Birthstones are a captivating and colorful introduction to the vast world of gemstones, appealing to enthusiasts, collectors, and gift-givers worldwide. These precious and semi-precious stones are linked to the months of the year, carrying deep cultural significance, historical lore, and unique symbolic meanings. The tradition, believed to have originated with the twelve gemstones on the breastplate of the High Priest of the Israelites as described in the Book of Exodus, has evolved over centuries. Today, we often have both traditional and modern lists, allowing for personal choice based on aesthetics, budget, or personal belief. This article explores the gemstones associated with each month, detailing their history, geological origins, gemological properties, and the symbolism that has made them enduring symbols of identity and personal expression.
The Evolution of Birthstone Lists
The concept of a birthstone for each month is not static; it has changed significantly over time. Initially, the connection between a month and a specific gem was based on the color of the stone rather than its mineral identity. For instance, in ancient times, there was no significant difference in meaning between a ruby and a garnet, as both were prized for their red hue. Furthermore, the names used historically may not correspond to the gemstones we know today. Historical evidence suggests that what was called "sapphire" was likely lapis lazuli, and "diamonds" were often white sapphire or white topaz.
The modern list of birthstones was largely standardized in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America), with updates made over the years to include newly discovered or popularized stones. This list provides a modern set of gems, while the traditional list often includes stones that were historically significant or more readily available. Today, many people freely choose between these lists, and jewelers continue to add options like spinel, citrine, and tanzanite to the modern chart. This flexibility allows for a personalized approach, where one might select a traditional stone for its historical resonance or a modern one for its vibrant color and accessibility.
January: Garnet
The birthstone for January is garnet, a silicate mineral group known for its remarkable diversity. While commonly associated with a deep, rich red, garnets can be found in almost every color of the spectrum, with blue garnets being the rarest and most notable discovery from the 1990s. The name "garnet" is derived from the early French word "grenate," meaning "seedy," due to the gem's resemblance to the color and shape of a pomegranate seed.
Gemological Properties: Garnet is a reasonably tough gemstone with a Mohs hardness rating of around 7, making it durable enough for everyday jewelry. It is composed of various silicate minerals, and its lustrous quality ranges from transparent to opaque. Most garnet species are not considered rare, making them an accessible choice for jewelry.
History and Lore: Garnet has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years. It is thought to keep the wearer safe during travel, a belief that has persisted through the ages. Symbolically, garnet represents constancy, friendship, trust, and protection. Its deep red color has long been associated with vitality and passion.
Care and Cleaning: With its hardness of 7, garnet is relatively resistant to scratches but can be prone to chipping if struck hard due to its lack of cleavage. It is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, the purple variety of quartz, is the birthstone for February. This gem ranges in color from pale lavender to a deep, royal violet. Once considered a rare and precious stone, amethyst was historically as valuable as ruby and emerald, but new discoveries have made it more affordable and widely available.
Gemological Properties: Amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7, similar to garnet, and is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Its color is primarily due to iron impurities and natural irradiation. While it is generally durable, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading in some amethyst varieties.
History and Lore: Amethyst is steeped in legend and practical beliefs. It was said to cure drunkenness and make the wearer quick-witted in business, a reference to its name's Greek roots, "amethystos," meaning "not intoxicated." Historically, only royalty could afford this gem, which was believed to strengthen relationships and give its wearer courage. Its key symbolic meaning is sincerity, and it is also associated with peace, protection, and tranquility.
Care and Cleaning: Amethyst is stable under normal wear but should be protected from prolonged direct sunlight to prevent color fading. Cleaning is straightforward with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is generally safe for ultrasonic cleaners, but steam cleaning is not recommended.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March is unique in having two traditional birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. The modern birthstone is aquamarine, a beautiful blue to blue-green variety of the mineral beryl. The traditional alternative is bloodstone, a dark green chalcedony with red inclusions of iron oxide.
