Birthstones are more than just decorative gems; they are a centuries-old tradition that connects personal identity to the natural world of minerals. Each month of the year is associated with one or more specific gemstones, chosen for their unique colors, historical significance, and symbolic meanings. This tradition has evolved over time, with modern lists often including both traditional and contemporary options, allowing individuals to select stones that resonate personally. The practice of wearing birthstones is believed to bring luck, health, and protection, a notion rooted in ancient beliefs that attributed specific powers to each gem. This comprehensive guide explores the birthstones for every month, detailing their geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and practical care, drawing exclusively from established gemological and historical sources.
The modern standardization of birthstones began in 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers in the United States established an official list. This list has been periodically updated to include new discoveries and popular alternatives. For example, in 1952, alexandrite, tourmaline, zircon, and citrine were added; tanzanite joined the list in 2002, and spinel was added in 2016. Today, many people choose stones from either the traditional or modern lists, often influenced by factors like availability, cost, and personal preference. Some traditional stones, such as turquoise or cultivated pearls, remain popular due to their affordability or accessibility compared to their modern counterparts.
The origins of this tradition are often traced back to the twelve gemstones described in the breastplate of the High Priest of the Israelites in the Book of Exodus. In the 16th-18th centuries, a custom emerged in Poland or Germany of wearing the stone associated with one’s birth month throughout the year. Initially, the color of a stone was its most important feature, meaning that rubies and garnets, for instance, could be used interchangeably based on their red hue. It is also important to note that the names used for gemstones in the past may not correspond to the minerals we know today; for example, what was called "sapphire" might have been lapis lazuli, and "diamonds" could have been white sapphire or white topaz.
This guide will delve into the specific properties, histories, and lore for each month’s birthstone, providing a thorough reference for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology.
January: Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for January. It is one of the most diverse gemstone groups, encompassing several related silicate mineral species. Garnets are known for their lustrous appearance and range from transparent to opaque. While the most common color is a deep red, garnets can be found in almost every color of the rainbow. The name "garnet" is derived from the early French word grenate, meaning "seedy," due to its resemblance to the color and shape of a pomegranate seed.
Gemological Properties: Garnet has a reasonably tough Mohs hardness rating, typically ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. This makes it durable enough for everyday jewelry, though it should be protected from hard blows and extreme temperature changes to prevent cracking. As a silicate mineral, its chemical composition varies depending on the specific species (e.g., pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular, andradite, uvarovite). Most garnet species are not considered rare, making it a widely available gemstone.
Historical Lore and Symbolism: Garnet is historically associated with good health, karma, and protection. It is believed to keep the wearer safe during travel. One of its key symbolic meanings is constancy. Ancient cultures attributed various powers to garnet, and it has been used in jewelry for thousands of years.
Care and Cleaning: Due to its hardness and lack of cleavage, garnet is relatively easy to care for. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, especially if the stone has been treated or has inclusions. Store garnet jewelry separately to prevent scratching from harder stones.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is the purple variety of quartz. Its color can range from a light, delicate lavender to a deep, royal violet. Historically, amethyst was considered a rare and valuable gemstone, often associated with royalty. However, new discoveries in the 20th century, particularly in Brazil, have made high-quality amethyst more affordable and accessible.
Gemological Properties: Amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7, making it a durable gemstone suitable for all types of jewelry. Its chemical formula is SiO₂ (silicon dioxide), the same as all quartz varieties. The purple color is caused by iron impurities within the crystal lattice, combined with natural irradiation. Amethyst can exhibit color zoning, and some stones may fade if exposed to prolonged strong sunlight or heat.
Historical Lore and Symbolism: Amethyst has a rich history of folklore. It was believed to cure drunkenness and prevent intoxication, hence its name, which comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not intoxicated." It is also said to strengthen relationships and give the wearer courage. Other symbolic meanings include sincerity and peace. In ancient times, only the wealthy could afford amethyst, but it is now widely available.
Care and Cleaning: Amethyst should be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is sensitive to heat and strong sunlight, so avoid prolonged exposure and do not use ultrasonic cleaners or steam. Store it away from other gems to prevent scratching.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March has two birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine is a blue to blue-green variety of the mineral beryl, while bloodstone is a dark green chalcedony (a microcrystalline variety of quartz) with red iron oxide inclusions.
