Birthstones: Ultimate Guide and Their Meanings
For millennia, gemstones have captivated humanity with their brilliance and mystical meanings. Gemstones are characterized by their unique association with the months of the year, earning the name “birthstones”. Whether you are a jewelry enthusiast or simply curious, birthstones invite you to explore a universe where each gem tells a unique tale.
In this article, we explore the fascinating world of birthstones, where history, symbolism, and lithotherapy intertwine to offer you a new perspective on the subject.
Origin and Evolution of Birthstones
Birthstones, deeply rooted in history, are linked to biblical, zodiacal, and celestial symbolism. Various religions attribute harmonizing powers to them. Today, they are admired worldwide for their beauty and symbolism.
Their origin dates to the breastplate of Aaron, which bore 12 stones representing the tribes of Israel. It was believed that these stones held immense power and could reveal a person's destiny. The modern association of stones with months developed in Poland in the 16th century. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers established a "modern" list of birthstones.
This list, regularly updated, remains the standard reference. Its design considers traditions, symbolism, and accessibility, ensuring its continued relevance in jewelry and popular culture.
Birthstones Month by Month
January – Garnet
February – Amethyst
March - Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a precious stone with a light blue to aquamarine hue belonging to the beryl family. It symbolizes protection, tenderness, and communication. Since ancient times, it has been linked to marine deities and is viewed as a talisman for travelers, especially sailors. Spiritually, aquamarine is known for calming emotions while stimulating creativity and strengthening romantic relationships. It is also used in lithotherapy for its soothing properties and ability to align chakras—particularly those of the heart and throat.
Aquamarine is closely associated with the zodiac signs of Pisces and Aries. For Pisces, it enhances their intuitive abilities and emotional balance, while for Aries, particularly those born in early April, it helps temper their fiery nature and promotes clear communication.
With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Moh's scale, aquamarine is a very durable stone.
April - Diamond
Diamond is a unique gemstone made of crystallized carbon; it is the hardest known stone symbolizing purity, strength, and eternity. In various cultures, it symbolizes incorruptibility and sovereignty; it is considered a protective shield that brings courage and clarity of mind. It is also associated with pure love and commitment through engagement traditions and wedding bands.
Its value is determined by the famous 4Cs: cut (shape), color (hue), carat (weight), and clarity (purity). While most diamonds are colorless, they exist in all colors of the rainbow.
It is also associated with the zodiac signs of Aries and Taurus. For Aries, it enhances their natural leadership qualities and courage, while for Taurus, it symbolizes strength and endurance, complementing their steadfast nature.
Diamond ranks 10 on the Moh's scale of hardness, making it the hardest natural substance known to man.
May – Emerald
Emerald belongs to one of the four main types of gemstones; it belongs to the beryl family symbolizing love, wisdom, renewal, and fertility. Revered since ancient Egypt for values such as fidelity and hope; spiritually it is known for its calming properties encouraging emotional balance while stimulating creativity. Emeralds are linked to the heart chakra; they help release repressed emotions while fostering healthy relationships.
Unlike other transparent gemstones, emeralds may exhibit noticeable inclusions often referred to as their "garden."
They are particularly associated with the zodiac signs of Taurus and Gemini. For Taurus, emeralds enhance their appreciation for beauty and stability, while for Gemini, they stimulate communication and creativity.
Emeralds have a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Moh's scale, making them relatively durable.
June – Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
Pearl is a unique natural stone formed within freshwater or saltwater mollusks; today most pearls on the market are cultured pearls considered emblems of elegance, refinement, purity, and femininity associated with the Venus goddess. Many cultures view pearls as spiritual objects bringing calm.
Pearls have a hardness of 2.5-4.5 on the Moh's scale and are associated with the zodiac signs of Gemini and Cancer.
Alexandrite is famous for its ability to change color from emerald green in natural light to ruby red under artificial light; this transformation embodies duality, prosperity, and intelligence. It is often regarded as a lucky stone, promoting harmony and luck to the individuals who wear this gem.
