What are Birthstones? How do they work?
Precious or semiprecious gemstones associated with a month or sign of the zodiac that are believed to provide good health, protection and good fortune to anyone born in that month or under that sign if they are worn are Birthstones.
Many gem therapists think that wearing your Birthstone connects you to your inner self, calms you, and it cures you from inside. You begin to feel connected to the energy of the Earth. What’s more, with persistence and faith, they may help progressively dissolve barriers in the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional stages.
Birthstones have a long history in Western culture, dating back to Biblical times. The Prophet Moses, in the book of Exodus, commanded that a breastplate be constructed for Aaron, the Hebrew people’s high priest. The breastplate had twelve jewels to represent the twelve sons of Israel.
Many others claim that long ago, astrologers assigned supernatural powers and unique traits to certain gemstones, which eventually started to be recognised as Birthstones.
Choices of Birthstone
Your Birthstone is determined by your birth month and zodiac sign. Traditionally, each month was associated with only one gemstone; however, some months now have multiple Birthstones. The varied options for those months allow more affordable options in addition to the traditional expensive stones, and are based on what is easier for the general public to afford. These alternatives are called Modern Birthstones.
What is my Birthstone?
What is the January Birthstone?
Those born in January are fortunate to have Garnet as their Birthstone, which is both gorgeous and diverse. Garnets are commonly red, but they also come in a wide spectrum of attractive colours such as purple, vibrant green, yellow and orange. There are garnets that can change colour from blue to purple depending on the lighting.
The name “garnet” comes from the medieval Latin word “granatus”, which means “pomegranate”, and refers to the similarity of the red colour. Garnets have long been regarded as symbols of love due to their links with the blood, heart, life forces as well as fire. Their symbolism also includes friendship.
The garnet, resonating with the Sacral Chakra, links the wearer with success and prosperity, safety, and strengthens relationships on many levels.
Garnets have been used as abrasives and jewels since the Bronze Age. Pharaohs of ancient Egypt wore necklaces set with red garnets. January’s Birthstone was thought to protect its wearer from wounds, evil nightmares and poisons, as well as cure depression, in the medieval era.
What is the Birthstone for February?
Amethyst, the purple form of quartz that has intrigued mankind for millennia, is your Birthstone if you were born in February. Its lilac to deep purple tones can be fashioned into a variety of shapes and sizes. It can be mined as well as produced in a lab.
The name came from the Greek word “amethystos” which means “sober”, as the stone was said to protect against intoxication.
It is claimed that amethyst can provide its wearer with emotional and mental strength. It is also recognised for its purifying properties, as it is believed to have the energy to keep your mind at ease and keep you away from evil thoughts. Amethyst symbolises inner strength and personal empowerment.
Which are the March Birthstones?
The Traditional Birthstone for March is Aquamarine. Its name is derived from the Latin word for “seawater,” as ancient mariners claimed that the gem would calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. Aquamarine was also supposed to bring happiness in marriage, and hence was given as an anniversary present in the nineteenth century.
Aquamarine’s spiritual meaning, in the language of gemstones, is hope, eternal youth, and happiness. The revealing power of this stone was said to aid in the search for lost or concealed things. The stone, being associated with the Throat Chakra, encourages better communication. It also connects us to our higher selves and higher stages of consciousness, making it an excellent stone to use while meditating.
The modern Birthstone for March is Bloodstone. Its name derives from the belief by some that the colour pattern has religious significance, representing the blood of Christ. Several metaphysical properties have been attributed to this March Birthstone some of which are increasing strength, preserving health and youth, and giving invisibility.
Bloodstone is the Modern Birthstone for March. Some people believe that the colour pattern has religious significance and represents the blood of Christ, after which it was named. This March Birthstone has been assigned with several metaphysical characteristics. These include increased strength, the preservation of health and youth, and invisibility.
What is the April Birthstone?
Diamond is the April Birthstone. Diamond, with its own internal fire, is one of the world’s most coveted and admired gemstones. It represents strength and clarity.
Its name is derived from the Greek word “adamas”, which implies “unconquerable and indestructible”.
