In the world of adornment and personal symbolism, few traditions are as enduring and universally recognized as the birthstone. A birthstone is a gemstone associated with the month of one's birth, believed to bring luck and fortune to the wearer. This custom, deeply rooted in history and mythology, has evolved into a modern chart that guides jewelry buyers and enthusiasts alike. The concept, as defined by authoritative sources, is a precious or semiprecious stone traditionally linked to a specific month or zodiac sign, thought to attract good fortune when worn by those born in that period.
The modern birthstone chart, particularly in Western cultures, provides a standardized list of gemstones for each calendar month. While historical variations exist, the contemporary list has been widely adopted by jewelers and consumers. This article delves into the complete modern birthstone chart, exploring the unique properties, symbolism, and significance of each stone. We will examine the geological origins, gemological characteristics, and cultural lore associated with these monthly gems, drawing from established gemological knowledge and historical traditions. From the deep reds of January's garnet to the vibrant blues of December's tanzanite, each stone tells a story of earth, history, and human belief.
The Modern Birthstone Chart
The contemporary list of birthstones in the Western tradition offers a specific gem for each month. While some months have one primary stone, others provide alternatives, reflecting the chart's evolution. The following table summarizes the modern birthstones by month, as recognized by current gemological and jewelry industry standards.
| Month | Modern Birthstone(s) | Traditional Alternative(s) |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond | Diamond |
| May | Emerald | Emerald |
| June | Pearl (or Alexandrite) | Pearl |
| July | Ruby | Ruby |
| August | Peridot (or Spinel) | Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| October | Tourmaline (or Opal) | Opal |
| November | Topaz (or Citrine) | Topaz |
| December | Tanzanite (or Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz) | Turquoise (or Lapis Lazuli) |
This chart represents the most widely accepted modern list. It is important to note that the chart has seen changes over time, with some stones being added as modern alternatives to traditional ones. For instance, spinel, citrine, and tanzanite are relatively recent additions to the modern list. In the United States today, consumers often draw freely from both traditional and modern lists, choosing stones based on personal preference, availability, or cost. Some traditional gems, like turquoise or cultivated pearls, remain popular due to their affordability or accessibility.
January: Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for January. Although commonly associated with a deep red hue, the garnet group is a complex family of silicate minerals with a wide color range. These gemstones can be found in almost any color, making them a versatile choice for jewelry. The garnet family is not a single species but consists of several distinct species and varieties, each with its own chemical composition and properties.
Symbolism and Lore
Historically, garnets have been prized as protective stones. Their association with shielding the wearer from injury made them particularly popular among warriors and royalty. The connection between red garnets and the life-giving properties of blood has linked them to vitality, love, and light. This protective symbolism has endured through the centuries, contributing to the stone's enduring appeal.
Gemological Properties
Garnets are known for their durability and lack of cleavage, which makes them suitable for all types of jewelry. They typically have a hardness between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale, providing good resistance to scratching. Their refractive index varies depending on the specific type of garnet. The chemical formula for the most common red garnet, almandine, is Fe₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃. The wide color spectrum of the garnet family is due to the presence of different elements like iron, manganese, and chromium within their crystal structure.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a crystalline quartz known for its captivating purple color, ranging from pale lilac to deep reddish purple. As a variety of quartz, it has a relatively high hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it very scratch-resistant and an excellent gem for any type of jewelry.
Symbolism and Lore
The color purple has long been associated with royalty, and amethysts were historically favored by the ruling class. Beyond its regal connotations, amethyst has also been linked to spirituality, mental clarity, and healing. Its calming purple hues have made it a stone of meditation and peace in various cultural traditions.
Gemological Properties
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz, with its color primarily derived from traces of iron and natural irradiation. Its chemical composition is silicon dioxide (SiO₂), the same as all quartz varieties. With a hardness of 7, a refractive index of approximately 1.54 to 1.55, and no cleavage, amethyst is a durable gemstone ideal for daily wear. The saturation of its color can range from pale to vibrant, and its value is generally influenced by the depth and evenness of the purple hue.
March: Aquamarine
The modern birthstone for March is aquamarine, a gemstone named from the Latin for "seawater," reflecting its serene blue-to-blue-green color. It is a variety of the mineral beryl, making it a close relative of emeralds and morganites. Its clarity and soothing color have made it a favorite for jewelry, especially in spring and summer collections.
