Birthstones are gemstones associated with each month of the year, believed to hold symbolic meaning and power. These stones have been used for centuries for their spiritual and healing properties, serving as both personal adornments and symbols of deeper cultural and historical meaning. The tradition of birthstones dates back to ancient times, evolving over centuries into the modern list recognized today. Each gemstone carries its own unique set of gemological properties, historical background, cultural symbolism, and spiritual meanings. This article provides a detailed overview of the twelve modern birthstones, exploring their geological formation, sources, gemological properties, symbolism, and care instructions, based on the latest authoritative information.
History and Lore of Birthstones
The concept of birthstones is rooted in religious and cultural traditions that trace back thousands of years. The earliest known reference appears in the Book of Exodus, describing Aaron, the brother of Moses, wearing a breastplate adorned with 12 gemstones during his time as a high priest. These stones were believed to represent the 12 tribes of Israel and were arranged in four rows of three. The exact identities of these stones are debated among scholars due to the imprecise naming conventions of ancient gemology, where stones were often identified by their color rather than their chemical composition.
The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (340–420 A.D.) was one of the first to connect the 12 stones with the 12 months of the year and the 12 zodiac signs. This association laid the groundwork for the birthstone tradition as we know it. Over time, the idea of assigning a birthstone to each month spread throughout the world and became a popular tradition. The modern list of birthstones was formalized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America), and this list has remained largely unchanged since then. There are now three recognized sets of birthstones: Ancient (based on the stones of Aaron’s Breastplate and early traditions), Traditional (a blend of ancient and evolving practices), and Modern (the standardized list established by the jewelry industry in 1912).
Despite the formalization of the modern list, alternative and additional gemstones have been incorporated over time. For example, Alexandrite was added to June in 1952, and Spinel was added to August in 2016 by the American Gem Trade Association. These additions reflect the ongoing evolution of the birthstone tradition and the recognition of new gemstone discoveries. In the United States today, people draw freely from both traditional and modern lists, picking the stones that appeal to them. Some traditional gems are also less expensive or more readily available than their modern counterparts, ensuring their continued popularity.
The Twelve Modern Birthstones
January: Garnet
Garnet is the primary birthstone for January, with no alternative modern stone listed. Garnet is a silicate mineral group of several related species of lustrous gemstones, which range from transparent to opaque. While the most common color for garnet is red, garnets can be found in almost any color. Blue garnets, the rarest, were discovered in the 1990s. Garnet has a reasonably tough Mohs hardness rating of around 7, making it durable for everyday wear.
Historically, garnet is one of the oldest known gemstones, with its use dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. It is often associated with love and romance and is believed to have the power to bring good fortune and success. Most garnet species are not rare, making it an accessible gemstone for jewelry. Garnet's durability and wide range of colors contribute to its popularity in various jewelry styles.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for February. It is a type of quartz that is often purple in color, ranging from light lavender to deep violet. Amethyst is believed to have healing and protective properties and is often associated with transformation, spiritual awareness, and intuition.
Amethyst's historical significance is deep, and it has been prized for centuries for its beauty and supposed metaphysical powers. As a form of quartz, it has a Mohs hardness of 7, similar to garnet, making it suitable for jewelry. The stone's color is primarily due to iron impurities and natural irradiation. While amethyst was once considered a rare and valuable gemstone, large deposits discovered in the 19th century made it more affordable and widespread.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March. This gemstone is known for its captivating blue color, reminiscent of the sea, from which it derives its name. Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, which also includes emeralds. It typically has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable.
The lore surrounding aquamarine is rich with maritime associations. Ancient sailors believed it was a talisman for protection and safety at sea. It is also associated with calm, clarity, and communication. The stone's color can range from pale blue to deep blue, with the most valued hues being a strong blue to slightly greenish-blue. Aquamarine is often found in large, clear crystals, making it ideal for faceted gems and statement jewelry pieces.
