The practice of assigning a specific gemstone to each calendar month is a tradition that has captivated humanity for centuries. A birthstone chart serves as more than a simple reference for jewelry; it is a visual guide to a rich tapestry of history, geology, and personal symbolism. These charts, which assign precious and semi-precious stones to each of the twelve months, provide a direct link to ancient beliefs and the natural world. They offer a unique combination of aesthetic beauty and profound meaning, making them an invaluable tool for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology alike. This article explores the official birthstone chart in detail, delving into the history of this tradition, the evolution of the modern list, and the specific gemological properties and cultural significance of each stone. We will examine the traditional and modern stones, their geological origins, and the practical considerations for their care, providing a definitive reference for understanding the meaning and value behind these cherished gems.
History and Evolution of the Birthstone Tradition
The concept of linking gemstones to specific months has ancient origins, with one of the earliest and most significant references found in the biblical Book of Exodus. This text describes the Breastplate of Aaron, a sacred vestment worn by the high priest of the Israelites, which was adorned with twelve distinct gemstones. These stones were said to symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these and other gems became associated with the zodiac signs and, eventually, the calendar months, forming the foundation of the birthstone tradition as it is known today.
The journey from these ancient associations to the standardized lists used in modern jewelry culture was a gradual one. A pivotal moment in this evolution occurred in 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers, now known as Jewelers of America, convened to establish an official birthstone chart for the United States. This meeting resulted in a standardized list that has served as the cornerstone of the American jewelry industry and remains widely used today. The goal was to create a consistent reference that jewelers and consumers could rely on, blending historical tradition with the practical needs of the modern market.
This initial standardization was not the final word, however. The birthstone chart has continued to evolve, reflecting changing consumer tastes, the discovery of new gemstone deposits, and the growing popularity of certain stones. The first major revision to the official list occurred in 1952. On the advice of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), this update added several new stones to the chart, providing more options and color variety. For instance, alexandrite was added as an alternative birthstone for June, and citrine was included for November. Pink tourmaline was also added as an alternative for October.
Further updates have been made in the decades since, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the tradition. In 2002, tanzanite was officially added as a birthstone for December, marking the first change to the list in 50 years. More recently, in 2016, spinel was introduced as an additional birthstone for August, expanding the color palette available for that month. These additions underscore how the birthstone chart is a living document, adapting to new discoveries and the evolving landscape of the gem and jewelry industry.
Structure of the Official Birthstone Chart
The official birthstone chart is structured to be both practical and educational, typically listing a primary gemstone for each month along with any officially recognized alternative or modern additions. This structure provides a clear hierarchy while also offering flexibility and choice for jewelry designers and buyers. For example, June is represented by three official birthstones—pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite—which allows for a wide range of styles, designs, and price points to suit different preferences and budgets.
The information included in a comprehensive birthstone chart extends beyond the name of the gem. It commonly includes the stone's primary color, its key symbolism, and sometimes its hardness on the Mohs scale. This additional data is invaluable for those interested in the cultural and spiritual significance of each stone, as well as for practical purposes like jewelry selection and care. The chart serves as a bridge between the aesthetic appeal of the gems and their deeper meanings, making it a versatile tool for a variety of applications.
Traditional vs. Modern Lists
A key feature of the birthstone tradition is the distinction between traditional and modern lists. The traditional chart features the time-honored gems that have been associated with each month for centuries, often rooted in ancient texts and cultural beliefs. These stones represent the historical core of the tradition. The modern chart, by contrast, includes the official updates and alternative stones recognized by major jewelry associations like Jewelers of America and the AGTA. These additions were made to provide more color options, increase affordability, and incorporate newly popularized gems. Many comprehensive charts, including the one detailed in this article, combine both traditional and modern stones to provide the most complete reference available.
Cultural Variations
While the American standard is widely recognized, it is important to note that cultural variations exist across the globe. The traditional British chart, for instance, includes bloodstone for March and rock crystal for April as alternative options. Other systems, such as the Hindu Ayurvedic chart, are based on astrological signs rather than calendar months, while the Tibetan mystical chart features a different set of stones with specific spiritual significance. These variations highlight the diverse ways in which different cultures have interpreted and utilized the connection between gems and human life.
