Know Your Birthstones
A birthstone is nothing but a gemstone only, which is associated with the date of one's birth and the wearing of such birthstone is considered to bring good luck and health. Certain gemstones are believed to have Supernatural powers and their relationship with planets. Many cultures originally assigned a specific gemstone to signify birth during each sign of the zodiac but over the time this tradition has been shifted from the zodiac to calendar months.
Birthstones have their roots in ancient astrology, and there have been many birthstone lists used over the years. The most common one today is based on a list first publicized by the US jewelry industry in the 1950s.
Birthstones, on the basis of calendar months, are described as under:
| Month | Birthstone | Month | Birthstone |
| January | Garnet | February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine | April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald | June | Pearl / Alexandrite / Moonstone |
| July | Ruby | August | Peridot / Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire | October | Opal / Pink Tourmaline |
| November | Citrine / Yellow Topaz | December | Turquoise / Tanzanite / Zircon / Blue Topaz |
January Birthstone - Garnet
| Birthstone Powers : | Facilitates night vision, ensures success |
| January Birthstone Color : | Deep Red |
| Symbol : | Constancy |
| Anniversary Year : | 2nd Year Anniversary Stone |
It is said that this stone keeps the wearer safe from harm. A garnet also signifies eternal friendship and trust. This stone has long been associated with blood purification and it is believed to protect against food poisoning, snake bite, and hemorrhage.
February Birthstone - Amethyst
| Birthstone Powers : | Brings peace and calm to your life |
| February Birthstone Color : | Purple |
| Symbol : | Sincerity |
| Anniversary Year : | 6th Year Anniversary Stone |
In ancient Rome, this stone was worn to prevent intoxication and bring the wearer tranquility. The gemstone symbolizes peace and tranquility.
March Birthstone - Aquamarine
| Birthstone Powers : | Bestows courage, insight, and victory |
| March Birthstone Color : | Pale Blue |
| Symbol : | Courage |
| Anniversary Year : | 19th Year Anniversary Stone |
This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded. Also it is believed that this stone prevents ageing effects.
April Birthstone - Diamond
| Birthstone Powers : | Enhances competence, trust and love |
| April Birthstone Color : | White, Clear |
| Symbol : | Innocence |
| Anniversary Year : | 10th and 60th Year Anniversary Stone |
Diamonds are the ideal gift for a loved one. They are a symbol of courage and true love.
May Birthstone - Emerald
| Birthstone Powers : | Symbolizes serenity and peace of mind |
| May Birthstone Color : | Green |
| Symbol : | Love, Success |
| Anniversary Year : | 20th and 35th Year Anniversary Stone |
This stone represents rebirth and it is believed that wearer gets foresight, good fortune, and youth. Some people believe wearing an emerald brings wisdom, growth and patience. It is also prized for its ability to reveal true love.
June Birthstone - Pearl
| Birthstone Powers : | Truth and beauty |
| June Birthstone Color : | White or Purple |
| Symbol : | Health and Longevity |
| Anniversary Year : | 3rd and 30th Year Anniversary Stone |
| Other Stone for June : | Alexandrite / Moonstone |
Pearls have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity and purity. The regal pearl was believed to possess life-restoring powers.
July Birthstone - Ruby
| Birthstone Powers : | Fire and emotion |
| July Birthstone Color : | Color – Red |
| Symbol : | Contentment |
| Anniversary Year : | 15th and 40th Year Anniversary Stone |
Rubies arouse the senses, stir the imagination, and are said to guarantee health, wisdom, wealth and success in love. It is believed that Ruby helps to make the wearer wise and gives protection against all sorts of misfortunes.
August Birthstone - Peridot
| Birthstone Powers : | Illumination |
| August Birthstone Color : | Pale Green |
| Symbol : | Married Happiness |
| Anniversary Year : | 16th Year Anniversary Stone |
| Other Stone for August : | Sardonyx |
Peridot is said to host magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year. This gem was also worn as protectionnst evil spirits.
September Birthstone - Sapphire
| Birthstone Powers : | Brings physical and emotional balance |
| September Birthstone Color : | Deep Blue |
| Symbol : | Clear Thinking |
| Anniversary Year : | 5th and 45th Year Anniversary Stone |
Sapphire protects the wearer and their loved ones from envy and harm. Ancient priests believed sapphires helped them predict the future. The gem is associated with peace and happiness.
October Birthstone - Opal
| Birthstone Powers : | Enhances insight and dispels fear |
| October Birthstone Color : | Multi-color, Pink |
| Symbol : | Hope |
| Anniversary Year : | 14th Year Anniversary Stone |
| Other Stone for October : | Pink Tourmaline |
Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. It was said to have a beneficial effect on eyesight of the wearer. It was also thought to banish evil spirits and favor children, amusements, friendships and feelings.
November Birthstone - Citrine
| Birthstone Powers : | Brings happiness and warmth |
| November Birthstone Color : | Yellow |
| Symbol : | Fidelity |
| Anniversary Year : | 13th Year Anniversary Stone |
| Other Stone for November : | Yellow Topaz |
This golden gemstone is said to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy and warmth within the wearer. Citrines have also been used as an antidote for snake venom, as well as a talisman against the plague, bad skin and evil thoughts. They are believed to aid digestion as well as remove toxins from the body.
December Birthstone - Turquoise
| Birthstone Powers : | Brings good Fortune |
| December Birthstone Color : | Blue |
| Symbol : | Fidelity |
| Anniversary Year : | 11th Year Anniversary Stone |
| Other Stone for December : | Tanzanite / Zircon / Blue Topaz |
It is believed that wearer of this gemstone gets happiness and good fortune. Native Americans associated the colors of turquoise with the blue sky and green earth.