The practice of assigning specific gemstones to each month of the year, known as birthstones, is a tradition that blends ancient lore, historical commerce, and modern jewelry trends. While the concept of birthstones has roots in the breastplate of the High Priest of ancient Israel, as described in the Book of Exodus, the standardized lists used today are primarily a product of the 20th century. The modern birthstone chart, widely adopted by the American gemological industry, provides a specific gem for each month, offering a clear guide for those seeking personalized jewelry. However, historical and traditional lists often differ, introducing alternative stones that carry their own rich histories and meanings. This article explores the complete spectrum of monthly birthstones, detailing their properties, historical contexts, and the evolution of these symbolic gems, drawing exclusively from the provided gemological and historical sources.
The Evolution of Birthstone Lists
The journey from a single, biblically-inspired list to the multiple modern charts in use today is a story of commercial adaptation and cultural preference. The earliest known connection between gemstones and months dates back to the 1st century AD, with the writings of Josephus, who linked the twelve stones of the Aaron's breastplate to the twelve tribes of Israel and, by extension, to the twelve signs of the zodiac. This tradition was further solidified in the 8th and 9th centuries, with the development of the "Traditional Birthstone" list, which associated a specific gem with each month. This list was largely based on the stones mentioned in historical and religious texts, often reflecting the gems available in the ancient world.
The 20th century brought a significant shift. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers (now known as the Jewelers of America) convened to standardize a list for the American market. This effort resulted in the "Modern Birthstone" list, which aimed to align birthstones with commercially available and popular gemstones of the time. The goal was to create a consistent guide for jewelers and consumers, ensuring that each month had a readily available, durable, and attractive gem. This list has been updated several times since, most notably in 1952 and 2002, to include newly popular gems like tanzanite for December. Today, consumers often draw from both the traditional and modern lists, choosing stones that resonate personally, whether for their historical significance, aesthetic appeal, or perceived metaphysical properties.
Monthly Birthstones: A Detailed Overview
The following sections provide a detailed examination of the gemstones assigned to each month, covering both the modern and traditional selections where they differ. This comprehensive guide is based on the standardized lists recognized by gemological authorities.
January: Garnet
Modern and Traditional Birthstone: Garnet Garnet is the designated birthstone for January, a gem celebrated for its deep, rich red hues. However, the garnet family is remarkably diverse, encompassing a wide range of colors beyond the classic crimson. Garnets can be found in vibrant oranges, greens, and even rare blues. This variety makes garnet a versatile and popular choice for jewelry. Historically, garnets were worn by ancient warriors as protective talismans and were believed to ward off nightmares and protect against poison. The name "garnet" is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning pomegranate, a reference to the seed-like crystals found in the mineral almandine, the most common garnet variety.
February: Amethyst
Modern and Traditional Birthstone: Amethyst February’s birthstone is the captivating amethyst, a variety of quartz known for its regal purple color. The color ranges from pale lavender to deep violet, with the most valued hues being a rich, saturated purple. Amethyst was once considered as valuable as ruby and emerald, but the discovery of large deposits in Brazil during the 19th century made it more accessible. In ancient times, amethyst was associated with sobriety and was often carved into drinking vessels to prevent intoxication. The name comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not intoxicated." Today, it remains a symbol of peace, courage, and stability.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
Modern Birthstone: Aquamarine Traditional Birthstone: Bloodstone March is unique in having two distinct birthstones. The modern choice is aquamarine, a pale blue to blue-green variety of the mineral beryl. Its name is derived from the Latin for "sea water," reflecting its tranquil oceanic hues. Aquamarine is prized for its clarity and is often heat-treated to enhance its color. Historically, sailors believed aquamarine provided protection against storms and ensured a safe voyage. It is also associated with eternal youth and happiness.
The traditional birthstone for March is bloodstone, also known as heliotrope. This opaque, dark green chalcedony (a variety of quartz) is distinguished by red spots of iron oxide, which were thought to resemble the blood of Christ, giving it its name. Bloodstone has a long history as a talisman for courage and healing, often used in signet rings and intaglios in ancient times.
April: Diamond
Modern and Traditional Birthstone: Diamond Diamond, the ultimate symbol of enduring love and clarity, is the birthstone for April. As the hardest known natural substance (10 on the Mohs scale), diamond is composed of pure carbon arranged in a crystal lattice. Its exceptional hardness and high refractive index give it unparalleled brilliance and fire. While diamonds are most famous for their colorless state, they also occur in a spectrum of "fancy" colors, including yellow, pink, and blue. The tradition of associating diamonds with April is relatively modern, solidifying in the 20th century. Historically, diamonds were believed to have healing properties and were thought to be invincible, a belief that stemmed from their unmatched durability.