April: Diamond
Diamond is the birthstone for April, renowned for its unparalleled hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) and brilliant sparkle. Composed of pure carbon, diamonds are formed under extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity.
Diamonds have a storied history, symbolizing eternal love and strength. They are the traditional choice for engagement rings and are associated with clarity, purity, and invincibility. While colorless diamonds are the most sought after, diamonds occur in a range of colors, including yellow, brown, blue, green, pink, and red, with colored diamonds being exceptionally rare and valuable. The diamond's durability and timeless appeal make it a perennial favorite in fine jewelry.
May: Emerald
Emerald is the birthstone for May, celebrated for its vibrant green hue. As a variety of beryl, emerald has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. Its green color comes from trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium.
Emeralds have been cherished since ancient times, with notable sources in Egypt, Colombia, and Zambia. The stone is often associated with rebirth, love, and fertility. In ancient Egypt, emeralds were dedicated to the goddess Isis and were believed to grant eternal youth. Emeralds typically have inclusions, which are often accepted as part of their character and are referred to as the stone's "jardin." Due to their relative softness compared to diamonds and their common inclusions, emeralds require careful handling and cleaning.
June: Alexandrite
Alexandrite is the modern birthstone for June, known for its remarkable color-changing properties. In daylight or fluorescent light, it appears green to bluish-green, while under incandescent light, it shifts to a red to purplish-red. This phenomenon is due to the presence of chromium in its crystal structure. Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl and has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it exceptionally durable.
The gemstone was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and named after the future Tsar Alexander II. Its color-changing ability made it a symbol of imperial Russia and a favorite of the Russian aristocracy. Alexandrite is relatively rare and valuable, especially in larger sizes. Its unique property and historical significance make it a highly sought-after gemstone for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
July: Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone for July, prized for its rich, red color, which is caused by the presence of chromium. As a variety of the mineral corundum (which also includes sapphire), ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond. This exceptional hardness, combined with its intense color, makes ruby one of the most valuable gemstones.
Rubies have been valued since ancient times, with early sources in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The stone is associated with passion, love, and vitality. In many cultures, rubies are believed to bring good fortune and protect against evil. The most prized rubies exhibit a vivid, pure red with a slight bluish undertone, often described as "pigeon's blood." Due to their rarity and desirability, high-quality rubies command premium prices in the gemstone market.
August: Peridot
Peridot is the primary modern birthstone for August, with spinel also recognized as an alternative. Peridot is a magnesium-rich mineral that is formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. It ranges in color from yellow-green to olive green and has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
Peridot has been prized for its beauty and believed healing properties for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it had the power to protect against evil spirits and nightmares. Peridot is often found in volcanic rocks and in some meteorites, making it one of the few gemstones found in extraterrestrial sources. Its vibrant green color and historical lore make it a popular choice for jewelry, especially in summer months.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone for September, known for its deep blue color. As a variety of corundum, sapphire has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it extremely durable. While blue is the most classic color, sapphires can also be found in a range of other colors, including pink, yellow, and green, with the exception of red (which is classified as ruby).
Sapphires have been valued for centuries for their beauty and durability. In ancient times, sapphires were thought to protect against evil and provide guidance and wisdom to those who wore them. Today, sapphires are often associated with loyalty, trust, and faithfulness. Notable sources include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Kashmir. The stone's hardness and rich color make it ideal for all types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants.
October: Tourmaline and Opal
October has two birthstones: tourmaline and opal. Tourmaline is known for its variety of colors, including pink, green, and blue. It is a complex silicate mineral with a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Tourmaline's wide color range is due to its complex chemical composition, which can include elements like iron, manganese, and lithium. The stone is often associated with creativity, inspiration, and protection. Some varieties, like watermelon tourmaline, display multiple colors in a single crystal, making them particularly popular in jewelry.