Alexandrite has a hardness of 8.5 on the Moh's scale and is closely linked to the sign of Gemini.
Finally, moonstone features pearlescent reflections associated with lunar energy symbolizing harmony, open-mindedness, and creativity. Often linked to the crown chakra, it is associated with calming emotions and reducing stress. Various cultures believe it holds magical protective virtues.
Moonstone has a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Moh's scale and is associated with the zodiac sign of Cancer.
July - Ruby
Ruby is a red gemstone variety of corundum embodying passion, vitality, and love. Famous in lithotherapy for promoting properties like stimulating self-confidence and courage while strengthening the heart circulatory system since it’s associated with the root chakra.
The quality of a ruby is evaluated based on its hue, tone, and saturation. The perfect color is described as having a "pigeon blood" color.
Rubies have a hardness of 9 on the Moh's scale and are linked to the zodiac signs of Cancer and Leo.
August - Peridot
Peridot is a green gemstone variety of olivine. It is said to help strengthen the immune system, detoxify the body, and contribute to emotional balance. This vibrant stone is also associated with positive energy, good luck, and protection, believed to ward off negative influences. Peridot is deeply connected to both theheart chakra and the solar plexus chakra, carrying profound spiritual meaning.
Symbolically, the peridot represents vitality and abundance, making it a powerful talisman for manifesting dreams. Its bright green hue also connects it to fertility, reflecting growth and renewal. Overall, peridot is a cherished gemstone for those born in August or anyone seeking its beneficial qualities.
Peridot has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Moh's scale and is associated with the zodiac signs of Leo and Virgo.
September – Sapphire
Sapphire is a precious stone from the corundum family primarily recognized for its blue color although it also exists in other shades. It symbolizes wisdom, truth, and fidelity. Some other properties attributed to sapphires are promoting mental clarity and concentration. It is associated to the third eye chakra helping to relieve migraines and promote restful sleep.
In astrology, sapphires are linked to the zodiac signs Virgo and Libra. For Virgo sapphires are thought to enhance analytical thinking and attention to detail, aligning with Virgo's traits of practicality and precision. For Libra, sapphires symbolize balance and harmony, reflecting Libra's desire for peace and beauty in relationships.
Sapphires have a hardness of 9 on the Moh's scale, making them one of the hardest gemstones, surpassed only by diamonds. This high level of hardness contributes to their durability and suitability for everyday wear.
October – Opal and Tourmaline
Opal symbolizes hope, loyalty, and purity. It is considered to promote a positive transformation by improving intuition.
In astrology, opals are associated with the zodiac signs Libra and Scorpio, enhancing qualities such as balance and emotional depth.
Opals have a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Moh's scale, which contributes to their unique beauty and fragility.
Tourmaline, known as "chameleon gems," showcases a stunning color palette, with each shade carrying its own symbolism and virtues. Pink Tourmaline symbolizes unconditional love and compassion, promoting emotional healing and confidence. Green Tourmaline represents growth and balance, associated with the heart chakra, encouraging emotional renewal. Blue Tourmaline embodies communication and self-expression, enhancing clarity and calmness. Black Tourmaline symbolizes protection and grounding, creating a shield against negative energies and fostering security. Each color of tourmaline offers unique healing properties that support emotional and spiritual well-being.
Tourmaline has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Moh's scale, making it durable for various purposes. It is particularly linked to Libra, symbolizing harmony and balance in relationships.
November – Citrine and Topaz
Citrine is a yellow quartz stone that symbolizes joy, abundance, and success. It is also called the "success stone," bringing warmth and positive energy. Its hues fluctuate from lemon yellow to brownish gold. Known for its ability to attract wealth, citrine is often referred to as the "merchant's stone", believed to enhance creativity and personal power while dispelling negative emotions. It is strongly connected to the solar plexus chakra.
Citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Moh's scale and is associated with the zodiac signs Scorpio and Sagittarius, enhancing their qualities of ambition and transformation.
Topaz, another birthstone for November, is a gemstone of peace and calmness, promoting emotional balance and mental clarity. It comes in various colors, including blue, yellow, and pink, each carrying unique properties. Topaz is associated with love, good fortune, and generosity, believed to help manifest desires and intentions. This stone encourages self-expression and enhances confidence, making it a powerful ally for those seeking to achieve their goals.
Topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Moh's scale and is linked to Sagittarius, reflecting its dynamic energy and adventurous spirit.
December – Turquoise, Tanzanite and Blue Topaz
Turquoise, a captivating blue-green gemstone, is treasured for its protective and soothing qualities. This enchanting stone embodies security, prosperity, and harmony while infusing vitality and freshness into one's life.
Particularly associated with the Sagittarius zodiac sign, turquoise enhances optimism and mental clarity, guiding its wearers toward a brighter perspective.
On the Moh's scale, turquoise scores between 5 and 6, indicating its moderate hardness, which makes it suitable for various types of jewelry while still requiring care to avoid scratches and damage.
Tanzanite, a rare and precious gem, is renowned for its unique indigo-blue hue. Discovered in the 1960s, this exquisite stone is often linked with imagination and personal achievement. In crystal healing practices, tanzanite is celebrated for its calming effects and its remarkable ability to facilitate spiritual communication, opening channels to higher realms of consciousness.
Scoring between 6 and 7 on the Moh's scale, tanzanite is relatively durable but should be handled with care to maintain its beauty.
It is particularly beneficial for those under the Sagittarius sign, enhancing their natural traits of adventure and positivity.
Blue Topaz, a captivating gemstone, is celebrated for its stunning azure hues ranging from pale sky blue to deep ocean tones. Prized for centuries, this alluring stone is associated with clarity of thought and enhanced communication. In crystal healing circles, Blue Topaz is revered for its soothing properties and its remarkable ability to stimulate the throat chakra, fostering clear self-expression and emotional healing.
With a hardness of 8 on the Moh's scale, Blue Topaz is relatively durable, making it suitable for everyday wear in jewelry, though it still requires proper care to maintain its luster. It is particularly beneficial for those seeking to overcome fears, boost confidence, and align with their higher self, making it a popular choice for writers and public speakers. Blue Topaz is also the birthstone for December, adding to its significance and appeal in the world of gemstones.
To go further: Wedding Anniversary Stones
Did you know that just like birthstones there are stones associated with wedding anniversaries? Each stage of married life is celebrated with a specific gem; for example, a ruby is often given for 40th anniversaries symbolizing enduring ardent love. Similarly, sapphires represent fidelity and are associated with the 45th anniversary.
Here’s an in-depth list of wedding anniversaries along with the stones associated:
1 year: Gold
2 years: Garnet
3 years: Pearl
4 years: Blue Topaz
5 years: Sapphire
6 years: Amethyst
7 years: Onyx
8 years: Tourmaline
9 years: Lapis Lazuli
10 years: Diamond
11 years: Turquoise
12 years: Jade
13 years: Citrine
14 years: Opal
15 years: Ruby
16 years: Peridot
17 years: Carnelian
18 years: Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl
19 years: Aquamarine
20 years: Emerald
21 years: Lolite
22 years: Spinel
23 years: Imperial Topaz
24 years: Tanzanite
25 years: Silver
30 years: Pearl
35 years: Emerald
40 years: Ruby
45 years: Sapphire
50 years: Gold
55 years: Alexandrite
60 years: Diamond
65 years: Star Sapphire
70 years: Blue Sapphire
75 years: Diamond
80 years: Ruby
This list presents a beautiful opportunity to celebrate each year of marriage choosing a unique gemstone that embodies the evolution of longevity and eternal love.