Birthstones and What Signify
Birthstones and What they Signify! Every month has a birthstone, some have two, a faceted (cut) and non-faceted (smooth) stone to represent that month. Each stone has a unique and symbolic meaning which in some cases dates back to ancient history. Follow this exploration into each birthstone and what properties the wearer will receive by adorning themselves with these beautiful and meaningful gemstones.
January is the first month of the year and the birthstone is Garnet. Fun fact; Garnets come in other colors than the traditional Mozambique which has reddish-brown coloring that is most familiar. Other Garnets include a raspberry colored one know as Rhodalite, yellow-orange colored known as Spessartite, and a green colored known as Tsavorite. Garnets were originally thought to keep travelers safe, and they also symbolize perseverance, truth, patience and consistency.
February’s birthstone is Amethyst. Amethyst is a light to deep colored purple Quartz gemstone. Often thought if worn it would strengthen relationships and give the wearer courage. Amethyst also is coveted for its calming properties.
March is the Aquamarine. Aquamarine is from the Beryl family. Aquamarine means “ocean water” and its coloring is light pale to deep light blue. The Aquamarine was thought to cure heart, liver and stomach diseases if the Aqua was put in water and the water was consumed. Sailors believe that Aquamarine protect against ocean dangers. Aquamarine is also thought to promote youthful vitality, health and mental clarity.
April has the Diamond as it’s birthstone. Diamond is the hardest gemstone and is recognized for it’s immaculate beauty. The Diamond is the symbol of everlasting love and is still recognized today as the most traditional and valued gemstone used in an Engagement style ring. Diamonds are also known to give strength and courage to the wearer.
May uses Emerald as its birthstone. Emeralds are from the Beryl family and were Cleopatra’s favorite stone! They are light to deep shades of green in coloring and are typically associated with fertility, re-birth, and love. Today they are associated with wisdom, growth and patience.
June is one of the months that has two birthstones (one faceted and one smooth). The faceted birthstone is Alexandrite and the non faceted is Pearl. Alexandrite is from the Chrysoberyl family and flickers in color between a noble green and a deep red depending on the light. The finest Alexandrite are among the world’s most rare and coveted gems. Alexandrite is believed to impart good luck to whoever wears it. Perhaps the best-loved gems of all time, is the Pearl—natural and cultured—occur in a wide variety of colors. The most familiar are white and cream, but the palette of colors extends to every hue. Natural pearls form around a microscopic irritant in the bodies of certain mollusks. Cultured pearls are the result of the deliberate insertion of a bead or piece of tissue that the mollusk coats with nacre. Pearls are linked with purity, integrity, and wisdom.
July ‘s birthstone is Ruby which in Ancient Hindu times was believed to be “The King of Gems”. Rubies are light pinkish red to deep dark reds. They are used to signify love and passion and also protect one from evil.
August has Peridot as the gemstone for the month. Peridot is a chartreuse green colored stone. Peridot is one of the small groups of gemstones that appears to exist in only one color. The gemstone symbolizes strength. If a Peridot is set in gold, it is believed to protect against nightmares.
September uses Sapphire for the birthstone. Sapphires are most known for its stunning regal blue coloring but can also come in other colors. The most recognized besides blue, is white, pink and yellow. Sapphires are from the Corundum family and were a favorite stone of priests and kings. Ancient Roman’s believed it guarded one from envy, increased wealth and protected from harm.
October is another month that has a faceted and non faceted choice for its birthstone. The faceted choice is Pink Tourmaline and the non faceted is Opal. Pink Tourmaline is from the Tourmaline family and is a vibrant medium to dark color of pink. Tourmaline was highly treasured in China where they were favorites of empresses and mandarins. Opals are white background gemstones with “fire” provided by blue green and red hues. Opal is considered a “magical” gem. They symbolize faithfulness and confidence. they were also worn to repel evil and protect one’s eyesight.
November’s birthstone is Citrine. Citrine is a golden yellow quartz. Extremely rare in nature, Citrine is mostly created by heating Amethyst. Citrine’s autumnal colors make it a fitting stone for November. Citrine is known for strength, power and intellect.
December actually has two birthstones. The faceted gemstone is Blue Zircon and the non faceted is Turquoise. Blue Zircon is NOT nor has it ever been cubic zirconia. Zircon is a beautiful brilliant and natural gemstone that is medium to dark teal in coloring. Zircon was thought to promote restful sleep and wealth and that it dispelled evil spirits. Turquoise is a sacred stone for Native Americans as well as the Aztecs and ancient Egyptians. Turquoise is a bright light blue coloring and was used as a love “charm”. It is thought to bring good fortune and success, also to relax the mind and protect from harm.
So no matter what month you were born in, you can choose the gemstone that reflects your passion, style or symbolic meaning that speaks to you. Each gemstone is as unique as each individual who adorns themselves with them.