I confess. All my life I have been jealous of those born in March, April, May and July. It has nothing to do with age. It has everything to do with color. I was born in November and my birthstone is either Topaz or Citrine. But, I longed for Aquamarines, Diamonds, Emeralds and Rubies. As I grew older, I researched birthstones and learned that, through the ages, birthstones have changed. For example, modern birthstones were officially adopted in 1912. Tanzanite was added as an official December birthstone in 2002.
The Ayurvedic birthstones go back as far as 1500 B.C. These birthstones come from Indian Medicine and Beliefs and go back to ancient India. The Mystical birthstones go back over 1000 years. There are also other birthstones of the ancient cultures of Arabia, Hebrew, Hindu, Italian, Poland, Roman and Russian. There are also birthstones of the Zodiac, Planetary Stones, and Talismanic Stones. All of this makes me very happy because who’s to say what your birthstone is? Pick your favorite! The following is a list of the Modern, the Ayurvedic, and Mystical birthstones:
| Months | Modern | Ayurvedic | Mystical |
| January | Garnet | Garnet | Emerald |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst | Bloodstone |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone | Jade |
| April | Diamond | Diamond | Opal |
| May | Emerald | Agate | Sapphire |
| June | Pearl(or) Moonstone | Pearl | Moonstone |
| July | Ruby | Ruby | Ruby |
| August | Peridot | Sapphire | Diamond |
| September | Sapphire | Moonstone | Agate |
| October | Opal (or) Tourmaline | Opal (or)Tourmaline | Jasper |
| November | Yellow Topaz (or) Citrine | Topaz | Pearl |
| December | Turquoise (or) Blue Topaz (or) Tanzanite | Ruby | Onyx |
Before we get too excited and over analyze where we are on the chart, we should also consider that the astrological signs have their birthstones. Consider this, you are a November child. You should be a Scorpio with a birthstone of a Topaz, but if you were born after November 23, you are a Sagittarius and therefore, your birthstone could be considered to be a Turquoise. Are you confused? I was. And still am! The following are a list of the astrological signs, their ruling planet and birthstone.
|
Zodiac Signs |
Dates of Zodiac Signs
|
Zodiac Birthstone |
Ruling Planet |
Zodiac Element |
|
Aries |
March 21 – April 20 |
Diamond |
Mars |
Fire |
|
Taurus |
April 21 – May 20 |
Emerald |
Venus |
Earth |
|
Gemini |
May 21 – June 21 |
Pearl |
Mercury |
Air |
|
Cancer |
June 22 – July 22 |
Ruby |
Mercury |
Water |
|
Leo |
July 23 – August 23 |
Peridot |
The Sun |
Fire |
|
Virgo |
August 24 – September 23 |
Sapphire |
Mercury |
Earth |
|
Libra |
September 24 – October 23 |
Opal |
Venus |
Air |
|
Scorpio |
October 24 – November 22 |
Topaz |
Pluto |
Water |
|
Sagittarius |
November 23 – December 21 |
Turquoise |
Jupiter |
Fire |
|
Capricorn |
December 22 – January 20 |
Garnet |
Saturn |
Earth |
|
Aquarius |
January 21 – February 19 |
Amethyst |
Uranus |
Air |
|
Pisces |
February 20 – March 20 |
Aquamarine |
Neptune |
Water |
Now you may be thoroughly confused, but don’t be. This is the exciting part. I believe that everyone should choose the stone that suits them, their personality and their needs. Stones have an energy all their own and sometimes we crave that energy. Let’s examine the color of the stones above and their meaning.
Blue
The birthstones that are blue in color can be Sapphires, Turquoise, blue Topaz, blue Chalcedony, blue Tourmaline, blue Zircon and Tanzanite. Moonstones are iridescent but can have shades of blue in them. Blue is the color of water and symbolizes the ocean, sleep, the sky and twilight. The blue stones have an ability to bring us peace, stability and harmony. They can be very calming.
Blue is associated with healing, the psychic powers, patience, confidence, happiness and loyalty. Please note that in some cultures, blue can signify sadness. This is where the expression “he is in a blue mood” comes from. In ancient Egypt the Pharaohs wore blue for protection against evil.
Aqua
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Paraiba, in the color of aqua, will also work as a birthstone for March. Aqua means water, the color which symbolizes youth and is associated with speech, communication, confidence, strength, and idealism. Many believe it can affect emotional healing and protection. It is also said to have a soothing effect. Aquamarine varies in color from blue-green to a light sky blue. Some people say that Aquamarine reawakens love in a tired marriage, so this would make a wonderful anniversary gift.
Green
Everyone knows that Emeralds are green and is the birthstone of May. Peridot is also green and is the birthstone for August. Green represents money, prosperity, employment, fertility, healing and growth. It symbolizes fertility. Many people believe it has a calming effect and it is believed that medium greens connect with nature.
