A birthstone chart is a comprehensive visual guide that displays the official gemstones associated with each month of the year. These precious and semi-precious stones have been linked to birth months for centuries, carrying deep cultural significance and symbolic meanings. This article serves as a definitive reference, exploring the traditional and modern birthstones for each month, their gemological properties, historical lore, and symbolic associations. By examining the standardized charts and the meanings attributed to each gem, we can appreciate the rich tapestry of tradition and science that defines the world of birthstones.
The modern birthstone list, largely standardized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America), provides a clear guide for consumers and enthusiasts. However, many months also feature traditional or alternative stones that offer a wider range of choices in color, symbolism, and affordability. This guide will navigate these options, providing a detailed look at the gemstones that mark the passage of the year.
The Historical Framework of Birthstones
The association of gemstones with specific months is a tradition with ancient roots. Scholars trace its origins to the breastplate of Aaron described in the Book of Exodus, which featured twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Later, in the first century AD, the historian Josephus linked these twelve stones to the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve months of the year. This connection between the stones, the stars, and the calendar laid the groundwork for the modern concept of birthstones.
While the exact correspondence between stones and months has evolved over time, the core idea has remained: that a gemstone possesses unique energies and qualities that are particularly potent for the individual born in its corresponding month. The 1912 standardization by the National Association of Jewelers brought much-needed consistency to the industry, creating a list that is largely still in use today. This list balances historical precedent with commercial availability, ensuring that each month has a recognized gemstone that is both beautiful and durable enough for jewelry. The following sections will explore each month's birthstones in detail, drawing from established charts and gemological references.
January: Garnet
Garnet is the primary birthstone for January. It is most commonly associated with a deep, rich red color, though garnets actually occur in a wide range of hues, including orange, yellow, green, and even colorless varieties. The name "garnet" is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning "seed," due to the gem's resemblance to the red seeds of a pomegranate. Its hardness on the Mohs scale ranges from 6.5 to 7.5, making it a durable stone suitable for various types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants.
Symbolically, garnet has long been associated with friendship, trust, and protection. Historically, it was worn by travelers as a talisman against injury and was believed to ward off nightmares and poison. In terms of its meaning, sources indicate it represents "constancy." The deep red color has also been linked to passion, love, and vitality. While garnet is the traditional and modern birthstone for January, no alternative stones are commonly listed in standard birthstone charts for this month, solidifying its position as the definitive January gem.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, a variety of quartz, is the birthstone for February. It is renowned for its stunning purple color, which can range from light lavender to deep violet. The color is caused by trace amounts of iron and natural irradiation. Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively durable gemstone, though it can be susceptible to fading if exposed to prolonged strong sunlight. Its clarity is typically excellent, with few inclusions.
Amethyst is steeped in lore and symbolism. It is traditionally associated with peace, protection, and tranquility. Ancient Greeks believed amethyst could prevent intoxication, and its name is derived from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not drunk." It is also linked to sincerity and spiritual awareness. In some historical contexts, it was considered a gem of royalty, valued for its rich color and believed properties. The stone's calming purple hue is often connected to clarity of mind and emotional balance, making it a popular choice for those seeking serenity.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March offers two birthstones: the modern choice, aquamarine, and the traditional alternative, bloodstone. Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, prized for its clear, light blue to blue-green color, reminiscent of seawater. Its color can vary in intensity, with the most valued shades being a deep, vivid blue. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is a hard and durable gem, ideal for rings and other jewelry that withstand daily wear. It is often found with good clarity, allowing for brilliant faceted cuts.
Symbolically, aquamarine is linked to courage, honesty, and loyalty. Sailors historically wore it as a talisman for safe passage across stormy seas, believing it offered protection and ensured a safe voyage. Its name, derived from the Latin for "sea water," directly connects it to the ocean's calming and powerful nature. The stone is also associated with clear communication and emotional release.
