Birthstones by Month + their Gemstone Meanings
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Have you ever put on your raw gemstone jewelry and wondered about your birthstone's gemstone meaning? Then keep reading because today I'm sharing a birthstone guide. I'll walk you through birthstone jewelry history, modern birthstones by month, and their healing crystals meanings - that will further your knowledge on your crystal journey.
Why birthstones?
Birthstones are meaningful in lots of ways. They are often revered for their beauty, they have metaphysical healing properties, and most importantly, birthstones are special because they signify an important part of our lives - a celebration of our births!
Origins
Birthstones have been around for a long time, and are first mentioned in the Bible. In The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, mineralogist George Frederick Kunz discusses our long cultural history of wearing birthstones initially assigned to the twelve zodiac signs.
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Birthstones became popularized, as we know them today, in 1912 when an official list, noted as the "traditional birthstone list", was created by Jewelers of America, a national trade organization for fine jewelry. The list included practical and popular stones American jewelers could easily promote and sell. Since then additional stones have been officially added to various months multiple times, and was redubbed the "modern birthstone list".
Today various gem organizations have slight differences in their own birthstone lists, but the majority is the same. In addition, many independent jewelers include alternative birthstone options based on colors, zodiac, or other historical association with the months.
Birthstones by month
- January - Garnet
- February - Amethyst
- March - Aquamarine, Bloodstone
- April - Diamond
- May - Emerald
- June - Moonstone, Pearl, Alexandrite
- July - Ruby
- August - Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx
- September - Sapphire
- October - Opal, Tourmaline
- November - Citrine, Topaz
- December - Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite
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- Garnet's meaning is of loyalty and affection. The stone is versatile given it comes in many shapes and colors. It has a deep connection to the earth and is associated with protection, grounding, and fidelity.
- Amethyst brings relaxation, serenity, and peace of mind. In ancient times, it was named "not drunk" for its effects against intoxication. It is associated with healing, royalty as well as the crown chakra, which regulates unity and divine harmony.
- Aquamarine's meaning is clarity, hope, and guidance. Its name translates to 'water of the sea' and it calms your mind, giving a high state of spiritual awareness.
- Bloodstone brings purification, courage, and protection. In ancient times, the stone was connected to purifying blood and healing wounds.
- Diamond's meaning is purity, harmony, and fortitude. As one of the hardest substances, it symbolizes invincibility and eternity.
- Herkimer diamond brings unification, balance, and spiritual growth. The stone is a type of quartz, so it also helps with strength, amplification, and all-round healing. (Herkimer is an alternative to diamond)
- Emerald's meaning is virtue and successful love. In historical times, it was linked to royalty and spiritual visions. Today, its renewal properties are linked to enhancing friendships and relationships.
- Moonstone nurtures spirituality and emotional energy. The stone has connections to the moon - it has ties to historical deities as well as lunar cycles.
- Pearl's meaning is love, hope, and prosperity. It has connections to water and the moon, and is often used during times of change.
- Alexandrite supports intuition, creativity and spiritual rebirth. It is a rare form of Chrysoberyl and promotes new beginnings and confidence.
- Ruby's meaning is passion and vitality. It has historical ties to life-force energy, fertility and war, and is associated with bringing light into dark places.
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- Peridot promotes transformation and change. In ancient times, it was highly regarded as a highly spiritual stone, and it is a powerful energetic cleanser.
- Spinel's meaning is rejuvenation and renewal. It appears in a wide range of colors making it a great stone to use with chakra healing.
- Sardonyx brings courage and protection. It has ties to Mars and is worn as a good luck charm.
- Sapphire promotes wisdom and innocence. It's been associated with the heavens and royalty, and symbolizes truth and virtue.
- Opal brings creativity and insight. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “precious" and helps you manifest intentions.
- Tourmaline cleanses and transforms spiritual energy. The stone comes in many different colors, and is used for protection.
- Citrine's meaning is prosperity and gratitude. It is nicknamed the Merchant Stone because it is associated with abundance. The stone gives you energy to manifest your own reality.
- Topaz brings energy, joy, and balance. It has connections to the sun, fire, and nurtured relationships.
- Turquoise is a stone of happiness and good fortune. It was sacred to many ancient cultures because of its cosmic origins, and brought peace and protection.
- Zircon brings protection and clarity. It comes in a wide range of colors making it a great stone to use with chakra healing.
- Tanzanite brings enlightenment and compassion. It is a form of Zoisite, and connects to spiritual realms.
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