Birthstones are more than mere decorative elements; they are historical artifacts, cultural symbols, and personal talismans that have been cherished for centuries. In the United Kingdom, the tradition of associating specific gemstones with each month of the year is a vibrant practice, blending ancient lore with modern aesthetics. The UK birthstone chart, largely aligned with its international counterparts, offers a curated selection of twelve gemstones, each imbued with unique meanings, colors, and historical significance. This guide explores the complete spectrum of these stones, from the deep reds of January’s garnet to the tranquil blues of December’s turquoise and tanzanite. By examining their history, symbolism, and gemological properties, we can appreciate why these stones remain enduringly popular choices for jewelry and personal adornment.
The modern list of birthstones was standardized in the early twentieth century by trade bodies to provide clear guidance for jewelers and consumers. While the core list has remained consistent, many months now offer alternative or additional stones, reflecting both historical traditions and contemporary preferences for color, availability, and personal significance. Whether chosen for their believed metaphysical properties, their aesthetic appeal, or simply as a connection to one’s birth month, these gemstones form a rich tapestry of meaning and beauty. The following sections delve into each month’s primary birthstone, exploring its history, geological origins, symbolic meanings, and practical considerations for care and wear.
January: Garnet
Garnet, the traditional and modern birthstone for January, is a gemstone renowned for its association with love and passion. However, its significance extends far beyond these fiery attributes. Historically, garnets have been symbols of protection and friendship, making them a powerful choice for those seeking safety and strong interpersonal bonds. The name "garnet" is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning "seed," a reference to the fruit's deep red color and the gemstone's resemblance to its seeds.
While commonly associated with a rich, ruby-like red, the garnet group encompasses a wide range of chemical compositions and, consequently, a surprising variety of colors. This diversity is a key aspect of its gemological identity. The garnet family includes species such as pyrope (typically deep red), almandine (often a brownish-red), and spessartine (ranging from yellow-orange to brownish-red). Less common varieties like the vibrant green demantoid (a type of andradite) and the brilliant orange hessonite (a type of grossular) demonstrate the stone's remarkable color spectrum. This variety allows for a broad range of jewelry options, from classic red pendants to more unique, colored pieces.
Geologically, garnets form under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, often found in metamorphic rocks. Major sources include the Czech Republic, Sri Lanka, India, and parts of Africa. The gemstone is prized for its good durability, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for various types of jewelry, though it requires care to avoid scratches from harder materials. Its vitreous luster and often good clarity contribute to its brilliance when cut. Symbolically, beyond love and passion, garnets are also believed to bring luck in riches and fulfillment, adding a layer of aspirational meaning to this January birthstone.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is celebrated for its calming energy and its ability to encourage positive change. This gemstone, with its various shades of violet, has long symbolized serenity, clarity, and spiritual growth. Its association with royalty and luxury dates back centuries, making it a stone of both power and peace. In modern interpretations, amethyst is linked to balance and the strengthening of relationships.
As a variety of quartz, amethyst is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and derives its purple color from trace amounts of iron and natural irradiation. The most valued hues range from a deep, royal purple to a rich lilac, with color saturation being a critical factor in determining quality. Amethyst is mined in various locations worldwide, with significant sources including Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Madagascar. Its formation often occurs in geodes within volcanic rocks, where it can be found lining cavities in large crystals.
With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is durable enough for everyday wear but can be susceptible to fading if exposed to prolonged strong sunlight or heat. This sensitivity requires consideration in both jewelry design and care. Its clarity is typically good, often with few inclusions, and it is commonly cut into faceted shapes to maximize its vitreous luster and color play. The stone's metaphysical properties are widely cited, with many believing it aids in stress relief, promotes restful sleep, and enhances intuition, making it a meaningful choice for February-born individuals.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is named for its captivating sea-blue color, derived from the Latin aqua marina ("water of the sea"). It is traditionally associated with serenity, youth, and healing. This gemstone evokes the calm and clarity of clear waters, making it a popular choice for those seeking tranquility and emotional balance. Its connection to the sea also links it to ancient sailors who believed it protected them from storms and dangers on the ocean.
Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, sharing a family with emeralds and morganites. Its chemical formula is Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆, and its blue color comes from trace amounts of iron. The most prized aquamarines exhibit a deep, saturated blue to a greenish-blue hue, though lighter shades are more common. The stone is often heat-treated to enhance its color, a widely accepted and stable treatment in the gem trade. Major sources include Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Pakistan, and Mozambique.
With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is very durable and resistant to scratching, making it an excellent choice for rings, earrings, and pendants. It typically has good clarity, with inclusions often described as "jardin" (French for garden), similar to emeralds. The stone's vitreous luster and transparency allow for brilliant faceting. Symbolically, beyond its calming properties, aquamarine is also believed to enhance courage and communication, adding to its appeal as a March birthstone.
April: Diamond
Diamond, the birthstone for April, is renowned for its unparalleled brilliance, hardness, and association with eternal love and strength. It is the traditional and modern choice for this month, symbolizing purity, clarity, and invincibility. The diamond's status as a symbol of enduring commitment has made it the quintessential gemstone for engagement rings, but its significance as a birthstone is equally profound.
Composed of pure carbon arranged in a cubic crystal lattice, diamond is the hardest known natural material, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. This extreme hardness, combined with its high refractive index and dispersion (fire), gives diamond its exceptional brilliance and sparkle. While colorless diamonds are most prized, diamonds occur in a range of fancy colors, including yellow, blue, pink, and brown, each with its own market value and appeal.
Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure and are brought to the surface through volcanic activity in kimberlite pipes. Major mining locations include Botswana, Russia, Canada, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to its hardness, diamond is exceptionally durable and requires little special care, though it can be chipped if struck at a cleavage plane. Its symbolic meanings of strength, love, and eternity make it a powerful birthstone for April, representing resilience and unwavering commitment.
May: Emerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, is celebrated for its lush green hue and its connection to renewal, growth, and prosperity. It is both the traditional and modern birthstone for this month, symbolizing rebirth, wisdom, and faithfulness. The vibrant green of emerald has been associated with spring and the flourishing of life for millennia, making it a gemstone of vitality and hope.
Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, with its green color derived from trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Its chemical formula is Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆, similar to aquamarine, but its color-setting impurities are different. The most valued emeralds display a deep, vivid green with a slight bluish undertone, often described as "emerald green." Colombia is the most famous source of high-quality emeralds, known for their exceptional color, with other significant sources including Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe.
Emeralds typically have a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively durable, but they often contain inclusions and fractures, known as jardin (French for garden), which are accepted as part of the stone's character. These inclusions can make emeralds more fragile, requiring careful handling and protective settings in jewelry. The stone is often treated with oils or resins to improve its clarity and stability, a common and accepted practice. Symbolically, emeralds are believed to promote harmony, enhance intuition, and bring good fortune, adding to their allure as a May birthstone.
June: Pearl and Alexandrite
June is unique in having two primary birthstones: the traditional pearl and the modern alexandrite. Both stones represent distinct qualities—pearl for purity and classic elegance, and alexandrite for balance and transformation.
Pearl: Pearls are organic gemstones, formed within the soft tissue of mollusks such as oysters and mussels. Unlike most gemstones, pearls are not mined from the earth but are harvested from living creatures. They are composed of calcium carbonate (aragonite) and conchiolin, layered in concentric rings. Pearls are valued for their lustrous, iridescent surface, which results from light reflecting off their microscopic layers. Natural pearls are rare and expensive, while cultured pearls, which are formed with human intervention, are more common and accessible.
Major sources of pearls include Japan, China, Australia, and the South Sea islands. Pearls have a hardness of only 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, making them soft and susceptible to scratches and chemicals. They require gentle care, avoiding contact with cosmetics, perfumes, and acids. Symbolically, pearls have long represented purity, innocence, and wisdom gained through experience. Their classic, timeless beauty makes them a cherished June birthstone.
