Birthstones are treasures that are given or acquired as a rite of passage on your life's journey. Through history and lore these gemstones harness attributes and power associated with one’s birth month.  When obtained they become a powerful outward expression of self. What super power is your birthstone harnessing?

The origin of birthstones is believed to have biblical roots. In the Book of Exodus, 12 gemstones (Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond, Topaz, Carbuncle, Sardius, Agate, Ligure, Amethyst, Onyx, Jasper & Beryl) were worn on the regal breastplate of Aaron. The 12 gemstones were symbolic of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Scholars in the 1^st & 5^th centuries interpreted and attributed the 12 breastplate stones with the 12 signs of the zodiac. Thinking an individual would accrue all 12 stones and wear as a statement each corresponding month.

Jewish Jewelers in the 18^th century evolved the concept we are more familiar with today and marketed the gems for one's birth month. 1912 the National Association of Jewelers created the official list we know today.

Because of the rich history and lore of birthstones for centuries, it is no wonder they are cherished as treasures. May you wear the gems as a harness for your inner soul, expression of self and your journey.

January

Garnet commonly red in color. Garnet’s superpower is to bring the wearer prosperity, good health, wealth and happiness.

February

Amethyst deep purple or lilac in color. Amethyst is worn as a symbol of inner strength and empowerment. Historically this gem was often worn by royalty because it was believed to keep the wearer clear headed, sharp in battle and business affairs.

March

Aquamarine (Beryl) named because its hue is reflective of the ocean. Historically, the stone was often worn by sailors to protect the wearer from the seas and ensure safe passage. The stone reflects bravery, courage and hope. Aquamarine is also thought to bring happiness in marriage.

Blood Stone typically dark green with red spots (iron oxide). The stone is usually cut as cabochon and are typically set in the raw form which makes the stone lessor know or marketed when compared to faceted Aquamarines. The “blood” brings health and strength to the owner. The blood stone through history has been treasured by soldiers or athletes as a good luck charm to grow strength.

April

Diamond clear in color is the mostly highly sought-after gemstone and is a symbol of strength and clarity. The name comes from the Greek word “adamas,” which translates to invincible or unbreakable. This unbreakable gem wards off the evil eye and provides protection. Over centuries, diamonds were believed to protect against plague and poison; safeguarding the wearers longevity, strength, beauty and happiness.

Diamonds

May

Emerald hue green. A color for spring, symbolizes renewal and rebirth. Legend makes the wearer more intelligent and quick-witted. It was also once believed to be therapeutic and cure diseases. The green hue relieves stress and science has since proved that green relieves stress!

Emerald

June

Pearls in Middle Eastern history are believed to be teardrops fallen from heaven. Ancient Chinese culture believed pearls to come from the brain of a dragon. Wear as a symbol or purity, humility and innocence.

Moonstone a glowing iridescent stone. Roman and Greek mythology associated the stone with lunar deities. Hindu myth claims moonstones are solidified moonbeams. Moonstones bring great luck in love, passion and fertility.

Alexandrite green or reddish rare stone that changes colors in certain lighting. Some cuts of the stone create a cat’s-eye effect in the color variations. First discovered in Russia named after Alexander II. Russia regards the stone as its most prize gemstone because colors match national military colors.

July

Ruby of course richly red in color. The gemstone is equally as rare as diamonds. The stones properties bestow health, wisdom, wealth and success in love. Indians, associated ruby with the life force blood and worn as a symbol of power and youthful energy. The stone is also said to predict misfortune or danger, cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger.

August

Peridot has a green hue and is an interesting stone due to its origin. The stone is formed in extreme conditions, as is can be found in meteorites or found in hardened lava. For centuries the stone has been used as a protective talisman, to shield its wearer for evil and “terrors of the night”.

Spinel, versatile in color, can be red, pink, orange, purple, violet, blue, or blue green. The gemstone is thought to be a remedy for blood loss and inflammatory diseases. Red Spinel’s are believed to reduce anger and foster harmony.

Sardonyx is typically brown, red or has earthy bands of color. The bands of colors make it ideal for carving cameos and intaglios. A more vintage art form, you might have seen a as family cameo or intaglio passed down generations. The stone bestows upon its owner strength of character, courage, happiness and clear communication.

September

Sapphire mostly and popularly deep blue in color traditionally symbolizes truth, steadfastness, faithfulness and nobility. For many centuries, Sapphire, has been adorned by royalty and the elite.

October

Opal and Tourmaline. Opals are valued for their iridescent color. The rainbow hues have a “play of color”. The stone is believed to embody the virtues and powers of all colored stones. European history maintained opal to be a symbol or purity, hope and truth. Tourmaline is a newer October birthstone, but still powerful none the less. The colors differ in symbiology. Black Tourmaline protects is wearer and brings self-confidence. Pink Tourmaline is love and embodies compassion and gentleness. Green Tourmaline encourages stamina, strength and courage.

Opal

November

Topaz and Citrine. Topaz comes in a range of colors blue, yellow, purple, pink. Citrine is typically yellow or orange in hue. Both stones calm the wearer and soothe tempers. Historically, Europeans even believed the stones could hinder magic spells.

December

Turquoise & Zircon. Turquoise, is typically blue or blue green in color, and bestows peace to those who wear it.  Native Americans believed if you followed a rainbow to its end, you would find Turquoise. Apache’s adorned their weapons with Turquoise for more accurate aim. Zircon comes is a rainbow of colors. During the middle ages, Zircon was used as a sleeping aid. The belief was that it would lull its wearer to sleep and ward off evil. Both stones share similar qualities and are believed to bring good fortune, grant health and protect its wearer from evil.

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Source guide:

https://www.gia.edu/birthstones

https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2017/07/02/birthstones-discover-birthstone-color-month/?sh=2d5b15f31f06