Symbolism and Lore
Aquamarine is often associated with the sea, and its lore is tied to sailors and travelers. It was believed to be a treasure of mermaids and was carried as a talisman for protection and safe passage across stormy waters. The stone is also linked to calmness, clarity, and communication, said to soothe the mind and reduce stress.
Gemological Properties
As a member of the beryl family, aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable. Its chemical formula is Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆. The blue color is typically caused by trace amounts of iron within the crystal lattice. Aquamarine often forms in large, well-shaped crystals, allowing for impressive faceted gems. It has a refractive index of approximately 1.57 to 1.58 and exhibits pleochroism, showing different shades of blue when viewed from different angles.
April: Diamond
Diamond, the birthstone for April, is renowned as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment. It is the hardest known natural material, ranking a 10 on the Mohs scale. Composed of pure carbon in a cubic crystal structure, its exceptional hardness and brilliant dispersion of light make it the premier gemstone for fine jewelry.
Symbolism and Lore
The diamond's unparalleled hardness has made it a symbol of invincibility, eternity, and enduring strength. Historically, it was believed to possess healing powers and to protect the wearer from poisons and insanity. In modern times, its primary symbolism is one of everlasting love, making it the most popular choice for engagement rings.
Gemological Properties
Diamond's physical properties are extraordinary. Its high refractive index (2.42) and strong dispersion (0.044) create its signature fire and brilliance. It is chemically inert and resistant to heat and acids. While colorless diamonds are the most classic, they can occur in a full spectrum of colors due to trace elements or structural defects. The primary sources of diamonds are geologic formations that bring carbon-rich materials to the Earth's surface under immense pressure and temperature.
May: Emerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, is a vibrant green gemstone that has been treasured for millennia. It is a variety of the mineral beryl, with its distinctive color coming from trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Its rich, verdant hue is unmatched in the gemstone kingdom.
Symbolism and Lore
Emeralds have long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, believed the stone granted eternal youth and was a source of wisdom. Cleopatra was famously enamored with emeralds, which were mined in Egypt as early as 1500 B.C. The stone is also linked to prosperity and intuition.
Gemological Properties
Emeralds have a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, similar to aquamarine. However, they almost always contain inclusions—often called "jardin" (French for garden)—which are considered part of the stone's character. These inclusions can affect durability, making emeralds more fragile than other beryls. Their refractive index is approximately 1.57 to 1.58. The most valued emeralds display a deep, vivid green with strong saturation and minimal treatment.
June: Pearl (or Alexandrite)
June is unique in offering two birthstones: the organic pearl and the chameleon-like alexandrite. Pearls, formed within mollusks, have a timeless elegance, while alexandrite, a variety of chrysoberyl, is celebrated for its dramatic color change.
Pearl
Symbolism and Lore: Pearls have symbolized purity, innocence, and wisdom across cultures. In ancient Rome, they were the ultimate symbol of wealth and status. They are also associated with the moon and are believed to bring calmness and balance to the wearer. Gemological Properties: Pearls are organic gems, composed of calcium carbonate in a layered structure. They have a hardness of 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively soft and susceptible to scratching. They are not crystalline and have a unique luster from light reflection off their layered surface. Natural pearls are rare, so most pearls on the market today are cultured.
Alexandrite
Symbolism and Lore: Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s, alexandrite's color change from green in daylight to red in incandescent light was seen as a symbol of imperial Russia's national colors. It is often called an "emerald by day, ruby by night" and is associated with duality, joy, and intuition. Gemological Properties: Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl with a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it exceptionally durable. Its chemical formula is BeAl₂O₄. The dramatic color change is due to the way the stone absorbs light, with trace amounts of chromium causing the color shift. Its refractive index is approximately 1.74 to 1.76.
July: Ruby
The fiery red gemstone ruby is the birthstone for July. As a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide), it is one of the most valuable gemstones. Its color, caused by trace amounts of chromium, ranges from pinkish-red to a deep, blood-red hue.
Symbolism and Lore
Rubies have been revered by warriors and royalty for centuries. They were believed to be intimately connected with the human body, credited with increasing the strength and stamina of the wearer. Rubies were also thought to calm anger and help the wearer navigate passionate social situations. In many cultures, the ruby symbolizes love, passion, and power.