May: Emerald
Modern and Traditional Birthstone: Emerald Emerald, the vibrant green variety of the mineral beryl, is the birthstone for May. Its captivating color is due to trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. The finest emeralds exhibit a deep, vivid green with a slight bluish undertone, often with a characteristic "jardin" (garden) of inclusions that are accepted as part of its character. Emeralds have been treasured for millennia, with the oldest known mines in Egypt dating back to 330 BC. Cleopatra was famously fond of emeralds, and they were a symbol of royalty and rebirth in many ancient cultures. The name "emerald" comes from the Greek word smaragdus, meaning "green gem."
June: Pearl and Alexandrite
Modern Birthstone: Alexandrite Traditional Birthstone: Pearl June offers a choice between two gems with distinct origins and appearances. The traditional birthstone is the pearl, an organic gem produced by mollusks. Unlike other gemstones, pearls are formed within living organisms, making them unique. They are prized for their lustrous, iridescent surface and come in a range of colors, including white, cream, pink, and black. Pearls have been associated with purity, innocence, and the moon for centuries.
The modern birthstone for June is alexandrite, a rare variety of chrysoberyl known for its dramatic color change. In daylight, it appears as a soft green to bluish-green, while under incandescent light, it shifts to a vibrant red to purple. This phenomenon, known as the "alexandrite effect," was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 and was named after the future Tsar Alexander II. Alexandrite is associated with balance, joy, and good fortune.
July: Ruby
Modern and Traditional Birthstone: Ruby Ruby, the fiery red variety of the mineral corundum, is the birthstone for July. Its color is due to the presence of chromium, which produces the most sought-after "pigeon's blood" red—a vivid, slightly purplish red. Ruby is one of the four precious gemstones, alongside diamond, sapphire, and emerald. It has been revered since antiquity, with ancient Hindu texts referring to it as ratnaraj, or "king of gems." Rubies were believed to bring peace, health, and prosperity. The most famous sources of rubies are the mines of Myanmar (Burma), which have produced gems of unparalleled quality for centuries.
August: Peridot and Spinel
Modern Birthstone: Peridot (and Spinel) Traditional Birthstone: Sardonyx August is another month with multiple options. The primary modern birthstone is peridot, a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. Peridot is known for its distinct olive-green color, which is caused by its iron content. Unlike many other gemstones, peridot is found only in one color family, though the hue can vary from yellow-green to brownish-green. It is one of the few gems that occurs in a single color. Peridot has been mined for over 3,500 years, with the largest known deposits found in Egypt. The ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun," believing it had protective powers against evil spirits.
In 2016, the American Gem Trade Association added spinel as an additional birthstone for August. Spinel, often mistaken for ruby, occurs in a wide range of colors, including vibrant reds, pinks, blues, and purples. The most famous historical spinel is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a large red spinel that has been part of the British Crown Jewels for centuries.
The traditional birthstone for August is sardonyx, a banded variety of chalcedony (a quartz mineral) composed of layers of sard (a brownish-red variety) and onyx (black). Sardonyx was popular in ancient Rome for signet rings, as wax did not stick to it.
September: Sapphire
Modern and Traditional Birthstone: Sapphire Sapphire, the blue variety of the mineral corundum, is the birthstone for September. While sapphire is most famous for its cornflower blue color, it actually occurs in every color except red (which is classified as ruby). The most prized blue sapphires have a velvety, rich blue with a slight violet undertone. The color is caused by trace amounts of iron and titanium. Sapphires have been associated with royalty, wisdom, and divine favor for millennia. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that sapphires protected their wearers from envy and harm. The most renowned sapphire sources include Kashmir, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, each producing gems with distinct characteristics.
October: Tourmaline and Opal
Modern Birthstone: Tourmaline Traditional Birthstone: Opal October is associated with two of the most colorful gemstones. The modern birthstone is tourmaline, a complex mineral group known as the "rainbow gemstone." Tourmaline exhibits an unparalleled range of colors, from deep blacks and vibrant pinks to electric greens and blues. Some specimens even display multiple colors in a single crystal, a phenomenon known as "watermelon" tourmaline. The name "tourmaline" comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning "mixed gems." This gem is associated with creativity, inspiration, and protection.
The traditional birthstone for October is opal, a non-crystalline silica gem renowned for its play-of-color—the dazzling flashes of spectral color that appear as the stone is moved. Opal is the only gem that can display this effect, which is caused by the diffraction of light through a microscopic lattice of silica spheres. Opals are typically found in a milky white body color (white opal) or a dark body color (black opal). Opal has a rich history and is associated with hope, purity, and truth. However, it is also one of the most delicate gemstones, ranking only 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and requires careful handling.