Gemological Properties: * Aquamarine: It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable. Its color ranges from pale to deep blue, caused by trace amounts of iron. The most valued colors are deep blue and blue-green. As a member of the beryl family (which also includes emerald and morganite), it typically has good clarity and is often heated to enhance its color and remove yellow or green tones. * Bloodstone: It is a form of chalcedony with a hardness of 6.5 to 7. The stone is typically dark green with distinct red spots or streaks of iron oxide, giving it a "bloodied" appearance. It is opaque and often used for carved jewelry and cabochons.
Historical Lore and Symbolism: Aquamarine’s name is derived from the Latin for "seawater," and it has long been associated with sailors and safe voyages. It symbolizes courage, honesty, and loyalty. Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, has a history linked to the Christian legend of the stone being formed from the blood of Christ. It is believed to have healing properties and is associated with vitality and strength.
Care and Cleaning: Both stones can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Aquamarine is stable and can tolerate mild heat and ultrasonic cleaning (though caution is advised for stones with inclusions). Bloodstone, being a form of chalcedony, is also stable but should avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
April: Diamond
Diamond is the traditional and modern birthstone for April. It is the hardest known natural material, scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale. Composed of pure carbon in a cubic crystal structure, diamonds are renowned for their brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
Gemological Properties: Diamond’s exceptional hardness makes it ideal for daily-wear jewelry. Its chemical composition is pure carbon, and it forms under extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s mantle. While often associated with a colorless appearance, diamonds can occur in a full spectrum of colors (yellow, brown, blue, pink, etc.), with fancy-colored diamonds being particularly rare and valuable. Clarity, cut, color, and carat weight (the 4Cs) are the primary factors determining a diamond's quality and value.
Historical Lore and Symbolism: Diamonds have been prized for millennia. The name "diamond" comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning "invincible," reflecting its unmatched hardness. Symbolically, diamonds represent love, purity, innocence, and strength. They are the traditional gemstone for engagement rings, symbolizing eternal commitment. In the past, what was called a "diamond" might have been a white sapphire or white topaz, but modern gemology clearly identifies the carbon-based mineral.
Care and Cleaning: Diamonds are very durable and can be cleaned with a solution of warm water and mild detergent, using a soft brush. They can also be cleaned with commercial jewelry cleaners. Avoid wearing diamond jewelry during activities where it could be struck hard, as while it is hard, it can cleave or chip if hit at the right angle. Store diamonds separately to prevent them from scratching other jewelry.
May: Emerald
Emerald is the birthstone for May. It is a green variety of the mineral beryl, colored by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Its captivating green hue has made it one of the most sought-after gemstones throughout history.
Gemological Properties: Emerald has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, similar to aquamarine. However, emeralds almost always contain inclusions—often called jardin (French for "garden")—which are considered a natural characteristic of the stone. These inclusions can affect durability, so emeralds require more careful handling than many other gems. The most prized emeralds have a vivid, deep green color with good transparency. Most emeralds are treated with oil or resin to fill surface-reaching fractures and improve clarity.
Historical Lore and Symbolism: Emeralds have been mined for over 4,000 years, with notable sources in ancient Egypt and Colombia. The Roman emperor Nero was said to have watched gladiatorial games through an emerald to soothe his eyes. Symbolically, emeralds represent rebirth, love, wisdom, and happiness. They are also associated with fertility and immortality in various cultures.
Care and Cleaning: Due to their inclusions and treatments, emeralds are more fragile than other beryls. They should be cleaned only with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, and harsh chemicals, as these can damage the stone or the treatments. Store emeralds separately in a soft cloth to prevent scratches.
June: Pearl and Alexandrite
June has three birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. Pearls are organic gems, while alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, and moonstone is a variety of feldspar.