Diamonds were believed to have medicinal and healing abilities and to alleviate pituitary gland and brain diseases during the Middle Ages. It was assumed that heating the crystal and putting it to bed would draw out the poisonous chemicals that were ailing the body.
It was also said that when combined with other crystals such as amethyst, this April Birthstone might improve an individual’s clarity and balance, as well as increase their energy.
Many people prefer White Topaz and Quartz as a much more affordable alternative to Diamond. Both of these have been designed and are available in a number of colours. Opal and Sapphire are the other two Modern April Birthstones.
May’s Birthstones?
Emerald is the Traditional Birthstone for May. It is a sign of rebirth, truth, and love, and the owner is said to have youth, foresight, and good fortune. The name emerald comes from the Greek word “smaragdus”, meaning “green”. This precious crystal was thought to be the gemstone of Venus, the goddess of hope and love, in Rome and ancient Greece. Emeralds were venerated by the Incas and considered to be a source of eternal life by the Egyptians.
Emeralds have long been equated with growth due to their vivid green colour. The stone is thought to encourage spiritual growth and assist people improve their lives. They are also claimed to be the best known to boost fertility due to their correlation with healthy growth. It brings about knowledge, equilibrium, and fortitude. It is claimed to foster friendship, harmony, domestic joy, and peace by allowing the wearer to give and receive unconditional love. Emerald is a stone of reassurance. It activates the Heart Chakra and aids in soothing the emotions.
What is June Birthstone?
Traditional June Birthstone is the Pearl. This beautiful gemstone is obtained from living creatures. Pearls have traditionally been linked with purity, innocence, and humility. As a result, the June birthstone’s meaning is “sweet simplicity”.
It gets its name from the old French term “perle”, which originates from the Latin word for “leg,” as in “leg of lamb”. This is said to be a reference to the mollusk shells where pearls form.
Pearls were thought to bring long life and riches in the ancient Sanskrit writings, the Atharvaveda. They were also considered helpful in treating dyspepsia and haemorrhages in Asia.
The alternative Modern June Birthstones are Moonstone and Alexandrite.
Moonstone is generally associated with fertility, love, and passion, and is thought to bring good luck. It gets its name from its resemblance to the moon. According to Hindu mythology, it is composed of solidified moonbeams since this ethereal stone sparkles like moonbeams.
It is also called “Selenite”, which is derived from the Greek word “selene”, meaning “moon”, and is also the name of their moon deity.
Alexandrite is known as “nature’s magic trick” because it changes colour from green to red depending upon whether it is exposed to sunlight or light of a fire. Alexandrite is a stone symbolising good fortune and acceptance of change. It reminds us of the significance of being fair and open to those emotions we hold within, just like the gem that changes colours depending on the type of light. The gem was named after Alexander II, the heir apparent to the throne at the time of the gem’s discovery in Russia’s Ural Mountains, in 1830.
Alexandrite is not only June’s Birthstone, but is also the anniversary stone for commemorating 55 years of marriage.
What is the Birthstone for July?
The July borns have Ruby as their Birthstone. It is one of the most desired of gems and is a symbol of power and vibrancy. It encapsulates creativity, compassion, loyalty and honour and is said to enhance concentration and energy. The Latin word “ruber”, meaning “red”, the colour of passion and love gave Ruby its name. An old belief regarding ruby is that it could predict peril or mishap, and others found it to be an efficacious cure to inflammatory diseases and helpful in soothing anger. Back in the day, warriors wore or even got rubies embedded into their skin as they thought it signified strength and provided protection.
Turquoise and Onyx may be considered as the alternatives for Ruby. They are more affordable and have similar properties.
Which birthstones are for August?
August borns get to enjoy three arresting birthstones to commemorate their birthdays— Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx.
Peridot can be found in meteorites from outer space and in the hardened lava that carried it from deep within Earth’s mantle, thus known for being formed under extreme conditions. Peridot is said to typify the tears of the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire, Pele. It occurs only in a few shades of green. This Birthstone’s name is thought to derive from the Arabic word for “gem”, which is “faridat”. Peridot’s bright green colour is associated with restful sleep, good health, harmony and peacefulness. By giving renewal to all things, peridot pacifies anger and is hence known as the stone of compassion.
