All About Birthstones

An Introduction to Birthstones

Birthstones are gemstones that go with an individual’s birth month. They have been around since biblical times. The breastplate of Aaron had 12 gemstones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. People used to wear all 12 birthstones throughout the year, one for each month, because they believed each stone would provide them with a special power or benefit.

The 16th and 18th centuries are when people started wearing just one stone for their birth month. In 1912 in America, the National Association of Jewelers released the list of modern birthstones that we now use today.

In this article, we’ll go through each of the birthstones and explain everything you need to know about them.

January - Garnet

January’s birthstone is Garnet. It is derived from the Latin word granatum, which means seed. Garnet is red, similar to a pomegranate seed. This gemstone is naturally found in Greece, Sri Lanka, India, Tanzania, Czech Republic, Russia and Madagascar.

While red is the most popular Garnet color, it also comes in shades of orange and green. This gemstone represents happiness, purpose, and goodwill.

Garnets are also said to bring health, peace and prosperity to the individual’s home. It is thought to bring healing to wounds as well, along with stimulating the wearer’s metabolism and even purifying their blood. Some even refer to garnet as an anti-depressant.

Throughout history, garnet has been worn by warriors, acting as a source of protection for them. In Egypt, garnets were believed to symbolize life itself. If you are looking for a way to wear your gemstone, or gift it someone you love, fine jewelry is a great way to do so.

February - Amethyst

Amethyst is February’s birthstone. It is the most popular purple gem in the world. The shade of purple can range from being extremely light or dark. This includes violet purple, deep purple, and reddish-purple.

Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that Amethyst was able to ward off the powers of Bacchus. Throughout history, any wearer of this gemstone was said to become clear-headed.

Amethyst can be found anywhere in the world, but Brazil is the primary source today. Current amethysts wearers amethysts have the potential to benefit from enhanced creativity and passion. This gemstone is often used during meditation to help with stability and harmony. Amethyst has been said to be a natural hormone balancer, and an immune-boosting gemstone.

March – Aquamarine

March’s birthstone is Aquamarine. The serene color of the stone is captured by its name. The name is a derivative of the two Latin words aqua for water and marina for sea. This gemstone can be found in countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique.

Aquamarine is often blue but can be found in a range of different shades of blue, some even with a hint of green. This gemstone can be used to help those during meditation or prayer. It is known to create an overall feeling of calm and tranquillity.

Aquamarine has also been said to heal sinus problems, allergies and respiratory conditions. It is very beneficial when treating gum and teeth issues.

Historically, aquamarine was most commonly used by Greeks and Romans. They believed it was a rare treasure that was connected to mermaids. Sailors would keep aquamarine close to their ships to keep them safe during storms while soldiers kept the gemstone close during war. If you know someone born in March, Aquamarine fine jewelry is a great gift to that person because it can make them feel safe.

April – Diamond

April’s birthstone is the Diamond. It is the most popular and arguably the most luxurious gemstone in the world. The name Diamond is the combination of two Greek words, adamas and diaphanus which mean unbreakable and transparent. The diamond is most commonly found in Australia, Botswana, Canada, South Africa, and Russia.

Diamonds are often transparent but can sometimes have a white tinge. This is part of their overall allure. Diamonds can have a prism effect and separate light into different colors which is one of their most appealing attributes. They are one of the most expensive gemstones that exist today.

This gemstone is believed to create a sense of radiance, energy, and light in any environment or soul. The hardness of the stone can often represent strength and clarity and can be useful when dealing with stress.

In Ancient Greece, the warriors wore diamonds because they believed it would make them invincible. On the other hand, Romans wore them to demonstrate purity and innocence. Since the renaissance, diamonds have been the ideal gemstone for engagement rings.

May - Emerald

May’s birthstone is Emerald. It symbolizes rebirth and is believed to provide the wearer with youth and good fortune. Emerald is derived from the Greek word smaragdus, which means green.

It was first mined in Egypt in early 330 B.C. Cleopatra collected this gemstone. Today, emeralds are minded in counties such as Colombia and Brazil. Afghanistan and Zambia are also popular sources.

The color of emerald can be pure green, but also comes in shades of yellow-green or blue-green. Emerald is said to have mystical powers, such as transforming negative energy into positive energy. In the past, it was believed that if you even looked at an emerald gemstone, your stomach and skin problems would be cured.

June - Alexandrite

June has three different gemstones. Alexandrite, pearl, and moonstone.

Pearl is the traditional birthstone for June. They are the only gemstones that come from living sea creatures. They are completely natural and don’t need any polishing. Pearls were first commercially cultured in the 1900s, and since then, they’ve nearly replaced natural pearls.

Alexandrite is a modern gem, it was dissevered in 1831 by a man named Czar Alexander II. The colors of Alexandrite are chameleon-like, it’s a variety of chrysoberyl. In the daytime, it’s a bright green, but in incandescent lighting, it becomes a purple-red color.