Gemological Properties
Rubies are among the hardest minerals, second only to diamonds, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. Their chemical composition is aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) with chromium as the color-causing impurity. A fine ruby has a refractive index of approximately 1.76 to 1.77. The most prized rubies exhibit a vivid, saturated red with a subtle blue undertone, often referred to as "pigeon's blood." Rubies and sapphires are both corundum; rubies are defined by their dominant red hue, while sapphires encompass all other colors.
August: Peridot (or Spinel)
August has two modern birthstones: peridot and spinel. Peridot, with its distinctive olive-green color, is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color, though its shade can vary. Spinel, available in a brilliant range of colors, has often been mistaken for other gemstones throughout history.
Peridot
Symbolism and Lore: Peridots have been credited with protecting their wearer during the night. This association stems from the stone's lively appearance, which ancient cultures linked to the sun. It was believed that keeping the stone close during dark hours repelled evil spirits. Peridot was also thought to promote sleep and ward off nightmares. Gemological Properties: Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine, with the chemical formula (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Its green hue can overlap with emeralds but often features a unique yellowish or brownish overtone. Peridot is found in volcanic rocks and can be sourced from locations like Arizona, Pakistan, and Egypt.
Spinel
Symbolism and Lore: For centuries, spinel was mistaken for ruby and sapphire. The famous "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British Imperial State Crown is actually a red spinel. Its association with these more famous stones has led to a rich, if sometimes confused, history. It is now appreciated for its own merits, symbolizing vitality and renewed energy. Gemological Properties: Spinel is a magnesium aluminate with the formula MgAl₂O₄. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable. It occurs in a wide array of colors, including red, pink, blue, and purple. Its refractive index is approximately 1.71 to 1.73. Spinel's excellent hardness and lack of cleavage make it a practical choice for all jewelry types.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a gemstone of enduring allure. While most famously blue, sapphire actually encompasses all corundum gemstones that are not red (rubies). Its pure blue colors and exceptional durability have captivated humanity for millennia.
Symbolism and Lore
Sapphire has long been associated with wisdom, truth, and divine favor. In the Middle Ages, clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, and it was believed to protect the wearer from envy and harm. The stone is also linked to mental clarity and spiritual insight.
Gemological Properties
As a corundum, sapphire shares the same base properties as ruby: a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and a chemical formula of Al₂O₃. The blue color in sapphires is primarily caused by trace amounts of iron and titanium. Sapphires can also display pleochroism, showing different shades of blue from different crystal directions. The most valued blue sapphires have a vivid, velvety blue color, like the renowned stones from Kashmir and Sri Lanka.
October: Tourmaline (or Opal)
October offers two birthstones: tourmaline and opal. Tourmaline is celebrated for its incredible color diversity, while opal is famous for its unique play-of-color.
Tourmaline
Symbolism and Lore: Known as the "rainbow gemstone," tourmaline is believed to inspire creativity and artistic expression. Different colors are associated with different properties; for example, pink tourmaline is linked to love, and green to vitality. It is also thought to be a grounding stone that balances the body and mind. Gemological Properties: Tourmaline is a complex group of borosilicate minerals with a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Its chemical formula varies due to its complex composition. It exhibits strong pleochroism and can be found in every color of the rainbow. A unique characteristic is its ability to generate an electrical charge when heated or put under pressure (pyroelectricity).
Opal
Symbolism and Lore: Opal is associated with hope, innocence, and purity. In the Middle Ages, it was considered a stone of good luck and was believed to contain the virtues of all colored stones. Its play-of-color, a shifting display of spectral colors, has led to associations with magic, dreams, and creativity. Gemological Properties: Opal is a hydrated silica with the formula SiO₂·nH₂O. It is much softer than tourmaline, with a hardness of 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Unlike crystalline gemstones, opal is amorphous. Its most prized feature is play-of-color, caused by the diffraction of light through microscopic silica spheres within the stone. This makes opal more fragile and susceptible to cracking from sudden temperature changes or impacts.
November: Topaz (or Citrine)
November's birthstones are topaz and citrine. Topaz, particularly in its golden yellow variety, and citrine, a yellow quartz, are both associated with warmth and prosperity.
