Birthstones By Month. What's Your Birthstone?
Birthstones by Month
Birthstones have captivated the hearts and minds of people for centuries, serving as symbols of our connection to the universe, our unique personalities, and the celebration of life's milestones. Each month of the year is associated with a specific gemstone, imbued with characteristics that reflect the essence of the time it represents. In this article, we will embark on a journey through the months, uncovering the dazzling array of birthstones and delving into their fascinating properties, histories, and meanings.
From the fiery reds of rubies to the calming blues of sapphires, birthstones provide a deeply personal and meaningful way to express our individuality and commemorate the people we hold dear. Their vibrant colors and enchanting stories capture the imagination, weaving tales of passion, wisdom, and transformation that have been passed down through generations. As we explore the gemstones of each month, you'll discover the unique qualities that make them so cherished, and perhaps even find a new appreciation for the stone that represents your own birth month.
Our journey will take us across continents and through time, visiting ancient civilizations that revered these precious gems for their mystical powers and modern societies that continue to be captivated by their enduring allure. Along the way, we'll uncover the scientific properties that define each gemstone, from their remarkable colors to their impressive durability, as well as the cultural significance that has shaped their place in history.
Whether you're searching for the perfect gift to celebrate a loved one's special day or seeking a deeper understanding of the gemstone that represents your own birth month, this exploration of birthstones will inspire and delight. So join us as we delve into the captivating world of "Birthstones by the Month" and uncover the gems that make each month truly shine.
The History of Birthstones
The history of gemstones spans thousands of years, with civilizations across the globe attributing mystical properties and cultural significance to these captivating jewels. Ancient Sumerians, Egyptians, and Greeks adorned themselves with gemstones not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their perceived healing powers and protective qualities. In India, the sacred text "Garuda Purana" detailed the spiritual importance of gemstones, while Chinese culture associated jade with purity and moral integrity.
Over time, gemstones became symbols of wealth, power, and social status, with royalty and nobility adorning themselves in precious stones. The fascination with gemstones continues today, as they remain cherished for their beauty, rarity, and enduring cultural significance.
Birthstones By Month
- January Birthstone - Garnet
- February Birthstone - Amethyst
- March Birthstone - Aquamarine
- April Birthstone - Diamond
- May Birthstone - Emerald
- June Birthstone - Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
- July Birthstone - Ruby
- August Birthstone - Peridot
- September Birthstone - Sapphire
- October Birthstone - Opal and Tourmaline
- November Birthstone - Topaz and Citrine
- December Birthstone - Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise
1. Birthstone for January: Garnet - The Stone of Commitment and Loyalty
Colors and Properties
Garnet is a group of silicate minerals in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, and even black. The most well-known variety is the deep red pyrope garnet.
Hardness and Durability
Garnet has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, making it suitable for everyday wear. However, handling garnet jewelry with care is essential to prevent scratches and chipping.
Origins and History
Garnet can be found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, and the United States. Historically, it has been associated with commitment, loyalty, and friendship. Ancient Egyptians believed that garnets could protect travellers from harm.
2. Birthstone for February: Amethyst - The Stone of Balance and Peace
Colors and Properties
Amethyst, a variety of quartz, is known for its beautiful purple color, which ranges from pale lilac to deep violet. The color is attributed to iron and manganese in the crystal structure.
Hardness and Durability
With a Mohs hardness of 7, amethyst is a durable option for family rings, but it requires some care to prevent scratches and chipping.
Origins and History
Amethyst can be found in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and the United States. Amethyst has been associated with balance, peace, and sobriety throughout history. Ancient Greeks believed that it could prevent drunkenness and promote clear-headedness.
3. Birthstone for March: Aquamarine - The Stone of Courage and Protection
Colors and Properties
Aquamarine, a member of the beryl family, exhibits a stunning blue-green color, reminiscent of the sea. The color intensity can range from a pale, almost transparent hue to a more vibrant, deep shade.
Hardness and Durability
Aquamarine shares the same Mohs hardness as emeralds, making it a relatively durable choice for family rings as long as it's treated with care.
Origins and History
Aquamarine can be found in Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, and the United States. It has been associated with courage, protection, and safe travels throughout history. Sailors believed that aquamarine would protect them from storms and ensure a safe journey.
4. Birthstone for April: Diamond - The Stone of Strength and Purity
Colors and Properties
Diamonds are pure carbon crystals, known for their exceptional brilliance and sparkle. They are in various colors, including colorless, yellow, brown, blue, green, and pink. The rarest and most valuable diamonds are the colorless ones.