Bloodstone, the traditional March birthstone, is a dark green chalcedony (a variety of quartz) with distinctive red inclusions of iron oxide or jasper, which resemble drops of blood. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Bloodstone carries a different symbolism, historically associated with courage, strength, and vitality. It was believed to have healing properties and was used in amulets for protection and to stop bleeding, which gave rise to its name.
April: Diamond
Diamond, the birthstone for April, is one of the most famous and coveted gemstones in the world. It is composed of pure carbon and is the hardest known natural material, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. While most commonly associated with a colorless (clear) appearance, diamonds can also occur in a spectrum of fancy colors, including yellow, brown, pink, and blue. Their brilliance and fire are unparalleled, resulting from their high refractive index and exceptional light dispersion.
The symbolism of the diamond is profound and enduring. It is universally associated with love, purity, strength, and innocence. Its remarkable hardness makes it a powerful symbol of enduring commitment and invincibility. Historically, diamonds were believed to have healing powers and to bring clarity and balance to the wearer. The diamond's association with April solidifies its status as a classic and timeless gemstone, perfect for engagements and milestone celebrations. The traditional alternative listed for April is rock crystal, a colorless form of quartz, which offers a more affordable option with similar clarity but significantly less hardness and brilliance.
May: Emerald and Chrysoprase
May is represented by two distinct gemstones: the modern emerald and the traditional chrysoprase. Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, prized for its vivid green color, which is caused by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. The most valuable emeralds exhibit a deep, saturated green with a slightly bluish undertone. Emeralds typically have a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, similar to aquamarine. However, they almost always contain inclusions (internal features), which are often accepted as part of the stone's character and are sometimes referred to as "jardin" (French for garden).
Emerald has been cherished for millennia, with its lore dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was a symbol of fertility and rebirth. It is associated with rebirth, love, and wisdom. The stone is also linked to successful love and domestic bliss, and it was believed to grant the wearer foresight and good fortune. Its rich green color is universally connected to spring, growth, and vitality.
Chrysoprase, the traditional birthstone for May, is a variety of chalcedony (a type of quartz) that gets its apple-green color from nickel inclusions. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Chrysoprase is known for its translucent to opaque appearance and is often polished into cabochons. Symbolically, it is associated with happiness, love, and truth. It was historically believed to promote joy and to help the wearer see clearly, both literally and metaphorically.
June: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
June is unique in having three birthstones: the modern pearl, along with the traditional alternatives alexandrite and moonstone. Pearls are organic gems, formed within the soft tissue of mollusks like oysters and mussels. They are not mined but harvested, and their color is typically white or cream, though they can occur in shades of pink, silver, and even black. Pearls are relatively soft, with a hardness of only 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, making them susceptible to scratches and requiring careful handling.
Pearls have been symbols of purity, innocence, and faith for centuries. In many cultures, they represent wisdom gained through experience and are associated with the moon. Their organic origin gives them a unique place in the world of gemstones, and they have been treasured by royalty and the elite throughout history.
Alexandrite, a variety of chrysoberyl, is famous for its remarkable color-changing ability, appearing green in daylight and red or purple under incandescent light. It is a very hard gem, scoring 8.5 on the Mohs scale, and is relatively rare, especially in larger sizes. Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s, it was named after the future Tsar Alexander II. Its symbolism is linked to good fortune, prosperity, and balance, and it is sometimes called an "emerald by day, ruby by night."
Moonstone, a variety of the feldspar mineral orthoclase, exhibits a captivating blue or white sheen (adularescence) that moves across its surface as the stone is rotated. It has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Moonstone is deeply connected to lunar mythology and is associated with intuition, dreams, and emotional balance. It is believed to bring good fortune and is a symbol of new beginnings and love.
July: Ruby and Carnelian
July's primary birthstone is ruby, one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones. A ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide) that is red in color; the presence of chromium is what gives it its vibrant hue. The most prized rubies exhibit a deep, vivid red with a slight bluish undertone, often referred to as "pigeon's blood." Ruby is exceptionally hard and durable, scoring 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond. It is a gemstone of choice for jewelry that will be worn daily, such as engagement rings.
