Birthstones are gems associated with a birth month, with each stone having a unique meaning and significance. However, what if your personality doesn’t match the birthstone assigned to your date of birth? You can find out your actual birthstone in this quiz we prepared! See which birthstone is meant for you, but before you do that, read on to find more about the concept of birthstones.
Birthstones have a long tradition. Early Christian scholars found a connection between the twelve gems in Aaron’s breastplate (signifying the tribes of Israel), twelve months of the year, and twelve signs of the zodiac. They theorized that each gem was connected to a certain month or astrological alignment and that they would receive therapeutic benefits for wearing one during that time.
To get the most value out of the process, people took to wearing one stone for each month of the year and attributed a different meaning and value to them. Eventually, the practice was modified so that a person would only wear the stone for the month they were born in. Let’s see which gems are associated with which months.
January is garnet. This gem is largely linked to dark red, though it can come in almost any color. The name “garnet” originates from the medieval Latin granatus, meaning “pomegranate,” which is a red fruit. Red garnets were the most popular gemstone in the later years of the Roman Empire.
Some people believe garnet is a protective stone, shielding its wearer from hurt. This is why they were often worn by warriors going into battle. Red garnets are also associated with vitality, love, light, and occasionally life-giving blood.
February is amethyst, which can vary in color from pale lilac to deep reddish-purple. The name comes from Ancient Greek, derived from the word methustos, which means “intoxicated.” Ancient wearers believed the gemstone could help protect them from drunkenness and keep a clear head. Amethyst was often favored by royalty or exclusively by the clergy as a symbol for the deity of Christ.
Leonard da Vinci once said that amethyst helps to quicken intelligence and get rid of evil thoughts. Amethysts are associated with royalty, spirituality, mental clarity, and healing.
March is aquamarine. The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. It can vary in color from light to dark blue and even blue-green. Roman fishermen called the gemstone “water of the sea” and used it as protection, for safe travel by boat, and for luck in catching fish. Some associate aquamarines with marital happiness and superior intellect.
April is diamond. It is the hardest gemstone and it’s only made from one element: carbon. A diamond can only be cut with another diamond. Diamond gemstones come in several colors, including brown, yellow, red, pink, blue, and green. Due to their extreme hardness, durability, and beauty, diamonds are commonly associated with strength and eternal love. They’re usually used in both engagement and wedding ring designs.
May is emerald. Derived from the word “smaragdus,” it means, quite literally, “green” in Greek. Cleopatra cherished emerald gemstones and even claimed ownership of all emerald mines in Egypt during her reign. Emerald is supposed to bring its wearer foresight, good fortune, and youth. It symbolizes loyalty, new beginnings, peace, and security.
June is pearl. The name “pearl” comes from the Old French perle, from the Latin Perna meaning “leg,” referencing the leg-of-mutton shape of an open mollusk shell. The finest pearls have a naturally reflective luster, making them appear creamy white with an iridescent sheen that casts colorful hues. Cultured freshwater pearls can also be dyed yellow, green, blue, brown, pink, purple, or black. Black pearls –rare in nature – aren’t black, but green, purple, blue, or silver.
Pearls are associated with honesty, purity, and wisdom. Some cultures linked them to the divine, believing that pearls were tears shed from heaven.
July is ruby. The name “ruby” comes from rubeus, the Latin word for red. In ancient Sanskrit, ruby translated to ratnaraj, which meant “king of precious stones.” Rubies are radiant red gemstones. Throughout history, they were connected with vitality, physicality, and strength. They were supposed to increase the strength and stamina of their wearer, as well as calm anger and help navigate social situations.
August is peridot. The name peridot could come either from Arabic faridat or from Greek, meaning respectively “gem” or “giving plenty”. It has a sparkling green hue. Peridots are associated with prosperity and good fortune. Peridot was supposed to protect its wearer during the night. It was thought that keeping the stone close during dark hours repelled evil spirits.
September is sapphire. Though traditionally associated with deep blue, it can come in all colors except red. The name “sapphire” comes from the Latin sapphirus and Greek sappheiros, meaning “blue stone”.
Sapphire gemstones symbolize loyalty, nobility, sincerity, and integrity. They’re considered a protective gem. It was also thought that sapphires had medicinal properties.
October is opal. The name “opal” originates from the Greek word opallios, which meant “to see a color change.” Some opals can reflect light to display various colors of the rainbow.
Opals are associated with light and magic. Some thought they had healing properties, or even that they could make the wearer invisible. While some cling to negative superstitions about opals, others wear them for good luck.
November is citrine. It varies from pale yellow to a honey orange color. Citrine is often confused with topaz, a similar-looking yellow gem. Citrines are associated with healing and happiness. Whether you’re having a stomach ache, suffering from insomnia, or just feeling stressed, citrines are thought to bring relief.
December is turquoise. It is known for its distinct color, which ranges from powdery blue to greenish robin’s egg blue. The word “turquoise” dates back to the 13th century, drawing from the French expression pierre tourques, which referenced the “Turkish stone” brought to Europe from Turkey. Turquoise is associated with friendship.
There are so many beautiful gems out there. Which one is your actual birthstone? Take the quiz and find out now!