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List of Birthstones by Month

The idea that gemstones and semi-precious stones have the ability to protect, heal and guide us is an ancient one and still held by many who do not need the endorsement of scientific proof before accepting the truth of something. Even those who have no belief in the power of gems and crystals will either be familiar with and own or wear jewelery that corresponds with their birthstone. In this article let’s look at the list of birthstones for each month.

The origins of birthstones is thought to be ancient and most sources trace it back to at least biblical times with the story of the high priest Aaron whose breastplate was adorned with twelve jewels said to represent the twelve tribes of Israel.

Scholars disagree about the more modern advent of birthstone significance with theories which range from 16^th century to 18^th century beginnings.

The most common list of accepted monthly birthstones, set by the National Association of Jewelers (USA), has been in existence since 1912. There are several modern variations on this list which include many cheaper and more easily obtainable semi-precious stones. Some of the efforts to change the lists have been purely business driven such as the campaign to include Tanzanite to December’s birthstone list. This is merely a ploy by the American Gem Trade Association to increase sales of Tanzanite.

List of Birthstones by Month (traditional list)

1.) January – Garnet

The birthstone for the month of January is Garnet. This deep red gem is the stone of devotion, faith and loyalty. Said to bring prosperity in business and also to enhance strength and endurance.

2.) February – Amethyst

The birthstone for February is Amethyst. A cheap and easily obtained stone, purple amethyst represents higher wisdom and spirituality. It has properties to induce calm and clarity.

3.) March – Aquamarine

The birthstone for March is Aquamarine. A pale blue stone which brings peace, comfort and insight to the wearer. Said to be the stone of courage and fortitude, dispelling fears and anxieties.

4.) April – Diamond

April month’s birthstone is Diamond. A clear stone and very familiar to most people. The stone of eternity and profound love.

5.) May – Emerald

Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May. This green colored precious gem is said to bring the wearer the gift of psychic powers and promotes fertility and faithfulness. It can lift low moods and alleviate insomnia.

6.) June – Pearl

Of the twelve birthstones the pearl is the most unusual in the way it is formed. Always a round gem and varying in colour from pink or silver hued to pure white, the pearl is said to be the ‘stone’ of virtue, sanctity and nobility.

7.) July – Ruby

Ruby is the protection stone and that which signifies strength and beauty. This red gem is a talisman against bad luck and ill health and promotes love.

8.) August – Peridot

Peridot which is the birthstone for the month of April is a green stone, normally paler and with yellower tones than the emerald. A dispeller of negative and destructive emotions such as fear, anger and jealousy and can lift depression. Promotes success and prosperity.

9.) September – Sapphire

Sapphire, the blue stone of serenity, peace and happiness is the birthstone for September month. It brings the wearer greater insight and wisdom through enhancing intuition.

10.) October – Opal

A very varied stone but generally milky and opaque, the opal is associated with creativity through visualization and imagination. It is the gem of hope and healing and is the birthstone for October month.

11.) November – Topaz

Topaz can come in a variety of colors but it is usually the yellow topaz which is used as the November birthstone. Yellow topaz is the stone of healing and friendship.

12.) December – Turquoise

An opaque blue stone much prized by Native Americans. It is said to attract prosperity and abundance both financially and in love.

So this has the list of birthstones by month. If you would like greater insight and understanding of the healing properties and powers of each gem you can find many resources to help you. Books explaining crystal and gem healing are now widely available and as always the Internet is a great resource for the most basic of outlines to the most in-depth and involved.

All of the birthstones listed here have properties which will be beneficial to any wearer but it is said their powers are enhanced when a birthstone is worn by a person born into the correct corresponding month.

This article on birthstones has been written by expert author ‘Deneice Arthurton‘.