Birthstones by Month: The Ultimate Guide

Origins of the Tradition

The tradition of wearing birthstones dates back to antiquity. The earliest recorded origin is the Breastplate of Aaron, featuring 12 gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus, ~1500 BC). Babylonian astrologers later linked these stones to the zodiac and planets. In Ancient Rome, the elite wore different stones each month, believing in their changing seasonal powers.

The modern standardized list was established in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (USA). The concept is simple: your birthstone acts as a personal talisman, amplifying your strengths while shielding you from negativity.

While the tradition is global, iconic sources—such as Ural emeralds, Yakutian diamonds, and Siberian amethysts—have historically been regarded as some of the most powerful and sought-after specimens in the world.

---

January – Garnet

Stone: Garnet (Pyrope, Almandine, Demantoid)

Chemistry: Silicates of iron, magnesium, and calcium. Hardness: 6.5–7.5.

Colors: Red, orange, green, purple, black. Blue is exceptionally rare in classic garnets.

Etymology: From the Latin "granatus" (grain-like), resembling the seeds of a pomegranate.

Origins: - Czech Republic (Bohemian Pyrope—the historical gold standard)

• Russia: Urals (Demantoid—vibrant green with "horsetail" inclusions), Yakutia
• India, Sri Lanka, Africa

Varieties:

• Pyrope – Blood-red
• Almandine – Deep red, violet hues
• Rhodolite – Rose-raspberry pink
• Demantoid – Emerald-green (Uralian)
• Tsavorite – Vivid bright green

Meaning: Passion, loyalty, protection, and strength.

Metaphysical Properties:

• Guards against betrayal and hidden dangers
• The traveler’s stone (ancient sailors used it for guidance)
• Enhances charisma and vital energy
• Prevents nightmares (place under a pillow)
• Roman legionnaires wore it for protection in battle

Healing Beliefs: Improves circulation, boosts the immune system, and balances blood pressure.

Compatibility: Capricorn, Aquarius, Aries, Leo, Scorpio. Leaders, warriors, and explorers.

How to Wear:

• Metal: Silver or Gold
• Index finger ring – for leadership
• Ring finger – for love and devotion
• Pendant – for heart protection

Care: Warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for stones with visible fractures.

---

February – Amethyst

Stone: Amethyst

Chemistry: Silicon dioxide (Quartz family). Hardness: 7.

Color: Ranging from pale lilac to deep royal purple. Colored by iron impurities.

Etymology: From the Greek "amethystos" meaning "not intoxicated," believed to prevent drunkenness.

Origins:

• Russia: Urals (Murzinka—deep purple with red flashes, the world’s finest)
• Brazil (large geodes and crystals)
• Uruguay (dark, highly saturated)
• Zambia, Sri Lanka

Varieties:

• Uralian – Deep purple, considered the highest quality
• Brazilian – Large sizes, varied shades
• Ametrine – A bi-color mix of violet Amethyst and yellow Citrine

Meaning: Wisdom, spirituality, clarity of mind, and temperance.

Metaphysical Properties:

• Enhances intuition and spiritual insight
• Shields against negativity and psychic attacks
• Calms anger and emotional stress
• Aids in concentration and academic success
• The "Bishop's Stone"—a symbol of divine authority
• A stone of eternal fidelity

Healing Beliefs: Calms the nervous system, aids insomnia, and relieves headaches.

Compatibility: Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Sagittarius. Scholars, teachers, and spiritual seekers.

How to Wear:

• Metal: Silver or White Gold
• Middle finger of the left hand – for intuition
• Pendant – for spiritual growth

Care: FADES IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT! Store in darkness. Use soapy water. Charge under moonlight.

---

March – Aquamarine

Stone: Aquamarine

Chemistry: Beryl family. Hardness: 7.5–8.

Color: From pale watery blue to deep sea-green. Colored by iron.

Etymology: From the Latin "aqua marina"—meaning "sea water."

Origins:

• Brazil (The benchmark for saturated blues)
• Madagascar, Mozambique (Vibrant hues)
• Russia: Urals, Transbaikalia
• Pakistan

Varieties:

• Santa Maria – Deep saturated blue (Brazil), the most expensive
• Santa Maria Africana – The African counterpart of similar quality

Meaning: Serenity, protection during travel, particularly at sea.