The ruby has long been associated with passion, protection, and prosperity. Its intense red color is linked to love, vitality, and power. In many ancient cultures, rubies were considered the "king of gems" and were believed to possess the power to warn their owners of danger by changing color. They were also thought to promote health, wealth, and wisdom.
Carnelian, the traditional alternative for July, is a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony (a type of quartz). Its color ranges from pale orange to deep reddish-brown, caused by iron oxide inclusions. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Carnelian has been used since ancient times in jewelry and amulets. It is associated with boldness, confidence, and creativity. Historically, it was believed to ward off evil thoughts and inspire courage and motivation.
August: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
August offers three birthstones: the modern peridot, and the traditional alternatives spinel and sardonyx. Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. Its distinctive lime-green color is caused by its iron content and is not found in any other gemstone. Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for most types of jewelry, though it requires care to avoid scratches. It is often found in large crystals and can be sourced from volcanic deposits.
Peridot is associated with strength, good fortune, and peace. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it protected against nightmares and evil spirits. Its green color is linked to nature, growth, and renewal. Peridot is also believed to bring prosperity and happiness to the wearer.
Spinel, a magnesium aluminum oxide, has been mistaken for ruby for centuries due to its vibrant red color. However, spinel occurs in a wide range of colors, including pink, blue, and black. It is very hard and durable, scoring 8 on the Mohs scale, and is often found in large, clean crystals. Spinel is associated with revitalization and energy, and it is believed to help overcome lethargy and restore a sense of well-being.
Sardonyx is a variety of onyx, composed of alternating layers of sard and onyx (both chalcedony). It typically features bands of reddish-brown and black or white. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, it has been used for cameos and intaglios since ancient times. Sardonyx is associated with courage, happiness, and clear communication. It was historically believed to bring stability and protection to marriages and partnerships.
September: Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli
September is represented by the modern sapphire and the traditional lapis lazuli. Sapphire is a variety of corundum, prized for its deep blue color, which is caused by trace amounts of iron and titanium. While blue is the most famous color, sapphires also occur in a spectrum of other colors (known as "fancy sapphires"), except red (which is a ruby). Sapphire is exceptionally hard and durable, scoring 9 on the Mohs scale, making it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry.
Sapphire is a stone of wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Its deep blue color is associated with the sky and the heavens, and it has been worn by royalty and clergy for centuries. It is believed to promote truth, sincerity, and mental clarity, and to protect against envy and harm.
Lapis Lazuli, the traditional September birthstone, is not a single mineral but a rock composed primarily of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. Its intense, ultramarine blue color has been prized since antiquity. Lapis lazuli has a hardness of 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, making it softer and more suitable for beads, cabochons, and ornamental objects rather than rings. It is associated with wisdom, truth, and royalty. In ancient Egypt, it was used for jewelry and cosmetics, and it was a favorite of Renaissance painters, who ground it into ultramarine pigment for their masterpieces.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
October's birthstones are opal and tourmaline. Opal is an amorphous form of silica, meaning it lacks a crystalline structure. It is renowned for its unique "play-of-color," a phenomenon where flashes of spectral color appear as the stone is moved. Opal's hardness ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and it is relatively fragile, with a high water content (up to 21%), making it susceptible to cracking if exposed to rapid temperature changes or dehydration.
Opal is associated with hope, creativity, and innocence. Its ever-changing colors have inspired countless myths and legends. In the Middle Ages, it was considered a stone of good luck and was believed to possess the powers of all colored stones. Its symbolism is tied to inspiration, imagination, and emotional expression.
Tourmaline, the alternative October birthstone, is a complex boron silicate mineral that occurs in a wider variety of colors than any other gemstone. It can be found in virtually every hue, from pink and red to green, blue, and black. Tourmaline has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for most jewelry. It is also known for its unique electrical properties, as it can generate an electrical charge when heated or pressured. Symbolically, tourmaline is associated with protection, healing, and creativity. Different colors of tourmaline are believed to have specific properties; for example, pink tourmaline is linked to love, while black tourmaline is thought to be a powerful grounding stone.
