Birthstones are more than mere decorative adornments; they are a tradition woven through millennia of human history, linking the Gregorian calendar to a rich tapestry of geological wonders, ancient lore, and metaphysical beliefs. The concept of associating a specific gemstone with each month of the year has evolved significantly from its biblical origins on the breastplate of the High Priest of the Israelites to the modern lists maintained by jewelers and gemological societies today. This guide explores the twelve primary birthstones, detailing their historical significance, geological origins, gemological properties, and the symbolic meanings that make them cherished tokens for those born in their respective months.
Historical Origins: From the Breastplate of Aaron to Modern Lists
The tradition of birthstones finds its earliest roots in the Hebrew Bible. The Book of Exodus describes the breastplate of Aaron, the High Priest, which was set with twelve different gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. While the exact identification of these ancient stones remains a subject of scholarly debate, the concept of twelve stones holding specific significance was firmly established. Over centuries, this idea transitioned from religious artifact to personal talisman. By the 18th century, Polish Jewish merchants established a custom of presenting a gemstone to a person for each month, a practice that eventually spread across Europe and America.
The modern birthstone list is largely a product of standardization efforts in the early 20th century. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) convened to create a standardized list to ensure commercial consistency. This list has been updated several times, most notably in 1952 and 2002, to include newer gemstones like Tanzanite. It is important to distinguish between "traditional" birthstones, which often reflect historical usage and older trade routes, and "modern" birthstones, which are generally more commercially available and popular today. For example, while Pearl is the traditional birthstone for June, Alexandrite was added as a modern alternative, and Spinel was added to August in 2016. This evolution highlights the dynamic nature of the tradition, blending ancient heritage with contemporary gemological discoveries.
The Twelve Months and Their Gemstones
The following sections provide a detailed exploration of the gemstone(s) associated with each month, based on the most widely accepted modern and traditional lists.
January: Garnet
The deep, rich red of the Garnet has long been associated with January. The name is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning seed, due to its resemblance to the ruby-like seeds of a pomegranate. While red is the most iconic color, Garnet is a silicate mineral group that encompasses a wide range of species and colors, including vibrant greens, oranges, and even rare blues discovered in the 1990s.
Gemological Properties: Garnet possesses a reasonably tough Mohs hardness rating of around 7, making it durable enough for everyday wear in jewelry. It is a silicate mineral group, and while most species are not considered rare, the specific variety can affect its value.
History and Lore: Historically, Garnet was believed to keep the wearer safe during travel. It was a popular talisman for ancient warriors and was often carried as a protective charm against injury and accidents. Symbolically, Garnet represents constancy and is believed to bring good health and ward off nightmares.
February: Amethyst
The captivating purple variety of quartz, Amethyst, is the birthstone for February. Its color ranges from a pale lilac to a deep, royal purple, a hue that has been prized by royalty and clergy throughout history. Amethyst is a member of the quartz family, with a chemical composition of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale.
Gemological Properties: As a type of quartz, Amethyst is relatively abundant, though high-quality deep-colored specimens are more valued. Its clarity and color saturation are key factors in determining its quality.
History and Lore: Amethyst is associated with transformation, spiritual awareness, and intuition. Ancient Greeks believed it could prevent intoxication, and the word "amethyst" comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not drunk." It is also said to strengthen relationships and give its wearer courage. Some sources suggest that February is associated with the rarest birthstone, though this claim likely refers to specific high-quality specimens rather than the mineral as a whole.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, captures the serene colors of the sea. Its name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning "sea water." This gemstone is a variety of the mineral beryl, which also includes emeralds and morganite. Aquamarine is known for its transparent, light blue to blue-green hues.
Gemological Properties: As a beryl, aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it an excellent choice for jewelry. It typically has excellent clarity, with fewer inclusions than its green cousin, the emerald.
History and Lore: Sailors historically wore aquamarine as a talisman for good luck and protection against drowning. It is associated with wisdom, serenity, and calm communication. The stone is believed to cool a temper and ensure a happy marriage.
