Ever wondered about the shiny stone assigned to your birth month and what significance it holds? Your curiosity is about to be sated as you embark on this captivating journey through time and gemology. “What Are The Gems For Each Month?” is an informative piece that explores the fascinating world of birthstones. You will discover the alluring beauty, intriguing history, and unique attributes of each gemstone. From the regal garnet of January to the stunning turquoise of December, this article will shed light on the magnificent gems that correspond to each month of the year.
January: Garnet
Garnets, the birthstone of January, have long been symbols of heart, love, and friendship. These gems, renowned for their deep blood-red color, are believed to keep you safe during travel and bring good health and wealth. They’re also said to symbolize deep and timeless bonds between people.
The symbolism of garnet
Historically, garnets have symbolized numerous qualities, ranging from fast friendships to affection. The name “garnet” comes from the Latin “granatum,” meaning pomegranate, due to the gem’s resemblance to the fruit’s vibrant red color and seed-like form. Therefore, garnets are often seen as items of love, passion, vitality, and light.
Significant characteristics of garnet
What marks a garnet out is its color and hardness in the gem world. The garnet group consists of a variety of particular mineral species, each with its distinct chemical composition. The deep red garnet stones are the most well-known variety, but garnets come in a wide array of colors, including orange, yellow, black, and even green.
Varieties of garnet gems
There are numerous varieties of garnet gems, including pyrope, almandine, spessartine, uvarovite, andradite and grossular. These gem varieties show a range of different colors, appearances, and physical properties. The most common garnets are almandine, a deep red, and pyrope, a lighter red or purplish-red. Less common are the bright orange spessartine garnets and the green uvarovite garnets.
Historical significance of the garnet gem
Throughout history, garnets have been highly prized and widely used in jewelry and decorative objects. In Ancient Roman times, they were hailed as protective talismans, believed to be a cure for health difficulties and promote wellbeing. In the Medieval era, garnets were often used to adorn the armor and weapons of warriors, believed to bring protection and courage in battle.
February: Amethyst
Amethysts are the birthstone of February and are closely associated with qualities of peace, courage, and stability. They’re renowned for their stunning purple hue, varying from a light pinkish violet to a deep royal purple.
The symbolism of Amethyst
The amethyst’s purple hue has long been a symbol of royalty, power, and ambition. Its name derives from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning “not drunken.” The Greeks believed that wearing amethyst could protect you from drunkenness, and they carved drinking vessels from it, hoping it would prevent intoxication.
Significant characteristics of amethyst
Amethysts are a type of quartz, durable and abundant. Ranging from a pale lilac to a deep, intense royal purple, along with a bluish or reddish secondary hue, they’re the finest and most valuable members of the quartz family. Many factors can influence an amethyst’s quality, including its color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.
Varieties of amethyst gems
There aren’t many distinct varieties of amethyst, but color intensity and hue can vary based on where the gem is sourced. For example, Brazilian amethyst tends to be lighter with a slight blue hue, while those from African mines are a rich purple color with undercurrents of red.
Historical significance of the amethyst gem
Amethysts were highly prized in ancient cultures. Egyptians used amethysts in jewelry, as did Greeks and Romans, who believed the gem could prevent intoxication. Throughout the middle ages, European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle, believing that amethysts could heal wounds and keep them cool-headed.
March: Aquamarine
For those born in March, your birthstone is the serene and lovely aquamarine. These gems are believed to represent youth, hope, health, and fidelity.
The symbolism of Aquamarine
Aquamarine’s name is derived from the Latin words “aqua” and “mare,” meaning “water” and “sea” respectively. Just like the gently lapping ocean waves, aquamarine is said to bring peace, tranquility, and calmness to its wearer, symbolizing trust, harmony, and friendship.
Significant characteristics of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, a mineral group that also includes gems like emerald and morganite. Known for its captivating shades of blue, often pale yet stunning, aquamarine’s color can range from deep blue-green to light, almost transparent blue.