Gemological Properties: Aquamarine has a high Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, making it an excellent choice for jewelry. It is a member of the beryl family, which also includes emerald, and its color ranges from pale to deep blue. Bloodstone, a form of quartz, has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. Its distinctive appearance comes from its green jasper base with red spots.
History and Lore: Aquamarine's name comes from the Latin for "sea water," and it has been associated with the sea for centuries. Sailors believed it offered protection against storms and seasickness. Symbolically, it represents courage, honesty, and loyalty. Bloodstone, with its red "blood" spots, was historically believed to have healing properties and was used in amulets for protection and vitality. It is also associated with courage and strength.
Care and Cleaning: Both stones are durable. Aquamarine can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is generally safe for ultrasonic cleaners but should be kept away from extreme heat. Bloodstone is also best cleaned with mild soap, water, and a soft brush, avoiding harsh chemicals.
April: Diamond
The diamond, the birthstone for April, is renowned for its unmatched brilliance and hardness. As the hardest known natural material (scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale), it is composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure. While most famous for its colorless forms, diamonds can occur in a range of colors, including yellow, brown, blue, green, pink, and red.
Gemological Properties: Diamond's exceptional hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) makes it extremely resistant to scratching. Its high refractive index and dispersion (fire) give it unparalleled sparkle. The chemical composition is pure carbon.
History and Lore: The diamond is a symbol of innocence, love, purity, and strength. Its name comes from the Greek "adamas," meaning "invincible," a testament to its durability. Historically, diamonds were believed to have supernatural powers and were worn by royalty and the elite. The tradition of using diamonds in engagement rings began in the 15th century, solidifying its association with enduring love.
Care and Cleaning: Diamond's extreme hardness makes it very durable, but it can be chipped if struck with significant force at its vulnerable points (like the culet or girdle). It is also oleophilic (oil-attracting), so it can lose its brilliance if not cleaned regularly. The best way to clean a diamond is with a solution of warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for diamonds, but caution is needed for diamonds with fractures or inclusions.
May: Emerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, is a vibrant green variety of the mineral beryl. Its captivating color comes from trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Emeralds are prized for their rich, deep green hues, though they often contain inclusions (internal characteristics) that are accepted as part of the stone's character.
Gemological Properties: Emerald has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, similar to aquamarine. However, it has poor toughness due to its frequent inclusions and natural fractures, making it more prone to chipping or cracking than other beryls. Its chemical formula is Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆, with the color derived from chromium (Cr) and/or vanadium (V).
History and Lore: Emerald has been a symbol of rebirth, love, and wisdom for millennia. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Incas, and Romans revered it for its beauty and supposed protective powers. Cleopatra was famously fond of emeralds. Symbolically, it represents happiness, rebirth, and wisdom. Its deep green color is associated with spring, renewal, and growth.
Care and Cleaning: Emeralds require careful handling due to their inclusions and fractures. They are sensitive to heat and sudden temperature changes. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as vibrations and heat can worsen existing fractures. Clean emeralds with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, and store them separately to avoid scratches from harder gems.
June: Pearl and Alexandrite
June is another month with multiple birthstones. The traditional birthstone is the pearl, an organic gem formed within mollusks. The modern alternative is alexandrite, a rare chrysoberyl known for its dramatic color change from green in daylight to red or purple in incandescent light.
Gemological Properties: * Pearl: Pearls have a very low hardness on the Mohs scale, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5, making them soft and easily scratched. They are composed of calcium carbonate (aragonite) and conchiolin, formed as concentric layers within oysters and other mollusks. * Alexandrite: Alexandrite is a very hard and durable gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 8.5. It is a variety of chrysoberyl (BeAl₂O₄) and is prized for its unique color-change phenomenon, caused by the presence of chromium.
History and Lore: Pearls have been symbols of purity, innocence, faith, and wealth for centuries. They have been treasured by royalty and are one of the few gems that do not require cutting or polishing to reveal their beauty. Alexandrite, discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s, was named after Tsar Alexander II. Its red and green colors mirrored the old imperial Russian military colors, making it a national gem. It symbolizes joy, balance, and good fortune.
