The tradition of associating specific gemstones with birth months is a practice steeped in history, religious significance, and evolving cultural preferences. A birthstone chart serves as a definitive reference, guiding individuals toward stones that carry deep personal and symbolic meaning. While modern lists provide a standardized selection, the journey of these gems through ancient texts and trade practices reveals a rich tapestry of alternatives and lore. Understanding the properties, origins, and symbolism of these stones is essential for collectors, jewelry buyers, and those seeking to connect with the ancient tradition of wearing the gem of one's birth month.
The modern birthstone list, formulated by the Jewelers of America (JA) in 1912, standardized the gems we recognize today. However, this list differs significantly from historical and traditional charts. The modern chart includes stones selected for their beauty and availability, such as Aquamarine for March and Spinel for August. In contrast, traditional lists often featured stones like Bloodstone for March and Sardonyx for August. Furthermore, many months now boast multiple options, offering a spectrum of colors and price points. For example, October is represented by both Opal and Tourmaline, while December offers Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon.
This article provides a comprehensive exploration of birthstones by month, detailing their gemological properties, historical sources, and the symbolic meanings attributed to them. By examining the Mohs hardness, color varieties, and geological origins, we can better appreciate the durability and unique characteristics of these treasured gems.
January: Garnet
Garnet serves as the birthstone for January, a gem renowned for its deep red hue. However, the perception of garnet as solely a red stone is a common misconception. In reality, garnet is available in almost every color, with the exception of blue. The gemological family of garnet includes varieties such as green Tsavorite and Demantoid, orange Spessartine and Hessonite, purple Rhodolite, yellow Mali and Topazolite, pink Malaya, red Almandine and Pyrope, and black Melanite. Opaque varieties are often cut as cabochons, such as pink Hydrogrossular and green Grossularite. This color diversity provides January-born individuals with a wide array of choices.
The symbolism of garnet is deeply rooted in protection and guidance. It is traditionally attributed with the power to protect wearers from nightmares and snakebites and is thought to provide guidance in the dark. Tradition connects the stone with blood, reinforcing its vivid red color. In terms of physical properties, garnet possesses a Mohs hardness ranging from 6.5 to 7.5, granting it good durability for jewelry, though it requires some care to avoid scratches.
Historically, the primary sources of these spectacular garnets have been Africa, which has emerged as a relatively new source for many color varieties. The accompanying photo descriptions in geological records highlight stones mined in Mozambique, Mali, Namibia, Tanzania, Cote d'Ivoire, and Sri Lanka. The wide geographic distribution contributes to the variety found in the market today.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for February, recognized globally as the most popular purple gem. Its status as a February birthstone is enhanced by its widespread appeal and distinct coloration. Amethyst is a variety of quartz, characterized by its purple color, which ranges from light lavender to deep violet.
The symbolic meanings associated with Amethyst include peace, protection, and tranquility. Sources also attribute the meaning of sincerity to this gemstone. Geologically, amethyst is a silicate mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7, making it a durable choice for jewelry. Its chemical composition is silicon dioxide (SiO2). While the provided sources focus heavily on its color and popularity, they note that it is the world's most popular purple gem, suggesting a high market demand and historical significance.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March is unique in offering two distinct birthstones: the modern choice, Aquamarine, and the traditional choice, Bloodstone. The modern list, standardized in 1912, selected Aquamarine for its light blue color, reminiscent of the sea. The name "aquamarine" is derived from Latin words meaning "water of the sea."
Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, which also includes emerald and morganite. It possesses a high Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, categorizing it as "Very Good" in terms of durability. This hardness makes it an excellent stone for rings and daily wear. Its symbolism is tied to courage, honesty, and loyalty. Some sources also list the meaning of wisdom for this stone.
The traditional birthstone for March is Bloodstone, an opaque, dark green chalcedony (a variety of quartz) with distinct red spots of iron oxide, which gave rise to its name and lore. Bloodstone has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, rated as "Good" durability. Historically, Bloodstone was the only gem listed for March before the inclusion of Aquamarine. Its symbolism is often linked to vitality and health, consistent with its name.
April: Diamond
Diamond is the undisputed birthstone for April, representing the ultimate symbol of love and strength. It is the hardest known natural material, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This exceptional hardness gives it an "Excellent" durability rating, making it ideal for all types of jewelry, particularly engagement rings.
While most commonly associated with a clear, colorless appearance, diamonds actually occur in a variety of colors, including yellow, brown, blue, green, pink, and red. However, the colorless variety remains the most iconic. The diamond's symbolism is profound, associated with innocence, love, purity, and strength. It is the traditional gemstone for the 10th and 60th wedding anniversaries.
In the context of birthstones, the diamond's prominence is unchallenged. It is the only gemstone listed for April on the modern birthstone chart. Its chemical composition is pure carbon, arranged in a cubic crystal structure that gives it its unmatched brilliance and fire.
