I was wondering on what I should write about today. So many ideas! However, soon my thoughts turned to the month of April. As I utilized the search engine Google to discover interesting facts about April, birthstones popped up in the search. Perfect subject! To begin with, I began wondering how birthstones came into being. Apparently, Titus Flavius Josephus, a Romano-Jewish scholar, connected each stone that was wore on the breastplate of Aaron, high priest of the Israelites to the 12 signs of the zodiac. The idea went mainstream by 1870, when Tiffany & Co. published a pamphlet outlining each month’s birthstone. In 1912, the American National Jewelers’ Association compiled a new birthstone list. A few amendments later, including the addition of Tanzanite in 2002, and Spinel in 2016, and we have the list we use today.
Wearing your birthstone is said to enhance the mystical and healing powers of the gem itself. Discover what makes your birthstone a powerful statement of your finest qualities by scrolling below:
January: Garnet
The name “garnet” originates from the medieval Latin granatus, meaning “pomegranate,” in reference to the similarity of the red color. However, garnet comes in a large range of colors. According to Indian astrology, garnet helps eliminate negative feelings, instill greater self-confidence, mental clarity and peace of mind. In ancient and medieval times, garnets were also thought to be remedies for inflammatory diseases and to soothe the angry heart. On the Mohs hardness scale it rates a 6.5 to 7.5 out of 10.
February: Amethyst
The name “amethyst” derives from the Greek amethystos, which means “a remedy against drunkenness,” a benefit long ascribed to the purple birthstone. Amethyst was also believed to keep the wearer clear headed and quick witted in business affairs. Renaissance Europeans thought it calmed lovers overrun by passion. Amethyst lore also includes that it would convey strength and wit to those who wore it. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 7 out of 10.
March: Bloodstone and Aquamarine
Bloodstone’s alternate name heliotrope comes from the ancient Greek word that means “to turn the sun.” In ancient times, these March birthstones were believed to turn the sun red if they were placed in water. Several metaphysical properties have been attributed to this March birthstone. They include increasing strength, giving invisibility, and preserving health and youth. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 6.5 to 7 out of 10.
Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin for seawater, and ancient mariners claimed the gem would calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. This March birthstone is thought to bring happiness in marriage. The aquamarine is also given as a present for the 19th wedding anniversary. On the Mohs hardness scale it rates a 7.5 to 8 out of 10.
April: Diamond
In India, diamonds were gathered from the country’s rivers and streams. Traded as early as the fourth century BCE, diamonds were coveted by royalty and the wealthy. The first diamond engagement ring on record was given by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477. The April birthstone was even believed to have healing powers. Over the centuries, the diamond birthstone was thought to be an antidote to poison and provide protection against the plague. Some claim that it is a boon for longevity, strength, beauty and happiness. On the Mohs hardness scale it rates a 10 out of 10.
May: Emerald
From Egyptian pharaohs to Inca emperors, emerald has enchanted royalty. The word “emerald” comes from smaragdos, ancient Greek for a green gem. Emeralds thought to provide psychic powers. Some believed it made one an eloquent speaker and exposed lovers who made false promises. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 7.5 to 8 out of 10.
June: Peral, Alexandrite, Moonstone
Pearls grow inside the tissue of a living saltwater/freshwater mollusk (either an oyster or a mussel). Natural pearls form when the mollusk secretes a substance called nacre around an irritant such as a piece of sand or a parasite that has invaded its shell. Pearls have long been associated with purity, humility and innocence. n the ancient Sanskrit text the Atharvaveda, pearls were said to bestow long life and prosperity. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 2.5 to 4.5 out of 10.
Alexandrite is the rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that changes color in different lighting. The gem was named after the young Alexander II (1818–1881), heir apparent to the Russian throne. Alexandrite is a good stone for meditation if someone has difficult to concentration. It will also help make you calm and help you concentrate. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 8.5 out of 10.
Moonstone has been linked with both the Roman and Greek lunar deities. Hindu mythology claims that it is made of solidified moonbeams. Moonstone is often associated with love, passion and fertility; it is believed to bring great luck. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 6 to 6.5 out of 10.
July: Ruby
Ruby is the July birthstone and the name is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red”, which is the color of love and passion. Burmese warriors believed it made them invincible in battle. Medieval Europeans maintained that rubies bestowed health, wisdom, wealth and success in love. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 9 out of 10.
August: Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx
The word “peridot” comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. This August birthstone was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures. For centuries, the peridot birthstone has been used as a protective talisman, shielding the owner from evil spirits and “terrors of the night.” On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 6.5 to 7 out of 10.
The name “spinel” comes from the Latin word spina, which means thorn, in reference to the shape of spinel crystals. This second August birthstone comes in a wealth of colors: intense red, vibrant pink, orange, purple, violet, blue and bluish green. Red spinel, along with other red gems, was thought to be a remedy for all types of blood loss and inflammatory diseases. The red gems were believed to ease anger and promote harmony. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 7.5 to 8 out of 10.
Sardonyx is a combination of two types of chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz): sard and onyx. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx rings with the image of Mars carved on them for protection in battle. This August birthstone is associated with courage, happiness and clear communication, bringing stability to marriage and partnerships. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 7 out of 10.
September: Sapphire
“Sapphire” comes from the Greek word sappheiros and blue sapphire is one of the most popular colored stones. Sapphires have associated with royalty and romance. The September birthstone was reputed to have healing powers as well. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 9 out of 10.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
Opal is believed to have originated in India (the source of the first opals brought to the Western world), where in Sanskrit it was called upala, a “precious stone.” In ancient Rome, this became opalus. Ancient Greeks thought opals bestowed the gift of prophesy and protection from disease. Europeans long maintained opal to be a symbol of purity, hope and truth. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 5.5 to 6 out of 10.
Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means “stone with mixed colors.” Different colors of tourmaline have their own healing properties. Black tourmaline protects the wearer and give a sense of self-confidence. Pink tourmaline embodies love, compassion and gentleness. Green tourmaline promotes courage, strength and stamina. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 7 to 7.5 out of 10.
November: Topaz and Citrine
Some believe the word “topaz” comes from the Sanskrit word tapas, which means “fire.” Others trace it back to the Greek topazos. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength. Europeans thought it could thwart magic spells and dispel anger. In India, when the topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty and intelligence. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 8 out of 10.
Citrine could derive from the French word for “lemon” (citron). During the Victorian era, citrine was particularly popular in colorful Scottish jewelry. The citrine combats negative and unwanted energies, paving the way for success into every aspect of life. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 7 out of 10.
December: Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon
Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that ranges from blue to green and pharaohs and other rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with it. The gem also possesses many beneficial powers, such as breaking into several pieces at the approach of disaster. Hindu mystics maintained that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon ensured fantastic wealth. In Tibet, it is believed to grant health, good fortune and protection from evil. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 5 or 6 out of 10.
Tanzanite is found in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. It was discovered in 1962. Tanzanite stimulates the throat chakra, third-eye chakra, and crown chakra. It activates our psychic abilities and vibratory rate, facilitating communication with the higher spiritual dimensions. Tanzanite is a stone of transformation that can help dissolve old patterns of disease and karma. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 6.5 out of 10.
Zircon is believe to come from the Arabic word zarkun, meaning “cinnabar” or “vermilion.” Zircon could lull one into a deep sleep and scare off evil spirits. In the Hindu religion, zircon alternates with hessonite garnet as one of the nine gems of the navaratna. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 6.5 out of 10.
