A birthstone is more than a decorative gem; it is a piece of history, geology, and personal identity worn as jewelry. For centuries, cultures around the world have assigned specific gemstones to each month of the year, believing they offer protection, luck, and symbolic meaning to those born in that period. Today, these stones are celebrated in rings, necklaces, and bracelets, serving as personalized gifts and heirlooms. The tradition of birthstones has evolved, with modern lists often differing from ancient ones, yet the core appeal remains the same: a deep, personal connection to the natural world.
This article serves as a detailed reference for understanding the birthstones by month. It explores the historical and modern lists, delves into the unique properties and symbolism of each gem, and provides practical guidance for selection and care. By examining the data from authoritative sources, we can appreciate the fascinating journey of these stones from the earth to the jewelry box.
History and Lore: The Evolution of Birthstone Lists
The concept of birthstones is not a modern invention but a tradition with deep historical roots. The practice is widely believed to have originated from the Breastplate of Aaron, a ceremonial garment described in the Old Testament of the Bible. This breastplate was adorned with twelve different gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these gems became associated with the twelve signs of the zodiac and, eventually, the twelve months of the year.
The modern birthstone list, as many know it today, was standardized in the United States. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) convened to create an official list. This list was designed to provide clarity and consistency for both jewelers and consumers. The 1912 list included stones like garnet for January, amethyst for February, and diamond for April, which remain popular choices today. This list has been updated over the years, with additions such as tanzanite for December in 2002, reflecting the discovery of new gemstones and changing market preferences.
Alongside the modern list, traditional birthstones persist. These are often the gems that were historically associated with each month before the standardization. For example, while the modern birthstone for March is aquamarine, the traditional alternative is bloodstone. Similarly, October’s modern stone is tourmaline, but its traditional counterpart is opal. In the United States, jewelers and consumers often draw freely from both lists, choosing stones based on personal preference, availability, or cost. Some traditional stones, like turquoise or cultivated pearls, may be more readily available or less expensive than their modern counterparts, ensuring their continued popularity.
The journey from ancient belief to modern standardization highlights how birthstones have adapted to cultural and commercial changes. The lists are not static; they evolve as new gemstones are discovered and as global trade makes different gems more accessible. This dynamic history adds a layer of richness to the practice, connecting wearers to a tradition that spans millennia.
The Modern Birthstone Chart: A Month-by-Month Guide
The following chart presents the modern birthstones for each month, along with their traditional alternatives, key colors, symbolic meanings, and hardness on the Mohs scale. This table is compiled from the provided sources and serves as a quick reference for understanding the core characteristics of each gem.
| Month | Modern Birthstone | Traditional/Alternative | Color | Key Symbolism | Hardness (Mohs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | - | Deep Red | Friendship, Trust, Protection | 6.5-7.5 |
| February | Amethyst | - | Purple | Peace, Protection, Tranquility | 7 |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone | Light Blue | Courage, Honesty, Loyalty | 7.5-8 |
| April | Diamond | Rock Crystal | Clear/Colorless | Love, Purity, Strength | 10 |
| May | Emerald | Chrysoprase | Green | Rebirth, Love, Wisdom | 7.5-8 |
| June | Pearl | Alexandrite, Moonstone | White/Cream | Purity, Innocence, Faith | 2.5-4.5 |
| July | Ruby | Carnelian | Red | Passion, Protection, Prosperity | 9 |
| August | Peridot | Spinel, Sardonyx | Lime Green | Strength, Good Fortune, Peace | 6.5-7 |
| September | Sapphire | Lapis Lazuli | Blue | Wisdom, Loyalty, Nobility | 9 |
| October | Opal | Tourmaline | Multicolored | Hope, Creativity, Innocence | 5.5-6.5 |
| November | Topaz | Citrine | Yellow/Orange | Love, Affection, Strength | 8 |
| December | Tanzanite | Turquoise, Zircon | Blue/Purple | Protection, Healing, Wisdom | 6.5-7 |
Hardness is measured on the Mohs scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).