Alexandrite: Alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl, famous for its dramatic color change—from green in daylight or fluorescent light to red or purple under incandescent light. This phenomenon, known as the "alexandrite effect," is due to the way the stone absorbs light. Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and named after the future Tsar Alexander II, it became a symbol of Russian imperial pride. Its chemical formula is BeAl₂O₄, and it contains trace amounts of chromium, which cause both its color and the color change.
Alexandrite is mined in Russia, Sri Lanka, and East Africa, with Brazilian deposits being particularly significant. It has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable. Its rarity and unique optical property make it one of the most valuable gemstones. Symbolically, alexandrite represents balance, joy, and the ability to adapt to change, making it a meaningful birthstone for June.
July: Ruby
Ruby, the birthstone for July, is cherished for its vibrant red hue and its associations with passion, courage, and vitality. It is both the traditional and modern birthstone for this month, symbolizing love, power, and protection. The name "ruby" comes from the Latin rubeus, meaning "red," and its fiery color has been prized since antiquity.
Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃), with its red color derived from trace amounts of chromium. The most prized rubies exhibit a deep, vivid "pigeon's blood" red, a term used to describe the most saturated and pure red hue. The finest rubies come from Myanmar (Burma), particularly the Mogok region, which is renowned for producing stones with exceptional color. Other sources include Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is second only to diamond in durability, making it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings that are subject to daily wear. Rubies often contain inclusions, which are accepted as long as they do not detract from the stone's beauty or durability. Symbolically, rubies are believed to enhance courage, promote positive dreams, and protect against negative energy. Their intense color and hardness make them a powerful and enduring July birthstone.
August: Peridot
Peridot, the birthstone for August, embodies good fortune, harmony, and growth. It is a gemstone with a rich olive-green color, formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Unlike many gemstones, peridot is found in only one color—variations of green—though its shade can range from yellowish-green to brownish-green, with the most valued being a pure, vibrant olive green.
Peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine, with the chemical formula (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. Its green color is due to its iron content. Peridot is mined in several locations, including Pakistan, Arizona (USA), China, and Myanmar. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it moderately durable but susceptible to scratching and chipping. It requires careful handling and is best set in protective settings for rings.
Symbolically, peridot is often called the "money stone" due to its association with wealth and financial prosperity. It is also believed to enhance willpower, energy, and overall well-being. Its bright, cheerful color makes it a popular choice for summer jewelry, and its historical use dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was mined on the island of Zabargad and used in jewelry for pharaohs.
September: Sapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is renowned for its deep blue hue and its connections to wisdom, truth, and loyalty. It is both the modern and traditional birthstone for this month, symbolizing integrity and mental clarity. While blue is the most famous color, sapphire actually occurs in a wide range of colors, except red (which is classified as ruby), and these are known as "fancy sapphires."
Sapphire is a variety of corundum (Al₂O₃), with its blue color primarily due to trace amounts of iron and titanium. The most prized blue sapphires have a rich, velvety blue to violetish-blue color. The finest examples come from Kashmir, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. Other sources include Madagascar, Thailand, and Australia. Sapphires with other colors, such as pink, yellow, or green, are also valued and can be used as alternative September birthstones.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is extremely durable and resistant to scratching, making it ideal for all types of jewelry. Sapphires often contain inclusions, which are accepted as long as they do not compromise the stone's beauty. Symbolically, sapphire is believed to promote wisdom, truth, and spiritual insight, and to protect against envy and harm. Its combination of durability and deep symbolism makes it a timeless September birthstone.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
October offers two birthstones: the traditional opal and the modern tourmaline. Both stones are celebrated for their unique colors and symbolic associations.
Opal: Opal is prized for its unique play of colors, a phenomenon known as "play-of-color," where flashes of spectral light dance across the stone's surface as it is moved. This effect is caused by the diffraction of light through microscopic silica spheres within the stone's structure. Opals can display a wide range of colors, with the most valuable being those with a bright, multicolored play-of-color against a dark or black body tone (black opal).
