Birthstones are always of special interest to gemstone lovers and the association of some gemstones with months of the year goes back centuries.
As the famous gemologist, G.F. Kunz wrote in his book, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, "There is no doubt that the wearer of a ring or ornament set with a birthstone is impressed by the idea of possessing something more intimately associated with his or her personality than any other gemstone. The idea that birthstones possess some indefinable, but nonetheless the real significance, has been present for a long time and still holds a spell over the minds of all those who are gifted with a touch of romance and imagination."
Precious gemstones were first associated with signs of the zodiac and were adored for their special gemstone meanings. The modern birthstone list was formulated in 1912 by an organization known as JA (Jewelers of America). Birthstones are especially popular for their use in gemstone jewelry, such as birthstone rings and birthstone pendants. They are sought-after for religious jewelry, particularly in reference to the gemstones of Aaron's breastplate and Islamic gemstones.
Birthstone Chart and Zodiac Gemstone Information
January Birthstone: Garnet
Garnet Gemstones are said to protect the wearers from nightmares and snakebites and are also thought to provide guidance in the dark.
Tradition connects the gemstone with blood. They are a popular choice for second wedding anniversaries. There are many varieties within the garnet gemstone group, including almandine garnet, pyrope garnet, color change garnet, star garnet, hessonite garnet, rhodolite garnet, mali garnet, Malaya garnet, spessartite garnet, demantoid garnet, tsavorite garnet, and uvarovite garnet.
The zodiac gemstone for Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 18): Garnet
February Birthstone: Amethyst
The amethyst is thought to induce peace, serenity, and temperance. Additionally, it is thought to restrict alcoholic and sensual intoxication, which may be good or bad.
Also, amethyst is believed to improve hair and skin and prevent baldness. It is said to protect the wearer from deceit. Its purple tone is linked to royalty and makes an ideal present for the sixth wedding anniversary.
The zodiac gemstone for Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20): Amethyst
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is linked to the attributes of good health, love, youthfulness, and hope. Sailors believe in its protection. Generally chosen as a 19th-anniversary gift, this gemstone is in the beryl family, the same as emerald.
The zodiac gemstone for Aries (Mar 21- Apr 20): Bloodstone
April Birthstone: Diamond
Diamonds are typically linked to love, and eternal endurance because of their superior hardness. Also, the name diamond is derived from the Greek 'Adamas', which means invincible. Traditionally, a diamond is accepted as a gift for the 10th and 60th wedding anniversary.
The zodiac gemstone for Taurus (Apr 21 - May 21): Sapphire
May Birthstone: Emerald
Emerald gemstones are said to cure people of bad health, healing a variety of diseases and ensuring the good health of the wearers. It is also believed that the wearer of emerald will be able to see into the future.
The zodiac gemstone for Gemini (May 22 - Jun 21): Agate
June Birthstone: Pearl, Mother-of-Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite
The romantic pearl is associated with modesty and chastity. It is said that stable marriages are the result of pearls. The Mother-of-pearl is made of the same material as pearl and is, therefore, an alternative to pearl. Mother-of-pearl is said to be an excellent gemstone for children. Another birthstone for June is alexandrite, a rare variety of color change chrysoberyl.
The zodiac gemstone for Cancer (Jun 22 - Jul 22): Emerald
July Birthstone: Ruby
Rubies are believed to bring the harmony of life to the wearer, so one can expect a peaceful life when wearing this gemstone.
The zodiac gemstone for Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 23): Onyx
August Birthstone: Peridot, Spinel
Peridot is believed to protect the wearer from evil, particularly from the forces of darkness. It can also increase the healing power of medicinal drugs. Spinel is a recent addition to August's birthstones. It is thought to have a soothing effect.
The zodiac gemstone for Virgo (Aug 24 - Sep 22): Carnelian
September Birthstone: Sapphire
Purity and faith will come to the wearer of this gemstone. Common belief says the brighter the gemstone glitter, the stronger the positive virtues while giving the lucky person some useful foresight into the future.
The zodiac gemstone for Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 23): Chrysolite
October Birthstone: Opal, Tourmaline
Opals are said to be Tourmaline Gemstones of hope and bringers of the virtues of purity and innocence. They stimulate healing and increase friendship and healthy emotions.
The zodiac gemstone for Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22): Beryl
November Birthstone: Yellow Topaz, Citrine
Yellow topaz is said to hold the power of healing and preserving one's sanity. The gemstone is associated with life and the strength of the mind and body. It was once thought to protect the wearer by becoming invisible when danger is near.
The zodiac gemstone for Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21): Citrine
December Birthstone: Tanzanite, Turquoise, Blue Zircon
Turquoise is believed to bring good luck, good fortune, and happy life, things that everyone would like to have.
The zodiac gemstone for Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20): Ruby
Month Gemstones
January Garnet
February Amethyst
March Aquamarine
April Diamond
May Emerald
June Pearl, Mother-of-Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite
July Ruby
August Peridot, Spinel
September Sapphire
October Opal, Tourmaline
November Yellow Topaz, Citrine
December Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Zircon
Gemstones for Days of the Week
Sunday's Gemstone: Topaz
People born on a Sunday can choose their topaz, from white, blue, or regal imperial topaz, all create stunning jewelry.
Monday's Gemstone: Pearl
Monday's child is gifted with pearl, an organic gemstone in white, silver, pink, peach, gold, or silver hues that makes lustrous jewelry for all.
Tuesday's Gemstone: Ruby
Those born on Tuesday can rock red ruby, the precious gemstone of devotion, passion, power, and wisdom that never goes out of fashion.
Wednesday's Gemstone: Amethyst
Wednesday's denizens can enjoy regal amethyst, the quartz gemstone that has been worn in rings by religious leaders and royalty alike.
Thursday's Gemstone: Sapphire
Those born on a Thursday get to wear sapphire to represent their special day. This precious gemstone comes in many colors and also special star sapphire gemstones.
Friday's Gemstone: Agate
Friday folks have agate as their special gemstone. This is a chalcedony variety and includes a wide range of beautiful gemstones, such as bloodstone, carnelian, chrysoprase, and jasper.
Saturday's Gemstone: Turquoise
Those born on a Saturday can take turquoise as their signature gemstone, the blue to a green gemstone that was prized by the ancients from the Aztecs to King Tutankhamun.
Day Gemstone
Sunday Topaz
Monday Pearl
Tuesday Ruby
Wednesday Amethyst
Thursday Sapphire
Friday Agate
Saturday Turquoise