Gemstone Guide – Know Your Birthstones

A birthstone is a gemstone which is associated with the date of one’s birth and the wearing of a birthstone is considered to bring good luck and health. Certain gemstones are believed to have supernatural powers and their relationship with planets. Many cultures originally assigned a specific gemstone to signify birth during each sign of the zodiac but over time this tradition has been shifted from the zodiac to calendar months.

Birthstones have their roots in ancient astrology, and there have been many birthstone lists used over the years. The most common one today is based on a list first publicized by the US jewelry industry in the 1950s.

Birthstones, on the basis of calendar months, are described below:

January Birthstone – Garnet

Birthstone Powers – Facilitates night vision, ensures success
January Birthstone Color – Deep Red
Symbol – Constancy
Anniversary Year – 2nd Year Anniversary Stone

It is said that this stone keeps the wearer safe from harm. A garnet also signifies eternal friendship and trust. This stone has long been associated with blood purification and it is believed to protect against food poisoning, snake bite, and hemorrhage.

February Birthstone – Amethyst

Birthstone Powers – Brings peace and calm to your life
February Birthstone Color – Purple
Symbol – Sincerity
Anniversary Year – 6th Year Anniversary Stone

In ancient Rome, this stone was worn to prevent intoxication and bring the wearer tranquility. The gemstone symbolizes peace and tranquility.

March Birthstone – Aquamarine

Birthstone Powers – Bestows courage, insight, and victory
March Birthstone Color – Pale Blue
Symbol – Courage
Anniversary Year – 19th Year Anniversary Stone

This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded. Also it is believed that this stone prevents ageing effects.

April Birthstone – Diamond

Birthstone Powers – Enhances competence, trust and love
April Birthstone Color – White, Clear
Symbol – Innocence
Anniversary Year – 10th and 60th Year Anniversary Stone

Diamonds are the ideal gift for a loved one. They are a symbol of courage and true love.

May Birthstone – Emerald

Birthstone Powers – Symbolizes serenity and peace of mind
May Birthstone Color – Green
Symbol – Love, Success
Anniversary Year – 20th and 35th Year Anniversary Stone

This stone represents rebirth and it is believed that wearer experiences foresight, good fortune, and youth. Some people believe wearing an emerald brings wisdom, growth and patience. It is also prized for its ability to reveal true love.

June Birthstone – Pearl

Birthstone Powers – Truth and beauty
June Birthstone Color – White or Purple
Symbol – Health and Longevity
Anniversary Year – 3rd and 30th Year Anniversary Stone
Other Stone for June – Alexandrite / Moonstone

Pearls have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity and purity. The regal pearl was believed to possess life-restoring powers.

July Birthstone – Ruby

Birthstone Powers – Fire and emotion
July Birthstone Color – Red
Symbol – Contentment
Anniversary Year – 15th and 40th Year Anniversary Stone

Rubies arouse the senses, stir the imagination, and are said to guarantee health, wisdom, wealth and success in love. It is believed that Ruby helps to make the wearer wise and gives protection against all sorts of misfortunes.

August Birthstone – Peridot

Birthstone Powers – Illumination
August Birthstone Color – Pale Green
Symbol – Married Happiness
Anniversary Year – 16th Year Anniversary Stone
Other Stone for August – Sardonyx

Peridot is said to host magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year. This gem was also worn as protection against evil spirits.

September Birthstone – Sapphire

Birthstone Powers – Brings physical and emotional balance
September Birthstone Color – Deep Blue
Symbol – Clear Thinking
Anniversary Year – 5th and 45th Year Anniversary Stone

Sapphire protects the wearer and their loved ones from envy and harm. Ancient priests believed sapphires helped them predict the future. The gem is associated with peace and happiness.

October Birthstone – Opal

Birthstone Powers – Enhances insight and dispels fear
October Birthstone Color – Multi-color, Pink
Symbol – Hope
Anniversary Year – 14th Year Anniversary Stone
Other Stone for October – Pink Tourmaline

Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. It was said to have a beneficial effect on eyesight of the wearer. It was also thought to banish evil spirits and favor children, amusements, friendships and feelings.

November Birthstone – Citrine

Birthstone Powers – Brings happiness and warmth
November Birthstone Color – Yellow
Symbol – Fidelity
Anniversary Year – 13th Year Anniversary Stone
Other Stone for November – Yellow Topaz

This golden gemstone is said to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy and warmth within the wearer. Citrines have also been used as an antidote for snake venom, as well as a talisman against the plague, bad skin and evil thoughts. They are believed to aid digestion as well as remove toxins from the body.

December Birthstone – Turquoise

Birthstone Powers – Brings good Fortune
December Birthstone Color – Blue
Symbol – Fidelity
Anniversary Year – 11th Year Anniversary Stone
Other Stone for December – Tanzanite / Zircon / Blue Topaz

It is believed that wearer of this gemstone experiences happiness and good fortune. Native Americans associated the colors of turquoise with the blue sky and green earth.