Birthstones are more than mere decorative gems; they are a curated collection of Earth’s most captivating minerals, each tied to a specific month of the year. This tradition, woven from threads of ancient lore, historical trade, and modern marketing, offers a unique lens through which to view both the natural world and human culture. While the modern birthstone list, standardized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers, is the most widely recognized today, alternative and traditional lists provide a richer, more complex history. From the deep red of January’s garnet to the vibrant blues of December’s tanzanite, each gemstone possesses distinct geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolic meanings that have captivated humanity for millennia. This article explores the complete birthstone chart, delving into the science, history, and symbolism of each month’s gems, providing a definitive reference for enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone intrigued by the stories these stones tell.
January: Garnet
The garnet, the birthstone for January, is most commonly associated with a rich, deep red hue. However, this perception belies the gemstone’s true diversity. Garnets are not a single mineral but a group of silicate minerals that share a similar crystal structure. They occur in a stunning array of colors, including vibrant green (tsavorite and demantoid), orange (spessartine and hessonite), purple (rhodolite), yellow (mali and topazolite), pink (malaya), and even black (melanite). The accompanying photo in the sources showcases this spectrum, featuring orange spessartite from Mozambique, yellow mali from Mali, and green demantoid from Namibia, among others. This variety offers those born in January a wide palette of color options beyond the classic red.
Historically, garnets have been prized for centuries, their vivid red hue making them symbols of friendship, trust, and protection. The traditional birthstone chart lists only garnet for January, and it has remained the consistent modern choice. On the Mohs scale of hardness, garnet ranges from 6.5 to 7.5, making it durable enough for most jewelry but requiring some care to avoid scratches. The majority of the world’s spectacular garnets now come from African sources, such as Tanzania, Mozambique, and Namibia, which have supplanted older sources in recent decades. In terms of durability, garnet is rated as "Good," meaning it is suitable for any type of jewelry but may be subject to scratching if not handled with care.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is the world’s most popular purple gem. Its color can range from a delicate, barely perceptible violet to a deep, reddish purple so dark that a faceted gem can appear nearly opaque. This purple variety of quartz has been a favorite for centuries, symbolizing peace, protection, and tranquility. The sources highlight the Four Peaks Mine in Maricopa County, Arizona, as the most important amethyst mine in the United States, producing beautiful reddish-purple specimens.
With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is relatively durable, though it is rated as "Good" and can be scratched if not treated with reasonable care. Its popularity as a birthstone is unquestioned, and it is the only gem listed for February on both traditional and modern charts. The gem’s consistent color and availability have made it a staple in jewelry, and its metaphysical associations with calmness and clarity continue to attract enthusiasts.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March is unique in having two primary birthstones: the modern choice, Aquamarine, and the traditional alternative, Bloodstone.
Aquamarine is the blue variety of the mineral beryl, ranging in color from a slightly greenish blue to a nearly pure, rich blue hue. The most prized specimens exhibit a deep, saturated blue color, though lighter stones are also popular for their affordability and serene appearance. Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family, which also includes emerald and morganite. It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a very durable gem suitable for all types of jewelry. It is rated as "Very Good" in durability, ensuring it can withstand daily wear with minimal risk of damage. The stone is traditionally associated with courage, honesty, and loyalty, qualities that mirror its clear, oceanic hues.
Bloodstone, the traditional March birthstone, is an opaque green chalcedony (a variety of quartz) marked with distinctive red splashes of iron oxide, which give it its name. These red inclusions resemble drops of blood against a green background. As an opaque gem, bloodstone is typically cut into cabochons (dome-shaped stones) or used for beads and cameos. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, placing it in the "Good" category for durability. While not as hard as aquamarine, it is still resilient enough for jewelry, though care should be taken to avoid impacts that could cause chipping. Bloodstone is often associated with vitality and protection, drawing on its striking contrast of colors.
April: Diamond
The diamond, birthstone for April, is the hardest known natural material, ranking a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. This exceptional hardness, combined with its brilliant optical properties, has made it the ultimate symbol of love, purity, and strength. While most people envision a colorless gem, diamonds actually occur in a full spectrum of colors, though the colorless variety remains the most valued for its purity and sparkle.
Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme heat and pressure and are brought to the surface through volcanic activity. Major sources include countries like South Africa, Botswana, Russia, and Canada. The diamond’s durability is unparalleled; it is rated as "Excellent," making it suitable for any type of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that experience frequent impact. Its cultural significance is immense, and it is the only gem listed for April on all standard birthstone charts, reinforcing its status as a timeless classic.
