
Humans have this long-standing obsession with gemstones. They’re beautiful, sure, but they’re also packed with meaning and a touch of mystery. For ages, cultures across the globe have linked certain gemstones to different months of the year - a cool tradition that connects us to these colorful rocks on a personal level.
Each month gets its own special stone, complete with unique colors and stories. This article is your guide to these birth month gemstone colors, a peek into their history and what they symbolize.
Where Do Birthstones Come From?
Certain gemstones have long held a special place in people's hearts. Over time, diamonds' meaning evolved from ancient religious emblems to medieval sorcery. Although gemstones were once employed as medicine, many people now believe that their effects on mood and mental health are more significant than their effects on physical healing.
The High Priest of ancient Israel donned a gold breastplate set with twelve significant gemstones. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel were inscribed on each stone.. The breastplate had these gems:
- Row 1: carnelian, chrysolite (peridot), beryl
- Row 2: turquoise, lapis lazuli, emerald
- Row 3: jacinth (zircon), agate, amethyst
- Row 4: topaz, onyx, jasper
Stones later became more associated with healing and magic. Leonardo Da Vinci and Hildegard von Bingen both wrote about the healing properties of various jewels. The first associations between gemstones and zodiac signs were made in Germany or Poland in the 16th century.
Birthstones and zodiac stones used to be interchangeable, but that is no longer the case. The ideal stones for a person were determined by their culture, religion, or personal preferences until the early 20th century.
Birthstone listings are still updated today, and you may notice a few stones for various astrological signs or months. Based on stones that sold successfully, birthstones were standardized in 1912. Since then, certain birth months have been updated to reflect current trends..
How Do You Pick Your Birthstone?
You didn't get to pick your birth month, but you do get to pick your birthstone. It's all about your personality and style.
- By birth month:A little over a hundred years ago, jewelers gave each month a stone. This is the most common choice.
- Traditional or modern:Since they made birthstones standard, they've added new options for some months. If you were born in March, June, August, October, November, or December, you get two choices.
- By color:If you have more than one option, you can pick the color you like best.
- By meaning:Stones have meanings, and that might help you choose. If your birth month gem's meaning doesn't match you, you might want a different one.
- By zodiac sign:You might want a stone that goes with your sign instead of the standard list. This is the most personal way to go.
- By day of the week:Each day has a gemstone and color. You could wear the stone for the day you were born or change your jewelry every day.
See also: A Complete Guide to Healing Gemstones
Birthstones And Their Months
January - Garnet
- Color:Dark red
- Hardness:7-7.5
Garnet means faith, loyalty, and true friendship. It gets its name from the Latin word for pomegranate because of its deep red color. People used to wear garnet for protection and courage in battle or when traveling, and to guard against poison.
Vikings liked this stone, and you often see it in old Viking jewelry. People in the Middle Ages thought garnet could help with swelling or fever. They also thought it brought sleep and riches.
February - Amethyst
- Color:Violet
- Hardness:7
Amethyst means intelligence, control, and love. This purple or light lavender quartz is usually in geodes. Because people thought it could stop strong feelings and desires and help with temptation, religious leaders have liked this stone for a long time. Amethyst is connected to St. Valentine and the Greek god of wine, Bacchus.
The stone’s name comes from the nymph Amethystos, who turned into a stone to hide from Bacchus. Hildegard von Bingen wrote that amethyst could help with skin problems and tumors. People also thought it kept you from getting drunk if you drank wine from an amethyst cup.
March - Aquamarine
- Color:Pale blue
- Hardness:7.5-8
- Traditional alternative:Bloodstone
Aquamarine is the modern March birthstone. It’s the stone of the sea. Its Latin name means seawater. Its clear blue looks like waves or seafoam. Legend says mermaids made it, and sailors thought it protected them at sea using Neptune’s power.
Aquamarine is one of the clearest gems, so it reflects light well. People think it brings peace and a good marriage, so it’s a good choice for an engagement stone.
April - Diamond
- Color:Clear
- Hardness:10
Diamond is the April birthstone and the hardest of all birthstones. Its strength and lasting beauty also make it the typical choice for engagement rings. Western cultures linked diamond to the planet Jupiter, but Hinduism connected it to Venus, which meant love.
The clearness of the diamond makes it a symbol of purity. Among the most expensive gemstones, diamonds were not only admired for their beauty but also used for medicinal purposes by rich royalty and religious leaders in old cultures
May - Emerald
- Color:Green
- Hardness:7.5-8
Emerald is the May birthstone. It’s known as the stone of joy and energy. In old times, it meant fertility and rebirth. The bright green and new life connected to emerald make it a perfect spring stone. Emeralds aren’t perfect, but their flaws add character.
Emerald flaws are called jardins (French for gardens) because they look like tiny wildflowers. People in the Middle Ages thought emeralds cured headaches and epilepsy and made you feel better.
