Birthstones: Who, What, When, Where and Why?
Dating back to 1400 B.C., Assyrians are credited with giving meaning to birthstones. These findings were later documented in both the Old and New Testament. The Book of Exodus details stories of priests wearing breastplates that contained these 12 gems. It was believed that these gems were linked to the tribes in Israel. It wasn’t until later when astrologers made the connection between gemstones and a person’s month of birth.
Symbolism of Birthstone Colors
Following this startling revelation, historians began digging deeper into these fascinating jewels. This phenomenon held global appeal, with Germany and Poland being among the first countries to dissect the symbolism behind these colored stones. By 1912, these discoveries became widely accepted. Notable names like Tiffany & Co. and the NAJ endorsed these uncoverings by publishing documentation on the legitimacy of birthstones and their colors.
Birthstones by Month and Their Meanings
Below, you’ll find an overview of each month’s colored birthstone and what they symbolize.
January – Garnet
Touted as a diverse and multifaceted gem, garnet represents faith, courage, and love. Rich with red hues and deep shades, this precious stone exudes beauty. Applauded for its ability to bolster self-confidence and boost energy levels, garnet possesses many powers.
- Month: January
- Birthstone: Garnet
- Color: Deep Red
- Meanings: Faith, Courage, Love
Read more: January Birthstone – Garnet
February – Amethyst
Renowned for its unmatched protection, amethyst safeguards against sickness and danger. This gem boasts such strong healing capabilities that Pope Francis wears amethyst-infused jewelry. Complete with light purple and violet tones, amethyst oozes with elegance.
- Month: February
- Birthstone: Amethyst
- Color: Purple
- Meanings: Protection, Elegance
Read more: February Birthstone – Amethyst
March – Aquamarine
Symbolic of hope, bravery, and creativity, aquamarine holds profound meaning. Most prominently known for its fresh watery hues, aquamarine offers subtle charm. Researchers maintain that this gemstone promotes love, health, and happiness.
- Month: March
- Birthstone: Aquamarine
- Color: Light Blue
- Meanings: Hope, Bravery, Creativity
Read more: March Birthstone – Aquamarine
April – Diamond
Associated with peace and everlasting love, diamond is synonymous with positivity. With its tranquil presence, diamond wards off evil. From romance to fearlessness, April’s birthstone has many interpretations.
- Month: April
- Birthstone: Diamond
- Color: Clear/White
- Meanings: Peace, Romance
Read more: April Birthstone – Diamond
May – Emerald
Health, fertility, and faithfulness are all related to emerald. This dazzling green gem is thought to have otherworldly abilities. In fact, many believe that emerald can cure illnesses and ease anxiety.
- Month: May
- Birthstone: Emerald
- Color: Green
- Meanings: Health, Fertility, Faithfulness
Read more: May Birthstone – Emerald
June – Pearl/Alexandrite
Pearls are delicate gems that can quiet a busy mind. In other words, they diminish nervousness. In addition to their calming capabilities, they also foster self-love. Alexandrite is known to bring luck, good fortune and love.
- Month: June
- Birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite
- Color: White/Light Purple
- Meanings: Calm, Luck, Self-Love
Read more: June Birthstones – Pearl and Alexandrite
July – Ruby
Similar to January’s garnet, rubies are red and represent strength. Where rubies are near, so too is good fortune. Most notably, rubies can improve emotional and physical well-being.
- Month: July
- Birthstone: Ruby
- Color: Red
- Meanings: Strength, Good Fortune
Read more: July Birthstone – Ruby
August – Peridot/Spinel
A birthstone unlike any other, Peridot is a lovely olivine gem. Peridot’s green and yellow tones reduce stress and anger. Best of all, peridot is known to thwart evil forces. Spinel is the stone of hope and revitalization.
- Month: August
- Birthstones: Peridot, Spinel
- Color: Light Green
- Meanings: Relaxation, Revitalization
Read more: August Birthstones – Peridot and Spinel
September – Sapphire
Hallmarked for its striking blue color, sapphire is indicative of wisdom and modesty. Much like other birthstones, sapphire is a natural healer. If physical discomfort is present, sapphire serves as a suitable remedy.
- Month: September
- Birthstone: Sapphire
- Color: Deep Blue
- Meanings: Wisdom, Modesty
Read more: September Birthstone – Sapphire
October – Opal/Tourmaline
October has two birthstones. Opal and tourmaline are two powerful gems that inspire hope and creativity. What’s more, they can restore health and enhance wellness.
- Month: October
- Birthstones: Opal, Tourmaline
- Color: Pink
- Meanings: Balance, Restoration
Read more: October Birthstones – Opal and Tourmaline
November – Topaz/Citrine
Topaz and citrine are the two birthstones associated with November. Both are mighty and protective, and they go to great lengths to keep negativity at bay. It’s for this reason why November is such a happy-go-lucky month.
- Month: November
- Birthstones: Topaz, Citrine
- Color: Orange
- Meanings: Energy, Joy
Read more: November Birthstones – Topaz and Citrine
December – Turquoise/Zircon/Tanzanite
Regarded as the powerhouse of birth months, December has three birthstones. Turquoise, zircon and tanzanite are linked to optimal health, which is why many don these gems to prevent sickness. Together, these stones are so strong that wickedness doesn’t stand a chance in their presence.
- Month: December
- Birthstones: Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite
- Color: Blue
- Meanings: Growth, Healing
Read more: December Birthstones – Turquoise, Zircon and Tanzanite
Birthstone Chart
Here’s a birthstone chart that shows all birthstones by month with their associated colors and meanings.
| Month | Birthstones | Colors | Meanings |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Deep Red | Faith, Courage, Love |
| February | Amethyst | Purple | Protection, Elegance |
| March | Aquamarine | Light Blue | Hope, Bravery, Creativity |
| April | Diamond | Clear/White | Peace, Romance |
| May | Emerald | Green | Health, Fertility, Faithfulness |
| June | Pearl, Alexandrite | White/Light Purple | Calm, Luck, Self-Love |
| July | Ruby | Red | Strength, Good Fortune |
| August | Peridot, Spinel | Light Green | Relaxation, Revitalization |
| September | Sapphire | Deep Blue | Wisdom, Modesty |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline | Pink | Balance, Restoration |
| November | Topaz, Citrine | Orange | Energy, Joy |
| December | Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite | Blue | Growth, Healing |