Red
Both January and July have red birthstones. Garnet is the birthstone for January and Ruby is the birthstone for July. Red symbolizes health, strength, physical energy, sex, passion, courage and protection. Red is also associated with intense emotions. Valentine’s Day is always symbolized with the color of red for love.
Yellow
Topaz and Citrine are both yellow in color. They are believed to be the birthstone for November. The color yellow signifies intellect, philosophy, confidence, communication, eloquence and travel. It is symbolic of the sun and power of thought. Yellow is also associated with joy, happiness, optimism, imagination, hope and idealism.
Clear/White
The two months that have clear or white birthstones are April and June. April’s birthstone is the Diamond and June’s is the Pearl. White is associated with protection, purification and peace. It symbolizes the moon. White also represents humility, cleanliness, youth, innocence and birth.
Purple
Purple is the color of Amethyst and is the birthstone of February. Elizabeth Taylor wore a lot of Amethyst. This is because her eyes were violet and she was born in February. However, Elizabeth was a Pisces and the Pisces birthstone is the Aquamarine. The color purple symbolizes peace, power, healing, meditation, religion, wisdom, and spirituality.
Pink
Pink Tourmaline is the birthstone for October. The color pink signifies love, friendship, compassion and relaxation. Pink is a feminine color and is also associated with gentle emotions.
Multicolor
Many stones like Pearls, Opals and Moonstones come in a variety of colors. We are all attracted to different colors and should choose these kinds of stones based on what we like and flatter us. Moonstones, in particular, are fascinating. They are the birthstones of June and September in modern astrology. Their colors can vary from milky white to rich shades of blue with pink and greens running through them. If you want a Moonstone, check the many shades that are available for that stone. You will be amazed at their beauty.
Negative aspects of stones
I feel that I should share that I have given you all the positive aspects of each of the stones but, be aware, that in many cultures and countries, the above colors may mean something entirely different and may have negative connotations. That is why it is important to choose the colors that make you, the individual, feel good about yourselves.
Alternative birthstones
I knew a woman who would never wear sparkling, shimmering stones. She felt they did not flatter her. She chose instead the more opaque stones like turquoise and onyx. These opaque stones are considered to be alternative birthstones. So, feel free to go in that direction if the spirit moves you.
If you look at the birthstone chart, you will notice that there are alternative birthstones, such as Agate for May or September; Bloodstone for March or February; Moonstone for September or June and Jasper is the Mythical birthstone for October.
Opals
October babies have two modern birthstones with pink Tourmaline and Opals. The pink stones were covered above. Opals vary in color and can have pinks, blues, and even flashes of red. When choosing an Opal, choose the one that ignites your senses. There are also jelly Opals which go towards the yellow color. It is believed that Opals have a strong therapeutic value for diseases of the eye and aid the eyes and the mind. There are black Opals, which are deeper in color. There are also fire Opals in orange and cherry Opals in red. But, I have never seen these associated with any birthstones.
Bloodstones
Bloodstones are alternative birthstones for March and February. Bloodstones are an opaque stone. The color of a Bloodstone is generally green with red spots. Some are multicolored. They can be shiny and that is what you should look for when selecting a Bloodstone. Bloodstones are believed to be beneficial for creativity, strength, vitality and strengthening of the heart. Bloodstone is also known as the symbol of justice.
Agates
Agates are alternative birthstones for May and September. Agate is believed to discern truth and is a powerful emotional healer. Agates improve memory and concentration. It is also believed to prevent insomnia and ensure pleasant dreams. Agates are said to have a calming influence and to increase ones’ analytical talents. Agates come in many colors, so when choosing your Agate, look for the one that ignites your senses.
Jasper
Jasper is a unique stone for it comes in so, so many colors. It contains mineral oxides which gives it patterns that resemble landscapes and mountains. There are many different kinds of Jasper. Consider this: Jasper is the Mystical October birthstone, the Aries planetary birthstone, the alternate birthstone of Virgo and Aquarius. Legend has it that Jasper is said to bring joy, and help one sleep. Jasper is also said to guard against evil spirits, align all chakras and balance the yin yang energies.
Summation:
Now you know a lot more about what the colors mean and what the stones symbolize. But you still may be confused. To paraphrase my Uncle Dave, who always rhymed… birthstones smirthstones. We all have our favorite stones that we are attracted to or that we feel make us look better. I believe that is how we should choose the stones we want to wear. We should never feel trapped by what we are told is the stone for us. I have always been attracted to the aqua colors of March. That isn’t my birthstone. However, I’ve consoled myself with this thought: I was conceived in March, so why not go with the birthstone which symbolizes the month of conception! Now there’s an idea!
Perhaps your birthstone is not your favorite stone. Who knows? Perhaps it will be…sometime in the future.