Varieties of Aquamarine gems
Most aquamarines on the market are a light turquoise-blue, but they can naturally occur in deeper blues. The most valuable variety is the deep-blue aqua, known as maxixe. However, maxixe’s intense color fades to white when exposed to sunlight, making it less popular.
Historical significance of the Aquamarine gem
Aquamarine was highly valued by ancient seafarers who believed that the gem would ensure safe and prosperous journeys across stormy seas. Romans viewed aquamarine as the sailor’s gem, ensuring safety and peace on the raging seas. Ancient lore suggested that Aquamarine was the treasure of mermaids, with the power to keep sailors safe from harm.
April: Diamond
April’s birthstone, the diamond, needs very little introduction. Known for its extreme hardness and ethereal beauty, it’s one of the most coveted precious gems in the world.
The symbolism of Diamond
Diamonds symbolize eternal love, strength, and invincibility due to their incredible hardness. They reflect the enduring nature of love and are regularly used in engagement and wedding rings.
Significant characteristics of Diamond
Diamonds are admired for their incredible hardness, stunning light reflection, and unbelievable shine. They’re the hardest known materials on Earth, rated a 10 on the Mohs’ scale of mineral hardness.
Varieties of Diamond gems
While colorless diamonds are perhaps the most popular, diamonds exist in a rainbow of colors including yellow, blue, and pink. Some diamonds, known as fancy color diamonds, can even be red, green, or intensely blue.
Historical significance of the Diamond gem
Diamonds were traded as valuable items in ancient times, and they’ve also been highly prized by royalty. This precious stone’s part in engagement rings dates back to the 15th century when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to his fiancée.
May: Emerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, symbolizes rebirth, love, and fertility. These beautiful green gems have been a symbol of love and life for centuries.
The symbolism of Emerald
Emerald was sacred to Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, and is commonly related to fertility, rebirth, and love. Emerald, from the word “smaragdus,” means “green” in Greek, matching the color of Spring and rebirth.
Significant characteristics of Emerald
Emerald is known for its rich and deep green color. It is one of the four recognized precious rocks, along with diamond, ruby, and sapphire. Although it’s softer than these gems, emerald is considered luxurious and beautiful due to its rarity.
Varieties of Emerald gems
Emerald is a type of beryl, and while beryl is typically colorless on its own, the presence of chromium gives emerald its green color. The green of emerald can range from light to a deep, rich green. The intensity of color is one of the most important factors when determining emerald quality.
Historical significance of the Emerald gem
Emeralds were adorned by royals in ancient Egypt, and Cleopatra was known for her love of the green stones. The Spanish, upon arriving in South America, found the Incas had been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for centuries. The gem’s rich history spans mountain ranges, continents, and civilizations.
June: Pearl
Those born in June can claim the pearl as their birthstone. These iridescent gems symbolize purity, innocence, and humility.
The symbolism of Pearl
Pearls have long been associated with innocence, purity, and humility, making them a popular choice for bridal wear. They are equally linked with femininity and beauty due to their soft iridescence and natural beauty.
Significant characteristics of Pearl
Unlike most gems, pearls are organic and come from living sea mollusks, making each pearl unique. Their primary attribute is their luster, which gives them their shiny, reflective appearance.
Varieties of Pearl gems
There are many varieties of pearls, including freshwater, saltwater, Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian. The different types of pearls provide a range of size, color and price options, from affordable freshwater pearls to the luxurious and rare black Tahitian pearls.
Historical significance of the Pearl gem
Pearls have been cherished for their beauty and perceived rarity for millennia. In ancient societies, pearls were seen as symbols of wealth and status. During the Byzantine Empire period, only the Emperor was allowed to wear pearls, reinforcing their high status.
July: Ruby
Rubies, the July birthstone, are regarded as the king of gems and represent love, health, and wisdom.
The symbolism of Ruby
Known as the king of stones, the ruby signifies love and passion due to its vibrant red color. They also represent health and wisdom and are believed to bring good luck to the wearer.
Significant characteristics of Ruby
Ruby is appreciated for its brightness and color. It can be brighter than a diamond, and most naturally occurring rubies have inclusions in them which are like fingerprints, proving their authenticity and uniqueness.
