The practice of assigning a specific gemstone to each month of the year is a tradition that has captivated humanity for centuries. A birthstone chart serves as a definitive visual guide, linking precious and semi-precious stones to specific birth months, each carrying deep cultural significance and unique symbolic meanings. This system provides a fascinating intersection of history, geology, and personal identity, allowing individuals to connect with a gemstone that is uniquely theirs.
These charts are not merely modern inventions but are the culmination of ancient lore, historical trade, and standardized lists created by jewelry associations. They offer a valuable reference for understanding the meaning, value, and properties behind these treasured stones. This article will explore the official birthstone chart, delving into its historical evolution, the distinct characteristics of the gemstones associated with each month, and the rich symbolism that continues to influence the jewelry industry today.
The Historical Evolution of Birthstones
The concept of wearing specific gems corresponding to the time of year is an ancient practice with roots in multiple civilizations. One of the earliest and most significant historical references comes from the biblical Book of Exodus, which describes the Breastplate of Aaron. This sacred vestment, worn by the high priest of the Israelites, was adorned with twelve distinct gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones were arranged in four rows of three, creating a powerful symbolic and religious artifact.
While the original stones on the breastplate are a subject of scholarly debate due to translation challenges of ancient Hebrew names, this tradition laid the groundwork for future birthstone associations. The practice of linking these specific gems to the twelve signs of the zodiac, and subsequently to birth months, evolved over centuries. This connection between gemstones and celestial bodies was a cornerstone of ancient astrological beliefs.
By the 18th century, a more formalized tradition had taken hold in Poland, with Jewish merchants establishing a custom of gifting a specific gemstone to a person on their birthday. This practice slowly spread across Europe and eventually to the United States. However, the specific stones assigned were often inconsistent, varying by region and cultural interpretation.
To bring order to this tradition, the National Association of Jewellers (now Jewelers of America) in the United States standardized a definitive list in 1912. This list, which has been updated several times since, forms the basis of the modern birthstone chart. It aimed to create a consistent guide for jewelers and consumers, replacing the older, more variable systems with a single, authoritative list that balanced historical precedent with the availability and desirability of gemstones in the modern market.
The Official Birthstone Chart: A Month-by-Month Guide
The official birthstone chart is a cornerstone of the jewelry industry, providing a clear reference for both jewelers and buyers. The chart is typically divided into "modern" and "traditional" stones, with the modern list being the most widely recognized and used today. Some months even feature multiple official options, offering a wider range of color and price points.
The following table, compiled from authoritative sources, provides a comprehensive overview of the birthstones for each month, their key symbolism, and general hardness ratings on the Mohs scale.
| Month | Modern Birthstone | Traditional/Alternative | Color | Key Symbolism | Hardness (Mohs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | - | Deep Red | Friendship, Trust, Protection | 6.5-7.5 |
| February | Amethyst | - | Purple | Peace, Protection, Tranquility | 7 |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone | Light Blue | Courage, Honesty, Loyalty | 7.5-8 |
| April | Diamond | Rock Crystal | Clear/Colorless | Love, Purity, Strength | 10 |
| May | Emerald | Chrysoprase | Green | Rebirth, Love, Wisdom | 7.5-8 |
| June | Pearl | Alexandrite, Moonstone | White/Cream | Purity, Innocence, Faith | 2.5-4.5 |
| July | Ruby | Carnelian | Red | Passion, Protection, Prosperity | 9 |
| August | Peridot | Spinel, Sardonyx | Lime Green | Strength, Good Fortune, Peace | 6.5-7 |
| September | Sapphire | Lapis Lazuli | Blue | Wisdom, Loyalty, Nobility | 9 |
| October | Opal | Tourmaline | Multicolored | Hope, Creativity, Innocence | 5.5-6.5 |
| November | Topaz | Citrine | Yellow/Orange | Love, Affection, Strength | 8 |
| December | Tanzanite | Turquoise, Zircon | Blue/Purple | Protection, Healing, Wisdom | 6.5-7 |
Hardness is measured on the Mohs scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest)
Gemological Properties and Origins
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of each birthstone is crucial for appreciating its unique character, durability, and value.
January: Garnet
Garnet is a silicate mineral group comprising several related species of lustrous gemstones that range from transparent to opaque. While most commonly associated with a deep red color, garnets can be found in nearly every hue, with blue garnets being the rarest, having been discovered in the 1990s. On the Mohs scale, garnet possesses a reasonably tough hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, making it suitable for most types of jewelry. Most species of garnet are not considered rare, which contributes to its accessibility.
February: Amethyst
A variety of quartz, amethyst is celebrated for its beautiful purple coloration, which can range from pale lavender to a deep, royal violet. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable choice for everyday wear.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
The modern birthstone for March is aquamarine, a member of the beryl family (which also includes emerald). Its name, derived from the Latin for "seawater," reflects its serene blue to blue-green hues. It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8. The traditional stone, bloodstone, is a dark green chalcedony quartz with red iron oxide inclusions, giving it a distinctive speckled appearance.
April: Diamond
The April birthstone is the diamond, renowned for its exceptional hardness, rating a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. Composed of pure carbon, its brilliance and fire have made it the most popular choice for engagement rings. Its traditional alternative is rock crystal, a colorless form of quartz.
