Birthstones are unique stones or gemstones that represent a birth month. From January to December, knowing birthstones for each of the months makes it easier for you to understand its significance and history.
The tradition of birthstones has been around for many centuries, and it is believed that these gemstones have the power to bring luck, prosperity, wealth, and good health to anyone who wears them. Since time immemorial, each month of the calendar is associated with a different type of gemstone.
From the many stories about the therapeutic effects of wearing gemstones associated with your birth month, one of the most common ones is the gemstone ability to bring healing powers to the wearer. Here is a comprehensive guide to birthstones by month and the benefit of wearing one associated with your birth month.
Birthstones by month
January – The Garnet
The name Garnet is derived from the Latin word granatum, which means seed. Garnet is the birthstone associated with January. This gemstone can be mined in different colors, including orange, rich green, and pyrope, which is the most commonly used color for birthstones.
Garnet is mined in different parts of the world, including the Czech Republic, Greece, Russian, Tanzania, Madagascar, India, and Sri Lanka.
In ancient times, Egyptians believed that garnets represented life. Nobility in Rome owned signet rings made from garnet. This gemstone was incredibly popular in the Victorian period and was very common in different types of jewelry.
Spiritually, the garnet represents happiness, goodwill, and purpose. They are also believed to bring prosperity, trust, good health, and friendship to any home or anyone who wears it. Physically, the garnet is a gemstone that can be used to heal wounds, stimulate metabolism, and blood purification. It is also believed to be an antidepressant.
When you do goodwill when wearing the garnet, you will also be a goodwill recipient because the stone is associated with good karma. In ancient times, warriors commonly wore garnets as an ornament of protection.
February – The Amethyst
The name of this gemstone was derived from the Greek word amethustos, which means sober. While it may sound like a word associated with drinking, the derivative word was associated with the belief that the amethyst stone could protect the wearer from becoming drunk.
The amethyst is mined in Zambia, the United States, Canada, and Brazil and is available in various colors from deep purple to pastel pink. The quartz commonly occurs in the cavities of the mines rocks. Historically, the amethysts were not common gemstones and were thus believed to be as precious as diamonds. Monarchs used amethysts to show royalty, and the stone was thought to promote prophecy.
From a spiritual perspective, the amethyst is believed to enhance creativity, harmony, and passion. It is often used in meditation since the amethyst energy can aid in humility, stability, and relaxation. Physically, amethyst gemstones are believed to be natural hormone balancers. They are also considered to have the power to repair immune systems, reduce pain, and reduce bruising.
March – The Aquamarine
The name aquamarine was derived from two Latin words aqua for water and marina for the sea. The aquamarine has a color that invokes tranquility and serenity with color ranges from pale to deep blue and a few greenish-blue varieties. This gemstone is mined in Nigeria, Brazil, Zambia, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Pakistan.
Spiritually, the aquamarine is used to aid in medications and spirituality since it promoted a sense of tranquility and calmness. It is also a gemstone for empowerment and can encourage compassionate and honest communication. Physically, aquamarine is a cooling gem that can be used to heal allergies, sinus conditions, respiratory problems, gum, and teeth issues, as well as tired eyes.
Historically, the Romans and Greeks considered aquamarine gemstones to be mermaid treasures. Sailors believed that these stones had the power to safeguard the shit during a storm. They were also used as protective ornaments for soldiers going to battle.
April – Diamond
The word diamond was crafted from two Greek words Adamas, which means unbreakable and translucent, which means transparent. It is a precious gemstone mined in South Africa, Canada, Russia, Botswana, and Australia.
Diamonds are commonly found in white and transparent shades though they are also available in all rainbow colors. A diamond in any other color apart from white is referred to as a fancy colored diamond.
Spiritually, diamonds can bring a sense of radiance, light, and positive energy to the body and mind. This super-hard stone can also bring clarity and strength in stressful situations. Physically, diamonds are support stones and master healing stones used to unify the body and mind. They can also be used to strengthen brain functions and organ cleansing.
Historically, warriors from ancient Greece used diamonds during the battle to make themselves invisible. In Rome, diamonds were seen as symbols of purity and innocence. In the renaissance, diamonds were first commonly used as engagement rings.
Learn More About 4cs Of Diamonds
May – Emerald
Unlike other gemstones, it is difficult to determine the origin of the term emerald, though it is used to describe the asparagus gem in Latin. Historically mined in Egypt, today emeralds are mined in Zambia, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Brazil and are available in colors ranges between yellow-green and blue-green, with the pure green hue finest of emeralds.
Spiritually, emeralds are believed to possess mystical powers. They can transform negative energy into positive energy. They are also considered to enhance security, spirituality, and harmony. Emeralds were physically believed to cure skin, stomach, and intestinal issues just by looking at it. The gem is also believed to bring serenity to the wearer.
Historically, emeralds were common in Cleopatra’s gemstones collection. The Egyptians used these stones to make jewelry and elaborate burials for protection.
Learn More About Green Emerald
June – The Pearl
The word pearl originates from the Latin word Perna, for a leg about an open mollusk shell, which resembles the leg-of-mutton shape. Pearls are found initially in Indonesia, Australia, China, and the Philippines.
Pearls are the only precious gemstones made by living creatures. They come in a wide range of colors ranging from white to black pearls and even the rare pink conch pearls. Spiritually, pearls can create balance and are offer emotional healing. It is also a gem associated with faithfulness, modesty, loyalty, and purity.