Care and Cleaning: Pearls are highly sensitive to chemicals, including acids, perfumes, and hairsprays. They should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Clean them with a soft, damp cloth; never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals. Alexandrite is more durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is generally safe for ultrasonic cleaners.
July: Ruby
The birthstone for July is the ruby, a vibrant red variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide). Its color, ranging from pinkish-red to a deep, blood-red, is caused by the presence of chromium. The finest rubies, known for their "pigeon's blood" red, are among the most valuable gemstones in the world.
Gemological Properties: Ruby is extremely hard and durable, with a Mohs hardness of 9, second only to diamond. Its chemical composition is Al₂O₃, with chromium (Cr) providing the red color. Rubies can exhibit a range of inclusions, and their value is heavily influenced by color, followed by clarity, cut, and carat weight.
History and Lore: Ruby has long been associated with passion, protection, prosperity, and freedom. In many cultures, it is considered the "king of gems" and is believed to bring good fortune and health. Historically, rubies were worn by warriors for protection in battle and by royalty to symbolize power and wealth. Its deep red color has made it a timeless symbol of love and vitality.
Care and Cleaning: With a hardness of 9, ruby is exceptionally resistant to scratching and is suitable for everyday wear in jewelry. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are generally safe for rubies, but caution is advised if the stone has significant inclusions or fractures.
August: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
August offers a trio of birthstones: the modern peridot, the traditional sardonyx, and the alternative spinel. Peridot, a lime-green variety of olivine, is the primary modern choice.
Gemological Properties: * Peridot: Peridot has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7. It is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color—various shades of green. Its chemical composition is (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄, and its color comes from iron. * Spinel: Spinel is a durable gem with a hardness of 8. It comes in a wide range of colors, including red, blue, pink, and black. The red variety can closely resemble ruby. * Sardonyx: Sardonyx is a banded variety of chalcedony (a form of quartz) with a hardness of 6.5 to 7. It features alternating layers of sard (brownish-red) and onyx (black or white).
History and Lore: Peridot is associated with strength, good fortune, and peace. It was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring happiness. Ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. Spinel, often mistaken for ruby, has its own history; the famous "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British Imperial State Crown is actually a red spinel. It symbolizes revitalization and hope. Sardonyx, an ancient gem, was used for seals and signets in Roman times and is believed to bring courage and protection.
Care and Cleaning: Peridot, with its moderate hardness, should be protected from scratches and blows. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. Spinel is very durable and can be cleaned with standard methods, including ultrasonic cleaners. Sardonyx, like other chalcedony, is relatively tough but should be cleaned with mild soap and water.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a variety of corundum known for its brilliant blue color, though it can occur in every color except red (which is ruby). The most prized sapphires are those with a rich, velvety blue hue, often from Kashmir or Burma.
Gemological Properties: Sapphire is one of the hardest and most durable gemstones, with a Mohs hardness of 9. Its chemical composition is Al₂O₃, with trace elements like iron and titanium contributing to its blue color. Sapphires can also display a phenomenon called asterism (star sapphire) when cut as a cabochon.
History and Lore: Sapphire is a symbol of wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. It has been associated with the heavens and divine favor. Historically, it was worn by clergy and royalty as a symbol of purity and was believed to protect the wearer from envy and harm. Its deep blue color is often linked to truth, faith, and tranquility.
Care and Cleaning: Like ruby, sapphire is extremely hard and durable, making it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water, a soft brush, and is generally safe for ultrasonic and steam cleaning.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
October has two birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Opal is famous for its play-of-color, a unique optical effect where flashes of spectral colors appear as the stone is moved. Tourmaline is known for its incredible range of colors, often called the "rainbow gemstone."
