A birthstone chart is a visual guide that associates a specific gemstone with each month of the year. These charts serve as a popular and convenient reference for identifying which gemstone corresponds to a specific birth month, holding significance in various cultural beliefs and traditions. Different gemstones are believed to bring luck, protection, and positive energy to those born in specific months. The concept of birthstones has evolved over centuries, from ancient beliefs linking stones to zodiac signs and calendar months to modern standardized lists. Today, birthstone charts are used for personal interest, gift-giving, and as educational tools in gemology and cultural studies. This article explores the history, evolution, and detailed properties of birthstones as outlined in official and traditional charts.
The Evolution of Birthstone Charts
The tradition of associating gemstones with birth months has a long and varied history, influenced by cultural, religious, and commercial factors. Early references can be traced to the breastplate of Aaron in the Old Testament, which featured twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones became linked to the zodiac signs and eventually to calendar months. The modern concept of birthstones as we know it today began to take shape in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The first official birthstone chart in the United States was established by the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) in 1912. This standardized list aimed to create consistency in the jewelry trade. Since then, the chart has undergone several revisions. The first major update occurred in 1952, adding alexandrite to June, citrine to November, and pink tourmaline to October as alternative options. In 2002, tanzanite was added as a December birthstone by the American Gem Trade Association, marking the first change to the list in 50 years. Spinel was later added as an additional birthstone for August, providing more color options alongside peridot and sardonyx. The most recent amendment was in 2016. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of the gemstone market and the desire to offer more variety and choice to consumers.
Cultural variations in birthstone charts are also significant. For example, the traditional British chart includes bloodstone for March and rock crystal for April as alternatives. The Hindu Ayurvedic system is based on astrological signs rather than calendar months, while the Tibetan Mystical chart features stones with specific spiritual significance. Modern alternative charts often include more affordable options for precious stones. These variations highlight the diverse ways different cultures interpret and assign meaning to gemstones.
Understanding the Birthstone Chart Structure
Birthstone charts can be categorized into several types, each serving a different purpose. The Modern Birthstone Chart lists one gemstone per month and is the most popular version, representing the primary official birthstone. The Official Birthstone Chart for the USA, declared in 1912 with subsequent amendments, now includes six months with more than one official birthstone. The Traditional Birthstone Chart assigns gemstones based on historical and cultural traditions, often featuring stones that have been associated with months for centuries. Additionally, designer birthstone charts present all birthstones in an elegant layout, perfect for display or reference.
These charts are valuable tools for various purposes. They assist in selecting meaningful, personalized gifts, as each gemstone carries unique significance. Jewelers and designers rely on them to create custom pieces, from engagement rings to family jewelry. Teachers and students use them as educational resources to learn about mineralogy, cultural traditions, and the historical significance of each stone. For individuals, discovering the deeper meaning behind their birthstone can foster a personal connection, with many believing these gems offer protection, healing properties, and spiritual benefits. Furthermore, birthstone charts can aid in coordinating jewelry with outfits and occasions based on color.
Detailed Birthstone Properties and Symbolism
The following table, compiled from official and traditional sources, provides a comprehensive overview of birthstones for each month, including their modern and traditional alternatives, colors, key symbolism, and hardness on the Mohs scale. This table serves as a quick reference for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology.
| 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 |
January: Garnet
Garnet is the modern birthstone for January, characterized by its deep red color. It symbolizes friendship, trust, and protection. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, garnet is durable enough for everyday wear but should be handled with care to avoid scratches. Historically, garnets have been used in jewelry for centuries, valued for their rich hue and believed to offer safety during travel.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a variety of quartz known for its purple color. It represents peace, protection, and tranquility. Ranking 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is relatively hard and resistant to scratching, making it suitable for rings and pendants. Its color can fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight, so proper care is essential.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March has two official birthstones: aquamarine (modern) and bloodstone (traditional). Aquamarine is a light blue beryl, symbolizing courage, honesty, and loyalty. It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8, making it quite durable. Bloodstone, a dark green chalcedony with red spots, is an alternative with historical significance in various cultures.
April: Diamond and Rock Crystal
April's primary birthstone is diamond, renowned for its clear or colorless appearance. It symbolizes love, purity, and strength. Diamond is the hardest natural mineral, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale, which makes it exceptionally resistant to scratching. The traditional alternative is rock crystal, a colorless quartz that shares similar clarity and durability but is more affordable.
May: Emerald and Chrysoprase
Emerald is the modern birthstone for May, a green beryl that represents rebirth, love, and wisdom. It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8, but its clarity often includes inclusions, which are characteristic of the stone. Chrysoprase, a traditional alternative, is a green chalcedony known for its apple-green hue and is believed to promote joy and optimism.