Gemological Properties: * Pearl: Pearls are unique as they are formed within living mollusks. They are composed of calcium carbonate (aragonite) and conchiolin. Their hardness is relatively low, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, making them soft and prone to scratching. They come in colors like white, cream, pink, and black. Natural pearls are extremely rare; most pearls on the market are cultured. * Alexandrite: This rare variety of chrysoberyl is famous for its dramatic color change, appearing green in daylight and red or purplish-red under incandescent light. It has a hardness of 8.5, making it very durable. The color change is due to the presence of chromium and the specific way it absorbs light. * Moonstone: A variety of orthoclase feldspar, moonstone displays a captivating blue sheen (adularescence) as light is scattered by microscopic layers within the stone. It has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 and comes in colors from colorless to gray, blue, and peach.
Historical Lore and Symbolism: Pearls symbolize purity, innocence, and faith. They have been associated with the moon and have been prized by royalty for centuries. Alexandrite, discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and named after Czar Alexander II, symbolizes joy, luck, and prosperity. Moonstone is associated with hope, creativity, and innocence, and is believed to have been formed from frozen moonlight.
Care and Cleaning: Pearls are very delicate. They should be wiped clean with a soft, damp cloth after wearing and stored separately from other jewelry to avoid scratches. Avoid chemicals, perfumes, and hairsprays. Alexandrite and moonstone are more durable; they can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for moonstone and any harsh chemicals for both.
July: Ruby
Ruby, the birthstone for July, is a red variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide). Its color ranges from pinkish-red to a deep, vivid blood-red, with the most prized color being a "pigeon's blood" red.
Gemological Properties: Ruby is one of the hardest gemstones, with a Mohs hardness of 9, second only to diamond. Its chemical composition is Al₂O₃, with the red color coming from trace amounts of chromium. Rubies can be treated with heat to improve their color and clarity. They are found in various locations worldwide, including Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Africa.
Historical Lore and Symbolism: Ruby has been valued for centuries for its beauty and rarity. In ancient Sanskrit, it was called ratnaraj, meaning "king of gems." It is associated with passion, protection, and prosperity. Rubies have been worn by royalty and warriors as talismans for protection and to enhance vitality.
Care and Cleaning: Ruby’s high hardness makes it suitable for all jewelry. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe for untreated and heat-treated rubies, but caution is advised for stones with inclusions or fractures. Avoid sudden temperature changes.
August: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide, and sardonyx is a banded variety of chalcedony.
Gemological Properties: * Peridot: It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. Its unique lime-green color comes from iron in its chemical composition. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color, though the shade can vary from yellowish-green to olive green. It is found in volcanic rocks and sometimes in meteorites. * Spinel: With a hardness of 8, spinel is very durable. It comes in a wide range of colors, including red, blue, pink, and black. Historically, many red spinels were mistaken for rubies (e.g., the Black Prince's Ruby in the British Crown Jewels is actually a spinel). * Sardonyx: A form of chalcedony with a hardness of 6.5 to 7, sardonyx features alternating bands of sard (brownish-red) and onyx (black or white). It is often carved into cameos and intaglios.
Historical Lore and Symbolism: Peridot is associated with strength, good fortune, and peace. It has been used since ancient times, with notable sources in Egypt. Spinel, especially the red variety, has been prized for centuries and is associated with renewal and hope. Sardonyx was used in ancient Rome for seals and signet rings and is believed to offer protection and courage.
Care and Cleaning: All three stones can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Peridot is somewhat sensitive to heat and rapid temperature changes, so avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam. Spinel is durable and can tolerate ultrasonic cleaning. Sardonyx, as a form of chalcedony, is stable and easy to care for.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a blue variety of corundum. While blue is the most famous color, sapphire can occur in many other colors (except red, which is ruby), known as "fancy sapphires."
Gemological Properties: Sapphire has a hardness of 9, making it extremely durable. Its chemical formula is Al₂O₃, with the blue color primarily due to iron and titanium impurities. The most valued blue sapphires have a rich, velvety blue color. Sapphires are often heat-treated to improve their color and clarity.
Historical Lore and Symbolism: Sapphire has long been associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. It was believed to protect the wearer from envy and harm. Historically, sapphires were worn by clergy and royalty. The stone is also linked to celestial themes, often called the "gem of the heavens."
Care and Cleaning: Due to its hardness and stability, sapphire is easy to care for. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe for untreated and heat-treated sapphires, but caution is advised for stones with inclusions. Avoid extreme heat and sudden temperature changes.