Metaphysical Properties:

• The stone of sailors and voyagers
• Cools tempers and reduces stress
• Grants courage to the wearer
• Strengthens marital love
• Protects against deception
• Enhances clairvoyance
• Ancient Greeks threw it into the sea as an offering to Poseidon

Healing Beliefs: Soothes the nerves, helps with motion sickness, and supports thyroid health.

Compatibility: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, Libra, Aquarius. Sailors, travelers, and diplomats.

How to Wear:

• Metal: Silver or White Gold
• Index finger ring – for courage
• Pendant – for protection and inner peace

Care: Soapy water. Stable color. Can be "charged" in sea water or moonlight.

---

April – Diamond

Stone: Diamond (Brilliant cut)

Chemistry: Pure Carbon. Hardness: 10—the hardest natural substance.

Color: Colorless (most prized), yellow, brown, pink, blue, green, red (rarest), and black.

Etymology: From the Greek "adamas"—meaning "invincible" or "unbreakable."

Age: 1–3 billion years old. Formed 100–200 km deep at high pressure and heat.

Origins:

• Russia: Yakutia—25% of global production (Mir and Udachnaya pipes)
• Botswana, South Africa, Canada, Australia

Famous Specimens:

• The "Orlov Diamond" (189 ct) – Russian Imperial Scepter
• The "Shah Diamond" (88 ct) – Inscribed by Persian Shahs
• The "Cullinan" (3106 ct) – The largest ever found

Meaning: Power, strength, invincibility, purity, and eternal love.

Metaphysical Properties:

• A stone of victory and absolute authority
• Amplifies the energy of other gemstones
• Protects against evil and the "evil eye"
• Grants fearlessness
• The gemstone of monarchs
• Note: May bring misfortune to the dishonest
• Legend: Repels serpents and protects against poisons

Healing Beliefs: General tonic for the body, supports heart health, and helps reduce fever.

Compatibility: Aries, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Capricorn. Leaders and executives.

How to Wear:

• Metal: Platinum or White Gold
• Ring finger – for love and commitment
• Index finger – for power
• Rule: Traditionally should be gifted or inherited to carry full power.

Care: Hardest but brittle—vulnerable to sharp impacts. Clean with ammonia solution. Attracts grease.

---

May – Emerald

Stone: Emerald

Chemistry: Beryl with traces of Chromium and Vanadium. Hardness: 7.5–8.

Color: Green—ranging from light mint to deep forest.

Etymology: From the Greek "smaragdos." Historically known in Russia as "Smaragd."

Feature: Almost all contain inclusions—the "Jardin" (garden). Flawless stones are extremely rare.

Origins:

• Colombia (Muzo, Chivor—the gold standard, vivid blue-green)
• Zambia (Darker green, usually higher clarity)
• Russia: Urals (Malyshevskoye deposit—famed for brightness)
• Brazil (Typically lighter tones)

Varieties:

• Colombian – The world’s benchmark
• Zambian – Dark, clean, and modern favorites
• Uralian – Bright, historically significant
• Trapiche – A rare star-patterned emerald (Colombia)

History: Cleopatra’s Mines (1500 BC)—the oldest known. Cleopatra was famously obsessed with them.

Meaning: Wisdom, knowledge, motherhood, and family unity.

Metaphysical Properties:

• Grants the gift of foresight
• Boosts intellect and memory
• Protects against enchantments
• The stone of maternal bonds and home
• Promotes loyalty in relationships
• Calming effect on the psyche
• Attracts wealth
• Legend: If it cracks, it is warning the owner of danger

Healing Beliefs: Beneficial for eye health, lowers blood pressure, and strengthens memory.

Compatibility: Taurus, Cancer, Pisces, Libra, Leo. Scholars, writers, and mothers.

How to Wear:

• Metal: Any Gold or Platinum
• Pinky finger ring – for scholars/communicators
• Ring finger – for love
• Pendant – for protection
• The "Emerald Cut" was specifically designed to protect this stone

Care: FRAGILE! Use only soft cloth and lukewarm water. NO ultrasonic! NO steam! Oiling is standard.

---

June – Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone

June is unique with three distinct birthstones!

Pearl

Description: Created by a living mollusk. Calcium carbonate + protein. Hardness: 2.5–4.5.

Formation: A grain of sand enters the shell; the mollusk coats it in nacre for 2–7 years.

