The tradition of associating specific gemstones with each month of the year is a practice rich in history, science, and symbolism. Birthstones serve as a personal talisman, a connection to ancient lore, and a vibrant expression of individuality. This comprehensive guide explores the primary and alternative birthstones for every month, detailing their gemological properties, historical significance, and the meanings attributed to them across cultures. From the deep red of January's garnet to the brilliant blue of December's tanzanite, each stone offers a unique story.
This article draws upon established gemological data and historical records to provide a definitive reference for enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone looking to understand the gems associated with their birth month.
January: Garnet
The birthstone for January is Garnet, a gemstone renowned for its rich, deep red hue, though its color palette is surprisingly diverse. Garnet is not a single mineral but a group of several related silicate minerals that share a similar crystal structure but have different chemical compositions. This group includes species such as almandine, pyrope, spessartine, grossular, andradite, and uvarovite. The name "garnet" is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning "seed," due to its resemblance to the dark red seeds of a pomegranate.
Historical Significance and Lore
Garnet has been cherished for thousands of years. It was a popular gem in ancient Egypt, where it was used in jewelry by the pharaohs. The Romans also valued garnet, using it as a signet ring to stamp important documents. Throughout history, garnet has been believed to protect the wearer from harm and to ensure safe travel. Sailors often wore garnet amulets to protect against shipwreck and drowning. It is also associated with constancy, fidelity, and trust, making it a meaningful gift for loved ones.
Gemological Properties
Garnet possesses a reasonably tough Mohs hardness rating of around 7, making it durable enough for everyday wear in jewelry. While red is the most common color, garnets can be found in a wide spectrum of colors, including vibrant oranges, yellows, greens, and even rare blues. Blue garnets, discovered in the 1990s, are among the rarest varieties. Most garnet species are not considered rare, which makes them accessible to a wide range of buyers.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is the purple variety of quartz and is celebrated for its captivating shades of violet, ranging from pale lilac to deep, royal purple. Its color is primarily due to the presence of iron impurities and natural irradiation during its formation.
Historical Significance and Lore
Amethyst has a long and storied history. In ancient Greece, it was believed to prevent intoxication; the name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not drunk." It was often carved into drinking vessels with the belief that it would ward off drunkenness. Over time, amethyst was also associated with peace, stability, and inner strength. It was once considered a precious gemstone on par with diamond and ruby, but the discovery of large deposits in the 19th century made it more widely available.
Gemological Properties
Amethyst is a variety of quartz, with a Mohs hardness of 7, making it a durable and excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, and necklaces. Its color can sometimes fade with prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, so it is best stored away from direct light when not in use. The finest amethyst exhibits a deep, saturated purple color with flashes of rose-colored undertones.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March is unique in having two official birthstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone. These two gems offer a striking contrast in color and character.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, known for its stunning light blue to blue-green color, reminiscent of the sea. Its name is derived from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (sea).
Historical Significance and Lore
Aquamarine was believed to be the treasure of mermaids and was used by sailors as a talisman for good luck and protection against peril at sea. It was also thought to cure ailments related to the throat, liver, and stomach. Ancient Romans believed it could protect against the dangers of the battlefield and was often used for carving.
Gemological Properties
Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable and resistant to scratching. It is typically found in large, clean crystals, which allows for the creation of impressive, high-carat gemstones. The most prized color is a deep, saturated blue with a slight greenish tint.
Bloodstone
Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is a dark green chalcedony (a variety of quartz) characterized by red spots of iron oxide, which were thought to resemble drops of blood.
Historical Significance and Lore
Bloodstone has a powerful and dramatic history. It was often associated with martyrdom and was believed to have healing properties. In ancient times, it was used to stop bleeding and was thought to cure blood disorders. It was also believed to grant the wearer invisibility in difficult situations and to bring victory in legal battles.
Gemological Properties
Bloodstone has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is typically opaque and is often carved into cameos, intaglios, or beads. Its unique appearance makes it a favorite for men's jewelry and statement pieces.
April: Diamond
The birthstone for April is the Diamond, the ultimate symbol of love, strength, and eternity. Composed of pure carbon, diamond is the hardest known natural substance on Earth.
Historical Significance and Lore
Diamonds have been treasured for millennia. The name "diamond" comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning "invincible." Ancient civilizations believed diamonds were fragments of stars or tears of the gods. In the Middle Ages, diamonds were worn by royalty and the clergy as a symbol of power and were thought to possess healing properties, capable of curing ailments ranging from mental illness to digestive problems. The tradition of the diamond engagement ring began to gain popularity in the 15th century and has since become a global custom.
