Birthstones are rooted in deep tradition, rich history, and cultural significance. They are even mentioned in the bible. However, the birthstones we see today are not necessarily the same ones used in ancient times.
Traditionally, each month was associated with only one gemstone. But as you’ll find out soon, there are months with multiple birthstones. Each birthstone also has a unique meaning, features, facts, and other intriguing details.
We will reveal the most exciting details along the way!
Combining your birth month with the particular stone can be a powerful way to convey different things. Think of spiritual symbolism, your zodiac representation, mindfulness, or simply highly improved style. Let’s see those birthstones!
JANUARY BIRTHSTONE: GARNET
(Traditional & Modern)
Garnet is one of the most durable and historical gemstones out there. Pieces from garnet jewelry are traced back to 3100 BC when ancient Egyptians used it extensively!
This beautiful gem is named after the word “gernet,” from the 14th century, which means a deep red color.
One of the garnet’s best features is that the stone goes well with any type of jewelry. Those born in January will have no problem finding garnet crystal jewelry that will suit their taste! Spiritually, garnet symbolizes gratitude, service to others, and passion for life.
FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE: AMETHYST
(Traditional & Modern)
Those born in February will enjoy a beautiful purple quartz crystal as their birthstone. Amethyst stone has a lovely blend of violet and red colors but can also have light pinkish or blue colors, depending on how the cut is finished.
Most interestingly, the name amethyst comes from ancient Greeks. They called it “methustos,” which means “intoxicated.” Initially, Greeks believed that the stone protects the wearer from drunkenness. Today, amethyst is mostly associated with spiritual protection and wisdom.
Amethyst often occurs in geodes or the cavities of granitic rocks. The stone is found worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Zambia.
MARCH BIRTHSTONE: AQUAMARINE (Modern), BLOODSTONE (Traditional)
Aquamarine
The modern and more popular birthstone for March is the beautiful aquamarine. The aquamarine gemstone has a dreamy translucent clarity and colors of bluish-green. These colors inspired the stone’s name. It comes from Latin for ‘seawater.’
Aquamarine was always a symbol of happiness and eternal youth for Egyptians and Sumerians. The aquamarine gemstone was also believed to grant safe passage across stormy waters.
Today, it is recognized as a strong meditation tool and a stone of harmony and tranquility.
Bloodstone
The traditional March birthstone is bloodstone, a dark-green gemstone with mysterious red spots of iron oxide.
Bloodstone is mainly sourced in India, Brazil, and Australia and found within rocks and riverbeds as pebble stones. It is also a stone cloaked by rich folklore and purifying energy.
It is believed that bloodstone can realign lower chakras and boost resilience and strength.
APRIL BIRTHSTONE: DIAMOND
(Traditional & Modern)
Nature made diamonds only from carbon, yet they became the most durable and iconic gemstones on the planet. And diamond can only be cut with another diamond. Wow!
You are probably most familiar with white and transparent diamonds. But these gemstones come in several colors, including brown, yellow, red, pink, blue, and green. They also range in intensity from faint to vivid. More saturated colors will mean a higher value for the stone.
If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your life, the fancy-color diamonds are definitely for you. Diamond also symbolizes purity, perfection, and brilliance!
MAY BIRTHSTONE: EMERALD
(Traditional & Modern)
People always loved this gemstone for its green colors that represent Spring and luxurious appearance. Emerald was often worn as a statement piece for significant events and famous gatherings in the past.
This alluring crystal grows with six sides and up to a foot in length. How fascinating its appearance and colors are will heavily depend on how well a gemologist cuts the stone. The deep green and high-quality emeralds are becoming limited. Therefore, emerald jewelry and stones should be valued and looked after with extra care.
Since early times, the emerald has been a symbol of deep spirituality, intelligence, and hope. Some ancient civilizations considered emerald to be a gift from the god of wisdom.
JUNE BIRTHSTONE: PEARL (Modern) Alexandrite (Traditional), Moonstone (Modern)
Alexandrite
June is one of the wealthiest months in terms of birthstone variety. And it all starts with the traditional birthstone of June - alexandrite. It is one of the recently discovered stones found in emerald mines located in the Ural Mountains.
The unique feature of the stone is its chameleon-like color shifting. It can go from bluish-green in daylight to purplish-red under incandescent light! Alexandrite is a stone for longevity, prosperity, and luck.
Pearl
Pearl is one of the unique gems out there. It is the only gemstone made by living creatures (mollusks). That’s why it is so precious and vulnerable, with only 2.5 -4.5 hardness on Moh’s scale. Australia is one of the last places where natural pearls are harvested in the wild with creamy white hues.
According to history and various beliefs, pearls offer spiritual protection, wealth, and good luck. They are also known for their tranquility and relaxing effects.
Moonstone
June’s third birthstone is the moonstone. The stone was named by the Roman natural historian Pliny and was known since ancient times. The most delicate moonstones have transparent light blue colors that are found in Sri Lanka.
Moonstone’s spiritual abilities are one of the strongest. It is believed that the stone can help tap into intuition, physic abilities, and spiritual clairvoyance.
The only weakness of this beautiful crystal is its low hardness on the Mohs scale. Moonstone is prone to stress cracking and cleaving. Extra care is required with moonstone jewelry like rings or bracelets.
