & Opal
October offers two birthstones: tourmaline and opal. Tourmaline comes in a wide spectrum of colors. Opal, however, is prone to breakage and has a lower hardness.
November: Citrine & Topaz
November has two birthstones: citrine and topaz. Citrine is a yellow to orange variety of quartz. Topaz, while beautiful, has perfect cleavage and can break easily.
December: Tanzanite, Blue Zircon & Turquoise
December has three birthstones: tanzanite, blue zircon, and turquoise. Tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery, known for its trichroism (displaying three different colors depending on the viewing angle). Turquoise is a softer stone, easily scratched.
Gemological Properties and Durability
The durability of birthstones varies significantly. Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are the most durable, with a hardness of 9 or 10 on the Mohs scale, making them suitable for any type of jewelry. Aquamarine, alexandrite, and spinel are also very good, with a hardness of at least 7.5. Garnet, amethyst, bloodstone, sardonyx, tourmaline, and citrine are durable enough for most jewelry but may be subject to scratching or abrasion. Emerald, opal, peridot, and zircon are more prone to breakage, while pearl and turquoise are easily scratched due to their lower hardness. Mountings that protect these softer stones from impact and abrasion are recommended, as is removing the jewelry during activities that might cause damage.
A Table of Birthstone Hardness
| Month | Birthstone(s) | Mohs Hardness | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | ~7 | Good |
| February | Amethyst | 7 | Good |
| March | Aquamarine | 7.5-8 | Very Good |
| April | Diamond | 10 | Excellent |
| May | Emerald | 7.5-8 | Fair to Poor |
| June | Alexandrite | 8.5 | Very Good |
| July | Ruby | 9 | Excellent |
| August | Peridot | 6.5-7 | Good |
| Spinel | 8 | Very Good | |
| September | Sapphire | 9 | Excellent |
| October | Tourmaline | 7-7.5 | Good |
| November | Citrine | 7 | Good |
| December | Tanzanite | 6-7 | Good |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, gemstones have been imbued with symbolic meanings and believed to possess metaphysical properties. While these beliefs are not scientifically validated, they contribute to the cultural significance of birthstones. Spinel, for example, was believed to cure blood loss and inflammatory diseases and promote harmony. Peridot was used as a protective talisman. Garnet was thought to bring good health and ward off nightmares. These associations add another layer of depth to the appreciation of these beautiful stones.
Conclusion
The world of birthstones is a captivating blend of geology, history, and cultural significance. From the durable diamonds of April to the vibrant emeralds of May and the diverse garnets of January, each birthstone possesses unique characteristics and a rich heritage. Understanding these properties and the stories behind them enhances the appreciation of these gems and their enduring appeal as symbols of personal connection and timeless beauty. The ongoing evolution of the birthstone list, with additions like spinel, demonstrates a continued interest in exploring and celebrating the diverse world of gemstones.