A birthstone is a gemstone that represents a person’s period of birth that is usually the month or zodiac sign. Birthstones are often worn as jewellery or as pendant necklaces. They are a colourful introduction to the world of gemstones. They appeal to audiences around the world regardless of gender, age, nationality or religion. Birthstones carry secrets, attributes and lore that are unique to each gemstone.
There are countless myths and legends around the many different powers and attributes that birthstones have. Whether or not you believe these legends, it’s hard to disagree that learning about birthstones can be an educational and entertaining experience. Discover what makes your birthstone a powerful statement of your finest qualities by clicking on the month you were born in below.
Fun fact: The origin of birthstones is believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron, which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The first-century Jewish historian Josephus believed there was a connection between the twelve stones in Aaron’s breastplate, the twelve months of the year, and the twelve signs of the zodiac. However, translations and interpretations regarding the breastplate have varied widely, with Josephus himself giving two different lists for the twelve stones.
Birthstones And Their Month
January – Garnet
Garnet serves as a birthstone for the month of January and is a traditional gem given on a second anniversary. People have Garnet to a red gemstone, however, garnet occurs in a variety of colours. Though red being the most common and blue garnets are rare. Garnet is considered a great gift to symbolize friendship and trust. Garnet is also found in the rocks of contact metamorphism, subsurface magma chambers, lava flows, deep-source volcanic eruptions, and the soils and sediments formed when garnet-bearing rocks are weathered and eroded.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst serves as a birthstone for the month of February and it is one of the world’s most popular gemstones and has been in use for thousands of years. Ametrine is a variety of quartz with two distinct colour zones, purple and yellow. Natural amethyst is so abundant and inexpensive. Ancient Greeks believed that the stone protected the wearer from drunkenness and enabled them to keep a balanced mindset.
March – Aquamarine
Named after the colour of seawater, Aquamarine serves as a birthstone for the month of March. An aquamarine birthstone is a pale-blue to a light-green variety of beryl and has long been a symbol of youthfulness, good health and hope. It is also called the sailor’s gem
April – Diamond
Diamonds, the world’s most popular gemstones, the hardest known natural substance, serve as a birthstone for the month of April, They are commonly associated with love. Diamond is also the gem that marks the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries… More money is spent on diamonds than on all other gemstones combined.
May – Emerald
Emerald serves as a birthstone for the month of May. Emeralds have a lot of meanings by themselves. The green colour is tied in with spring, renewal, rebirth and growth. The gem itself is known to symbolize fidelity and true love, along with making an individual into a more eloquent speaker…
June – Pearl and Alexandrite
Pearl, Alexandrite And Moonstone serve as a birthstone for the month of June. Those who were born in June are lucky to have three gorgeous birthstones to choose from. Pearls have been wildly associated with sweet simplicity, Moonstone is often associated with love, passion and fertility; it is believed to bring great luck… Alexandrite is associated with attraction.
July – Ruby
Ruby is the most valuable variety of the corundum mineral species, which also includes sapphire and its value increases based on its colour and quality. Ruby, the lustrous, deep red stone that has accrued special and symbolic meaning through time, serve as a birthstone for the month of July. Ruby is a popular traditional jewellery stone that represents nobility, purity, and passion.
August – Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx
Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx serve as a birthstone for the month of August. While Peridots were believed to contain magical healing powers that can ward off nightmares, Spinel bridge gaps in relationships, reconcile differences and also believed to help keep sad thoughts away. Sardonyx is the combination of a comfortable, protective hue mixed with a little bit of power. The tone isn’t quite there for lust, but it does present a strong presence of power
September – Sapphire
Sapphire serve as a birthstone for the month of September. Sapphire is a gemstone associated with royalty. It is believed to attract abundance, blessings, and gifts. It has been used to protect against negative energies. Sapphires are known to be predominantly blue but they can also be found in other colours, including green, white, black, purple, pink, and yellow. Sapphires the wearer from envy and attracted divine favour.
October – Tourmaline and Opal
Tourmaline and Opal serve as a birthstone for the month of October. Tourmaline and Opal are two very different stones, but they both feature a kaleidoscope of colours. The Romans regarded opals as the most precious gemstone of them all for this reason and they are now seen as a symbol of hope, purity and truth while Tourmaline signifies unconditional love and compassion.
November – Citrine and Topaz
Citrine and Topaz serve as a birthstone for the month of November. Citrine is sometimes known as the “healing quartz” for its ability to comfort, soothe, and calm. It can release negative feelings, spark imagination and manifest fresh beginnings. While Opaz is believed to be able to break spells and quell anger and could bring wisdom and longevity to one’s life.
December – Zircon, Tanzanite and Turquoise
Zircon, Tanzanite and Turquoise serve as a birthstone for the month of December. Tanzanite symbolizes wisdom and truth. It’s thought that those who wear tanzanite will discover deep new meaning through self-reflection, Zircon symbolizes wisdom, prosperity, and confidence. Zircon symbolizes these traits and is thought to aid in sleep quality and warding off evil spirits. Turquoise symbolizes good luck and is believed to bring financial and personal protection to those who wear it.