JULY BIRTHSTONE: RUBY (Traditional & Modern)
Ruby is one of those stones that transcended time graciously. In ancient Sanskrit, it has been known as the “king of precious stones.” And it is still one of the most adored stones in the world.
The precious red colors of the ruby stones come from traces of chromium. But ruby can also be dark-red, pinkish, or light orange, depending on their iron and chromium content.
When it comes to durability, only diamond is more rigid than ruby! The combination of fiery red colors and incredible vitality is why Ruby has been highly valued since its discovery. Spiritually, the ruby stone is mostly associated with divine creativity and high self-esteem.
AUGUST BIRTHSTONES: PERIDOT (Modern), SARDONYX (Traditional), SPINEL (Modern)
In 2016, the month of August became one of three months to have three gems as birthstones. And the selection is beautiful!
Peridot
Peridot is cloaked by rich folklore and is loved for its pretty green glow. In ancient Greece, it symbolized prosperity and meant “giving plenty.” In Hawaii, this gem once symbolized the tears of the volcano goddess. The best thing about this stone is that peridot looks fantastic in any jewelry and with any attire!
Sardonyx
Sardonyx, on the other hand, is very different. This gem blends layers of sard and onyx—two types of mineral chalcedony. The result? A unique stone striped in reddish-brown colors!
The sardonyx gemstone is linked to the Persian city “Sardis,” where the red stone was discovered. The sardonyx stone symbolizes strength, protection, and courage!
Spinel
When it comes to spinel, vivid red is the most desirable color. However, spinel also has violet-blue, pale pink, yellow and mauve colors.
Historically, spinel was often mistaken for sapphire and ruby. But it was always valued by the emperors and kings. Even Crown Jewels of England have a few spinels in them! Spinel is also recorded to be used in compass magnetizing as early as the 11th century.
Spiritually, spinel is believed to be a source of inspiration for more physical energy, health, and longevity.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHSTONE: SAPPHIRE
Origins of Sapphire have a few different variations. Coming from the Latin word “sapphirus” and Greek “sappheeiros,” it means “blue stone.” However, some believe it originates from Sanskrit, meaning “dear to Saturn.”
Whichever case may be, one thing is sure - sapphire is remarkable. It is incredibly durable with a nine on the Mohs scale and has various elements within itself. The iron, titanium, copper, magnesium, and other components give a pallet of natural colors - from blue and yellow to orange, green, and purple.
Sapphire is not only thriving in jewelry but also electronics, watches, and scientific instruments. Spiritually, sapphire can be a guide to more wisdom, concentration, and creativity.
OCTOBER BIRTHSTONE: OPAL (Modern), TOURMALINE (Traditional)
Opal
Opal was always known as a “stone of changing colors” and a “play of a rainbow.” The gemstone was already used by Romans, who were fascinated by its color spectrum.
Opal is an emotional stone and is believed to reflect the mood of the wearer. It intensifies emotions and enhances cosmic consciousness while stimulating intuition and insight.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is also a stone of mixed colors, representing every color and shade in the rainbow! The Tourmaline crystal is a complex group of minerals. And sometimes, it breaks off to a separate distinctive crystal such as Black Tourmaline.
Tourmaline, especially the black stone, is highly valued for its spiritual protection capabilities.
NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONE: TOPAZ (Modern), CITRINE (Traditional)
Topaz
Topaz stone’s name comes from the ancient Greek word “Topazios” which refers to St. John’s Island in the Red Sea. Even tho yellow stones were mined there; those probably weren’t topaz.
Today, some of the most famous topaz gemstone variations are blue, orange, yellow, and pink. However, the purest topaz crystals are colorless. Topaz is a durable stone and will serve long as a jewelry piece. It is also a spiritually gentle stone known to promote joy, happiness, and friendship.
Citrine
Citrine is easily one of the most popular gems in the world. It’s a stone of summer, always bringing good vibes and attracting good luck!
The durability, affordability, and vibrant yellow colors are what made citrine so beloved. Wearing citrine jewelry or having citrine stones nearby inspires to have more self-esteem, creativity, and positivity!
DECEMBER BIRTHSTONE: TANZANITE (Modern), ZIRCON (Traditional), TURQUOISE (Traditional)
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is found only near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which makes this stone genuinely unique. It has a blue-purple variety and scales around 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Tanzanite stone can also display different color tones when viewed from different angles.
For those attractive blue and purple hues to show up, the gem must be cut properly. Tanzanite is a high-vibration crystal, and its shifting colors are linked to higher consciousness.
Zircon
Zircon is another beautiful gem that belongs to December. This stone has a wide range of colors - from red, orange, and brown to blue, green, and yellow! This variety in colors is caused by impurities, some of which are even slightly radioactive! However, Zircon’s most exciting features are something else.
Zircon stone is the oldest mineral on Earth, dating back 4.4 billion years! It has essential clues and answers about our planet’s history, formation, and more.
Turquoise
Turquoise is probably the most recognized December birthstone. It is mainly famous due to its striking colors and cultural importance. Ancient Egyptians, Persians, Native Americans, and even Aztecs admired turquoise. They used turquoise stone in jewelry, weapons, ceremonial items, and more.
The captivating colors represent wisdom, tranquility, and hope. However, the stone requires gentle care. Turquoise is sensitive to direct sunlight and is rated only six on Moh’s scale for its durability.