The Twelve Birthstones: Properties and Significance
The following sections provide a detailed overview of the gemstones associated with each month, based on the official and traditional charts. Each entry includes the stone's primary colors, symbolic meaning, and key gemological properties where available.
January: Garnet
The birthstone for January is the garnet, a gem renowned for its deep red hue and powerful symbolism. While red is its most recognized color, garnet is actually a group of silicate minerals that occurs in a rainbow of colors, with the exception of blue. The name "garnet" is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning seed, due to its resemblance to the dark red seeds of a pomegranate.
Symbolism and Lore: Garnet is most commonly associated with the meaning of constancy. It is also believed to symbolize friendship, trust, and protection. Historically, it was worn by travelers as a protective talisman against accidents and injury. Its deep red color has long been linked to passion, love, and vitality.
Gemological Properties: * Color: Primarily deep red, but also found in orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, black, and even colorless varieties. * Hardness: 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable stone suitable for everyday jewelry. * Chemical Composition: Varies by species (e.g., Pyrope, Almandine, Spessartine). * Sources: Garnet is mined worldwide, with significant deposits in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and parts of Africa.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, a variety of quartz, is the birthstone for February. It is celebrated for its stunning purple color, which can range from pale lavender to a deep, royal violet. This gem has a rich history and was once considered as valuable as rubies and sapphires.
Symbolism and Lore: The primary symbolic meaning of amethyst is sincerity. It is also widely associated with peace, protection, and tranquility. Ancient Greeks believed the stone could prevent intoxication, and its name is derived from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not drunk." It is often used to promote calmness and clarity of mind.
Gemological Properties: * Color: Various shades of purple, often with subtle color zoning. * Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale, giving it good durability for jewelry. * Chemical Composition: Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂), a member of the quartz family. * Sources: Historically sourced from Russia and Sri Lanka, large deposits in Brazil have made amethyst more widely available and affordable in modern times.
March: Aquamarine
The primary birthstone for March is aquamarine, a pale blue to light-blue variety of the mineral beryl. Its name is derived from the Latin for "seawater," and its serene color evokes the tranquility of the sea.
Symbolism and Lore: Aquamarine symbolizes wisdom and is also associated with courage, honesty, and loyalty. Sailors historically wore it as a talisman for safe passage across stormy seas. It is considered a stone of cleansing and renewal, believed to calm the mind and reduce stress.
Gemological Properties: * Color: Light blue to blue-green. * Hardness: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a very hard and durable gemstone. * Chemical Composition: Beryllium Aluminum Silicate (Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆). * Sources: Major sources include Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Pakistan, and Mozambique.
Traditional Alternative: Bloodstone The traditional alternative for March is bloodstone, a dark green chalcedony (a variety of quartz) with distinct red inclusions of iron oxide or jasper. It was historically known as the "martyr's stone" and is associated with courage and healing.
April: Diamond
The birthstone for April is the diamond, the hardest known natural material and a timeless symbol of enduring love. Prized for its exceptional brilliance and fire, the diamond is arguably the most famous of all gemstones.
Symbolism and Lore: Diamond symbolizes innocence. It is also strongly associated with love, purity, and strength. Its name comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning "invincible," a testament to its unmatched hardness. The diamond has become the universal symbol of commitment and eternal bonds, particularly in engagement rings.
Gemological Properties: * Color: While most associated with being colorless, diamonds occur in a full spectrum of colors, including yellow, brown, blue, green, pink, and red. * Hardness: 10 on the Mohs scale, the highest possible rating. * Chemical Composition: Pure Carbon (C). * Sources: Major diamond mining countries include Botswana, Russia, Canada, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Traditional Alternative: Rock Crystal The traditional British chart includes rock crystal, a colorless and transparent variety of quartz, as an alternative for April.
May: Emerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, is a vibrant green variety of the mineral beryl. Its lush color, a result of trace amounts of chromium and vanadium, has been coveted by civilizations for thousands of years.
Symbolism and Lore: Emerald is associated with rebirth and love. It is also said to symbolize wisdom. The ancient Egyptians revered emeralds, associating them with eternal life. Cleopatra was famously fond of the gem. It is believed to bring vitality and growth to its wearer.