Gemological Properties
Diamond has a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the hardest gemstone and ideal for daily wear. Its brilliance and fire are unmatched, a result of its high refractive index and dispersion. While most people associate diamonds with being colorless, they also occur in fancy colors like yellow, pink, blue, and green. The value of a diamond is determined by the "Four Cs": Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight.
May: Emerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, is a vibrant green variety of the mineral beryl. Its captivating color is caused by trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium.
Historical Significance and Lore
Emeralds have been mined since at least 330 BC in Egypt, and Cleopatra was famously fond of them. The Incas and Aztecs of South America also revered emeralds, considering them sacred. In ancient lore, emeralds were believed to grant the wearer the ability to see into the future, to promote truthfulness, and to protect against evil spells. It has long been a symbol of rebirth, love, and fertility.
Gemological Properties
Emerald has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. However, it is known for having high inclusions, referred to as "jardin" (the French word for garden), which are accepted as part of its character and proof of its natural origin. These inclusions make emeralds more fragile than other beryl varieties. The most valued emeralds display a deep, vivid green with a slightly bluish undertone.
June: Pearl and Alexandrite
June is another month with multiple birthstones: the organic Pearl and the color-changing Alexandrite.
Pearl
Pearls are unique among gemstones as they are organic, created by living organisms. They are formed inside mollusks, such as oysters and mussels, as a defense against an irritant.
Historical Significance and Lore
Pearls have been symbols of purity, innocence, and faith for centuries. They were highly prized by royalty in Europe and Asia. In ancient China, pearls were believed to protect against fire and dragons. Roman society considered pearls the ultimate symbol of wealth and status.
Gemological Properties
Pearls have a relatively low hardness of 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, making them softer and more delicate than mineral gemstones. They are valued for their luster, orient (the iridescent effect), and surface quality. Pearls come in a range of colors, from white and cream to pink, silver, and black.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is an extremely rare variety of chrysoberyl famous for its dramatic color change from green in daylight to red or purplish-red in incandescent light.
Historical Significance and Lore
Discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in the 1830s, it was named after the future Tsar Alexander II. Its national colors (red and green) made it the official stone of the Imperial Russian court. It is often called an "emerald by day, a ruby by night."
Gemological Properties
Alexandrite is a very hard and durable gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 8.5. The quality of the color change is its most important value factor. Fine alexandrite is exceptionally rare and valuable.
July: Ruby
The birthstone for July is Ruby, a fiery red variety of the mineral corundum. Its name comes from the Latin word rubeus, meaning "red."
Historical Significance and Lore
Ruby has long been considered the "king of gems," symbolizing passion, power, and protection. In ancient India, it was known as the "ratnaraj," or "king of precious stones." Warriors in ancient China wore rubies into battle for protection, believing they would make them invincible. It was also thought to promote health, wisdom, and wealth.
Gemological Properties
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is second only to diamond in durability. Its value is determined by the intensity and purity of its red color; the most prized color is a vibrant, pure red with a slight bluish undertone, often referred to as "pigeon's blood." Rubies can sometimes be heat-treated to improve their color and clarity, a common and accepted practice in the gem trade.
August: Peridot and Spinel
August offers two beautiful and distinct birthstones: Peridot and Spinel.
Peridot
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, known for its striking lime green color.
Historical Significance and Lore
Peridot has been used in jewelry since ancient times. It was often confused with emerald, and many of the "emeralds" in Cleopatra's jewelry collection were actually peridots. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun," believing it protected its wearer from the terrors of the night. It was also thought to have healing properties and to bring good fortune.
Gemological Properties
Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Its color is determined by its iron content and is generally not subject to fading. Unlike many other gems, peridot is only found in one color: a range of olive to lime green.
Spinel
Spinel is a beautiful and durable gemstone that has often been mistaken for other gems, including ruby and sapphire.
Historical Significance and Lore
The "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British Imperial State Crown and the "Timur Ruby" are both actually large red spinels. For centuries, spinel was not recognized as a distinct mineral. It is believed to bring inspiration and renewed energy to the wearer.
Gemological Properties
Spinel has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it an excellent choice for jewelry. It occurs in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, blue, violet, and black. The red varieties are the most valuable and are often compared to rubies.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a variety of the mineral corundum, known for its brilliant blue color.