May: Emerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, is one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. Its captivating green color, ranging from bluish-green to yellowish-green, is caused by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. The most prized emeralds exhibit a deep, vivid green with excellent transparency.
Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, and its hardness is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. However, emeralds are almost always included, meaning they contain natural inclusions that are considered part of their character. These inclusions can make them more prone to breakage, and the gem is rated as "Fair to Poor" in durability. For this reason, emeralds are often set in protective mountings and require careful handling. The traditional chart also lists chrysoprase, an opaque green chalcedony, as an alternative for May, though emerald is the predominant modern choice. Emeralds have long been associated with rebirth, love, and wisdom, and their history dates back to ancient Egypt, where they were mined as early as 1500 B.C.
June: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
June is another month with multiple birthstones, offering a choice between the organic Pearl, the color-changing Alexandrite, and the iridescent Moonstone.
Pearl is unique among birthstones as it is not a mineral but a product of living organisms—specifically, mollusks. Formed within the soft tissue of a pearl oyster or mussel, a pearl is a secretion of calcium carbonate that layers around an irritant. Natural pearls are exceptionally rare, so most pearls on the market today are cultured. Pearls come in shades of white, cream, and occasionally pink or black. They are relatively soft, with a hardness of only 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, making them the most delicate of all birthstones. They are rated as "Fair to Poor" in durability and require gentle care, avoiding exposure to chemicals, perfumes, and impacts. Pearls symbolize purity, innocence, and faith.
Alexandrite is a rare and remarkable variety of chrysoberyl that appears green in daylight and shifts to a reddish-purple under incandescent light. This dramatic color change, known as the "alexandrite effect," makes it one of the most fascinating gemstones. With a hardness of 8.5, it is very durable ("Very Good" rating) and suitable for all jewelry types. Its symbolism is often linked to duality and balance.
Moonstone, an alternative for June, is a variety of the feldspar mineral orthoclase. It exhibits a beautiful blue or white sheen, known as adularescence, which appears to move across the stone’s surface. Moonstone has a hardness of 6 to 6.5, placing it in the "Good" category. It is associated with intuition, new beginnings, and feminine energy.
July: Ruby
Ruby, the birthstone for July, is the red variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide). Its vivid red color, caused by trace amounts of chromium, is the most sought-after hue, ranging from pinkish-red to a deep, blood-red often described as "pigeon’s blood." Ruby is one of the four precious gemstones, alongside diamond, sapphire, and emerald.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is exceptionally durable, rated as "Excellent." It is suitable for all jewelry applications, including rings and bracelets. Historically, rubies have been associated with passion, protection, and prosperity. The traditional birthstone chart also lists carnelian, an orange-red chalcedony, as an alternative, but ruby is the undisputed modern choice. Major sources of ruby include Myanmar (Burma), Mozambique, and Thailand. The combination of its intense color, rarity, and durability makes ruby one of the most prized birthstones.
August: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
August offers three birthstone options: the modern Peridot, the traditional Sardonyx, and the recently added Spinel.
Peridot is the modern birthstone for August, known for its distinct lime-green color. It is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color family, though the shade can vary from yellowish-green to olive green. Peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine and forms deep within the Earth’s mantle. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7, placing it in the "Good" durability category, though it is prone to breakage and requires careful handling. The sources note that peridot is rated as "Fair to Poor" for durability, making protective settings advisable for rings. It is associated with strength, good fortune, and peace.
Spinel was added to the official birthstone list in 2016 as an alternative for August. It occurs in every color of the spectrum, including vibrant reds similar to ruby and blues resembling sapphire. Spinel is an extremely durable gem, with a hardness of 8, earning a "Very Good" durability rating. Its toughness and color variety make it an excellent birthstone choice, offering durability and versatility.
Sardonyx, the traditional August birthstone, is a banded variety of chalcedony, exhibiting parallel bands of white, black, orange, red, or brown. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 and is rated as "Good" for durability. Sardonyx has been used for cameos and beads for over 2,000 years, valued for its layered appearance and historical significance.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is the blue variety of corundum. While most people associate sapphires with deep blue, they actually occur in nearly every color except red (which is classified as ruby). The most prized sapphires exhibit a rich, velvety blue hue.
Sapphire has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest and most durable gemstones, rated as "Excellent." It is suitable for all types of jewelry. The gem is a symbol of wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. The traditional chart lists lapis lazuli, an opaque blue rock composed of multiple minerals, as an alternative, but sapphire is the primary modern choice. Major sources include Sri Lanka, Kashmir (India), and Madagascar. Sapphire’s combination of durability, beauty, and rich color has secured its place as a premier birthstone.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
October offers a choice between two distinct gemstones: Opal and Tourmaline.