Hardness and Durability
Diamond is the hardest natural substance, with a Mohs hardness of 10, making it an incredibly durable and scratch-resistant choice for family rings.
Origins and History
Diamonds can be found in Russia, Botswana, Canada, and Australia. Throughout history, diamonds have symbolized strength, purity, and eternal love. In ancient Greece, they were believed to be the tears of gods, while the Romans considered them shards of fallen stars.
5. Birthstone for May: Emerald - The Stone of Rebirth and Healing
Colors and Properties
Emeralds, members of the beryl family, are prized for their vibrant green color, which is caused by chromium and vanadium. The shade of green can vary from a pale, almost transparent hue to a rich, deep color.
Hardness and Durability
With a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, emeralds are slightly less durable than rubies and sapphires. However, they are still suitable for everyday wear, provided they are cared for.
Origins and History
Emeralds can be found in Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe. They have been revered since ancient times for their association with rebirth, healing, and fertility. The ancient Romans believed emeralds could restore sight and ease eye strain.
6. Birthstone for June: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
Pearl
Colors and Properties
Pearls are organic gemstones formed within mollusks, such as oysters and mussels. They come in various colors: white, cream, pink, and black. The color is determined by the type of mollusk and the environment in which it forms.
Hardness and Durability
With a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 4.5, pearls are relatively soft and require extra care to prevent scratches and damage.
Origins and History
Pearls can be found in regions such as the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean, and the South Pacific. Throughout history, pearls have symbolized purity, innocence, and wisdom. They were highly prized in ancient Rome and have been associated with royalty for centuries.
Alexandrite
Colors and Properties
Alexandrite, a variety of chrysoberyl, exhibits a unique color-changing property. It appears green in daylight and shifts to red or purplish-red under incandescent light.
Hardness and Durability
With a Mohs hardness of 8.5, alexandrite is a durable option for family rings, but it requires care to prevent scratches and chipping.
Origins and History
Alexandrite can be found in Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Russia. It was first discovered in Russia in the 19th century and named after Tsar Alexander II. It is believed to bring luck, good fortune, and love.
Moonstone
Colors and Properties
Moonstone is a variety of feldspar known for its unique adularescence, a phenomenon that creates a soft, shimmering glow reminiscent of moonlight. Moonstones can be found in various colors, including white, gray, and peach.
Hardness and Durability
With a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, moonstone requires some care to prevent scratches and damage.
Origins and History
Moonstones can be found in India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and the United States. Throughout history, it has been associated with lunar deities, fertility, and protection for travellers.
7. Birthstone for July: Ruby - The Stone of Love and Passion
Colors and Properties
Ruby, a variety of the mineral corundum, is known for its stunning red color, ranging from deep crimson to vibrant pink. The color is derived from the presence of chromium, and the richer the color, the more valuable the gemstone.
Hardness and Durability
With a Mohs hardness of 9, rubies are an excellent choice for everyday wear. They are durable and resistant to scratches, ensuring your family gemstone ring will stand the test of time.
Origins and History
Rubies are primarily found in Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, Madagascar, and Tanzania. Historically, rubies have been revered as symbols of love, passion, and protection. In ancient India, rubies were believed to bring good fortune and success to their wearers.
8. Birthstone for August: Peridot - The Stone of Light and Prosperity
Colors and Properties
Peridot is a variety of olivine minerals known for their unique olive-green color, which can range from a pale lime to a deeper, almost brownish hue. The color is attributed to the presence of iron within the crystal structure.
Hardness and Durability
Peridot has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it suitable for everyday wear. However, handling peridot jewelry with care is important to prevent scratches and chipping.
Origins and History
Peridot can be found in the United States, Myanmar, Pakistan, and China. Historically, peridot has been associated with light, prosperity, and happiness. The ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it could protect against evil spirits.
9. Birthstone for September: Sapphire - The Stone of Wisdom and Royalty
Colors and Properties
Sapphires, also a variety of corundum, are most famously known for their deep blue color, but they can also be found in pink, yellow, green, and even colorless forms. Trace elements such as iron, titanium, and chromium determine the color of these stunning gemstones.
Hardness and Durability
Sapphires share the same Mohs hardness as rubies, making them an equally durable and scratch-resistant choice for family rings.
Origins and History
Significant sources of sapphires include Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, and Australia. They have long been associated with wisdom, nobility, and divine favor, making them a popular choice for royalty throughout history.