Historical Significance and Lore
Sapphire has been associated with royalty, wisdom, and divine favor for millennia. The ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, and its reflection colored the sky. It was worn by high-ranking priests and was thought to protect against poison and harm. In the Middle Ages, it was a symbol of truth and loyalty.
Gemological Properties
Sapphire has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it extremely durable. While blue is the most famous color, sapphire also occurs in "fancy" colors like yellow, pink, and green (except red, which is classified as ruby). The most desirable blue sapphire has a velvety texture and a deep, cornflower blue color.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
October is represented by two gemstones with a vast spectrum of color: Opal and Tourmaline.
Opal
Opal is an amorphous form of silica, renowned for its unique "play-of-color," a phenomenon where flashes of rainbow colors appear as the stone is moved.
Historical Significance and Lore
Opal has a rich and sometimes contradictory history. The ancient Romans considered it the most powerful and precious of all gems, as it contained the colors of all other stones. However, a 19th-century novel associated opal with bad luck, a superstition that has persisted in some cultures. It is also associated with hope, innocence, and creativity.
Gemological Properties
Opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and contains up to 20% water, making it sensitive to rapid temperature changes and dehydration. It is typically cut as a cabochon to best display its play-of-color.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is known as the "rainbow gemstone" because it occurs in more colors and color combinations than any other gemstone.
Historical Significance and Lore
Ancient mystics believed tourmaline could inspire creativity and was a stone of spiritual protection. It was thought to dispel negative energy and promote a sense of calm and balance.
Gemological Properties
Tourmaline has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for jewelry. Its color variety is immense, from pink and red to green, blue, and black. A single crystal can display multiple colors, a phenomenon known as "watermelon tourmaline."
November: Topaz and Citrine
November's birthstones, Topaz and Citrine, are known for their warm, golden hues.
Topaz
Topaz is a silicate mineral that comes in a wide range of colors, but it is most famous for its brilliant golden-yellow varieties.
Historical Significance and Lore
The name "topaz" may derive from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning "fire." In ancient times, it was believed to have cooling properties and could be used to treat insomnia, asthma, and burns. It is associated with love, affection, and strength.
Gemological Properties
Topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone. It is found in many colors, including colorless, blue, pink, and yellow. The most valuable topaz displays a rich, sherry-orange to reddish-brown color.
Citrine
Citrine is the yellow to orange variety of quartz and is often called the "healing quartz" or "merchant's stone."
Historical Significance and Lore
Citrine has been used for thousands of years. It was worn as a protective talisman against evil thoughts and snake venom. It is believed to carry the power of the sun and is associated with prosperity, wealth, and good fortune.
Gemological Properties
Citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Its color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber. Most citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst, which produces a more stable and intense yellow-orange color.
December: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
December boasts three distinct birthstones, each offering a unique shade of blue: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone, discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is the blue-to-violet variety of the mineral zoisite.
Historical Significance and Lore
As a modern gemstone, tanzanite lacks ancient lore but has quickly developed a reputation as a stone of transformation. It is believed to promote a higher consciousness and intuition.
Gemological Properties
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It exhibits strong trichroism, showing three different colors (blue, violet, and red) when viewed from different angles. Most tanzanite is heat-treated to produce its signature blue-violet color.
Turquoise
Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that has been prized for millennia. It is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum.
Historical Significance and Lore
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones. It was used by ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans. It is considered a sacred stone and a powerful protector. It is believed to bring peace, good fortune, and health.
Gemological Properties
Turquoise has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It is often treated with wax or oil to enhance its color and luster. Its distinctive blue-to-green color is caused by copper (blue) and iron (green).
Zircon
Zircon is a zirconium silicate that occurs in a variety of colors. The blue variety is the most popular for December.
Historical Significance and Lore
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, dating back over 4 billion years. In the Middle Ages, it was believed to promote honor and purity in its wearer and to induce sleep.
Gemological Properties
Zircon has a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone. It has a very high refractive index, giving it exceptional brilliance and fire, often compared to that of a diamond. Blue zircon is typically produced by heat-treating brown zircon.
Conclusion
The twelve birthstones offer a diverse and fascinating journey through gemology, history, and culture. From the hardness of diamond to the organic nature of pearl, and from the ancient lore of ruby to the modern discovery of tanzanite, each gemstone provides a unique connection to the month it represents. Whether chosen for its symbolic meaning, its aesthetic beauty, or its durability, a birthstone is a timeless and personal treasure.