Opal is composed of hydrated silica (SiO₂·nH₂O) and is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is also sensitive to heat and rapid temperature changes, which can cause cracking (a condition known as "crazing"). Major sources include Australia, which produces the majority of the world's opals, as well as Mexico and Ethiopia. Symbolically, opal is associated with creativity, hope, and emotional balance. Its mystical and ever-changing appearance has led to rich folklore and symbolism across cultures.
Tourmaline: Tourmaline is the modern October birthstone, known for its remarkable variety of colors. It can be found in almost every hue, from vibrant pinks and reds (rubellite) to greens (verdelite) and blues (indicolite), and even bi-colored or watermelon varieties. This diversity is due to its complex chemical composition, which includes elements like iron, manganese, and lithium.
Tourmaline is a borosilicate mineral with a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable for jewelry. It is mined in many locations worldwide, including Brazil, Afghanistan, and Africa. Symbolically, tourmaline is believed to promote creativity, inspiration, and emotional stability. Its wide color range allows for personal expression, making it a versatile and meaningful October birthstone.
November: Citrine and Topaz
November's birthstones are citrine and topaz, both associated with joy, abundance, and energy. While topaz is the traditional stone, citrine has become a popular modern alternative.
Citrine: Citrine is a variety of quartz, with its yellow to orange-brown color derived from traces of iron. It is often heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz to achieve its warm hues. Citrine is relatively affordable and widely available, with major sources including Brazil, Spain, and the United States. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, it is durable enough for most jewelry. Symbolically, citrine is known as the "merchant's stone," believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and success. Its sunny color is associated with joy, positivity, and energy.
Topaz: Topaz is a silicate mineral that occurs in a variety of colors, but the traditional November birthstone is the golden yellow variety. The most famous topaz is the Imperial Topaz, a rich orange-pink to reddish-orange hue. Topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable. However, it has perfect cleavage in one direction, meaning it can be cleaved or chipped if struck with force. Major sources include Brazil, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. Symbolically, topaz is associated with abundance, joy, and the release of tension. It is also believed to promote good health and mental clarity.
December: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Blue Topaz
December is a month with multiple birthstones, including turquoise (traditional), tanzanite, and blue topaz (modern). All are associated with success, luck, and peace.
Turquoise: Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral composed of hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate. Its color is due to copper (blue) and iron (green). Turquoise is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, and is porous, making it susceptible to discoloration from chemicals and oils. It is often stabilized with resins to improve durability. Major sources include Iran, the southwestern United States, and China. Symbolically, turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, revered for its protective qualities and association with good fortune and peace.
Tanzanite: Discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s, tanzanite is a variety of zoisite, prized for its vibrant violet-blue to blue-violet color. It is trichroic, showing different colors (blue, violet, and red) when viewed from different angles. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, it requires careful handling. It is often heat-treated to achieve its blue color, a stable and permanent process. Symbolically, tanzanite is associated with transformation, intuition, and spiritual awakening, making it a meaningful modern birthstone for December.
Blue Topaz: Blue topaz is a popular and affordable December birthstone, often created by irradiating and heat-treating colorless topaz. It ranges from pale sky blue to deep Swiss blue. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale and good durability, it is suitable for all types of jewelry. Symbolically, blue topaz is associated with calm, clarity, and communication, echoing the tranquil qualities of the winter month.
Conclusion
The UK birthstone chart offers a diverse and meaningful selection of gemstones for each month of the year. From the protective garnet of January to the transformative tanzanite of December, each stone carries a unique history, set of properties, and symbolic significance. These gemstones have evolved from ancient talismans to modern symbols of personal identity, cherished for their beauty and the stories they tell. Whether chosen for their believed metaphysical properties, their geological rarity, or their aesthetic appeal, birthstones provide a tangible connection to the natural world and the cycles of time. By understanding their origins, characteristics, and care requirements, enthusiasts can make informed choices that honor both tradition and personal preference, ensuring these timeless gems continue to be treasured for generations to come.