Gemological Properties and Symbolism
Each birthstone possesses a unique set of physical properties and symbolic meanings that contribute to its appeal. Understanding these characteristics helps in appreciating why a particular stone is chosen for a specific month.
January: Garnet
Garnet is the modern birthstone for January. While commonly associated with a deep red color, garnets are actually a group of silicate minerals that can be found in a wide range of colors, including green, orange, and even colorless varieties. The name "garnet" is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning "seed," due to its resemblance to the red seeds of a pomegranate. Its hardness ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gem suitable for everyday jewelry. Symbolically, garnet represents friendship, trust, and protection. It is believed to bring constancy and sincerity to relationships, making it a meaningful gift for loved ones.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a variety of quartz known for its stunning purple hue. The color can range from light lavender to deep violet, and its hardness is 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively resistant to scratching. Historically, amethyst was considered a precious stone, valued alongside diamonds and rubies, until large deposits were discovered in the 19th century. Its symbolism is deeply rooted in peace, protection, and tranquility. Amethyst is often associated with calming energies, believed to promote emotional balance and spiritual awareness. The stone's name comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not intoxicated," as ancient Greeks believed it could prevent drunkenness.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March, named from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (sea). This beryl mineral is prized for its serene blue-to-blue-green color, reminiscent of the ocean. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8, aquamarine is an excellent choice for jewelry that withstands daily wear. The traditional birthstone for March is bloodstone, a dark green chalcedony with red iron oxide inclusions. Aquamarine symbolizes courage, honesty, and loyalty. It has long been associated with sailors and travelers, believed to ensure safe passage across the seas and protect against storms. Its calming blue tones are also linked to emotional clarity and communication.
April: Diamond
Diamond, the ultimate symbol of love and purity, is the birthstone for April. As the hardest known natural material, with a Mohs hardness of 10, diamond is exceptionally durable and ideal for engagement rings and heirloom jewelry. While most famous for its colorless clarity, diamonds can occur in various colors, including yellow, blue, and pink. The traditional alternative for April is rock crystal, a clear variety of quartz. Diamond’s symbolism is powerful: it represents love, purity, and strength. Its unmatched brilliance and durability have made it a timeless emblem of enduring commitment and invincibility.
May: Emerald
Emerald, the green birthstone for May, is a member of the beryl family, colored by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Its vibrant green is unmatched, though emeralds often contain inclusions, which are accepted as part of their character. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8, emerald is moderately durable but can be brittle due to its internal characteristics. The traditional alternative for May is chrysoprase, a translucent green chalcedony. Emerald has been revered for centuries, symbolizing rebirth, love, and wisdom. It was a favorite of ancient Egyptian royalty, including Cleopatra, and is believed to bring prosperity and foresight to its wearer.
June: Pearl
Pearl is unique among birthstones as it is organic, formed within the soft tissue of mollusks. The traditional and modern birthstone for June, pearl is celebrated for its creamy white color and lustrous glow. However, pearls can also be found in shades of pink, silver, and black. With a hardness of only 2.5 to 4.5, pearls are soft and require careful handling. The traditional alternatives for June are alexandrite (a color-changing chrysoberyl) and moonstone (a feldspar with a blue sheen). Pearls symbolize purity, innocence, and faith. They are often associated with tears of the gods in mythology and have been a classic choice for bridal jewelry for generations.
July: Ruby
Ruby, the fiery red birthstone for July, is a variety of the mineral corundum, with its color derived from chromium. It is one of the most valuable gemstones, prized for its intense, saturated red. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is exceptionally durable, second only to diamond. The traditional birthstone for July is carnelian, a reddish-brown chalcedony. Ruby symbolizes passion, protection, and prosperity. Its vibrant color has long been associated with life force and vitality, and it is believed to bring good fortune and ward off negative energy.