Moonstone is the third birthstone of June. Moonstone appears to be altered depending on the different phases of the moon. In India, it’s considered a sacred stone. It’s normally white or gray in color. It has a white and silvery glow.

July - Ruby

The gemstone for July is the Ruby. Ruby is one of the most popular red gems in the world. Its name is derived from the word rubeus, which is Latin for red. If you are looking for a ruby, you will most likely find it in Burma, Vietnam, Thailand, India, United States, East Africa, and the Middle East.

This gemstone is often a deep rich tone of red. The ruby can have different shades of red such as an orangy-red tone, a purplish-red, or just plain red which is the most common.

Rubies that are found naturally are incredibly expensive, which makes the lab-grown version much more popular.

In ancient times, rubies were believed to be a symbol of passion and protection. The gem is held and used in situations where you are required to be more aware with higher energy. It was worn to ward off different diseases including the plague.

Today, the ruby is said to balance energies and energize when needed. It is known to be used when the chakra needs to be stimulated or when passions need to be ignited. Physically, the stone is most often used when there are issues with the body, heart, and respiratory system.

August - Peridot

August has three different gemstones - Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. Peridot has a lot of debate surrounding the origin of the name. However, the most commonly discussed origin is Greece, from the word peridona which means giving plenty. It is often found in China, Arizona, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Africa.

This gemstone is from a gem variety known as olivine. It can be found in basalt flows which is an igneous rock that solidified from lavas from volcanos but it can also fall to the earth in meteorites.

Peridot is known to stimulate psychological clarity, happiness, and understanding. It can support the digestive system and internal balance.

September - Sapphire

Sapphire is the gemstone for September. It comes from the Latin word sapphirus combined with the Greek word sappheiros. Both of these words mean blue stone and when combined make the perfect name for the Sapphire.

This gem is commonly found in Montana, some of the best sapphires have been found there. Other places where it is found include Kashmir, Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and India.

Sapphires often symbolize loyalty, integrity, nobility, and sincerity. When you are trying to channel high powers or work on your focus and self-discipline, the sapphire is the best gemstone to have around. Additionally, they are believed to be a cure-all for any illness or physical issue. Fine sapphire jewelry would make the perfect gift for someone who was born in September.

October - Tourmaline

The birthstone for October is Tourmaline. The name comes from the words tura mali, which means stone of mixed colors in Sinhalese. It can be found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Mozambique, Madagascar, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States. Tourmalines are unique in the way that they don’t have any specific color that makes them what they are, they are always mixed. They come in many different color combinations.

Tourmaline is said to inspire those who wear it with a positive attitude which can result in an overall feeling of happiness. Historically, those who struggled with organ issues or hormone production believed this gemstone could help.

In China, tourmalines have been used for centuries in ceremonies. Black tourmaline was used by ancient magicians to protect themselves from negative energies.

November - Topaz

Topaz is the November birthstone. The name is a derivative of Topazios, the ancient Greek name for St. Johns Island in the Red Sea. If you are looking for Topaz, you will be able to find it in Brazil, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, Nigeria, Germany, and the United States.

Topaz is colorless when it is pure. When you have topaz that has a variety of colors such as blue, brown, pink, or yellow, they are signs that impurities are tinting the stone. However, some of these are quite desirable such as Imperial Topaz, the rich orange tint.

It is one of the hardest gemstones only falling shortly behind diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. The most commonly purchased color of topaz is blue but natural blue topaz is incredibly expensive and even rarer.

This gemstone is believed to be an antidepressant and can improve brain function. It can also provide strength for those who are struggling with faith and trust.

In ancient times, the Romans used it to provide strength during combat and prevent injury. Hindus believed it would protect and sustain their homes, heart, beauty, and intelligence.

December - Turquoise

The December birthstone is turquoise, which has been trending a lot lately and gaining popularity very quickly. The name is derived from the French word tourques, which means Turkish stone. It is a bit harder to find than other gemstones but you can find it in Iran and the United States.

Turquoise has an incredibly unique color range that makes it very easily identifiable. The blues can range from a light powdery blue to a greenish-blue that resembles a robin’s egg. Sometimes, there is even a bit of yellow in the gemstone.

Turquoise has been used for thousands of years. Most notably is that the Native Americans have been using turquoise for over 2000 years. Egyptians praised its powers of protection in ancient times and Persians would place the stone in their swords and daggers. Turquoise is thought to heal and cleanse the body of illness and aid in understanding, kindness, trust, and more. It can also be used to help with exhaustion, depression, or anxiety attacks.

Historically, Greeks used the sapphire to help guide them when seeking answers from high powers. Buddhists believed it could help with enlightenment and spirituality. Hindus would wear the sapphire during prayer and worship.