November: Topaz and Citrine
Modern Birthstone: Citrine (and Golden Topaz) Traditional Birthstone: Topaz November’s birthstones are both varieties of quartz, though they differ in color and historical association. The traditional birthstone is topaz, specifically the golden-yellow variety. Topaz is a silicate mineral that is naturally colorless, but it can be treated with heat to produce a range of colors, including blue, pink, and yellow. The most valuable topaz is the Imperial Topaz, a rich orange-pink to reddish-orange hue. Historically, topaz was believed to have cooling properties and could ward off madness and asthma.
The modern birthstone for November is citrine, the yellow to red-orange variety of crystalline quartz. Citrine’s warm hues are caused by traces of iron. It is a durable and readily available gem, making it a popular choice for modern jewelry. Citrine is often associated with healing, happiness, and prosperity. Notably, much of the citrine on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz, which changes their color to the desired yellow and orange tones.
December: Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Lapis Lazuli
Modern Birthstones: Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, and Tanzanite Traditional Birthstones: Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli December has the most birthstone options, reflecting the month's festive and wintery colors. The modern list includes blue topaz, blue zircon, and tanzanite. Blue topaz, ranging from pale sky blue to deep Swiss blue, is typically produced by irradiating and heating colorless topaz. Blue zircon, not to be confused with cubic zirconia, is a natural gem that can be heat-treated to achieve a bright blue color. It is known for its high refractive index and strong fire. Tanzanite, a relatively new gem discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s, is a variety of zoisite prized for its vivid violet-blue hue, which is often enhanced by heat treatment.
The traditional birthstones for December are turquoise and lapis lazuli. Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral (a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum) that has been used for jewelry and ornamentation for over 5,000 years. It is one of the oldest known gemstones, revered by ancient Egyptian, Persian, and Native American cultures for its protective qualities. Lapis lazuli is a deep blue, semi-precious stone composed of multiple minerals, including lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. Its intense blue color has made it a symbol of royalty, truth, and wisdom since antiquity, famously used in the funeral mask of Tutankhamun and as a pigment for Renaissance paintings.
Gemological Properties and Care
Understanding the physical properties of birthstones is crucial for their proper care and longevity. The hardness of a gem, measured on the Mohs scale, indicates its resistance to scratching. For example, diamond (Mohs 10), sapphire (Mohs 9), and ruby (Mohs 9) are exceptionally durable and suitable for everyday wear in rings. In contrast, softer stones like opal (Mohs 5.5-6.5), turquoise (Mohs 5-6), and pearls (Mohs 2.5-4.5) require more careful handling and are better suited for earrings or pendants.
Many gemstones, including topaz, sapphire, and ruby, can be treated to enhance their color and clarity. Heat treatment is a common and accepted practice in the gem trade for stones like sapphire and ruby. Irradiation is used to change the color of topaz to blue. Disclosure of these treatments is a standard ethical practice, and reputable jewelers will provide this information.
Cleaning birthstones requires consideration of their hardness and potential inclusions. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are generally safe for hard, durable gems like diamond, sapphire, and ruby but can damage softer or included stones. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are the safest method for most gemstones. Pearls and opals are particularly sensitive to chemicals and heat, so they should be cleaned with a damp cloth only.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Beyond their physical beauty, birthstones carry deep symbolic meanings that have evolved over centuries. These associations often stem from ancient beliefs, religious texts, and folklore. For instance, garnet was believed to provide protection in the afterlife, while amethyst was thought to prevent intoxication. Emerald symbolized rebirth and fertility in ancient Egypt, and ruby was considered a symbol of passion and power in medieval Europe.
In modern times, the metaphysical properties of birthstones have gained popularity, with many believing that wearing one's birthstone can bring good fortune, health, and emotional balance. While these beliefs are not scientifically proven, they add a layer of personal significance to the gems. For example, aquamarine is associated with calmness and courage, while citrine is linked to joy and prosperity. The choice of a birthstone, whether based on tradition, modern lists, or personal preference, connects the wearer to a rich tapestry of human history and belief.
Conclusion
The tradition of birthstones is a fascinating intersection of geology, history, and culture. From the ancient breastplate of the High Priest to the standardized charts of the modern jewelry industry, these gems have been assigned profound meanings and protective qualities. Each month offers a unique gemstone or a choice between several, allowing for personal expression and connection to a timeless custom. Whether one is drawn to the fiery red of July’s ruby, the tranquil blue of September’s sapphire, or the iridescent play-of-color in October’s opal, birthstones provide a meaningful way to celebrate individuality and mark the passage of time. As we continue to appreciate these natural wonders, their legacy as symbols of identity, protection, and beauty endures.