August: Peridot
Peridot, the modern birthstone for August, is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. It is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: a distinctive lime green, caused by its iron content. Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it suitable for jewelry, though it requires protection from sharp blows. The traditional alternatives for August are spinel and sardonyx. Peridot symbolizes strength, good fortune, and peace. It has been used in jewelry since ancient times and is believed to have been a favorite of Cleopatra. Its green hue is often linked to nature and renewal.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is another variety of corundum, known for its deep blue color. However, sapphires can come in a rainbow of colors (except red, which is ruby), including pink, yellow, and green. With a hardness of 9, sapphire is extremely durable. The traditional alternatives for September are lapis lazuli, a metamorphic rock with a vibrant blue color. Sapphire symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. It has been worn by royalty and clergy throughout history, believed to bring spiritual insight and divine favor.
October: Opal
Opal, the modern birthstone for October, is a hydrated amorphous form of silica. It is renowned for its unique play-of-color, a phenomenon where flashes of rainbow hues dance across the stone's surface. Opal has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5, making it relatively soft and susceptible to scratching and cracking. The traditional alternative for October is tourmaline, a versatile mineral that comes in a wide array of colors. Opal symbolizes hope, creativity, and innocence. Its captivating play-of-color has inspired countless legends, with some cultures believing it contains the spirits of the gods.
November: Topaz
Topaz, the modern birthstone for November, is a silicate mineral that comes in a variety of colors, though it is most commonly associated with yellow and orange tones. The traditional alternative for November is citrine, a yellow variety of quartz. Topaz has a hardness of 8, making it a durable gemstone. Its symbolism includes love, affection, and strength. The name "topaz" may derive from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning "fire," reflecting its warm color palette. It is believed to bring joy and generosity to its wearer.
December: Tanzanite
Tanzanite, the modern birthstone for December, is a relatively new addition to the list, officially recognized in 2002. This blue-to-purple variety of zoisite is found exclusively in Tanzania, hence its name. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, it is moderately durable. The traditional alternatives for December are turquoise and zircon. Tanzanite symbolizes protection, healing, and wisdom. Its unique trichroic nature, displaying blue, violet, and burgundy hues depending on the viewing angle, makes it a captivating and distinctive gemstone.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewelry. The hardness of a gemstone, as measured on the Mohs scale, is a primary factor in determining its durability and cleaning methods.
- Hard Stones (Mohs 8-10): Diamond, sapphire, and ruby are among the hardest gems. They can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for these stones, but caution is advised if the jewelry has fractures or inclusions.
- Medium-Hard Stones (Mohs 6.5-8): Garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, emerald, peridot, topaz, and tanzanite fall into this category. These gems can be cleaned with a soft brush and mild detergent. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for emeralds, as their inclusions can be exacerbated by the vibrations. Amethyst and topaz may fade if exposed to prolonged sunlight.
- Soft Stones (Mohs 5.5-6.5): Opal, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5, requires gentle care. Clean it with a soft, damp cloth and avoid harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and prolonged water exposure, as opal is porous.
- Organic Gems (Mohs 2.5-4.5): Pearls are the softest and most delicate. They should be wiped with a soft, dry cloth after wear. Avoid contact with cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays, which can damage their luster. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals on pearls.
For all gemstones, it is advisable to remove jewelry before engaging in physical activities, household chores, or swimming to prevent accidental damage or loss.
Conclusion
Birthstones offer a unique blend of geological wonder, historical significance, and personal symbolism. From the fiery passion of July’s ruby to the serene blue of March’s aquamarine, each gem tells a story. The evolution of birthstone lists—from ancient biblical references to modern standardized charts—reflects our enduring fascination with these natural treasures. Whether chosen for their traditional meaning, modern appeal, or sheer beauty, birthstones connect us to the earth’s depths and to the timeless human tradition of finding meaning in the natural world. By understanding their properties and history, we can select and care for these gems with greater appreciation, ensuring they remain cherished for generations to come.