Since ancient times, people believe in the magic of birthstones. The meaning of each individual stone intrigues many even today. The following article will help you understand the different birthstones and their meanings.
The history of birthstones is said to be linked to the legendary breastplate of the high priest of the Hebrews, which is said to have contained 12 precious gemstones.
Over the ages, different traditions came into existence and with them, the 12 zodiac signs were assigned different birthstones. By the 18th century, each month was assigned a specific birthstone.
There are many people who believe in the mystical powers of birthstones. They believe these gems protect them from evil and bring them luck. Some people wear them out of curiosity. Some give them as gifts to their loved ones as a symbol of love and care.
Here is a table that lists out each birthstone along with its meaning and the month it stands for.
| Month | Name of Gem | Symbol | Meaning |
| January | Garnet | Constancy, faith and truth | The garnet is said to protect the wearer from nightmares. It is said to offer guidance through a path of darkness. This long-lasting gem has a fiery beauty that was once thought to be connected with blood. |
| February | Amethyst | Sincerity, sobriety, tranquility, protection and peace | The amethyst is said to protect the wearer from deceit. It is also said to improve skin texture as well as prevent baldness. |
| March | Aquamarine and Bloodstone | Courage | These two birthstones are associated with the virtue of courage. Aquamarine has also been associated with affection, love, hope, and good health. It was a favorite among men at sea during the Middle Ages. It was said to protect those at sea. |
| April | Diamond | Innocence, purity, love, eternity, and strength | Diamonds are the symbol of durability and invincibility for those born in the month of April. It is said to bring marital happiness and strengthen the bonds of love. |
| May | Emerald | New life, love and success | The emerald is said to bring good health and cure the wearer of many ailments. It is also associated with the ability to see the future. |
| June | Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite | Health, prosperity, long life, chastity and modesty | The pearl is said to be an angelic or pure birthstone. It is said to be linked to a happy and successful marriage. |
| July | Ruby | Contentment, harmony and protection | The fiery red ruby helps enhance passion and power in the wearer. |
| August | Peridot and Sardonyx | Courage and family happiness | Peridot, the yellow-green gemstone was once known as the ‘gem of the sun’. It was said to give the wearer protection against evil and nightmares. It was also known to enhance the powers of healing drugs and medication. Sardonyx is said to protect from evil and bring good fortune. |
| September | Sapphire | Faith, purity, and clear thinking | The sapphire is known to make the wearer more faithful and honest. |
| October | Opal and Tourmaline | Purity, innocence, and hope | The opal is linked to friendship, emotions, and is said to possess healing properties. It is said to enhance the wearer’s imagination powers. |
| November | Topaz | Sanity, healing, friendship and fidelity | The Greeks are said to have associated the topaz with strength. It is said to relieve the wearer of any kind of stress and cure him of health problems. |
| December | Turquoise and Zircon | Fortune, luck, prosperity and contentment | The turquoise is said to bring good luck to the wearer, and heal him from problems of the teeth, lung, throat, as well as depression. It brings out creativity and spirituality in the wearer. |
These gemstones are believed to bring luck and protect the wearer from negative vibes and auras. They are said to contain living energy that helps us when our life begins to change. The only way to know if the meanings attached to them do really help is by wearing them. So if you’re game, take a chance; who knows what could happen.