April: Diamond
The ultimate symbol of enduring love and clarity, the Diamond is the birthstone for April. Composed of pure carbon in a cubic crystal structure, diamond is the hardest known natural material, scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Its unparalleled brilliance and fire have made it the most coveted of all gemstones.
Gemological Properties: Diamond's value is determined by the "Four Cs": Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. While colorless diamonds are the most traditional, "fancy color" diamonds in shades of yellow, blue, and pink are also highly prized.
History and Lore: The diamond has long been associated with innocence, purity, and strength. In ancient times, it was believed to be a symbol of invincibility, worn by warriors for protection in battle. Today, it is the preeminent symbol of eternal love and commitment.
May: Emerald
The lush green Emerald is the birthstone for May. Like aquamarine, it is a variety of the mineral beryl, colored green by trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium. Emeralds are prized for their distinctive, vibrant green, though they are often characterized by inclusions, which are accepted as part of the stone's character and are sometimes referred to as jardin, the French word for garden.
Gemological Properties: Emerald has a hardness of 7.5 to 8. However, due to its inclusions, it is more brittle than other beryl varieties and requires careful handling.
History and Lore: Emerald has been a symbol of rebirth and love since ancient times. The Incas and Egyptians associated it with the goddess Venus, and it was believed to grant the wearer foresight and good fortune. It symbolizes happiness and is thought to promote growth and renewal.
June: Pearl and Alexandrite
June is unique in having two modern birthstones: the organic Pearl and the color-changing Alexandrite.
Pearl: Unlike other gemstones, pearls are organic, formed within the soft tissue of a living mollusk. They are the only gemstones created by living creatures. Their luster and iridescent glow have made them a classic symbol of purity and innocence.
Gemological Properties: Pearls are relatively soft (2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale) and require special care. They come in a range of colors from white to cream, and even black.
History and Lore: Pearls have been associated with wealth and purity for centuries. Historically, they were symbols of the moon and were believed to bring luck and protection to the wearer.
Alexandrite: Discovered in Russia in the 1830s, Alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl famous for its dramatic color change—from green in daylight to red or purplish-red in incandescent light.
Gemological Properties: Alexandrite is a very hard and durable gemstone (8.5 on the Mohs scale), making it suitable for all types of jewelry.
History and Lore: Symbolizing wealth and good fortune, Alexandrite is known as an "emerald by day, ruby by night." Its discovery coincided with the Russian Tsar Alexander II's coming of age, hence its name.
July: Ruby
The fiery red Ruby, birthstone for July, is one of the most historically significant and valuable gemstones. A variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide), its red color is caused by the presence of chromium. The name "ruby" comes from the Latin word rubeus, meaning red.
Gemological Properties: Ruby is second only to diamond in hardness (9 on the Mohs scale), making it exceptionally durable. Its value is determined by the intensity and purity of its red color, with the "pigeon's blood" red being the most coveted.
History and Lore: Ruby has been a symbol of passion, protection, and prosperity for centuries. In ancient India, it was known as the "king of gems" and was believed to contain the life force of the Earth. It is associated with freedom and is thought to promote vitality and leadership.
August: Peridot and Spinel
August boasts two modern birthstones: Peridot and Spinel.
Peridot: Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. It is unique among gemstones for being found in only one color: a distinctive olive green, which is caused by the presence of iron.
Gemological Properties: Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is often found in volcanic rocks and even in meteorites.
History and Lore: Peridot was cherished by ancient Egyptians, who called it the "gem of the sun." It is believed to bring the wearer good luck, peace, and success, and is associated with friendship.
Spinel: Spinel was added to the modern birthstone list in 2016. For centuries, it was mistaken for other gemstones, most famously the "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British Imperial State Crown, which is actually a large red spinel.
Gemological Properties: Spinel occurs in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, blue, and black. It has a hardness of 8, making it a durable and excellent alternative for jewelry.
History and Lore: Spinel is believed to revitalize the wearer, providing encouragement and a sense of hope.