Gemological Properties: * Opal: Opal has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 and is composed of hydrated silica. It is not a crystalline mineral but a mineraloid. Its structure makes it sensitive to heat and rapid temperature changes, and it can be prone to cracking (a condition known as "crazing"). * Tourmaline: Tourmaline is a hard and durable group of minerals with a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5. It has a complex chemical composition, with various trace elements causing its wide color spectrum.
History and Lore: Both opal and tourmaline are associated with hope, creativity, and innocence. Opal has been called the "Queen of Gems" for its kaleidoscopic colors. In ancient times, it was believed to contain the powers of all colored gems. Tourmaline has been used for centuries, with its name derived from the Sinhalese word "turmali," meaning "mixed gems." Different colors of tourmaline have been associated with various healing properties and emotional balance.
Care and Cleaning: Opal requires careful handling due to its sensitivity. It should be protected from blows, heat, and chemicals. Clean it with a soft, damp cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, and prolonged water immersion. Tourmaline is more durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is generally safe for ultrasonic cleaners, but caution is advised for stones with inclusions.
November: Topaz and Citrine
November's birthstones are topaz and citrine. Topaz, often associated with a golden yellow, can also be found in blue, pink, and other colors. Citrine is a yellow to orange variety of quartz.
Gemological Properties: * Topaz: Topaz is a hard and durable silicate mineral with a Mohs hardness of 8. Its chemical formula is Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂. The blue color in most blue topaz is achieved through irradiation and heat treatment of colorless topaz. * Citrine: Citrine, a variety of quartz, has a hardness of 7. Its yellow color is due to iron impurities. Natural citrine is relatively rare, and much of the citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst.
History and Lore: Both topaz and citrine are associated with love, affection, and strength. Topaz was historically believed to have cooling properties and to protect against disease. Its name may derive from the Greek "topazos," referring to an island in the Red Sea. Citrine, with its sunny hues, is called the "merchant's stone" and is believed to attract wealth and prosperity. It symbolizes loyalty and joy.
Care and Cleaning: Both topaz and citrine are durable and easy to care for. They can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe, but steam cleaning should be avoided for topaz, especially if it has been treated.
December: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
December offers a trio of birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. All are celebrated for their blue hues, though each has a distinct character.
Gemological Properties: * Tanzanite: A variety of the mineral zoisite, tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7. Its vivid blue-to-violet color is caused by vanadium and is often the result of heat treatment. It is found only in Tanzania. * Turquoise: An opaque, blue-to-green mineral (hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum), turquoise has a hardness of 5 to 6. It is often treated or stabilized to enhance its color and durability. * Zircon: Zircon is a zirconium silicate with a high Mohs hardness of 7.5. It should not be confused with cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant. Blue zircon is typically heat-treated to achieve its color.
History and Lore: These stones are associated with protection, healing, wisdom, and success. Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones known to humanity, revered by ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans as a protective talisman. Tanzanite, discovered in the 1960s, is a modern gem with a short but vibrant history, symbolizing new beginnings and vision. Zircon has been used since the Middle Ages and is believed to promote wisdom and honor. Its name is derived from the Persian "zargun," meaning gold-colored.
Care and Cleaning: All three stones require careful handling. * Tanzanite: With a hardness of 6.5-7, it is moderately durable but can be scratched. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam. * Turquoise: As a soft and porous stone, it is sensitive to chemicals, heat, and prolonged water exposure. Clean only with a soft, dry cloth; never use ultrasonic cleaners or steam. * Zircon: Zircon is relatively hard but can be brittle. It is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes.
Conclusion
The birthstones for each month offer a rich tapestry of geological wonder, historical significance, and symbolic meaning. From the durable brilliance of the diamond to the delicate play-of-color of opal, each gemstone tells a unique story. Whether chosen for their traditional lore, modern appeal, or personal significance, these stones connect us to ancient traditions and the natural world's incredible diversity. Understanding their properties, origins, and care requirements allows enthusiasts and wearers to appreciate these gems on a deeper level, ensuring their beauty and significance endure for generations.