May: Emerald
Emerald is the birthstone for May, celebrated for its lush, vivid green color. Like aquamarine, emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl. Its color is derived trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. The finest emeralds exhibit a deep, vibrant green with minimal secondary hues.
Emeralds possess a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, similar to aquamarine. However, they are almost always heavily included, containing internal fractures and inclusions known as "jardin" (French for garden). These inclusions are often accepted as part of the stone's character but can affect its durability, leading to a rating of "Fair" in some durability assessments. Care must be taken to avoid impacts and temperature changes that could crack the stone.
The symbolism of emerald is rich, encompassing rebirth, love, and wisdom. It has been treasured for centuries, with ancient civilizations valuing it for its protective qualities and association with fertility and eternal youth. The green hue is often linked to the renewal of spring and the vitality of nature.
June: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
June is one of the few months with three recognized birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. The modern list primarily highlights Pearl and Alexandrite.
Pearl is unique among birthstones because it is organic, formed within the soft tissue of a living mollusk rather than through geological processes. Pearls vary widely in color, from white and cream to pink, silver, and gold, depending on the mollusk and environment. They are relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of only 2.5 to 4.5, earning a "Poor" durability rating. Pearls are susceptible to acids, heat, and humidity, requiring careful maintenance. Their symbolism includes purity, innocence, faith, and wealth.
Alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl famous for its dramatic color change—appearing blue-green in daylight and red to purple under incandescent light. This phenomenon makes it one of the most fascinating gemstones. Alexandrite has a high Mohs hardness of 8.5 ("Very Good" durability), making it suitable for jewelry, though its rarity makes it expensive. Its symbolism is linked to prosperity and good fortune.
Moonstone is a variety of the feldspar mineral orthoclase. It exhibits a unique optical phenomenon called adularescence, a billowy, floating light effect that moves across the stone. Moonstone typically ranges from colorless to white, gray, or peach, with a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5 ("Poor" durability). It is associated with intuition, balance, and new beginnings.
July: Ruby
Ruby, the "King of Gems," is the birthstone for July. It is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide) that exhibits a red color, specifically ranging from pinkish orange to deep blood red. Any corundum that is not red is classified as a sapphire.
Ruby is one of the hardest gemstones, with a Mohs hardness of 9 ("Excellent" durability). It is highly resistant to scratching and abrasion, though it can be brittle and susceptible to breaking if struck hard due to internal inclusions. Rubies are mined in various locations, including Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and East Africa.
The symbolism of ruby is intense and passionate. It represents freedom, passion, protection, and prosperity. Historically, rubies were believed to contain an inner fire that could protect warriors in battle and ward off evil. Their deep red color has long been associated with the life force of blood and the heart.
August: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
August offers a trio of birthstones: the modern Peridot, the alternative Spinel, and the traditional Sardonyx.
Peridot is the primary modern birthstone for August, known for its distinctive lime-green color. It is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color—olive green—though the intensity and tint can vary. Peridot is a variety of olivine, a silicate mineral. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7 ("Fair" durability). Peridot is often found in volcanic rocks and has been mined since ancient times. Its symbolism includes strength, good fortune, and peace.
Spinel was added to the official birthstone list in 2016 as an alternative for August. It occurs in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, blue, and black. Red spinel is particularly prized and has often been mistaken for ruby throughout history. Spinel has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8 ("Very Good" durability), making it a durable and excellent choice for jewelry. It is associated with revitalization and energy.
Sardonyx is the traditional birthstone for August. It is a variety of onyx, consisting of alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx (white or black chalcedony). It typically displays bands of brown, red, or black. Sardonyx has a Mohs hardness of 7 ("Good" durability). It has been used for cameos and intaglios since ancient times and symbolizes courage, happiness, and clear communication.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone for September, traditionally associated with a deep blue color. However, sapphires occur in every color of the rainbow except red (which is ruby). These fancy color sapphires include pink, yellow, green, and purple varieties. When the color is orange or pinkish-orange, it is often called a "padparadscha" sapphire.
Like ruby, sapphire is a variety of corundum and shares its exceptional hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale ("Excellent" durability). This makes sapphire an ideal gemstone for rings and daily-wear jewelry. Sapphire mining occurs in locations such as Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Australia, and the United States (Montana).
The symbolism of sapphire is deeply connected to wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. It was historically worn by royalty and clergy as a symbol of divine favor and truth. Sources also attribute the meaning of truth to this gemstone. Its durability and classic beauty have maintained its status as one of the "big three" precious gemstones alongside diamond and ruby.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
October babies have the choice between the iridescent Opal and the multi-colored Tourmaline.
Opal is famous for its unique play-of-color, a phenomenon where flashes of spectral light shift and change as the stone is moved. This is caused by the diffraction of light within its internal silica structure. Opals are generally soft and porous, with a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6 ("Poor" durability). They are sensitive to heat and pressure and can crack if allowed to dry out (a condition known as "crazing"). Opal symbolizes hope, creativity, and innocence. Australian opals are the most famous, though they are also found in Mexico and Ethiopia.
