Birthstones are a captivating intersection of geology, history, and tradition. For centuries, these precious and semi-precious gemstones have been linked to specific months of the year, serving as personal talismans and meaningful gifts. The concept of a birthstone chart provides a comprehensive visual guide to these associations, detailing not only which gem corresponds to which month but also the rich tapestry of meanings, colors, and properties that define them. This article serves as a definitive reference, synthesizing information on the traditional and modern birthstones, their historical evolution, and their enduring significance.
The practice of associating gems with birth months has evolved significantly over time. What began with ancient beliefs linking stones to the twelve tribes of Israel and later to the zodiac has transformed into a standardized system widely recognized today. This guide will explore the complete birthstone chart, delve into the history behind its standardization, examine the unique characteristics of each stone, and provide practical advice for their care and selection. By understanding the symbolism and physical properties of these gems, enthusiasts, buyers, and students can make more informed and personal connections to these remarkable creations of the Earth.
The Evolution of the Modern Birthstone Chart
The journey to the modern birthstone list is a story of cultural adaptation and commercial standardization. The origins are often traced to the Breastplate of Aaron, a ceremonial garment described in the Old Testament, which was set with twelve different gemstones. These stones later became associated with the twelve signs of the zodiac and eventually, by the 18th century, with the calendar months.
The most significant step toward a standardized list in the Western world came in 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) convened to create an official chart. This list was designed to provide consistency for jewelers and consumers alike. The original 1912 list established the foundation for the chart we know today, though it has been subject to revisions and additions over the years to reflect new discoveries and market trends.
The first major update to this official list occurred in 1952. At this time, the Association added several alternative stones to provide more options. For instance, alexandrite was added as a secondary birthstone for June, citrine for November, and pink tourmaline for October. This revision acknowledged the growing demand for variety and the availability of these stones in the market.
Further modifications have been made in subsequent decades. In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) added tanzanite as a new birthstone for December, marking the first change to the list in 50 years. More recently, in 2016, spinel was officially added as an additional birthstone for August. These updates demonstrate that the birthstone chart is a living document, capable of evolving while honoring tradition.
It is also important to note that cultural variations exist. The traditional British chart, for example, includes bloodstone for March and rock crystal for April as alternatives. The Hindu Ayurvedic system is based on astrological signs rather than calendar months, and the Tibetan mystical chart features a different set of stones with spiritual significance. Our comprehensive chart combines these traditions to offer the most complete reference available.
Complete Birthstone Chart: Properties and Symbolism
The following table provides a detailed overview of the modern and traditional birthstones for each month, including their characteristic colors, key symbolic meanings, and hardness on the Mohs scale. This information is essential for selecting the right gem for jewelry, understanding its durability, and appreciating its cultural significance.
| 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 |
Note: Hardness is measured on the Mohs scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).
Monthly Deep Dive: A Gemstone for Every Month
Each birthstone possesses a unique character, from its geological formation to its cultural lore. Here we explore the individual gems in greater detail.
January: Garnet
The deep red Garnet is the primary birthstone for January. Its name is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning seed, due to its resemblance to the dark red seeds of a pomegranate. While most commonly associated with a rich, crimson hue, garnets actually occur in a wide range of colors, with the exception of blue. Its symbolism centers on constancy, friendship, and trust, making it a meaningful gift for loved ones. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, it is durable enough for most jewelry types.
February: Amethyst
The regal purple of Amethyst has made it a favorite for centuries. A variety of quartz, its color ranges from pale lilac to deep violet. Historically, it was considered a gem of royalty and was believed to prevent intoxication—a belief from which its name, derived from the Greek amethystos ("not drunk"), originates. The modern symbolism for February's birthstone is sincerity, peace, and protection. Its hardness of 7 makes it a relatively durable gem suitable for rings and bracelets.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March is represented by two distinct stones: the serene Aquamarine and the earthy Bloodstone. Aquamarine, a variety of beryl, is celebrated for its beautiful light blue to blue-green hues, reminiscent of the sea. Its name comes from the Latin for "sea water." It is associated with courage, honesty, and loyalty. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8, it is an excellent choice for jewelry that will withstand daily wear. The traditional alternative, Bloodstone, is a dark green chalcedony with red spots of iron oxide, historically worn for its purported healing properties and to grant courage.
April: Diamond
The Diamond is the undisputed king of gems and the birthstone for April. Renowned for its unmatched brilliance and hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, it is the hardest known natural material. Composed of pure carbon, its colorless clarity has made it the ultimate symbol of love, purity, and strength. While most diamonds are colorless, they can also occur in shades of yellow, brown, blue, green, pink, and red. Its association with innocence and eternal love makes it the most popular choice for engagement rings.
May: Emerald
The vibrant green of Emerald has captivated humanity for millennia. A variety of the mineral beryl, its color is derived by trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium. Fine emeralds are among the most valuable and sought-after gemstones. The stone is a symbol of rebirth, love, and wisdom, and is historically associated with fertility and immortality. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8, it is durable but often contains inclusions, which are sometimes referred to as its "jardin" (French for garden) and are accepted as part of its character.
