The American Gem Society believes that the origin of birthstones date back to “the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.” While birthstones have a place in many traditions and belief systems, typically arranged by month, they are said to hold secrets and legends about oneself. Keep reading to see what your birthstone reveals.
January
Garnet
Garnet, deriving from the 14th century Middle English word “gernet,” is known for its deep red color and its resemblance to the seed of a pomegranate. On rare occasions, garnet can also be found in a variety of different colors — some even change colors depending on the light it is in. Anciently believed to aid blood, the heart and the lungs, this gem represents health, passion and trust.
February
Amethyst
Deriving from the ancient Greek word “methustos,” which translates roughly to intoxicated, the ancient Greeks believed that if you wore an amethyst, you would be protected from getting drunk. Amethysts are quartz most recognized for their vibrant purple hues and have long been a sign of royalty and nobility. This gem is said to also symbolize security and true happiness.
March
Aquamarine
Named after the sea, aquamarine is a gemstone anciently believed to have protected sailors out on open waters and ensured them good voyage. Known for its cool baby blue color, healers believed aquamarines could calm the wearer as they connected with the tranquility of the sea, providing mental clarity and a sense of peace.
April
Diamond
One of the rarest gemstones in the world, diamonds are also one of the most beloved gems. Appropriately deriving from the Greek word “adamas,” which translates to invincible, diamonds are the hardest gemstone, said to be 58 times harder than anything else in nature. They are a symbol of strength, love and eternity.
May
Emerald
A rare and valuable stone, emeralds are said to represent youth, growth and intelligence. Deriving from the Greek word for green, “smaragus,” emeralds actually can be a variety of green hues and the more green the emerald is, the more value it has. First mined around 2000 B.C., emeralds were also said to be Cleopatra’s favorite gem.
June
Pearl
Pearls are the only gemstones not mined, but rather made by mollusks, like oysters and clams. Coming from the Latin word “perma,” which means leg — referring to the leg shape of a mollusk shell — pearls have been a longstanding symbol of purity. Having been dedicated to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, this gemstone also represents love.
July
Ruby
Arguably the most well-known red stone, the ruby — named after the Latin word for red, “rubeus” — is a symbol of wealth, love and wisdom. It was said in ancient times that rubies were thought to be gems that could amplify energy, heighten awareness and promote courage, bringing success in wealth and love to wearers.
August
Peridot
A gemstone with a green vibrant glow, peridots have historic powers for healing and warding off nightmares. Said to also be a symbol of inner strength and confidence, peridots have an unclear origin, but get their name from the Greek word “peridona,” which means “giving plenty.” According to lore, these gems are often associated with prosperity and good fortune and are even referred to as “the Evening Emerald.”
September
Sapphire
Used in ancient religions as a symbol of trust, wisdom and loyalty, like rubies, sapphires can come a variety of blue hues. Coming from the Latin word “sapphirus” and the Greek word “sappheiros” — both meaning blue stone — sapphires were believed to be one of the guiding stones for kings and emperors. This gem was also believed to be a cure for “madness of love” as well as certain types of mental illnesses, providing wearers mental clarity and a sense of spiritual enlightenment.
October
Opal
Originating from the Greek word “opallios,” meaning “to see a change in color,” opals are like kaleidoscopes when you spin them or shine them in the light, reflecting a rainbow of colors. They have also been compared to the aurora borealis and were believed to be protection stones, used to drive away evil and bring confidence and good fortune.
November
Topaz
Topaz, named after the ancient Greek St. John’s Island “Topazio,” located in the Red Sea, these gemstones, like most others, pick up their yellow color from impurities that form. Topaz is known for its calming effects on wearers as well as its signature yellow hue. It was also believed to help calm tempers, cure madness and alleviate nightmares.
December
Tanzanite
With tones of grey and deep blue, the tanzanite gem has been the newest addition to the birthstones gem chart since 1921. Prior to tanzanite being the birthstone for December, the celebrated crystal was turquoise. Named after Tanzania, the country in which it was discovered, tanzanite was originally thought to be a new find of sapphire and was said to represent love and confidence.
Photo: S. Johnston