Physically, pearls have been used historically to treat digestive tract infections, brighten skin using pearl powder, and maintain healthy bones. In ancient Greece, it was believed that pearls were tears of the gods, while the Hindus thought that pearls were tears of the moon. Tudor England was known as the pearl age because of the popularity of the gem amongst the nobles.
July – Ruby
The term ruby is gotten from the lain word for red, Rubeus. It is commonly found in Vietnam, Burma, India, Thailand, East Africa, the Middle East, and the United States. It comes in a rich red color caused by chromium present in the stone, making it glow from within.
Spiritually, rubies are a symbol of passion, prosperity, and passion. The gem can be used to amplify energy, promote courage, heighten awareness, and attract success in love, battle, and wealth. Physically, rubies are used for balance and energizing. They stimulate the heart chakra and encourages passion. It can also be used to detoxify the body and bring healing to the respiratory system and heart.
Historically, the ruby was commonly worn as an amulet to keep off diseases and plagues. It was also widely believed to be a precious gemstone during the Judean temple times because of its energy and passion, believed to attract success, good fortune, and love.
August – Peridot
The term peridot is derived from a Greek word, peridona, which means giving plenty. This gemstone is mined in Myanmar, China, Arizona, Africa, and Pakistan. It is the only gemstone available in only one color, green, with shades ranging from line green to olive and brown.
Spiritually, peridot gemstones stimulate psychological clarity while inspiriting a sense of truth, happiness, and understanding. Believers say that the peridot is an empowering gemstone that can help in decision making and responsibility, which results in good fortune and prosperity.
The peridot is physically believed to support the digestive system’s health and is used as a talisman during childbirth. Green energy can promote internal balance, the release of negative feelings, and peaceful sleep.
Historically, the Egyptians referred to the peridot as the gem of the sun. They used it to protect the wearer from night terrors and to harness the power of nature.
September – Sapphire
The word sapphire is derived from sapphirus and sappheiros, Latin and green words, respectively, meaning blue stone. It is found in Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Burma, Vietnam, Thailand, and India. While sapphire gemstones are commonly blue, they are also available in other rainbow colors except for red.
Spiritually, sapphire gemstones represent nobility, loyalty, sincerity, and integrity. They are used to help the mind to focus, maintain self-discipline, and to channel higher powers. Physically, sapphires are believed to possess healing powers for just about anything, including insomnia and sleeplessness.
Historically, the Greeks wore sapphire ornaments to get guidance when seeking answers from the oracle. Buddhists believe that sapphire gemstones brought spiritual enlightenment while Hindus used it when worshiping. In the 6th century, sapphire stones were commonly referred to as hyakinthoi (hyacinths), which were popular gemstones used to make Byzantine jewelry.
October – Opal and the Tourmaline
The name Opal has a green origin from opallios, which means seeing in the dark. This gemstone is found in Ethiopia, Honduras, Australia, Brazil, and the Czech Republic. It comprises microscopic silica spheres diffracting light to show different colors of the rainbow. It created a kaleidoscope of unique color combinations referred to as the precious opals.
Spiritually, the Opal is a stone of light believed to attract positive energies and aid in centering the mind during meditation and prayers. Physically, it is a supportive stone that can deliver healing and emotional strength. It is also believed to possess properties that can purify the blood, balance hormones, and stimulate memory.
The Tourmaline signifies peace, hope, and clarity. It is found in Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United States. It is available in an array of colors ranging from black to pink and even green.
Placing it on the cheek of a feverish child is believed to induce sleep. Because of the endless number of colors it can reflect, this gemstone can suit any mood. It is the gemstone for friendship and love.
November – Topaz
This name is derived from an ancient Greek term, topazios, a name for St. John’s island in the red sea. It is a gemstone commonly found in Pakistan, India, Russia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, United States, and Germany. In its pure form, topaz is a colorless gem. Impurities tint the stone to other colors like pink, yellow, blue, and brown, with rich orange being the most desirable type.
Topaz is used spiritually to strengthen faith and trust, while the yellow topaz is used as an antidepressant and improves brain function. Blue topaz is a soothing stone used to clear the mind. In ancient Egypt, topaz symbolized the sun god while the Romans and Greeks valued it to prevent injury and provide strength.
December – Turquoise
The term turquoise is derived from a French term, tourques, to mean Turkish stone. It is a gemstone introduced to Europe by Turkish traders in the 13th century. It is commonly found in the United States and Iran and is available in a range of colors from powdery blue to greenish robin’s egg blue.
Spiritually, turquoise can be used to cleanse and heal the body. It is said to aid in understanding, enhancing trust, and kindness and as a symbol of beauty. This gemstone is physically a strengthening stone useful for getting rid of exhaustion, panic attacks, and depression.
Since time in history, different cultures from around the world admire turquoise for its distinct color. Egyptians used it for its protective powers and were commonly set in ornaments. The Persians set the turquoise stone in their daggers and necklaces when going to battle, while Native Americans used it for sacred ceremonies.
Conclusion
By understanding the history and significance of birthstones based on the calendar months, you are better placed to choose the perfect stone to gift a loved one when thinking about jewelry gifts. Giving gemstones ad birthday gifts is common because of the significance and power they possess.
With this guide, you do not need to be an expert in birthstones to give the perfect gemstone gift.