10. Birthstone for October: Opal and Tourmaline - The Stones of Creativity and Balance
Opal
Colors and Properties
Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica known for its unique play of colors, which can include a dazzling array of hues, such as red, green, blue, and orange. The most valuable opals display a vibrant, rainbow-like array of colors.
Hardness and Durability
With a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.5, opals are relatively soft and require extra care to prevent scratches and damage.
Origins and History
Opals can be found in Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico, and the United States. Throughout history, opals have been associated with creativity, inspiration, and protection. They were highly valued in ancient Rome and believed to bring good luck.
Tourmaline
Colors and Properties
Tourmaline is a group of minerals that come in various colors, including pink, green, blue, yellow, and black. The most well-known variety is the watermelon tourmaline, which uniquely combines pink and green.
Hardness and Durability
Tourmaline has a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5, making it suitable for everyday wear, but it requires some care to prevent scratches and chipping.
Origins and History
Tourmaline exists in Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, and the United States. Historically, it has been associated with balance, harmony, and emotional healing. Ancient Egyptians believed that tourmaline passed through a rainbow on its journey from the earth's core, which gave it its vibrant colors.
11. Birthstone for November: Topaz and Citrine - The Stones of Joy and Abundance
Topaz
Colors and Properties
Topaz is a silicate mineral found in various colors, including blue, yellow, orange, pink, and even colorless. The most valuable variety is the imperial topaz, which exhibits a stunning golden-orange hue. The colors are generally caused by impurities or defects in the crystal structure.
Hardness and Durability
Topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it a relatively durable choice for family rings. However, it is more susceptible to chipping and breaking than rubies and sapphires, requiring careful handling.
Origins and History
Topaz can be found in Brazil, Nigeria, Russia, and the United States. Historically, topaz has been associated with strength, clarity, and protection. Ancient Greeks believed it could increase strength and grant invisibility, while the Romans associated it with the sun god Apollo.
Citrine
Colors and Properties
Citrine, a variety of quartz, is known for its warm, golden-yellow color, which is attributed to the presence of iron in the crystal structure. The color can range from a pale, almost transparent hue to a rich, deep shade of gold.
Hardness and Durability
With a Mohs hardness of 7, a citrine is a durable option for family rings, but it requires some care to prevent scratches and chipping.
Origins and History
Citrine exists in Brazil, Madagascar, Bolivia, and the United States. Throughout history, citrine has been associated with joy, abundance, and prosperity. It is believed to attract wealth and success, making it a popular choice for merchants and business owners.
12. Birthstone for December: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise - The Stones of Transformation, Purity, and Protection
Tanzanite
Colors and Properties
Tanzanite is a variety of mineral zoisite and is prized for its stunning blue-violet color. The gemstone is pleochroic, which displays different colors when viewed from different angles.
Hardness and Durability
Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, requiring some care to prevent scratches and damage.
Origins and History
As its name suggests, tanzanite can only be found in Tanzania, making it a relatively rare gemstone. Discovered in 1967, it has quickly become a popular choice for jewelry due to its mesmerizing color and unique properties.
Zircon
Colors and Properties
Zircon is a mineral that comes in various colors, including blue, green, yellow, and red. The most popular variety is blue zircon, which exhibits a beautiful, vibrant hue.
Hardness and Durability
Zircon has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, making it suitable for everyday wear. However, handling zircon jewelry with care is essential to prevent scratches and chipping.
Origins and History
Zircon can be found in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Tanzania. It has been associated with purity, protection, and spiritual growth throughout history.
Turquoise
Colors and Properties
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral that is known for its distinctive blue-green color. The hue can range from a pale, almost transparent blue to a rich, vibrant green.
Hardness and Durability
Turquoise has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, requiring extra care to prevent scratches and damage.
Origins and History
Turquoise can be found in the United States, Iran, China, and Mexico. Throughout history, turquoise has been associated with protection, healing, and good fortune. Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans all revered turquoise for its spiritual and protective properties.
Conclusion
Let Davidson Jewels be your guide to birthstones, our expert artisans craft breathtaking 18k gold and platinum birthstone rings or necklaces featuring a traditional birthstone, each with its unique story and symbolism. A family gemstone ring is not just a piece of jewelry; it's a celebration of love, history, and the connections that bind us. Let us help you create a meaningful and lasting tribute to the special people in your life. Visit our website or contact us today to start your journey toward a truly unforgettable piece of custom jewelry.