The Modern Birthstones for August are Spinel and Sardonyx.
Spinel’s symbolic history of healing, hope and harmony. It, along with other red gems, was thought to be a remedy for all types of blood and inflammatory diseases.
Associated with courage, happiness, and clear communication Sardonyx is also believed to bring stability to partnerships and marriage.
What is the September Birthstone?
September borns are very fortunate to have Sapphire as their Birthstone. This eye-catching stone was also thought to have healing properties. Truth, sincerity, dignity, and faithfulness have traditionally been associated with Sapphire. It is also linked to royalty. The September Birthstone has been used to embellish the robes of clergy and royalty for millennia. The name sapphire comes from the Latin word “saphirus” and the Greek word “sapheiros”, both of which mean “blue”. Sapphire represented Heaven to clerics of the Middle Ages.
What is the Birthstone for October?
Opal and Tourmaline, two stunning Birthstones, are eligible to those born in the month of October.
Opal is the Traditional Birthstone for October borns. It represents purity, faithfulness, trust, and innocence. The name is derived from the Latin word “opalus”, which means “valuable jewel”, and the Greek word “opallios”, which means “to observe a change in colour”.
The astrological gemstone for the Zodiac sign ‘Libra’ is White Opal.
Tourmaline is the Modern Birthstone for October. Different tourmaline colours are said to provide different healing properties such as compassion, tenderness, courage, love, stamina, and strength, among others. Tourmaline is thought to form a shield around a person, preventing bad or unwanted energy from entering. As it sometimes contains several colours in one crystal, the term derives from the Sinhalese word “toramalli”, which means “stone with mixed colours”. Only a few stones can compete with tourmaline’s spectacular rainbow of colours.
November’s Birthstone
November borns have two lovely choices of Birthstones to select from— Topaz and Citrine.
Citrine is valued for its beautiful yellow and orange tones, while Topaz comes in a palette of colours.
Topaz represents love and affection. It is thought to boost the wearer’s strength and intellect. The name is derived from “Topazios”, the Greek name for St. John’s Island, an Egyptian island in the Red Sea. (While this island never produced topaz, it had deposits of peridot, which was mistaken for topaz at the time.)
Citrine gets its name from the French word “Citron”, which refers to “Lemon”. This stone’s unique butter colour is due to the presence of iron. The vitality of life, and the warm and brilliant sunlight are represented by this November Birthstone. Citrine features bright yellow hues and multifaceted clarity, symbolising a healthy body and mind.
Both these November Birthstones are considered to have claiming energies while providing the owner riches and tenderness.
What are the December Birthstones?
The Traditional Birthstone for December is Turquoise. The name of this gemstone stemmed from a French term, “pierre turquoise”, which means “Turkish stone”. On the basis of this translation, it is believed that turquoise gemstones were first discovered in Turkey. This December Birthstone is a symbol of good fortune and success and is believed to relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm, as well as is regarded as a love charm. Many believe that turquoise rings, in particular, are nifty at keeping away evil spirits.
The other two December Birthstones that you can choose from are Zircon and Tanzanite.
Tanzanite is exclusively found in one place on Earth, a region near the sublime Mount Kilimanjaro. It is claimed to turn negativity into the positive side. It may also be helpful in dispelling laziness or idleness.
Zircon is believed to ward off evil spirits and also aid in sleep quality and is said to symbolise wisdom, prosperity and confidence.
Is it bad to wear someone else’s Birthstone?
Birthstones have certain healing properties depending upon the month they are designated to. Although they more often exhibit good qualities and effects on the wearer, it is widely accepted that wearing a gemstone which is not your Birthstone, can have negative effects such as bad luck, poor health, financial troubles to a person. For instance, a well-known belief regarding opal, which was based on the tragic events that opal wearers encountered, is that it is terrible luck to wear one if it is not your actual Birthstone. Therefore, it is always advised to consult professionals or do adequate research before using these gorgeous yet tricky Birthstones.