June: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
June has three birthstones: pearl (modern), alexandrite, and moonstone (traditional). Pearls are organic gems with a white or cream color, symbolizing purity, innocence, and faith. They are soft, with a hardness of only 2.5 to 4.5, requiring gentle care. Alexandrite is a color-changing chrysoberyl, shifting from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. Moonstone, a variety of feldspar, displays a blue or white adularescence.
July: Ruby and Carnelian
Ruby, the modern birthstone for July, is a red corundum that symbolizes passion, protection, and prosperity. It ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones. Carnelian, a traditional alternative, is a reddish-brown chalcedony valued for its warm color and historical use in ancient jewelry.
August: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
August features peridot as the modern birthstone, a lime green olivine that signifies strength, good fortune, and peace. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is durable but can be prone to chipping if impacted. Spinel and sardonyx are traditional alternatives; spinel comes in various colors and is often mistaken for ruby, while sardonyx is a banded chalcedony used in cameos.
September: Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli
Sapphire is the modern birthstone for September, a blue corundum representing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. It shares ruby's hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale. Lapis lazuli, a traditional alternative, is a metamorphic rock with a deep blue color, historically used in jewelry and art, symbolizing truth and insight.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
October has opal as the modern birthstone, known for its play-of-color and multicolored appearance. It symbolizes hope, creativity, and innocence. Opal is softer, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5, and requires careful handling to avoid cracking. Tourmaline, a traditional alternative, comes in a wide range of colors and is believed to inspire creativity.
November: Topaz and Citrine
November's birthstones are topaz (modern) and citrine (traditional). Topaz, often yellow or orange, represents love, affection, and strength, with a hardness of 8. Citrine, a variety of quartz, is also yellow to orange and is associated with prosperity and positivity. Both are durable and suitable for various jewelry types.
December: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
December has three birthstones: tanzanite (modern), turquoise, and zircon (traditional). Tanzanite is a blue to purple zoisite, symbolizing protection, healing, and wisdom, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7. Turquoise, a hydrated phosphate mineral, is sky blue and has been used in jewelry for millennia. Zircon, available in various colors, is one of the oldest minerals on Earth and is valued for its brilliance.
Gemological Properties and Care
Understanding the gemological properties of birthstones is essential for proper care and maintenance. Hardness, measured on the Mohs scale, indicates a stone's resistance to scratching. For example, diamond (10) and corundum-based stones like ruby and sapphire (9) are highly durable, while pearls (2.5-4.5) and opals (5.5-6.5) require more delicate handling. Chemical composition also influences care; for instance, organic gems like pearls are sensitive to acids and chemicals, while silicate minerals like quartz are more resilient.
Cleaning methods vary by stone. Generally, warm soapy water and a soft brush are safe for most gemstones, but ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided for porous or fractured stones like opals and emeralds. Storage is also important; softer stones should be kept separate to prevent scratching. For jewelry with multiple stones, professional cleaning is recommended to ensure longevity.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Birthstones are rich in symbolism and metaphysical beliefs, which vary across cultures and historical periods. These associations often stem from ancient traditions, astrological systems, and folklore. For instance, garnet is believed to protect travelers and promote vitality, while amethyst is associated with calming energies and spiritual awareness. Aquamarine, linked to the sea, is thought to enhance courage and communication. Diamond, as the hardest substance, symbolizes eternal love and strength.
In many cultures, birthstones are considered talismans that bring specific benefits to the wearer. For example, emerald is believed to promote rebirth and wisdom, while ruby is thought to attract prosperity and passion. Pearl, formed in oysters, symbolizes purity and is often worn for emotional balance. Alexandrite's color change is seen as a symbol of balance and adaptability. These beliefs, while not scientifically proven, add a layer of personal and cultural significance to birthstone jewelry.
It is important to note that these metaphysical properties are based on traditional and cultural beliefs and should not be considered as medical or factual claims. They serve as a meaningful aspect of the birthstone tradition, enhancing the personal connection between the wearer and the gemstone.
Conclusion
Birthstone charts provide a structured way to associate gemstones with calendar months, blending historical traditions with modern standardization. From the ancient origins linked to zodiac signs to the official lists established by jewelry associations, birthstones have evolved to offer a diverse range of options for each month. The detailed table of properties, symbolism, and care guidelines serves as a practical reference for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Understanding the gemological characteristics and cultural significance of each stone enriches the experience of selecting and wearing birthstone jewelry, making it a personalized and meaningful choice. As the tradition continues to adapt, birthstones remain a cherished element of gemology and personal expression.