September: Sapphire
The deep blue Sapphire, birthstone for September, is synonymous with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Like ruby, it is a variety of corundum. While blue is the most famous color, sapphires also occur in pink, yellow, and green (except red, which is ruby).
Gemological Properties: With a hardness of 9, sapphire is extremely durable and ideal for rings and daily wear. Its value is based on the saturation and hue of its blue color.
History and Lore: Sapphire was favored by royalty and religious leaders as a symbol of truth and sincerity. It was believed to protect the wearer from envy and harm and to attract divine favor.
October: Tourmaline and Opal
October is associated with two distinct birthstones: Tourmaline and Opal.
Tourmaline: Known as the "rainbow gemstone," Tourmaline is available in more colors and color combinations than any other gemstone. Its name comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning "mixed gems."
Gemological Properties: Tourmaline has a hardness of 7 to 7.5. Its complex chemical composition allows for its incredible color diversity.
History and Lore: Tourmaline is associated with hope and is believed to inspire creativity and protect against negative energies.
Opal: Opal is a hydrated form of silica, prized for its unique "play-of-color," an iridescent phenomenon caused by the diffraction of light by its internal structure.
Gemological Properties: Opal is relatively soft (5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale) and is sensitive to temperature changes and dryness, requiring careful maintenance.
History and Lore: Opal has been associated with hope, innocence, and purity. It was believed to embody the virtues of all other stones and to grant the wearer the power of invisibility in times of danger.
November: Topaz and Citrine
November's birthstones are the golden Topaz and the sunny Citrine.
Topaz: True topaz is a silicate mineral that is colorless in its pure form but can be found in a range of colors, including the rich golden yellow that is most associated with November.
Gemological Properties: Topaz is a hard mineral, scoring 8 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable.
History and Lore: Topaz is believed to promote truth, loyalty, and good health. It was historically thought to cool hot tempers and dispel anger.
Citrine: Citrine is the yellow to red-orange variety of quartz. Its name comes from the French word for lemon, citron. It is one of the most affordable and widely available gemstones.
Gemological Properties: As a quartz variety, citrine has a hardness of 7. Its color ranges from pale yellow to a deep, reddish-orange.
History and Lore: Citrine is known as the "merchant's stone" and is associated with prosperity, success, and good fortune. It is believed to carry the warmth and energy of the sun.
December: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise
December is represented by three birthstones, all known for their beautiful blue hues: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise.
Tanzanite: A relatively new discovery, found in Tanzania in the 1960s, Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite. It is prized for its vivid violet-blue color.
Gemological Properties: Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. Its trichroic nature allows it to show three different colors (blue, violet, and burgundy) depending on the viewing angle.
History and Lore: Tanzanite is associated with transformation and is believed to promote spiritual awakening and higher consciousness.
Zircon: Zircon is a natural gemstone, not to be confused with the synthetic cubic zirconia. It occurs in a variety of colors, but the blue variety is most popular for December.
Gemological Properties: Zircon is one of the hardest natural gemstones, with a hardness of 7.5. It has a high refractive index, giving it exceptional brilliance.
History and Lore: Zircon is associated with wisdom, honor, and prosperity. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and promote a restful sleep.
Turquoise: An opaque, blue-to-green mineral, Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones. It is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum.
Gemological Properties: Turquoise is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5 to 6. It is often treated to enhance its color and stability.
History and Lore: Turquoise has been a sacred stone for many cultures, including the ancient Egyptians and Native Americans. It is considered a symbol of protection, wisdom, and good fortune.
Conclusion
The twelve birthstones of the year offer a remarkable journey through geology, history, and human belief. From the deep red of Garnet to the sea-blue of Aquamarine and the vibrant violet of Tanzanite, each gemstone carries a unique story and a set of symbolic meanings that resonate with the month it represents. Whether chosen for their beauty, their historical significance, or their purported metaphysical properties, birthstones remain a deeply personal and enduring connection to the natural world and the ancient traditions that have shaped our appreciation for these treasures of the Earth.