Opal is renowned for its unique play-of-color, a phenomenon where flashes of spectral color appear to dance across the stone’s surface as it moves. This internal fire is caused by the diffraction of light within its microscopic silica spheres. Opals come in a variety of backgrounds, from white to black, with the latter being particularly valuable. However, opal is a relatively soft and porous gem, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5. It is rated as "Fair to Poor" in durability and is prone to cracking from temperature changes and impact. Opal requires careful maintenance, avoiding exposure to water and chemicals. It symbolizes hope, creativity, and innocence.
Tourmaline, the other October birthstone, is known for its incredible color range, from neon pink to deep green and even bi-colored or watermelon varieties. It is a complex silicate mineral with a hardness of 7 to 7.5, placing it in the "Good" durability category. Tourmaline is relatively tough and suitable for most jewelry, though care should be taken with rings. Its versatility in color makes it a favorite for designers, and it is associated with protection and grounding.
November: Topaz and Citrine
November’s birthstones, Topaz and Citrine, both radiate a warm, golden glow.
Topaz is the traditional birthstone for November. It occurs in a variety of colors, but the most popular for jewelry is the golden yellow or orange variety. Topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable. However, it has perfect cleavage, meaning it can break easily along certain planes if struck. This places it in the "Fair to Poor" durability rating, so protective settings are essential for rings. Topaz is associated with love, affection, and strength.
Citrine, the modern alternative, is a variety of quartz known for its yellow to orange-brown hues. It has a hardness of 7, making it "Good" for durability. Citrine is more affordable and readily available than topaz, and its warm color is popular in jewelry. It shares similar symbolic meanings with topaz, often linked to positivity and abundance.
December: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Blue Topaz
December offers a trio of blue-hued birthstones: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Blue Topaz.
Tanzanite, the modern birthstone for December, is a variety of the mineral zoisite known for its striking violet-blue color. It was discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s and has since gained immense popularity. Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7, but it has perfect cleavage, making it vulnerable to breakage. It is rated as "Fair to Poor" for durability and requires careful handling and protective settings. Its color is often described as a rich, velvety blue with hints of purple. Tanzanite symbolizes protection, healing, and wisdom.
Turquoise, the traditional December birthstone, is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that has been prized for thousands of years. Its color is caused by copper and is often accompanied by a matrix of host rock. Turquoise is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5 to 6, and is porous, making it susceptible to damage from chemicals and impacts. It is typically stabilized or treated for use in jewelry. Turquoise is associated with protection and good fortune.
Blue Topaz, another popular December option, is a treated variety of topaz that achieves a deep, icy blue color. It has a hardness of 8 but shares the cleavage issues of topaz, requiring careful settings. Its cool blue hue makes it a perfect complement to winter styles, and it is often associated with calmness and communication.
Care and Cleaning of Birthstones
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewelry. The durability of each gem, primarily determined by its hardness on the Mohs scale and its cleavage properties, dictates the appropriate care methods.
- Excellent Durability (Hardness 9-10): Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. They are resistant to most chemicals and can withstand regular wear.
- Very Good Durability (Hardness 7.5+): Aquamarine, Alexandrite, and Spinel are also suitable for regular cleaning with mild soap and water. They are less prone to scratching but should still be protected from hard blows.
- Good Durability (Hardness 6.5-7.5): Garnet, Amethyst, Bloodstone, Sardonyx, Tourmaline, and Citrine require gentle cleaning. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam, as some may have inclusions or fractures. It is advisable to remove jewelry during strenuous activities.
- Fair to Poor Durability (Soft, porous, or cleavage-prone): Emerald, Opal, Peridot, Moonstone, Topaz, Tanzanite, and Zircon need the most care. Clean only with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, and harsh chemicals. Emeralds, with their inclusions, are particularly vulnerable. Opals should never be soaked in water. Topaz, Tanzanite, and Zircon have perfect cleavage and can break easily from impact, so protective settings are crucial, and they should be removed during manual work.
Conclusion
The world of birthstones is a rich tapestry of geology, history, and human belief. From the fiery depths of a ruby to the organic luster of a pearl, each gemstone tells a unique story of formation deep within the Earth or within living creatures. The evolution of birthstone lists—from ancient traditional charts to the modernized versions of the 20th and 21st centuries—reflects changing tastes, trade availability, and marketing efforts. Understanding the gemological properties, such as hardness and cleavage, is vital for the proper care and appreciation of these treasures. Whether chosen for their symbolic meanings, their stunning beauty, or their connection to a specific month, birthstones remain a beloved and enduring way to celebrate personal identity and the wonders of the natural world.