Pisces, the twelfth sign of the zodiac, governs the period from February 19 to March 20. As a mutable water sign ruled by the planet Neptune, Pisces is associated with profound empathy, creativity, intuition, and a deep connection to the mystical realm. The gemstones linked to this compassionate sign are as varied and nuanced as the personalities of those born under it. While Aquamarine and Amethyst are the primary stones tied to the Piscean calendar months, a wider array of gemstones—including Yellow Sapphire, Bloodstone, and Jade—are recognized in various astrological traditions for their unique ability to resonate with and support the Piscean spirit.
This guide explores the full spectrum of Pisces birthstones, delving into their gemological properties, historical lore, and the specific ways they are believed to enhance the lives of those born under the sign of the Fish.
The Primary Birthstones: Aquamarine and Amethyst
In Western astrology, the birthstones for Pisces are primarily determined by the calendar months the sign occupies: February and March. This duality provides Pisceans with two powerful and complementary gemstones.
Aquamarine: The Stone of Courage for March Pisces
Aquamarine is the official birthstone for the month of March and is therefore most frequently associated with Pisces. Its name is derived from the Latin aqua marina, meaning "sea water," a fitting moniker for a gem whose color evokes the tranquil yet powerful depths of the ocean. This connection to the element of water makes Aquamarine a natural talisman for the water sign of Pisces.
Gemological Properties: Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, placing it in the same family as emerald and morganite. It is prized for its range of color, which can vary from a very pale, almost clear blue to a deep, saturated blue-green. The most valuable specimens exhibit a deep, intense aqua hue. As a beryl, Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable and practical choice for all forms of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear. Its clarity is typically very high, with inclusions being less common than in its green cousin, the emerald.
Lore and Metaphysical Properties: For the dreamy and often sensitive Pisces, Aquamarine is considered a "stone of courage." Sources describe it as a gentle blue stone that helps to calm the mind, promote peace, and foster understanding. Pisceans, who can be easily overwhelmed by their intense emotions and the energies of others, find Aquamarine to be a source of strength and comfort. It is believed to temper their moods, helping them to think with a clear, cool head. By sharpening the intellect and heightening awareness, Aquamarine encourages Pisceans to flow forward through life rather than becoming stagnant. It is also thought to bring luck and prosperity, symbolizing the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for the imaginative Pisces. This gem serves as a bridge between the conscious and subconscious, allowing its wearer to access their inner strength and creativity to manifest their dreams.
Amethyst: The Stone of Inner Truth for February Pisces
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is the second primary gemstone for Pisces. This purple variety of quartz has been cherished for centuries for its beauty and its potent spiritual properties. Its violet hues, ranging from delicate lavender to deep royal purple, resonate with the intuitive and mystical nature of the Piscean personality.
Gemological Properties: Amethyst is a member of the quartz family, with a chemical composition of silicon dioxide (SiO2). It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it another durable and versatile gemstone for jewelry. Its color is attributed to trace amounts of iron and natural irradiation within the crystal structure. Like Aquamarine, high-quality Amethyst is valued for its deep, uniform color and clarity.
Lore and Metaphysical Properties: Amethyst is renowned for its natural calming abilities. For Pisces, whose emotional depth can sometimes lead to anxiety or overwhelming feelings, Amethyst is a powerful soothing agent. It is believed to calm the mind and body, clearing away negative thoughts and promoting a state of serene contemplation. This stone is deeply connected to spiritual growth, supporting inner healing and the pursuit of inner truth. It enhances the intuitive gifts that are already natural to Pisces, helping them to trust their instincts and connect with their higher selves. By wearing or meditating with Amethyst, Pisceans can find clarity, overcome emotional sensitivity, and foster a deeper sense of spiritual awareness.
Vedic and Planetary Birthstones
While Western astrology ties birthstones to calendar months, Vedic (Hindu) astrology and other ancient traditions link gemstones to the ruling planets of the zodiac signs. For Pisces, the ruling planet is Jupiter, a planet associated with wisdom, expansion, wealth, and prosperity.
Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj): The Gem of Jupiter
According to Vedic astrology, the primary birthstone for Pisces (Meen Rashi) is Yellow Sapphire, also known as Pukhraj. This gem is believed to strengthen the influence of Jupiter, bringing success, wealth, wisdom, and overall prosperity to the wearer. Sources note that Yellow Sapphire is considered a lucky stone for both Pisces men and women, enhancing their intuitive and spiritual qualities while protecting them from negativity.
Gemological Properties: Yellow Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, making it a sibling to ruby and blue sapphire. It ranges in color from pale yellow to a rich, golden yellow. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, it is an exceptionally durable gemstone, ideal for rings intended for lifelong wear.
Other Planetary Gems: Turquoise, Heliodor, and Jacinth
Other gems are also associated with Jupiter and, by extension, Pisces. Turquoise, linked to Jupiter since the 1500s, is considered a traditional Pisces birthstone. Yellow Sapphire is the primary gem for Jupiter in Indian tradition. Heliodor, a golden yellow variety of beryl, is an alternate gemstone for Jupiter in Hindu astrology. Jacinth, specifically the yellow zircon, is associated with Jupiter in Chaldean tradition, where ancient astrologers assigned Pisces to the rulership of Jupiter. These yellow and golden gems reflect the expansive and abundant energy of their ruling planet.
Alternative and Secondary Birthstones
Beyond the primary and planetary stones, a number of other gems are considered beneficial for Pisces due to their energetic properties and their ability to support the sign's unique traits. These stones often address specific challenges Pisceans may face, such as emotional sensitivity or a lack of grounding.
Bloodstone and Jasper: For Grounding and Vitality
As mutable water signs, Pisceans can sometimes be moody or feel unmoored. Bloodstone, an opaque dark green chalcedony with red inclusions of iron oxide, is a powerful grounding stone. It is believed to activate the chakras, boost vitality, and provide the courage and strength needed to overcome challenges. Red Jasper, another variety of chalcedony, is also recommended for its grounding properties, helping Pisces feel more stable and centered when their emotions threaten to sweep them away.
Jade: For Propitious Energy and Calm
Jade, a gem revered in many cultures, is considered a propitious birthstone for Pisces. Available in various colors, most famously green, Jade is known for its calming energy. It helps Pisces overcome emotional sensitivity and promotes a sense of balance and harmony. Its gentle, nurturing vibration is well-suited to the compassionate nature of the sign.
Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, and Fluorite: For Intuition, Confidence, and Healing
Lapis Lazuli, with its deep celestial blue flecked with golden pyrite, is believed to enhance the natural intuition of Pisces, helping them to access their inner wisdom with greater confidence. Ruby, a gem of passion and vitality, is considered auspicious for Pisces, promoting confidence, courage, creativity, and dignity. It can help counteract moments of self-doubt. Fluorite, in its many colors, is known for providing spiritual healing, especially when Pisces are under stress, helping to organize thoughts and bring mental clarity.
Caring for Your Pisces Birthstones
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of these gemstones. The primary birthstones, Aquamarine and Amethyst, are relatively durable but require mindful handling.
- Aquamarine (Hardness 7.5-8): Can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, which could potentially damage the stone or any treatments it may have received.
- Amethyst (Hardness 7): Also cleanable with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Be aware that prolonged exposure to strong sunlight or heat can cause the color of some Amethyst specimens to fade over time.
- Yellow Sapphire (Hardness 9): Extremely durable. Can be cleaned with warm, soapy water, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners.
- Jade, Jasper, Bloodstone (Hardness 6.5-7): These opaque stones are relatively durable but can be porous. Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Lapis Lazuli (Hardness 5): This stone is softer and more porous. It should be cleaned only with a soft, damp cloth and should not be exposed to chemicals, heat, or harsh abrasives.
Conclusion
The birthstones for Pisces offer a rich and varied palette of colors and energies, reflecting the multifaceted nature of this deeply intuitive and compassionate zodiac sign. From the sea-blue courage of Aquamarine and the spiritual clarity of Amethyst to the grounding power of Bloodstone and the prosperous energy of Yellow Sapphire, each gem provides a unique form of support. These stones serve not only as beautiful adornments but as powerful allies for Pisceans, helping them to navigate their emotional depths, manifest their creative dreams, and connect with their boundless inner wisdom.