October: Tourmaline and Opal
October has two birthstones: tourmaline and opal. Tourmaline is a complex borosilicate mineral known for its wide range of colors, while opal is a hydrated silica with a unique play-of-color.
Gemological Properties: * Tourmaline: It has a hardness of 7 to 7.5. Tourmaline is one of the most colorful gemstone groups, with colors ranging from black to pink, green, blue, and even bi-colored or tri-colored specimens. Its chemical composition is complex and variable. One famous variety is watermelon tourmaline, with a pink center and green rind. * Opal: Opal is amorphous silica with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5. It is known for its play-of-color, a phenomenon where flashes of rainbow colors appear as the stone is moved. This is caused by microscopic silica spheres. Opals are fragile due to their high water content (3-21%) and can crack if exposed to dry conditions or sudden temperature changes.
Historical Lore and Symbolism: Tourmaline is associated with hope, creativity, and innocence. It has been used for centuries, with the name derived from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning "mixed gems." Opal, with its ever-changing colors, is believed to symbolize hope, innocence, and purity. It has been called the "Queen of Gems" and is associated with imagination and inspiration.
Care and Cleaning: Tourmaline is relatively durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe, but caution is needed for stones with inclusions. Opal requires special care. It should be cleaned only with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, and prolonged exposure to water or dry conditions. Store opals in a padded, moist environment to prevent cracking.
November: Topaz and Citrine
November has two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Topaz comes in a variety of colors, but the most famous is blue, while citrine is a yellow to orange variety of quartz.
Gemological Properties: * Topaz: It has a hardness of 8, making it very durable. Topaz occurs in many colors, including blue, yellow, pink, and clear. Blue topaz is often treated with irradiation and heat to achieve its color. Its chemical formula is Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂. * Citrine: A variety of quartz with a hardness of 7. Its yellow to orange color is due to iron impurities. Citrine can be heat-treated to enhance its color. It is affordable and widely available.
Historical Lore and Symbolism: Topaz is associated with love, affection, and strength. Historically, it was believed to have healing properties and to protect against poison. Citrine, sometimes called the "merchant's stone," is believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and success. It symbolizes loyalty and joy.
Care and Cleaning: Both stones are durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Topaz can be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners, but caution is advised for stones with inclusions. Citrine is stable and can tolerate mild heat and ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid extreme heat for both stones.
December: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
December has three birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of zoisite, turquoise is an opaque blue-green mineral, and zircon is a zirconium silicate with a high refractive index.
Gemological Properties: * Tanzanite: Discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s, it has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. Its distinctive blue-violet color is caused by vanadium. Most tanzanite is heat-treated to enhance its color. It is pleochroic, showing different colors from different angles. * Turquoise: An opaque, blue-green mineral (hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate) with a hardness of 5 to 6. It is often found in matrix (host rock) and is porous, requiring stabilization with resins or waxes. * Zircon: Not to be confused with synthetic cubic zirconia, natural zircon has a hardness of 7.5. It comes in various colors, with blue zircon being a popular December stone. It has a high refractive index and strong dispersion, giving it brilliance.
Historical Lore and Symbolism: Tanzanite is associated with protection, healing, and wisdom. It is a relatively new gemstone with limited geographic origin. Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, used by ancient Egyptians and Native Americans. It symbolizes protection, healing, and good fortune. Zircon is believed to bring wisdom, honor, and riches. Blue zircon was particularly popular in the Victorian era.
Care and Cleaning: Tanzanite should be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam, as it can be sensitive to heat and pressure. Turquoise is delicate; clean it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid chemicals, water, and heat, as it can discolor or crack. Zircon is relatively hard but can be brittle. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes.
Conclusion
The tradition of birthstones offers a fascinating intersection of geology, history, and culture. Each gemstone, from the durable diamond to the delicate pearl, carries a unique story and set of properties. Understanding the gemological characteristics—such as hardness, chemical composition, and origin—alongside the historical lore and symbolic meanings, enriches the appreciation of these natural treasures. Whether chosen for their beauty, durability, or perceived metaphysical benefits, birthstones remain a timeless and personal connection to the mineral kingdom. As with any gemstone, proper care and cleaning are essential to preserve their beauty for generations. This guide, based on established gemological information, provides a comprehensive reference for anyone interested in the birthstones of the year.