Gemological Properties: * Color: Rich green, ranging from bluish-green to yellowish-green. * Hardness: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. * Chemical Composition: Beryllium Aluminum Silicate (Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆), with trace elements of chromium or vanadium. * Sources: The finest emeralds have historically come from Colombia. Other significant sources include Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe.
Traditional Alternative: Chrysoprase Chrysoprase, a translucent apple-green variety of chalcedony, is a traditional alternative for May. It is known for its bright, uniform color.
June: Pearl
June is unique in having three official birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. The most iconic of these is the pearl, the only gemstone created by a living organism.
Symbolism and Lore: Pearl symbolizes purity, innocence, and faith. Formed within the soft tissue of a mollusk, its organic origin gives it a special place among gemstones. Pearls have been associated with the moon and are believed to bring calmness and clarity to the wearer.
Gemological Properties: * Color: Typically white or cream, but can also occur in shades of pink, silver, gold, black, and other colors. * Hardness: 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, making it the softest of the birthstones and requiring careful handling. * Composition: Primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in the form of nacre. * Sources: Natural pearls are rare. Most pearls on the market today are cultured, farmed in regions like China, Japan, and French Polynesia.
Other June Stones: * Alexandrite: A rare variety of chrysoberyl known for its dramatic color-changing properties, appearing green in daylight and red or purplish-red under incandescent light. It symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. * Moonstone: A member of the feldspar group, prized for its captivating adularescence—a billowy, bluish light that seems to move across the stone's surface. It symbolizes hope and new beginnings.
July: Ruby
The fiery red gemstone ruby, a variety of the mineral corundum, is the birthstone for July. Its name comes from the Latin word rubeus, meaning red, and it has long been associated with power, passion, and protection.
Symbolism and Lore: Ruby symbolizes freedom. It is also strongly linked to passion, protection, and prosperity. In ancient India, ruby was known as the "king of gems," believed to contain an inner fire that could bring good fortune to its owner.
Gemological Properties: * Color: Red to reddish-brown, with the most prized shade being a vibrant, "pigeon's blood" red. * Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond in hardness. * Chemical Composition: Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃) with trace amounts of chromium (Cr) which causes the red color. * Sources: The most famous rubies come from Myanmar (Burma). Other important sources include Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique.
Traditional Alternative: Carnelian Carnelian, a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony, is a traditional alternative for July. It is known for its warm, energizing color.
August: Peridot
The birthstone for August is peridot, a unique gem that is found in only one color: a distinctive lime green. It is a variety of the mineral olivine, formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity.
Symbolism and Lore: Peridot symbolizes strength and good fortune. It is also associated with peace and healing. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun," believing it protected its wearer from evil spirits and nightmares. Peridot was also believed to promote growth and renewal.
Gemological Properties: * Color: Olive green to lime green. * Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. * Chemical Composition: (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. * Sources: Major sources include Pakistan, Myanmar, and the United States (Arizona).
Modern Alternative: Spinel Added in 2016, spinel is a modern alternative for August. It occurs in a brilliant array of colors, including vibrant reds, pinks, blues, and purples. It is a durable and beautiful stone in its own right.
Traditional Alternative: Sardonyx Sardonyx, a banded variety of onyx, is another traditional alternative. It combines layers of sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx (black or white chalcedony).
September: Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a brilliant blue variety of the mineral corundum. While most famous for its royal blue hue, sapphire actually encompasses all corundum varieties except for ruby (which is red corundum).
Symbolism and Lore: Sapphire symbolizes truth, wisdom, and loyalty. It has been a favorite of royalty and clergy for centuries, symbolizing divine favor and wisdom. The stone is believed to bring peace of mind and clarity of thought, and to protect its wearer from harm.
Gemological Properties: * Color: Most famously blue, but also found in pink, yellow, orange, green, and colorless. Padparadscha is a rare and highly prized salmon-colored sapphire. * Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale. * Chemical Composition: Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃). * Sources: The most prized blue sapphires come from Kashmir and Myanmar. Other significant sources include Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Australia.
Traditional Alternative: Lapis Lazuli Lapis lazuli, a deep blue metamorphic rock composed of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite, is a traditional alternative for September. It has been used for thousands of years for ornamental purposes and as a pigment.