June - Pearl
- Color:White
- Hardness:2.5-4
- Traditional alternative:Alexandrite
Pearl is the modern June birthstone. It gives wisdom, honesty, and truth. Pearl is a symbol of perfection with its smooth outside and shine. Many stories tell how pearls came to be. Some old cultures thought mythological creatures like nymphs and dragons made them; others thought they were from storms or the tears of gods.
Really, pearls grow in mollusks and take years to grow. Pearls are the softest birthstones, so they need extra care. Moonstone looks like pearl and is another June birthstone.
July - Ruby
- Color:Bold red
- Hardness:9
Ruby is the July birthstone. It’s a symbol of love, power, and strong feeling. It’s not for people who are timid. As the gemstone of love, ruby is a great anniversary or Valentine’s Day gift. People value rubies for their strong color - the deeper the red, the more valuable the ruby.
People used to put rubies on weapons because they thought they gave protection and an advantage, and the bright red could scare enemies. People in old times and the Middle Ages used the stone for blood flow and heart health, and for other cures. People also think ruby gives focus and strong feeling. People who wear rubies are said to be strong and hard to resist.
August - Peridot
- Color:Green
- Hardness:6.5-7
- Traditional alternative:Sardonyx
Peridot is the modern August birthstone. Peridots are bright and happy. They bring joy and positive feelings. It’s also the stone of creativity and good speaking. Peridots come from volcanoes and are the only gems besides diamonds that come from inside the earth. They’re a perfect summer stone because they’re so bright.
Some people use peridots for detox, better metabolism, or when they feel down. Peridots are a type of mineral called olivine, but peridots come in many greens, from muted olive or forest green to bright lime.
September - Sapphire
- Color:Dark blue
- Hardness:9
Sapphire is the September birthstone. People think this stone gives wisdom, spiritual understanding, and clear thinking. In relationships, sapphire means loyalty, trust, and long life, so this gem is a common choice for engagement rings.
People think sapphire gives motivation and confidence. People in old times used sapphires to cure eye problems. But people often mixed up sapphire with lapis lazuli, a bright blue but not as valuable stone, before people knew more about minerals.
October - Tourmaline
- Color:Pink
- Hardness:7-7.5
- Traditional alternative:Opal
Tourmaline is the October birthstone. Pink tourmaline has a gentle energy. It helps fix relationships, heal broken hearts, and make people love each other. Tourmalines have many colors, but pink, the rarest, is for October.
Watermelon tourmaline is pink and green and means kindness and giving. Some people think tourmaline helps with digestion and the immune system. Rubbing the stone makes electricity, and if you hold it to the light, a tourmaline might show a “cat-eye” effect.
November - Topaz
- Color:orange or golden-brown
- Hardness:8
- Traditional alternative:Citrine
Topaz is the November birthstone. People call it the “fire stone,” and it has strong energy. It gives purpose, excitement, and passion. It gives confidence and a nice glow. People also say it makes you kind and helpful.
Long ago, people linked topaz to the sun gods Ra and Jupiter. Stories say topaz can stop thirst and keep away bad dreams. Topaz is clear, colorless, orange, or golden-brown naturally, but people often treat it to give it other colors, like pretty blue.
December - Blue Topaz
- Color:Bright blue
- Hardness:8
Blue Topaz is the December Birthstone. This cool, clear gemstone calms the mind and soul. It helps with good communication, stops chaos, and helps you sleep well. Because it calms you, people often use this stone for meditation.
Blue topaz is a cooling stone, and people used to give it to people who got angry easy or had high fevers to cool them down. Blue topaz comes in different shades - pale blue is sky blue topaz, medium blue is Swiss blue topaz, and deep blue is London blue topaz.
You Might Like: March Gemstones - The Secrets Of Aquamarine & Bloodstone
Frequently Asked Questions
What Materials Are Used To Set Birthstone Jewelry?
Common materials include gold, silver, platinum, and stainless steel for durability and aesthetic appeal.
How Do I Care For Birthstone Jewelry?
Clean it regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap, and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures.
Can Birthstone Jewelry Be Personalized?
Many jewelers offer customization options like engraving and unique settings.
Is Birthstone Jewelry Suitable For Daily Wear?
Yes, but it depends on the stone’s hardness and the setting’s durability.
How Do I Choose The Right Birthstone Jewelry As A Gift?
Consider the recipient’s style, metal preference, and the type of jewelry they wear most often.
What’s The Best Way To Store Birthstone Jewelry?
Store it in a soft-lined jewelry box or individual pouches to prevent scratches and damage.
Conclusion
Birth month gemstone colors are more than just pretty things. They’re a link to the past, a nod to tradition, and a fun way to express a bit of yourself. This look at these colorful gems gave us a glimpse into the symbolism and legends attached to each month. Now, you can really appreciate the beauty and special traits of your own birthstone