Birthstones and Their Months
From representing faith and loyalty to helping to predict the future, each birthstone offers a unique history.
January - Garnet
Known as the stone of commitment, the garnet is believed to represent faith, loyalty, truth and devotion. The name comes from the Latin word "granatus," meaning "seed-like," which is appropriate since the garnet is often described as having the shape and color of pomegranate seeds. When people think of a garnet, they most often picture a dark red gem, but the garnet actually comes in a range of colors, including shades of green, yellow, orange, purple and brown.
February - Amethyst
A form of quartz, the amethyst's color ranges from pale lilac to dark purple. The gem has been a favorite of royal families throughout the ages and was particular treasured by Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty. Amethysts were believed to encourage celibacy and were often used in the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages.
March - Aquamarine
Coming in all shades of blue, the aquamarine has been linked to the sea and was known to serve as protection while on ocean voyages. In the past, it was believed that the gem, when soaked in water, would treat eye issues, respiratory diseases and hiccups. Today, the stone is said to ease depression and grief as well as to re-awaken love in long marriages.
April - Diamond
In addition to being a girl's best friend, diamonds are the hardest natural substance known to man. The Greeks believed that diamonds were the tears of the gods, and their name is derived from the Greek word "adamas," which means unconquerable. The diamond's complex characteristics ensure that no two diamonds are ever alike.
May - Emerald
The emerald is among the most prized and valuable of all gemstones. The history of this sparkling green stone dates back 4,000 years to ancient Egypt. In fact, the last pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra, was famous for adorning herself with numerous emeralds.
June - Pearl
An organic gem, the pearl is actually created by living creatures. The shimmering gem is created when a small particle enters the shell of a mollusk. When this occurs, the creature defends itself by layering the particle with a substance called nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl. There are four types of pearls today: natural pearls, cultured pearls, saltwater pearls and freshwater pearls.
July - Ruby
Named the King of the Gems, the ruby is believed to make the wearer wiser, to bring love and to protect against misfortune. A sister to the sapphire, the ruby - a type of mineral called a corundum - is the only red corundum and is the most valuable of all corundum stones.
August - Peridot
A lime green stone, the peridot is one of the oldest known gemstones. Ancient Egyptians referred to the peridot as the "gem of the sun" and believed that you could find the stone only at night. Romans named the stone the "evening emerald" because the gem was still visible at night by lamplight.
September - Sapphire
Most known for its beautiful blue shades, the sapphire also comes in all other colors, except for red. The sapphire is associated with peace and happiness, while ancient priests contended that the gem could help them predict the future. The stone also symbolizes sincerity and faithfulness and is a popular choice for engagement rings.
October - Opals
A soft gemstone, the opal gets it unique look from embedded impurities that produce flashes of color. The stone's name comes from the Greek word "opallios," which meant to see a change of color. The opal can be found in many shades, including white (the most common), black and red. The gem is traditionally the symbol of innocence and purity.
November - Topaz
While this gem is most often found in yellow, a topaz can be found in other colors, including blue, pink, red, green and golden-brown. The ancient Greeks believed the stone could increase one's strength and allow its wearer to become invisible. The topaz also was said to change color when placed near food or drink that had been poisoned. The stone also was said to cure insomnia, asthma and hemorrhages.
December - Turquoise
Believed to guarantee health and good fortune as well as to protect from evil, turquoise's history dates back to 6000 B.C., when it was mined by the ancient Egyptians. The beautiful blue stone is the national gem of Tibet and is noted as a ceremonial gem for Native American tribes in the Southwest United States, which is where the majority of the world's finest-quality turquoise originates.