October: Opal
October has two official birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Opal is a unique and mesmerizing gem known for its "play-of-color," a phenomenon where the stone flashes iridescent colors as it is moved.
Symbolism and Lore: Opal symbolizes hope and innocence. Its shifting colors have led to a wide range of beliefs. It is often associated with creativity, spontaneity, and imagination. The Romans considered it a symbol of hope and good luck.
Gemological Properties: * Color: Its base color can be white, black, or translucent, but its play-of-color can display all the colors of the rainbow. * Hardness: 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is relatively soft and porous, requiring careful handling to avoid cracking or crazing. * Composition: Hydrated silica (SiO₂·nH₂O). * Sources: Australia is the primary source of most of the world's opals.
Other October Stones: * Tourmaline: Known as the "rainbow gemstone," tourmaline occurs in a wider range of colors than any other gemstone. Pink tourmaline was added as an alternative for October in 1952. It symbolizes creativity and love.
November: Topaz
Topaz is the birthstone for November. While it is most commonly associated with a rich, sherry-yellow or orange color, it is actually available in a wide variety of colors, including blue, pink, and purple.
Symbolism and Lore: Topaz symbolizes loyalty. It is also associated with love, affection, and strength. The ancient Greeks believed topaz had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency.
Gemological Properties: * Color: Yellow, orange, brown, blue, pink, and colorless. * Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a very durable gemstone. * Chemical Composition: Aluminum Silicate (Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂). * Sources: Brazil is a major source of topaz. Other sources include Sri Lanka, Russia, and Nigeria.
Other November Stones: * Citrine: A variety of quartz known for its yellow to orange-brown color, citrine was added as an alternative birthstone for November in 1952. It is often called the "healing quartz" and is associated with prosperity and success.
December: Tanzanite
December has three official birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. The most modern of these is tanzanite, a vibrant blue-to-purple variety of the mineral zoisite.
Symbolism and Lore: Tanzanite symbolizes protection, healing, and wisdom. It is a relatively new discovery, first found in Tanzania in the 1960s. Its rapid rise to prominence makes it a symbol of modern gemology and the ever-evolving world of precious stones.
Gemological Properties: * Color: Vibrant blue and violet hues. The color is often enhanced by heat treatment. * Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. * Chemical Composition: Calcium Aluminum Hydroxyl Silicate (Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)). * Sources: Found exclusively in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Other December Stones: * Turquoise: An opaque, sky-blue to greenish-blue mineral that has been prized for millennia. It is known for its protective qualities and is associated with healing and wisdom. * Zircon: A gemstone known for its brilliance and fire, zircon is the oldest mineral on Earth. Blue zircon is the most popular color for the December birthstone. It is associated with prosperity and honor.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewelry. The appropriate cleaning and handling methods depend directly on the gemstone's hardness, toughness, and stability.
- Hard Stones (Hardness 8-10): Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are very durable and can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. They are resistant to scratching by most other materials.
- Medium-Hard Stones (Hardness 6.5-7.5): Garnets, amethysts, aquamarines, peridots, and topazes are generally durable enough for regular wear but can be scratched by harder stones. They can be cleaned using the same gentle method.
- Soft or Porous Stones (Hardness below 6.5): Pearls, opals, and turquoise require special care. They are susceptible to scratches and damage from chemicals, heat, and sudden temperature changes. Clean them with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. Pearls should be wiped down after each wear to remove body oils.
Conclusion
The birthstone chart is a rich and multifaceted guide that connects us to a tradition spanning millennia. From the ancient symbolism of the Breastplate of Aaron to the standardized lists of the modern jewelry industry, these gems tell a story of cultural evolution, geological wonder, and personal meaning. Each stone, from the fiery passion of July's ruby to the serene wisdom of March's aquamarine, offers a unique combination of beauty, durability, and significance. Whether chosen for a birthday gift, a personal talisman, or simply an appreciation of its natural splendor, a birthstone provides a tangible link to the history of the Earth and the enduring human desire for meaning and connection. The official chart, with its blend of traditional and modern stones, ensures that this timeless tradition remains vibrant and accessible for generations to come.