Varieties of Ruby gems
A ruby’s quality is determined by its color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. The most sought-after color is “pigeon’s blood,” a pure, vibrant red with a hint of blue. The finest rubies, and the most expensive, come from Myanmar.
Historical significance of the Ruby gem
In ancient Sanskrit, ruby translated to ratnaraj, which meant “king of precious stones.” They’ve been used in armor, scabbards, and harnesses of noblemen in India and China. Rubies were laid beneath the foundation of buildings to secure good fortune to the structure.
August: Peridot
Peridot, the birthstone for August, symbolizes strength and is sometimes called “the evening emerald” because of its light green color.
The symbolism of Peridot
Peridot has been long associated with light, sun, and strength. In ancient beliefs, peridot was seen as a gift of Mother Nature and was believed to bring magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares.
Significant characteristics of Peridot
This gem, formed deep inside the earth and brought to the surface by volcanoes, is one of only a few gems that occur in only one color: an olive-green. The intensity and tint of the green depend on how much iron is in the crystal structure, so the color of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow-green to olive to brownish-green.
Varieties of Peridot gems
Peridot gems are not classified by variety, but rather by quality factors: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Beautiful cutting brings out the lustrous shine and deep, rich color of high-quality stones.
Historical significance of the Peridot gem
Peridots were used in ancient Egypt as a symbol of the sun. The Egyptians believed that the stone had the power to ward off evil spirits. In the middle ages, Europeans attached peridot gems to the collars and sleeves of their clothing to guard against peril during the night.
September: Sapphire
September’s birthstone, the beautiful sapphire, symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness.
The symbolism of Sapphire
Etymologically speaking, “sapphire” originates from the Latin “sapphirus,” or blue. Sapphires are believed to symbolize wisdom, virtue, good fortune, and holiness. In many cultures, they were a favored gem for royal and religious ornamentation.
Significant characteristics of Sapphire
Recognized for its mesmerizing hue, varying from deep cobalt blue to light azure, sapphires are truly spectacular gems. The depth of the color determines the quality of the gem.
Varieties of Sapphire gems
Although sapphires are mostly associated with the color blue, they can also come in virtually any color—except red. Blue sapphires range from very light to deep dark blue. Pink sapphires, in particular, owe their reddish hues to traces of chromium, and the greater the concentration, the deeper the color.
Historical significance of the Sapphire gem
For centuries, sapphires have decorated the robes of royalty and clergy members, signifying celestial favor. It was believed that the gem attracted heavenly blessings. They symbolized integrity, love, commitment, and loyalty, and are still popular today for engagement jewelry.
December: Tanzanite
Tanzanite, one of the birthstones for December, is said to represent transformation, wisdom, and dignity.
The symbolism of Tanzanite
In many cultures, tanzanite is viewed as a magical gemstone that can help with spiritual awareness and psychic insight. It is also said to relieve stress and depression, enhance composure, poise, and harmony.
Significant characteristics of Tanzanite
Tanzanite stands out for its brilliant blue to violet color. It is a variety of the mineral zoisite and is found only in one place on Earth, near majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
Varieties of Tanzanite gems
Tanzanite comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and is cut to optimize its remarkable color. The deep blue and the purple hue of tanzanite are beautiful in any size, and the stones are often cut in cushion and oval shapes to display their colors to their best advantage.
Historical significance of the Tanzanite gem
Although tanzanite is a young gemstone and has only been on the gem scene since the 1960s, it has already left a significant impact. The deep, profound blue of the stone is one of the most extravagant colors of any gemstone. From its accidental discovery, it has become one of the most desired blue gemstones, loved for its strong vibrancy and uniqueness. The gem’s pedigree, rarity, and single-source status add to tanzanite’s allure.
In this detailed exploration of gems for each month, we’ve traveled through time, brushed over history, and submerged ourselves into the mysteries and symbolism of these beautiful birthstones. Gems are not only beautiful to look at, they also carry meanings and history that can transform a mere accessory into a personal, insightful talisman.
