Birthstones are gemstones that represent the month a person was born, serving as a popular and colorful introduction to the world of gemstones. These stones appeal to audiences worldwide regardless of gender, age, nationality, or religion. Each gemstone carries unique secrets, attributes, and lore, with countless myths and legends surrounding their various powers and attributes. The tradition of associating specific gems with birth months dates back to ancient civilizations, which believed that gemstones possessed incredible powers such as luck, health, and prosperity. The practice became formalized in the eighteenth century in Europe and quickly spread to the United States, where it was adopted by the American National Retail Jeweler’s Association (now named Jewelers of America) in 1912. This organization standardized the list of monthly birthstones, which has since been widely used by jewelers throughout the country.
While the modern list assigns a specific gemstone to each month, historical practices often differed. Initially, birthstones related to the twelve gemstones appearing on the breastplate of the High Priest of the Israelites as described in the Book of Exodus. In ancient times, color was the most important feature of a gemstone, meaning there was no significant distinction in meaning between stones of similar hues, such as a ruby and a garnet. Furthermore, the names used historically may not correspond to the stones we associate with those names today; for example, sapphire was probably what we now know as lapis lazuli, and diamonds were likely white sapphire or white topaz. The wearing of birthstones is traditionally thought to bring good luck, good health, and protection, with astrologers long ago attributing supernatural powers to certain gemstones.
The birthstones associated with birth months today are not necessarily the same ones used in ancient times. The first modern birthstone list was released in the United States by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912, replacing opaque stones such as bloodstone and sardonyx with clear gems. More recently, spinel was introduced in 2016 as a modern birthstone for August, demonstrating how birthstone lists can change over time due to marketing and popularity trends. There are numerous birthstone charts available, designed by different eras (traditional vs. modern), countries (such as Polish or Italian), and cultures (such as Arabic or Hebrew). Some charts assign birthstones by zodiac sign instead of birth month, although there is no official standardized list of birthstones based on astrological signs. There are traditional associations, and individuals may look at stones associated with their month, astrological sign, and day of the week to find what resonates with them.
History and Lore
The historical journey of birthstones begins with their connection to the biblical breastplate of the High Priest of the Israelites, as described in the Book of Exodus. This breastplate featured twelve gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, this religious and symbolic association evolved into the practice of wearing specific gems corresponding to one's birth month, a tradition that gained popularity in eighteenth-century Europe before spreading to America.
The standardization of birthstones in the modern era occurred in 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers in the United States published the first official list. This list aimed to modernize the tradition by replacing older, often opaque stones like bloodstone and sardonyx with clearer, more commercially appealing gems. This shift reflected both changing tastes in jewelry and the growing influence of the gem and jewelry trade. The list has been updated since then, with the most recent notable change being the addition of spinel as an alternative birthstone for August in 2016.
Legends and myths surrounding birthstones are numerous, particularly regarding their healing powers and therapeutic influence. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightened its healing effects. For the full therapeutic benefit, it was believed that individuals needed to own all twelve stones and alternate them monthly. This concept of rotating birthstones aligns with the ancient belief that the stones' powers were most potent when worn in their designated month. The practice of wearing birthstones is also thought to bring good luck, good health, and protection, with long-standing astrological traditions attributing supernatural powers to specific gems.
The distinction between traditional and modern birthstones often arises from marketing and popularity trends. The modern list, established in 1912, typically features one primary gemstone per month, while traditional lists may include multiple stones or different choices altogether. For example, March's modern birthstone is aquamarine, while its traditional stone is bloodstone. June's modern stone is alexandrite, but its traditional counterpart is pearl. These variations highlight the evolving nature of birthstone traditions and the influence of cultural and commercial factors over time.
Birthstones by Month
The modern birthstone list assigns a specific gemstone to each month of the year, providing a clear guide for those seeking their birthstone. The list is as follows: January is garnet, February is amethyst, March is aquamarine, April is diamond, May is emerald, June is alexandrite, July is ruby, August is peridot (with spinel also accepted), September is sapphire, October is tourmaline, November is citrine, and December is tanzanite (with blue zircon and blue topaz also included).
For each month, there is often a traditional birthstone that differs from the modern choice. January's traditional stone is garnet, matching the modern choice. February's traditional stone is amethyst, also matching. March's traditional stone is bloodstone, which contrasts with the modern aquamarine. April's traditional stone is diamond, aligning with the modern list. May's traditional stone is emerald, matching the modern choice. June's traditional stone is pearl, differing from the modern alexandrite. July's traditional stone is ruby, matching the modern choice. August's traditional stone is sardonyx, while the modern list includes peridot and spinel. September's traditional stone is sapphire, matching the modern choice. October's traditional stone is opal, differing from the modern tourmaline. November's traditional stone is topaz, while the modern list includes citrine. December's traditional stones are turquoise and lapis lazuli, contrasting with the modern tanzanite, blue zircon, and blue topaz.
Some months have multiple birthstones in the modern list, such as August (peridot and spinel) and December (tanzanite, blue zircon, and blue topaz). This provides more options for individuals born in these months. The variety in birthstone charts is extensive, with different charts existing by era, country, culture, and zodiac sign. Some charts list secondary or alternative gemstones, and even within the same chart type, such as traditional birthstone charts, there can be differences from source to source.