Opal is renowned for its iridescent colors that seem to change in the light, a phenomenon known as play-of-color. Opal is a hydrated silica mineral with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it softer and more fragile than many other gemstones. Opals are often associated with creativity, inspiration, and imagination. They are primarily sourced from Australia, which produces the majority of the world's opal. Due to its sensitivity to temperature changes and potential for cracking, opal requires careful handling and storage.
November: Citrine and Topaz
November is associated with two birthstones: citrine and topaz. Citrine, a variety of quartz, is known for its warm yellow to orange-brown colors. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Citrine is often called the "merchant's stone" and is believed to bring prosperity and success. It is also associated with positivity and energy. Citrine's color is due to the presence of iron and is heat-treated to enhance its hue in many commercial stones.
Topaz is the traditional birthstone for November. It is a silicate mineral with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable. Topaz occurs in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, yellow, and clear. The most valued colors are imperial topaz, which exhibits a rich orange-pink hue, and blue topaz, which is often treated to achieve its color. Topaz is associated with strength, intelligence, and good fortune. It is found in several locations worldwide, including Brazil, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.
December: Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz
December has three modern birthstones: tanzanite, blue zircon, and blue topaz, with traditional stones including turquoise and lapis lazuli. Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone, discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is a variety of zoisite and is known for its striking blue-violet color, which is often enhanced by heat treatment. Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is associated with transformation and spiritual awareness.
Blue zircon is the traditional December birthstone and is known for its high refractive index and brilliance. It has a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Blue zircon is often heat-treated to achieve its blue color. It is associated with wisdom and prosperity. Blue topaz, a variety of quartz, is also a modern birthstone for December. It has a hardness of 8 and is often treated to achieve its blue color. Blue topaz is associated with calm and communication.
Traditional December stones include turquoise and lapis lazuli. Turquoise is an opaque blue-green mineral with a hardness of 5 to 6, known for its protective qualities. Lapis lazuli is a rock composed of multiple minerals, including lazurite, and has a hardness of 5 to 5.5. It is associated with wisdom and truth.
Gemological Properties Summary
The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of the twelve modern birthstones, based on the provided sources.
| Month | Primary Birthstone | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Key Colors | Notable Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | 7 | Red, but can be almost any color | Durable, widely available |
| February | Amethyst | 7 | Purple, from light lavender to deep violet | Quartz variety, associated with calm |
| March | Aquamarine | 7.5-8 | Blue to greenish-blue | Beryl variety, durable |
| April | Diamond | 10 | Colorless, but can be various colors | Pure carbon, hardest natural material |
| May | Emerald | 7.5-8 | Green | Beryl variety, often has inclusions |
| June | Alexandrite | 8.5 | Green in daylight, red in incandescent light | Color-changing, rare |
| July | Ruby | 9 | Red | Corundum variety, very hard |
| August | Peridot | 6.5-7 | Yellow-green to olive green | Formed in mantle, found in meteorites |
| September | Sapphire | 9 | Blue (classic), but can be other colors | Corundum variety, very hard |
| October (Tourmaline) | Tourmaline | 7-7.5 | Wide variety (pink, green, blue, etc.) | Complex silicate, color range due to chemistry |
| October (Opal) | Opal | 5.5-6.5 | Iridescent play-of-color | Hydrated silica, fragile |
| November (Citrine) | Citrine | 7 | Yellow to orange-brown | Quartz variety, often heat-treated |
| November (Topaz) | Topaz | 8 | Blue, yellow, pink, clear | Silicate mineral, durable |
| December (Tanzanite) | Tanzanite | 6.5-7 | Blue-violet | Zoisite variety, often heat-treated |
| December (Blue Zircon) | Blue Zircon | 7.5 | Blue | High refractive index, often heat-treated |
| December (Blue Topaz) | Blue Topaz | 8 | Blue | Quartz variety, often treated |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Birthstones are rich in symbolism and metaphysical beliefs, which have evolved over centuries. These associations vary by culture and era but often reflect the stone's color, historical use, or legendary properties.