May: Emerald
Emerald, a member of the beryl family, is prized for its vivid green color, which is caused by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 but often contains inclusions, making flawless emeralds exceptionally rare and valuable. The traditional alternative, chrysoprase, is a type of chalcedony with a translucent apple-green color.
June: Pearl and Alexandrite
June is unique in having three official birthstones. Pearls are organic gems formed within the soft tissue of a living mollusk. Their hardness is low, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5, requiring careful handling. Alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl famous for its dramatic color change, appearing green in daylight and red or purplish-red under incandescent light. Moonstone, the third option, is a type of feldspar known for its silvery sheen or "adularescence."
July: Ruby
The ruby, a variety of the mineral corundum, is one of the most valuable gemstones. Its coveted red color is due to the presence of chromium. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, it is extremely durable. The traditional alternative is carnelian, a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony.
August: Peridot
The modern birthstone for August is peridot, one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: a distinctive lime green. Its hue is due to its iron content. Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. Traditional alternatives include spinel (which can be found in a wide range of colors) and sardonyx, a banded variety of chalcedony.
September: Sapphire
Like the ruby, sapphire is a variety of corundum. While typically associated with a rich blue color, sapphires can occur in a rainbow of hues, except for red (which is a ruby). It is an exceptionally hard and durable gem, rating a 9 on the Mohs scale. The traditional alternative is lapis lazuli, a deep blue metamorphic rock composed of multiple minerals.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
October offers two distinct birthstones. Opal is famous for its unique "play-of-color," an optical phenomenon where flashes of iridescent light dance across its surface as it is moved. It is a softer gem, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5. Tourmaline is known as the "Rainbow Gemstone" because it can be found in more colors and color combinations than any other gemstone, with a hardness of 7 to 7.5.
November: Topaz and Citrine
November's birthstones are topaz and citrine. Topaz, which has a hardness of 8, is often found in yellow, but can also be blue, pink, or clear. Citrine is a variety of quartz, ranging from pale yellow to brownish orange, and is known for its affordability and durability (hardness of 7).
December: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
December has three modern birthstones. Tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery, found only in Tanzania, and is celebrated for its vibrant blue-violet color; it has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. Turquoise is an opaque, sky-blue to greenish-blue mineral that has been prized for millennia; its hardness is typically 5 to 6. Zircon is a brilliant gem with a high refractive index, available in a variety of colors, with the blue variety being most associated with December; it has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical beauty, birthstones are imbued with centuries of symbolic meaning and metaphysical beliefs. These associations add a layer of personal significance that makes them cherished as more than just decorative items.
- Garnet (January): Symbolizes constancy, friendship, and trust. It is believed to offer protection from nightmares and to provide guidance in the dark.
- Amethyst (February): Represents sincerity, peace, and tranquility. Historically, it was thought to prevent intoxication and to calm the mind.
- Aquamarine (March): Known as the sailor's stone, it symbolizes courage, honesty, and loyalty. It is believed to ensure a safe journey across water and to calm fears.
- Diamond (April): A symbol of eternal love, innocence, and strength. Its unyielding hardness has made it a metaphor for invincibility and clarity of thought.
- Emerald (May): Represents rebirth, love, and wisdom. It was believed to grant the wearer foresight and good fortune.
- Pearl (June): A symbol of purity, innocence, and faith. Pearls have long been associated with the moon and are believed to bring calm and balance.
- Ruby (July): Signifies passion, protection, and prosperity. In ancient times, it was considered the "King of Gems" and was thought to contain an inner fire.
- Peridot (August): Symbolizes strength, good fortune, and peace. It was worn by ancient Egyptians to ward off evil spirits.
- Sapphire (September): Represents wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. It was believed to protect against envy and harm.
- Opal (October): A symbol of hope, creativity, and innocence. Its play-of-color was thought to contain the energies of all other gems.
- Topaz (November): Represents love, affection, and strength. It was believed to dispel sadness and anger.
- Tanzanite (December): Symbolizes protection, healing, and wisdom. As a modern gem, its metaphysical properties are newer but are associated with transformation.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewelry. The primary factor in determining care is the gemstone's hardness on the Mohs scale and its potential for cleavage (a tendency to split along internal planes.
- Hard Stones (Hardness 8-10): Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are highly durable and can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. They are resistant to scratching by most other materials.
- Medium-Hard Stones (Hardness 6.5-7.5): Garnets, amethysts, aquamarines, emeralds, peridots, and tanzanites can be cleaned similarly but should be handled with care to avoid sharp blows. Emeralds, in particular, often have inclusions that make them more vulnerable to fracture.
- Soft and Organic Stones (Hardness below 6.5): Pearls, opals, and turquoise require the most gentle care. They should be wiped with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, and harsh chemicals, as these can damage their surface or structure. Pearls are organic and can be damaged by acids, while opals are sensitive to rapid temperature changes and can crack.
Conclusion
The birthstone chart is a rich and enduring tradition that connects us to ancient history, the earth's geological wonders, and our own personal identities. From the deep red of garnet to the brilliant blue of sapphire, each gemstone offers a unique combination of beauty, durability, and symbolic meaning. Whether chosen for its aesthetic appeal, its historical significance, or its purported metaphysical properties, a birthstone serves as a deeply personal and meaningful emblem. As a guide for gift-giving, a reference for jewelers, and an educational tool for enthusiasts, the official birthstone chart remains an invaluable and vibrant part of our cultural and gemological landscape.