June: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
June is unique in having three birthstones, offering a variety of choices. The classic Pearl is an organic gem, formed within the soft tissue of a living mollusk. Unlike other gems, it is not mined from the earth but cultivated in farms or found in the wild. Its lustrous, creamy white color symbolizes purity, innocence, and faith. However, its low hardness (2.5-4.5) makes it more delicate and susceptible to scratches. Alexandrite, a rare variety of chrysoberyl, is famous for its dramatic color change from green in daylight to red or purplish-red under incandescent light. Moonstone, a type of feldspar, is known for its captivating adularescence—a billowy, bluish light that seems to move across the stone's surface.
July: Ruby
The fiery red Ruby, a variety of the mineral corundum, is the king of gems and July's birthstone. Its name comes from the Latin rubeus, meaning red. The most prized rubies exhibit a deep, vivid red with a slight bluish undertone, known as "pigeon's blood." As one of the hardest gems with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, it is exceptionally durable for all types of jewelry. The ruby is a powerful symbol of passion, protection, and prosperity.
August: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
August offers three birthstones, with Peridot being the modern choice. This unique gem is found in only one color: a brilliant lime green. It is formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Peridot is believed to bring strength, good fortune, and peace. Its hardness is 6.5 to 7. Spinel, the newer addition, comes in a dazzling array of colors, including the famous "ruby-red" that has been mistaken for the more precious gem throughout history. Sardonyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, combining layers of sard and onyx, and was historically used for cameos and intaglios.
September: Sapphire
The majestic blue Sapphire, another variety of corundum, is the birthstone for September. While blue is its most famous color, sapphire actually occurs in every hue except red (which are classified as rubies). The finest blue sapphires are a deep, velvety cornflower blue. This gem is associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Like the ruby, it has a hardness of 9, making it an excellent choice for jewelry that will last a lifetime.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
October is blessed with two beautiful and diverse birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline. Opal is unique for its "play-of-color," a phenomenal optical effect where flashes of iridescent light dance across the stone as it is moved. Its symbolism includes hope, creativity, and innocence. However, with a hardness of only 5.5 to 6.5 and potential for crazing (cracking due to dehydration), it requires careful handling. Tourmaline is known as the "Rainbow Gemstone" because it occurs in more colors and color combinations than any other gemstone. Its hardness varies from 7 to 7.5, making it more durable than opal.
November: Topaz and Citrine
November's birthstones, Topaz and Citrine, are known for their warm, golden hues. Topaz, with a hardness of 8, is a durable gem that occurs in a wide range of colors, but it is most famously associated with a rich yellow or imperial orange. It symbolizes love, affection, and strength. Citrine is the yellow variety of quartz, ranging from pale yellow to brownish orange. Its name comes from the French word for lemon, citron. It is an affordable and durable gem often associated with healing and prosperity.
December: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
The final month of the year offers a cool-toned trio of birthstones. Tanzanite is a relative newcomer to the gem world, discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is celebrated for its vivid violet-blue color, a result of its unique geological formation. Added to the official list in 2002, it symbolizes protection, healing, and wisdom. Its hardness is 6.5 to 7. Turquoise is an opaque, sky-blue to greenish-blue gem that has been prized for thousands of years. It is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, and its color is determined by the amount of copper present. Zircon should not be confused with the synthetic cubic zirconia; it is a natural gem that occurs in a variety of colors, with the blue variety being most popular for December. It is the oldest mineral on Earth and has a hardness of 7.5.
Care and Cleaning of Birthstones
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewelry. The primary factor to consider is the gem's hardness on the Mohs scale, but other properties like cleavage and stability are also important.
- High-Hardness Stones (Mohs 8-10): Gems like Diamond (10), Ruby (9), and Sapphire (9) are extremely durable and can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. They are resistant to scratching by most other materials.
- Medium-Hardness Stones (Mohs 6.5-7.5): This group includes Garnet, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Emerald, Peridot, Spinel, Topaz, Tanzanite, and Zircon. These gems are generally safe for most jewelry but can be scratched by harder stones. They can be cleaned similarly to high-hardness gems, but care should be taken to avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, especially for stones with inclusions.
- Soft and Delicate Stones (Mohs below 6.5): This category requires the most care. Opal (5.5-6.5) is susceptible to cracking from sudden temperature changes and impact; it should be cleaned only with a soft, damp cloth. Pearl (2.5-4.5) is the most delicate. It is easily scratched and can be damaged by chemicals, cosmetics, and even perspiration. Clean pearls with a soft, dry cloth after each wear. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or steam for pearls, opals, or emeralds.
Conclusion
The world of birthstones is a rich and fascinating one, blending geological science with centuries of human culture and belief. From the brilliant hardness of the April diamond to the organic luster of the June pearl, each gem offers a unique story and a personal connection. The modern birthstone chart, with its blend of traditional and contemporary stones, provides a versatile guide for gift-giving, jewelry design, and personal exploration. By understanding the history, symbolism, and physical properties of these gems, we can better appreciate their enduring value and the special place they hold in our lives. Whether chosen for their beauty, their meaning, or their connection to a specific month, birthstones remain a timeless and cherished tradition.