Topaz
Symbolism and Lore: Topaz has been associated with healing, protection, and strength. The ancient Greeks believed it could increase physical strength and make the wearer invisible in times of emergency. It is also linked to soothing emotions and promoting good fortune. Gemological Properties: Topaz is a fluoro-aluminum silicate with the formula Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable. While it occurs in a variety of colors, the most common in jewelry is yellow, brown, or blue. The blue color is often achieved through irradiation and heat treatment of colorless topaz. Its refractive index is approximately 1.61 to 1.63.
Citrine
Symbolism and Lore: As a variety of quartz, citrine is often called the "merchant's stone" due to its association with prosperity and success. It is believed to attract wealth and abundance and to carry the warmth and energy of the sun, promoting positivity and clarity. Gemological Properties: Citrine is a yellow to golden-brown variety of quartz, with a chemical composition of SiO₂. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Its color is typically caused by traces of iron. Most citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst, which turns yellow when heated. Natural citrine is rarer and often has a paler yellow hue.
December: Tanzanite (or Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz)
December has multiple modern birthstones: tanzanite, blue zircon, and blue topaz. All are known for their captivating blue hues, offering a range of choices for those born in the last month of the year.
Tanzanite
Symbolism and Lore: Discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s, tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone. It is associated with transformation, intuition, and spiritual awakening. Its unique trichroic nature—showing blue, violet, and burgundy hues from different angles—symbolizes a multidimensional perspective. Gemological Properties: Tanzanite is the blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, with a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Its chemical formula is Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH). The most striking feature of tanzanite is its trichroism. It is often heat-treated to enhance its blue color, a standard and accepted practice in the gem trade.
Blue Zircon
Symbolism and Lore: Blue zircon has been associated with wisdom, honor, and purity. It was believed to be a powerful talisman for travelers and to promote prosperity. Its brilliant fire and clarity have made it a popular alternative to diamond. Gemological Properties: Zircon is a zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄) with a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It has one of the highest refractive indices among natural gemstones (1.92 to 1.98), giving it exceptional brilliance and fire. The blue color in gem-quality zircon is typically achieved through heat treatment of brown zircon. It is important not to confuse zircon with cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant.
Blue Topaz
Symbolism and Lore: As a variety of topaz, blue topaz shares associations with communication, calm, and clarity. Its serene blue color is linked to peacefulness and emotional balance. Gemological Properties: Blue topaz is a treated variety of the topaz mineral, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. The natural color range of topaz does not include a strong blue, so the vivid blue shades seen in jewelry are the result of irradiation and heat treatment. This process is stable and widely accepted. The chemical formula remains Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂, but the treatment alters its color centers.
Care and Cleaning of Birthstones
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewelry. The required care is largely determined by the gemstone's hardness, cleavage, and stability.
- Hard Stones (Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Topaz, Spinel): These stones, with a hardness of 8 or above, are very durable and can be cleaned with warm soapy water, a soft brush, and ultrasonic cleaners (except for stones with fractures).
- Medium-Hard Stones (Aquamarine, Emerald, Peridot, Amethyst, Citrine, Zircon): With a hardness of 7 to 8, these gems are generally safe for warm soapy water cleaning. Ultrasonic cleaners are risky for emeralds due to their inclusions. Avoid steam cleaning for emeralds and other stones that may have been fracture-filled.
- Soft Stones (Pearl, Opal, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli): These require gentle care. Clean with a soft, damp cloth only. Avoid chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged water exposure. Pearls are particularly sensitive to acids, cosmetics, and perfumes.
- Special Considerations: Stones with cleavage (like topaz) or those that are porous (like opal and turquoise) should not be subjected to sudden temperature changes or harsh chemicals. Always store jewelry separately to prevent scratching.
Conclusion
The tradition of birthstones is a rich tapestry woven from geology, history, and human belief. From the ancient protective amulets to the modern personalized jewelry, each month's gem offers a unique combination of beauty, durability, and symbolism. The modern birthstone chart provides a guide, but the final choice often rests on personal connection to the stone's color, lore, or the simple joy it brings. Understanding the gemological properties and care requirements of each stone allows for informed decisions, ensuring that these treasures of the Earth can be worn and cherished for a lifetime. Whether chosen for its traditional meaning or its aesthetic appeal, a birthstone remains a deeply personal and enduring symbol.