Tourmaline is a complex borosilicate mineral that occurs in more colors and color combinations than any other gemstone. It is often called the "Rainbow Gemstone." From neon pink (Rubellite) to deep green (Chrome Tourmaline) and blue-green (Indicolite), tourmaline offers vast variety. It has a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5 ("Good" durability), making it more durable than opal. Tourmaline is associated with protection, healing, and balance.
November: Topaz and Citrine
November is represented by the warm, golden hues of Topaz and Citrine.
Topaz is the traditional birthstone for November. In its pure form, topaz is colorless, but impurities create yellow, brown, orange, or pink varieties. Imperial Topaz, a rich orange-pink, is highly prized. Topaz is a hard silicate mineral with a Mohs hardness of 8. However, it has perfect cleavage, meaning it can be split along internal planes if struck with force, resulting in a "Poor" durability rating for jewelry use. Topaz symbolizes love, affection, and strength.
Citrine is a variety of quartz that ranges from pale yellow to brownish orange. Its color is due to traces of iron. Citrine has a Mohs hardness of 7 ("Good" durability) and is more resistant to cleavage than topaz, making it a popular and practical alternative. It is often associated with the sun's warmth and energy. Citrine is sometimes called the "Merchant's Stone" and is believed to bring prosperity and success.
December: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Blue Zircon
December offers a cool palette of blue and violet stones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Blue Zircon.
Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral (a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum) that has been prized for thousands of years. It is often matrixed with veins of darker rock. Turquoise is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6 ("Poor" durability), and is porous, susceptible to discoloration from chemicals and skin oils. It is a stone of protection, healing, and wisdom, often associated with the American Southwest and ancient Egypt.
Tanzanite is a trade name for the blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite. It was discovered relatively recently in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania in the 1960s. Tanzanite exhibits strong trichroism, showing different colors (blue, violet, and burgundy) when viewed from different angles. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 ("Fair" durability) and is sensitive to heat; it is often heat-treated to enhance its blue color. Its symbolism includes success, transformation, and intuition.
Blue Zircon is the traditional birthstone for December (alongside Turquoise in older lists). It is a gemstone that should not be confused with cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant. Natural zircon is a dense, brilliant gem with a high refractive index. It has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7.5 ("Fair" to "Good" durability), though it can be brittle. Blue zircon is usually heat-treated to achieve its vivid blue color. It symbolizes wisdom, honor, and purity.
Care and Cleaning of Birthstones
Understanding the physical properties of birthstones is crucial for their care. The Mohs hardness scale is the primary indicator of a stone's resistance to scratching, but cleavage and toughness are equally important.
- High Durability (Mohs 8-10): Diamonds (10), Rubies (9), Sapphires (9), Alexandrite (8.5), and Topaz (8) are the most durable. They can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for these stones, except for those with significant inclusions or fractures.
- Moderate Durability (Mohs 7-7.5): Amethyst (7), Aquamarine (7.5), Spinel (7.5-8), Citrine (7), and Tourmaline (7-7.5) are relatively durable but can still scratch if handled roughly. They are safe for steam cleaning and ultrasonic cleaners unless fractured.
- Lower Durability (Mohs 6-6.5): Peridot (6.5-7), Zircon (6-7.5), Tanzanite (6.5), and Moonstone (6-6.5) require more care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and heat. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Soft/Gemstones Requiring Special Care (Mohs below 6): Pearls (2.5-4.5), Opals (5.5-6), Turquoise (5-6), and Lapis Lazuli (5-6) are highly susceptible to damage. They should never be exposed to harsh chemicals, acids, or heat. Clean them gently with a damp cloth; never soak pearls or opals.
Conclusion
The study of birthstones reveals a fascinating intersection of geology, history, and culture. From the hardness of the diamond to the organic beauty of the pearl, each gemstone offers a unique combination of physical properties and symbolic meaning. The modern birthstone list provides a convenient guide, yet the traditional stones and the growing list of alternatives offer depth and variety for every preference.
Whether chosen for a specific month or simply for their aesthetic appeal, birthstones connect the wearer to an ancient lineage of appreciation for the earth's treasures. By consulting a birthstone chart and understanding the characteristics of each stone, individuals can make informed decisions when selecting jewelry, ensuring that the gem they choose is not only beautiful but also suited to their lifestyle and care requirements. The enduring popularity of these stones is a testament to their timeless appeal and the profound human desire to connect the cycles of nature with the cycles of our own lives.
Sources
- https://www.secrete.com/the-complete-birthstone-chart-modern-traditional-and-zodiac-options/
- https://www.gemselect.com/gem-info/birthstones.php
- https://jewelryinformer.com/birthstones/birthstones-by-month/
- https://geology.com/gemstones/birthstones/
- https://mybirthstone.org/birthstone-chart/