November: Topaz and Citrine
November is represented by topaz (specifically imperial topaz) and citrine. Topaz is a silicate mineral that occurs in a variety of colors, but the most prized is the rich golden-orange to pinkish-orange known as imperial topaz. Its hardness is 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a very durable gemstone. Topaz is often associated with love, affection, and strength. Its warm, sunny color is believed to bring joy, generosity, and abundance. Historically, it was thought to have cooling properties and to ward off madness.
Citrine, the alternative November birthstone, is a variety of quartz that ranges from pale yellow to brownish-orange. Its color is caused by traces of iron. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, it is a durable and affordable gem. Citrine is known as the "merchant's stone" and is associated with prosperity, success, and good fortune. It is also believed to carry the warmth and energy of the sun, promoting positivity, clarity, and self-confidence.
December: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
December offers three birthstones: the modern tanzanite, and the traditional alternatives turquoise and zircon. Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, prized for its stunning violet-blue to blue-purple color. It was first discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s, hence its name. Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, but it is relatively brittle and prone to cleavage, requiring careful cutting and setting. Its color is often enhanced by heat treatment.
Tanzanite is associated with transformation, intuition, and spiritual awareness. Its unique color is believed to promote a higher consciousness and to help the wearer communicate more effectively.
Turquoise, a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, is one of the oldest known gemstones. Its distinctive sky-blue to greenish-blue color is caused by copper. Turquoise has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft. It is often found in matrix (host rock) and is usually cut as a cabochon. Turquoise is a stone of protection, healing, and wisdom. It has been revered by ancient Egyptian, Persian, and Native American cultures for its supposed power to bring good fortune and to guard against negative energy.
Zircon is a silicate mineral that occurs in a variety of colors, but the most popular for jewelry is the blue variety, which is often heat-treated to achieve its vivid hue. Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth and has a high refractive index, giving it exceptional brilliance and fire. It is very hard, scoring 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Zircon is associated with wisdom, prosperity, and honor. It is believed to bring peace and to help the wearer achieve their goals.
Care and Cleaning of Birthstones
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewelry. The durability of a gemstone, primarily determined by its hardness on the Mohs scale and its cleavage properties, dictates the appropriate cleaning and storage methods.
- Hard Stones (Mohs 8-10): Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are the hardest and most durable. They can be cleaned with warm soapy water, a soft brush, and even ultrasonic cleaners (except for stones with fractures). They are resistant to scratching by everyday materials.
- Medium-Hard Stones (Mohs 6.5-7.5): This group includes garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, topaz, citrine, peridot, and tanzanite. These stones are generally durable but can be scratched by harder materials. They are safe for warm soapy water and soft brushes. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe but should be used with caution for tanzanite due to its brittleness. Avoid steam cleaners for tanzanite.
- Softer Stones and Organics (Mohs below 6.5): Pearls, opals, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and moonstone require gentle care. Clean them with a damp, soft cloth only; avoid chemicals, detergents, and ultrasonic cleaners. Store them separately to prevent scratches. Pearls and opals are particularly sensitive to dehydration and should be kept away from heat and extreme dryness.
- General Care: Always remove jewelry before engaging in activities like sports, gardening, or heavy manual work. Store gemstones separately in soft-lined compartments to prevent them from rubbing against each other. Have your jewelry inspected by a professional periodically to ensure settings are secure.
Conclusion
The tradition of birthstones offers a beautiful and meaningful way to connect with the natural world and with personal identity. From the deep red of January's garnet to the vibrant blue of December's tanzanite, each gemstone carries a unique story of geological formation, historical significance, and symbolic meaning. This guide, based on established birthstone charts, provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional and modern gems for each month, along with their key properties and lore. Whether chosen for their beauty, their symbolic power, or their connection to a specific month, birthstones remain a cherished part of gemological and cultural heritage, offering a timeless link between the earth, the heavens, and the human experience.