- Garnet: Associated with love, romance, good fortune, and success. It is believed to bring protection and vitality.
- Amethyst: Linked to transformation, spiritual awareness, intuition, and calm. It is often used for meditation and emotional balance.
- Aquamarine: Symbolizes calm, clarity, communication, and protection, especially for travelers and sailors.
- Diamond: Represents eternal love, strength, purity, and clarity. It is a symbol of invincibility and commitment.
- Emerald: Associated with rebirth, love, fertility, and eternal youth. It is believed to promote growth and renewal.
- Alexandrite: Symbolizes joy, optimism, and good fortune. Its color change is seen as a balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
- Ruby: Represents passion, love, vitality, and protection. It is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil.
- Peridot: Linked to the sun, protection against evil spirits, and healing. It is associated with growth and renewal.
- Sapphire: Symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, trust, and protection. It is believed to bring guidance and spiritual insight.
- Tourmaline: Associated with creativity, inspiration, and protection. Different colors have different meanings, but overall, it is seen as a grounding stone.
- Opal: Symbolizes creativity, inspiration, and imagination. Its play-of-color is associated with emotional expression and spontaneity.
- Citrine: Known as the "merchant's stone," it is associated with prosperity, success, and positivity. It is believed to attract wealth and abundance.
- Topaz: Symbolizes strength, intelligence, and good fortune. It is believed to enhance mental clarity and confidence.
- Tanzanite: Associated with transformation, spiritual awareness, and new beginnings. It is believed to facilitate communication with higher realms.
- Blue Zircon: Symbolizes wisdom, prosperity, and protection. It is believed to bring peace and clarity.
- Blue Topaz: Associated with calm, communication, and emotional balance. It is believed to soothe and inspire.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewelry. The hardness and durability of each stone dictate the appropriate cleaning methods and precautions.
- Garnet, Amethyst, Citrine, and Topaz (Hardness 7-8): These stones are relatively durable and can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, especially if the stone has inclusions or fractures.
- Aquamarine, Emerald, and Alexandrite (Hardness 7.5-8.5): Use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Emeralds, with their common inclusions, should be handled gently. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally not recommended for emeralds due to potential fracture enhancement.
- Diamond (Hardness 10): Can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for diamonds without fractures, but avoid if the stone is set in a delicate setting.
- Ruby and Sapphire (Hardness 9): These are very hard and can withstand most cleaning methods. Warm soapy water and a soft brush are ideal. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe, but caution is advised for stones with fractures.
- Peridot (Hardness 6.5-7): Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals. Ultrasonic cleaners should be used with caution.
- Tourmaline (Hardness 7-7.5): Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe, but avoid if the stone has inclusions.
- Opal (Hardness 5.5-6.5): Opal is fragile and should be cleaned gently with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid water immersion, ultrasonic cleaners, and sudden temperature changes, as opal can crack. Store opal jewelry in a soft cloth to prevent scratching.
- Tanzanite (Hardness 6.5-7): Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as tanzanite can be sensitive to heat and vibrations.
- Blue Zircon (Hardness 7.5): Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone has fractures.
- Blue Topaz (Hardness 8): Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe.
For all gemstones, it is advisable to remove jewelry during physical activities, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals (e.g., chlorine, bleach), and store pieces separately to prevent scratching. Regular inspections by a professional jeweler are recommended to ensure settings are secure.
Conclusion
The twelve birthstones offer a fascinating blend of geological wonder, historical depth, and cultural significance. From the ancient traditions rooted in Aaron's breastplate to the modern standardized list, these gemstones have evolved but retain their symbolic power. Each stone, with its unique properties and lore, provides a meaningful connection to one's birth month. Whether chosen for their beauty, durability, or metaphysical beliefs, birthstones continue to be cherished in jewelry and spiritual practices worldwide. Understanding their origins, properties, and care ensures that these timeless gems can be appreciated and preserved for generations to come.