Cool Facts About Each Month's Birthstone
These stunning gemstones represent the month you were born, but they are rich with surprising history all their own.
No matter where you are from, what language you speak, or where you live, birthstones are a universal way to celebrate the month in which you were born. Birthstones come in a variety of stunning colors, and they are undeniably some of nature’s most exquisite gifts.
Each birthstone is surrounded by a number of stories, legends, and myths that attribute to it a variety of meanings and powers. Even if you are familiar with these beautiful stones, you may be surprised to learn some of the interesting facts that accompany their history.
January - Garnet
Garnets have been a treasured gemstone for thousands of years. Pharaohs of Egypt prized garnets, wore them often, and have been known to have been buried with garnets in their tombs.
February - Amethyst
According to Greek mythology, amethyst is believed to keep its wearer clear of mind and sharp in both business affairs and battle. During the European Renaissance, many thought amethyst could soothe lovers consumed with passion.
March - Aquamarine
In 1936, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt received a gorgeous dark blue step cut aquamarine weighing 1,298 carats as a gift from the Brazilian government. Today, visitors to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York can observe the one-of-a-kind gem.
April - Diamond
Diamonds are incredibly strong, and so it is no surprise that the word “diamond” is derived from the Greek word “adamas,” which translates to “unbreakable.” Perhaps because of their strength diamonds have come to be recognized as the quintessential engagement ring stone, symbolizing love and enduring commitment.
May - Emerald
For thousands of years, emeralds have been treasured all across the world, and many believed the stone contained magical powers. It has been said that placing an emerald under one’s tongue could allow them to see the future.
June - Pearl
For centuries, pearls perplexed those who were lucky enough to possess them. In the Middle East, pearls were thought to be teardrops from heaven, while the Chinese believed that they came from a dragon’s brain.
July - Ruby
Rubies have historically been symbolic of youthful energy and power in Indian jewelry, and in ancient India, rubies were nicknamed, the “king of precious stones.” Rubies are known for their hardness, second only to diamonds.
August - Peridot
While peridot can be found in various countries across the globe, including Myanmar, Pakistan, and Vietnam, some came to the Earth by way of meteorites.
September - Sapphire
One of the most iconic sapphires in modern history was the 12 carat blue gem in Princess Diana’s engagement ring, which was later passed down to Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge.
October - Opal
For many centuries, the opal was viewed as a sign of truth and purity by Europeans. Much of the world's opal is sourced from Australia.
November - Topaz
For more than two centuries, the world’s finest topaz was mined in Brazil. Today, topaz can be found in a number of African countries, including Namibia, Nigeria, and Madagascar, as well as Mexico, Myanmar, and the United States.
December - Turquoise
Turquoise has historically been prized by America’s indigenous people, including the Apache who believed following a rainbow would lead to turquoise, and the Hopi, who maintained that turquoise was the product of lizards.
Nina Derwin is a Brooklyn-based writer with a passion for the art of storytelling. In addition to writing articles for various clients and publications, Nina has written several episodes of scripted television for networks including Starz and Fox.
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