Varieties:

• Akoya (Japan) – Classic white/pink, 6–8mm
• South Sea (Australia) – Large 10–20mm, white/gold
• Tahitian – "Black" (actually grey, green, or peacock)
• Freshwater (China) – Affordable and diverse

Meaning: Purity, innocence, and integrity. A symbol of marriage.

Properties: Calming, enhances intuition, and protects against the "evil eye."

Zodiac: Cancer, Pisces, Aquarius, Scorpio.

Care: WEAR your pearls—skin contact keeps them hydrated. "Last on, first off." Perfume destroys them.

Alexandrite

Description: Chrysoberyl with Chromium. Hardness: 8.5. Discovered in the Urals in 1834.

Phenomenon: Color change! Green by day, red by night. "Emerald by day, ruby by night."

Origins: Russia (Urals—mostly depleted), Brazil, Sri Lanka.

Meaning: The prophet stone, the Imperial stone of Russia.

Properties: Warns of danger (intensified color change), brings luck, and heightens intuition.

Zodiac: Gemini, Scorpio, Leo. For strong personalities only.

Care: Durable. Water, brush, and ultrasonic cleaners are safe.

Moonstone

Description: Feldspar with adularescence—a milky blue shimmer. Hardness: 6–6.5.

Origins: Sri Lanka (finest), India, Russia (Belomorite from the Kola Peninsula).

Meaning: Intuition, prophetic dreams, and the feminine "Moon" energy.

Properties: Enhances psychic abilities, aids lovers, and soothes emotions.

Zodiac: Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio, Libra.

Care: Soft stone. Guard against scratches and impacts. Clean with a soft cloth.

---

July – Ruby

Stone: Ruby

Chemistry: Aluminum oxide (Corundum) with Chromium. Hardness: 9.

Color: Red—from pinkish to deep crimson. The standard is "Pigeon's Blood" (vivid red).

Etymology: From the Latin "ruber" (red). Historically known in Russia as "Red Yakhont."

Relative: Sapphire—the exact same mineral, just a different color.

Origins:

• Myanmar (Burma, Mogok—the "Pigeon's Blood" source)
• Mozambique (Vivid, clean, the top modern competitor)
• Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Thailand

Varieties:

• Burmese – The gold standard, highest price
• Mozambican – Bright, the current industry favorite
• Star Ruby – Displays asterism (a 6-ray star)

History: Known in India as the "King of Gems," once valued more than diamonds.

Meaning: Power, passion, courage, and victory.

Metaphysical Properties:

• The stone of absolute authority and triumph
• Bestows immense courage
• Protects against evil and envy
• Magnet for romantic love
• The gemstone of kings
• Boosts physical energy
• Legend: Darkens when danger is near
• Traditional shield against poison

Healing Beliefs: Improves blood flow, strengthens the heart, and revitalizes energy.

Compatibility: Leo, Aries, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Scorpio. Leaders and military.

How to Wear:

• Metal: Yellow/Rose Gold or Platinum
• Ring finger – for love
• Index finger – for power
• Pendant – for heart protection

Care: Very hard but can be brittle. Avoid hard knocks. Soapy water. Use ultrasonic with caution.

Treatment: 95% are heat-treated—this is the industry standard.

---

August – Peridot (Chrysolite)

Stone: Peridot (Chrysolite, Olivine)

Chemistry: Magnesium iron silicate. Hardness: 6.5–7.

Color: Yellow-green, olive, or lime green. Colored by iron.

Etymology: "Peridot" from French; "Chrysolite" from Greek meaning "Golden Stone."

Feature: "The Evening Emerald"—it glows vivid green under artificial light. Found in meteorites!

Origins:

• Egypt (Zabargad Island—ancient source, now depleted)
• Myanmar, Pakistan, China, USA, Russia

History: Mined since 1500 BC in Ancient Egypt. Cleopatra loved them—many of her "emeralds" were peridots.

Meaning: Solar energy, warmth, light, and friendship.

Metaphysical Properties:

• The stone of the sun
• Protects against nightmares (place under a pillow)
• Banishes evil spirits
• Attracts financial abundance
• The stone of true friendship
• Improves eloquence and public speaking
• Helps alleviate depression

Healing Beliefs: Improves eyesight, aids digestion, and balances hormones.

Compatibility: Leo, Virgo, Pisces, Libra, Taurus. Peace-loving and universal.