Zodiac Birthstones
In addition to birthstones by month, there is a tradition of assigning birthstones based on Western astrological signs. This system aligns the twelve zodiac signs with twelve gemstones, similar to the monthly system but based on the position of the sun at the time of birth. However, it is important to note that there is no official standardized list of birthstones based on astrological signs. Instead, there are traditional associations that vary across different sources and cultures.
For those interested in zodiac birthstones, it is recommended to explore the stones associated with their zodiac sign, as well as their birth month and day of the week, to see what resonates personally. The lack of a single authoritative list means that individuals have the freedom to choose a stone that feels right for them, trusting their intuition. If none of the stones feel appropriate, another option is to look at the qualities associated with one's zodiac sign or the ruling planet of their day of the week and research which stones might support or balance that energy.
The practice of using zodiac birthstones is part of a broader tradition where gemstones are believed to possess specific energies or attributes that can influence a person's life. Whether wearing the stone in jewelry, placing it in the home, or using it in meditation, the goal is often to feel protected, supported, or balanced. This approach allows for a personalized connection to the gemstone beyond the standardized monthly lists.
Gemological Properties of Common Birthstones
While the provided sources offer limited specific gemological data for each birthstone, they do highlight some key properties for a few stones. For instance, garnet, the January birthstone, is described as a silicate mineral group of several related species of lustrous gemstones, ranging from transparent to opaque. It has a reasonably tough Mohs hardness rating of around 7. While the most common color for garnet is red, it can be found in almost any color, with blue garnets being the rarest and discovered in the 1990s. Most garnet species are not considered rare.
Amethyst, the February birthstone, is noted as the purple variety of quartz. Historical lore suggests it was once believed to cure drunkenness and make the wearer quick-witted in business. Previously, it was a stone reserved for royalty due to its rarity, but new finds have made it more affordable.
Aquamarine, one of March's birthstones, is described alongside bloodstone, though specific properties are not detailed in the provided sources. Similarly, diamond (April), emerald (May), alexandrite (June), ruby (July), peridot (August), sapphire (September), tourmaline (October), citrine (November), and tanzanite (December) are listed as birthstones, but their gemological characteristics are not elaborated upon in the available materials.
The sources mention that some birthstones are among the rarest gems in the world. For example, alexandrite (June) and tanzanite (December) are frequently cited as being exceptionally rare. Regarding value, colored diamonds are identified as the most expensive birthstones, with some high-quality specimens selling for millions of dollars per carat.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Birthstones are deeply intertwined with symbolism and metaphysical beliefs across various cultures and historical periods. The tradition of wearing birthstones is thought to bring good luck, good health, and protection. Astrologers have long attributed supernatural powers to certain gemstones, and these beliefs have been passed down through generations.
In ancient times, civilizations believed that gemstones possessed incredible powers such as luck, health, and prosperity. The practice of wearing a specific gemstone during its assigned month was believed to heighten its healing powers. For the full therapeutic effect, it was suggested that individuals should own all twelve birthstones and alternate them monthly. This concept underscores the belief in the dynamic and cyclical influence of gemstones on a person's well-being.
The lore surrounding specific birthstones often includes unique attributes. For example, garnet is thought to keep the wearer safe during travel, and its name is derived from the French word "grenate," meaning "seedy," due to its resemblance to a pomegranate seed. Amethyst is said to strengthen relationships and give its wearer courage. These symbolic meanings add a layer of personal significance to the choice of birthstone, beyond mere aesthetic preference.
For those who do not feel a connection to their traditional or modern birthstone, there are alternative approaches. One can look at the qualities associated with their zodiac sign or the ruling planet of their day of the week and seek out stones that might support or balancing that energy. This personalized approach allows for a more intuitive and meaningful connection to the gemstone.
Care and Cleaning
While the provided sources do not offer detailed care instructions for each specific birthstone, general principles can be inferred from the limited gemological data mentioned. For instance, garnet has a Mohs hardness rating of around 7, which indicates a reasonably tough stone that is resistant to scratching but may still require careful handling to avoid damage from harder materials or sharp blows. Stones with lower hardness or specific cleavage properties may require more cautious cleaning and storage.
As a general rule, it is advisable to clean birthstones with mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners for stones that might be sensitive to heat or sudden temperature changes. It is always best to consult a professional jeweler or gemologist for specific care instructions, especially for valuable or treated stones.
When wearing birthstone jewelry, it is important to consider the stone's durability in relation to daily activities. For example, softer stones should be removed before engaging in manual work or activities that could expose them to impact or abrasion. Proper storage, such as keeping stones in a soft cloth or separate compartment in a jewelry box, can prevent scratches and damage.
Conclusion
Birthstones represent a rich tapestry of history, geology, and cultural belief, offering a personal connection to the world of gemstones for individuals across the globe. The tradition, rooted in ancient religious texts and evolving through centuries of cultural exchange and commercial influence, has settled into a modern list that provides a specific gemstone for each month. However, the existence of traditional alternatives and zodiac-based associations highlights the diversity and flexibility within this tradition.
Understanding the historical context and the variations in birthstone lists allows for a deeper appreciation of these gems. Whether one chooses a stone based on the modern list, a traditional alternative, or a zodiac association, the practice of wearing a birthstone is a way to carry a piece of personal significance, folklore, and beauty. From the fiery red of garnet to the deep blue of sapphire, each birthstone offers a unique story, making the selection of a birthstone a meaningful exploration of both personal identity and the fascinating world of gemstones.