Birthstone Chart and Fun Facts
Below, you'll find some interesting facts below around the origins and cultural symbolism surrounding the precious and semi-precious gemstones associated with each month of the year. Fascinating!
January
Stone: GARNET
Symbolism:
Some believe garnets are a protective stone, shielding the wearer from injury. This made them particularly popular amongst warriors and royalty. Occasionally associated with life-giving blood, red-variety garnets are also connected to vitality, love, and light.
Origins:
The word “garnet” comes from the Latin word “granatum,” which means “pomegranate.”
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February
Stone: AMETHYST
Symbolism:
As the color purple has long been connected with royalty, amethysts were favored by the ruling class. Over time, amethysts have also come to be associated with spirituality, mental clarity, and healing.
Origins:
The word “amethyst” comes from a Greek word meaning “not drunk.” Ancient Greeks believed that wearing amethyst jewelry or drinking from amethyst cups would prevent them from getting too drunk.
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March
Stone: AQUAMARINE
Symbolism:
Aquamarine, with its name derived from Latin for "seawater," symbolizes tranquility, clarity, and courage. It is also known for its association with the sea and is considered a stone of protection, particularly for sailors, and is believed to bring happiness in marriage. Additionally, aquamarine is the birthstone for March, representing hope, new beginnings, and emotional healing.
Origins:
The word "aquamarine" comes from the Latin for "seawater", and the stones were thought to protect seafarers. Some associate aquamarines with marital happiness and superior intellect.
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April
Stone: DIAMOND
Here at Mintage Jewellery, we have adopted the "Herkimer Diamond" as our token "Diamond", purely for the affordability factor (not to mention they are so sparkly in a natural kind of way!). You may see this option amongst some of our "Premium" range of jewellery which technically, could be interpreted to be a version of the "Diamond".
What is a "Herkimer diamond"? This gemstone is a double-terminated quartz crystal found primarily in Herkimer County, New York, from which it gets its name. Although referred to as "diamonds," Herkimer diamonds are not actually diamonds; they are a unique and particularly clear form of quartz that often has remarkable clarity and natural faceting.
Herkimer Diamonds are thought to have formed over 500 million years ago, when the Mohawk Valley region was covered by a shallow sea. The quartz crystals formed in cavities in the seafloor, and were eventually buried by sediment. Over time, the sediment hardened into rock, and the quartz crystals were preserved.
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May
Stone: EMERALD
Symbolism:
Legend has it that wearing emeralds will imbue the wearer with heightened intelligence and allow them to think objectively. Others use the stone to promote healing. It has even been claimed that emeralds allow the wearer to predict the future.
Origins:
The name “emerald” comes from the Greek word “smaragdos,” which means green gem. Humankind has been fascinated by emeralds for thousands of years. Emeralds are worn by royalty and celebrities, making them a symbol of luxury and elegance.
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June
Stone: PEARL, MOONSTONE & ALEXANDRITE (Only Pearl available)
Symbolism:
The finest pearls display unblemished surfaces with even coloring. Thus, there is a natural association with qualities like honesty, purity, and wisdom. Some cultures associate pearls with the divine, believing that pearls were tears shed from heaven, while others placed pearls in the graves of their loved ones. Ancient Chinese lore claims that pearls represent wisdom and power and are carried by dragons.
Origins:
The Pearl is known for its timeless beauty and elegance. Unlike other gemstones, pearls are created by living creatures—oysters and mussels. They come in various colors, with white and cream being the most common.
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July
Stone: RUBY
Symbolism:
Rubies have long been connected with physicality and strength. Favored by warriors, rubies were thought to be intimately connected with the human body. They were credited with increasing the strength and stamina of the wearer. Rubies were also thought to calm anger and help the wearer navigate passionate social situations.
Origins:
These gemstones have a long history of being prized and revered by various cultures. Rubies are among the “four precious gemstones.”
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August
Stone: PERIDOT
Symbolism:
Peridots have been credited with protecting their wearer during the night. This is due to the fact that the lively appearance of peridot fostered ancient associations between the gemstone and the sun. It was thought that keeping the stone close during dark hours repelled nighttime evil spirits.
Origins:
The name "peridot" likely comes from the Arabic word "faridat," which means "gem,". However, some sources suggest it may also be derived from the Greek word "peridona," meaning "giving plenty,".
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September
Stone: SAPPHIRE
Symbolism:
Sapphires are considered a protective gemstone. They may shield the wearer from physical harm as well as bad intentions and envy. It was also thought that sapphires had medicinal properties. Blue sapphires are considered a highly spiritual stone worn by priests. Lastly, sapphires are among the few gemstones that can exhibit natural asterism in the form of a six-rayed star.
Origins:
The word "sapphire" originates from the Greek word "sappheiros," which likely referred to lapis lazuli, a blue stone, before being applied to the blue gemstone we know today. It then passed through Latin ("sapphirus") and French ("saphir") before entering English.
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October
Stone: TOURMALINE, OPAL
Symbolism:
Tourmaline is a gemstone known for its vibrant colors and diverse symbolism. It's often associated with protection, grounding, and emotional healing, with different colors representing specific properties. For instance, black tourmaline is believed to ward off negative energy, while pink tourmaline is linked to love and compassion
Origins:
The word "tourmaline" originates from the Sinhalese word "tōramalli". This word, meaning "mixed gems" or "stones of various colors," was used to describe the diverse range of colors found in tourmaline crystals, which were often mistaken for other gemstones.
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November
Stone: CITRINE, TOPAZ (Only Citrine available)
Symbolism:
Citrine, often called the "Merchant's Stone," symbolizes joy, abundance, and success. It's believed to bring good fortune, particularly in business and financial matters, and is associated with optimism, creativity, and clarity. Additionally, citrine is thought to have healing properties, promoting emotional well-being and boosting confidence.
Origins:
The word "citrine" comes from the French word "citron", meaning "lemon," or the Latin word "citrina", also meaning "yellow". This connection is due to the gemstone's characteristic yellow or yellowish-brown color, which is reminiscent of lemons or other citrus fruits.
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December
Stone: TURQUOISE, TANZANITE, ZIRCON (Only Turquoise available)
Symbolism:
Turquoise is a captivating gemstone with rich symbolism rooted in ancient cultures and traditions. It is often associated with wisdom, protection, good fortune, and spiritual communication. Its beautiful blue-green color evokes feelings of tranquility, and it's believed to cleanse negative energy and promote clear communication
Origins:
The word "turquoise" originates from the French word "turquoise," which itself comes from the Old French "pierre turque," meaning "Turkish stone", due to it first being brought to Europe through Turkey. The name reflects the historical trade route through which the gemstone was introduced to Europe, likely from mines in Iran or Afghanistan.
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