How to Wear:

• Metal: Yellow Gold or Silver
• Rings, pendants, or earrings

Care: Brittle. Sensitive to acids and sudden temperature changes. Use warm water. NO ultrasonic!

---

September – Sapphire

Stone: Sapphire

Chemistry: Aluminum oxide (Corundum). Hardness: 9.

Colors: Every color except red: blue, pink, yellow, orange, green, violet, clear, and black.

Etymology: From the Greek "sappheiros" (blue). Historically in Russia: "Azure Yakhont."

Origins:

• Kashmir (India—"Velvety" cornflower blue, the ultimate standard, depleted)
• Myanmar (Royal Blue)
• Sri Lanka (Bright blue, high clarity, the classic choice)
• Madagascar, Tanzania, Australia

Varieties:

• Kashmiri – Cornflower blue, the rarest and most expensive
• Burmese – Saturated royal blue
• Ceylon – Bright, clear blue
• Padparadscha – Pink-orange "Lotus color" (Sri Lanka), incredibly rare
• Star Sapphire – Displays a star effect

Famous Specimens:

• "Star of India" (563 ct) – Star sapphire
• Princess Diana’s Ring (12 ct) – Now worn by Kate Middleton
• Russian Imperial Crown – Features a massive Ceylon sapphire

Meaning: Wisdom, loyalty, spirituality, and the heavens. The "Bishop’s Stone."

Metaphysical Properties:

• Stone of wisdom and eternal fidelity
• Shields from fraud and malice
• Develops intuition and foresight
• Brings power and public respect
• Symbol of chastity
• Strengthens marriage bonds
• The stone of truth (worn by ancient judges)

Healing Beliefs: Lowers blood pressure, helps eye conditions, and aids sleep.

Compatibility: Virgo, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Pisces, Libra, Taurus.

How to Wear:

• Metal: Platinum/White Gold (Blue), Yellow Gold (Yellow/Padparadscha)
• Index finger – for wisdom
• Ring finger – for loyalty
• Pendant – for protection

Care: Extremely durable. Soapy water. Ultrasonic is safe.

Treatment: 95%+ are heat-treated—standard practice.

---

October – Opal and Tourmaline

October offers two stones of incredible color depth!

Opal

Description: Hydrated silica containing 6–10% water. Hardness: 5.5–6.5.

Effect: Opalescence—a rainbow-like play of color.

Origins: Australia (95% of supply), Ethiopia, Mexico.

Varieties:

• White – Milky background with flashes
• Black – Dark body with vibrant play (Australia), MOST VALUABLE
• Boulder – Opal veins inside ironstone
• Fire – Orange-red body (Mexico)
• Ethiopian – Translucent with vivid "neon" flashes

Meaning: Hope, creativity, and inspiration. Romans saw it as the luckiest of all gems.

Properties: Amplifies emotions, boosts intuition, shields from negativity. Best for the strong-willed.

Zodiac: Libra, Scorpio, Pisces, Cancer. Artists and creative souls.

Care: CRITICAL—Contains water! Can dry out and crack. WEAR it. NO ultrasonic! Store in damp cloth.

Tourmaline

Description: Complex borosilicate. Hardness: 7–7.5.

Feature: One crystal often shows multiple colors. "Watermelon" is pink inside, green outside.

Colors: Literally EVERY color of the rainbow.

Origins: Brazil, Afghanistan, Mozambique, Madagascar, Russia (Urals).

Varieties:

• Rubellite – Pink to red
• Indicolite – Blue
• Verdelite – Green
• Paraiba – Neon blue (copper-bearing), RAREST, extremely valuable
• Watermelon – Pink center, green rim
• Schorl – Black

Meaning: Love (pink), prosperity (green), peace (blue), protection (black).

Properties: Blocks EMF radiation, cleanses the aura, boosts creativity and confidence.

Zodiac: Libra, Scorpio, and universal for all signs.

Care: Soapy water. Use ultrasonic with caution.

---

November – Topaz and Citrine

November celebrates the golden tones of autumn!

Topaz

Description: Aluminum fluorosilicate. Hardness: 8.

Colors: Clear, yellow, blue, pink, red, green, brown.

Origins: Brazil, Pakistan, Russia (Urals).

