What You Need to Know About Birthstone Gemstones

Birthstone gemstones date back to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the book of Exodus in the Bible. The breastplate was not only for decoration, but was also symbolic. This “Breastplate of Judgment” was said to be adorned with twelve different stones-one for each of the tribes of Israel. According to biblical accounts, they were assembled in four rows of three and each different one had the name of a tribe inscribed upon it.

Unfortunately, modern translators have had a hard time determining with absolute certainty which modern stones translate correctly to the ones described in the Bible. The names vary depending on which translation of the Bible you’re reading. Be that as it may, the accounting of the Breastplate of Aaron is one of the earliest stories of stones being used as symbols and many people believe it is the basis for our modern birthstone gemstones today. There are a number of different traditions that connect a particular stone with a certain month. The modern list that is generally accepted today is based on the American National Association of Jewelers. However, if you are one who likes to step outside the norm, there are other traditions that you may base your choice on instead.

January -Garnet

February -Amethyst

March -Aquamarine

April -Diamond

May -Emerald

June -Pearl

July -Ruby

August -Peridot

September -Sapphire

October -Opal

November -Citrine

December -Blue Topaz

Zodiac Birthstones are based on the signs of the Zodiac. Many people believe that a person possess the same attributes as the stone that is associated with their month of birth.

Capricorn -Ruby

Aquarius -Garnet

Pisces -Amethyst

Aries -Bloodstone (a variety of Chalcedony)

Taurus -Sapphire

Gemini -Agate

Cancer -Emerald

Leo -Onyx

Virgo -Carnelian

Libra -Peridot

Scorpio -Aquamarine

Sagittarius -Topaz

Ayurvedic Birthstones (pronounced eye-yur-vay-dic) are based on the ancient system of medicine in India.

January -Garnet

February - Amethyst

March -Bloodstone (a variety of Chalcedony)

April -Diamond

May -Agate

June -Pearl

July -Ruby

August -Sapphire

September - Moonstone

October -Opal

November -Topaz

December -Ruby

Planetary Birthstone Gemstones are associated with the signs of the Zodiac. However, they are based on the ruling planets at the time of birth. It is thought that these will bring positive energy to the wearer.

Capricorn (Saturn) -Lapis Lazuli

Aquarius (Uranus) -Turquoise

Pisces (Neptune) -Aquamarine

Aries (Mars) -Jasper

Taurus (Venus) -Aventurine and Emerald

Gemini (Mercury) -Tiger's Eye

Cancer (Moon) -Moonstone

Leo (Sun) -Rock Crystal

Virgo (Mercury) -Citrine

Libra (Venus) -Sapphire

Scorpio (Pluto) -Garnet and Ruby

Sagittarius (Jupiter) -Topaz

Mystical Birthstone Gemstones are of Tibetan origin, dating back over 1,000 years.

January -Emerald

February -Bloodstone (a variety of Chalcedony)

March -Jade

April -Opal

May -Sapphire

June -Moonstone

July -Ruby

August -Diamond

September -Agate

October -Jasper

November -Pearl

December -Onyx

Hebrew Birthstone Gemstones also correspond with the signs of the Zodiac. These are believed to date back to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Bible.

January -Garnet

February -Amethyst

March -Bloodstone and Jasper

April -Sapphire

May -Agate and Chalcedony

June -Emerald

July -Onyx

August -Carnelian

September -Chrysolite

October -Aquamarine

November -Topaz

December -Ruby

Arabic Birthstone Gemstones

January -Garnet

February -Amethyst

March -Bloodstone (a variety of Chalcedony)

April -Sapphire

May -Emerald

June -Agate and Chalcedony

July -Carnelian

August -Sardonyx

September -Chrysolite

October -Aquamarine

November -Topaz

December -Ruby

In addition to representation of birth month, some believe that minerals hold many powers. Some even believe they have the power to bring healing and wellness to the wearer. Read all about healing gems on the following page.