Varieties:

• Yellow (Golden) – The classic November choice
• Imperial – Pinkish-orange (Brazil), MOST VALUABLE
• Blue: Sky, Swiss, and London Blue—mostly enhanced by radiation/heat
• Pink – Rare, fades in the sun
• Colorless – Once used as a "Slavic Diamond"

Meaning: Wisdom, serenity, and wealth.

Properties: Attracts fortune ("The Merchant's Stone"), protects travelers, and aids in decision-making.

Zodiac: Scorpio, Sagittarius, Gemini, Leo.

Care: CAUTION—Perfect cleavage, can split if hit. Pink topaz fades in sun. NO ultrasonic.

Citrine

Description: Yellow Quartz (SiO₂). Hardness: 7.

Color: Yellow—from lemon to deep amber honey.

Fact: Natural citrine is rare! Most is heat-treated Amethyst. This is an accepted trade practice.

Origins: Brazil, Madagascar, Spain, Russia (Urals).

Meaning: Joy, optimism, and success in trade.

Properties: "The Success Stone"—attracts money, DOES NOT hold negative energy, boosts self-esteem.

Tradition: Keep a piece in your cash register or wallet to attract wealth.

Zodiac: Gemini, Virgo, Leo, Aries.

Care: Soapy water. Can fade in intense sunlight—store in the shade.

---

December – Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon

December boasts a trio of stunning blues!

Turquoise

Description: Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. Hardness: 5–6.

Color: Sky blue, teal, or green. Colored by copper and iron.

Feature: Changes color over time (turns green with light, oils, and age).

Origins: Iran (Nishapur—the sky-blue standard), USA (Arizona, Nevada), Egypt, China.

Varieties:

• Sleeping Beauty – Pure sky blue, no matrix
• Spider Web – With dark host-rock patterns
• Green Turquoise

History: Egypt (Tutankhamun’s mask), Persia (National stone), Native Americans (Sacred gem).

Meaning: Protection for travelers, victory, and reconciliation.

Properties: Wards off danger, heals feuds, indicator of health, repels the evil eye.

Tradition: Attached to bridles so horses wouldn't stumble.

Zodiac: Sagittarius, Taurus, Scorpio. Explorers and travelers.

Care: VERY DELICATE! Avoid: water, cosmetics, and grease. Clean with a DRY cloth only.

Treatment: Stabilization with resin is standard. Watch for "Howlite" imitations.

Tanzanite

Description: Zoisite with Vanadium. Hardness: 6–7. Discovered in 1967.

Color: Blue-violet. Displays pleochroism (shows different colors from different angles).

Origin: ONLY found in the Merelani Hills, Tanzania.

Uniqueness: 1,000 times rarer than diamonds! The source is expected to be depleted soon.

Meaning: Spiritual awakening and transformation.

Properties: Develops intuition, aids meditation, and relieves deep stress.

Zodiac: Sagittarius, Aquarius, Libra.

Care: Brittle! Protect from knocks. Soapy water. NO ultrasonic! NO steam!

Treatment: Almost all are heated to reveal the blue—this is standard.

Zircon

Description: Zirconium silicate. Hardness: 6.5–7.5. DO NOT confuse with Cubic Zirconia!

Colors: Blue (December), yellow, orange, red, green, and clear.

Feature: High dispersion (fire)—rivals the diamond! The oldest mineral on Earth.

Origins: Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar.

Varieties:

• Blue Zircon – The December standard (mostly heat-treated)
• Colorless – The "Diamond's little brother"
• Hyacinth – Yellow, orange, or red-brown

Meaning: Wisdom, prosperity, and justice.

Properties: Enhances intuition, protects travelers, and attracts financial success.

Zodiac: Sagittarius, Aquarius.

Care: Brittle edges. Soapy water. Use ultrasonic with extreme caution.

---

Summary

Birthstones are a timeless tradition bridging history, astrology, and Earth's raw energy. Your birth month stone is a lifelong personal talisman.

Key Takeaways:

• Your birthstone is your strongest energetic match.
• You can wear other months' stones if you feel a personal "pull" toward them.
• Activation: Cleanse with water, charge in light, and set your intention.
• Proper care ensures your talisman lasts for generations.

Zevira crafts jewelry with authentic birthstones, honoring ancient traditions through modern mastery. Every stone we set is a story waiting to become part of your life.

Explore our Talisman Collection →

---

#Birthstones #GemstoneGuide #ZeviraJewelry #TalismanGems #BirthstoneJewelry