Each of the 12 months of the year is symbolized by one, or in some cases several, of the world’s most beautiful gemstones, and each of these birthstones has its own importance and meaning, making them great birthday gifts. But where did the idea of birthstones originate, and what traits are linked with them?
Birthstones appear to have their roots in the Bible. Moses orders special robes to be produced for Aaron, the Hebrew High Priest, according to Exodus 28. This contained a breastplate encrusted with twelve gemstones, each representing one of Israel’s twelve tribes. Emerald, sapphire, diamond, topaz, carbuncle, sardius, agate, ligure, amethyst, onyx, jasper, and beryl were among the twelve jewels.
The stones were then identified with the twelve zodiac signs between 1 and 5 AD, and in the 18th century, gem sellers in Poland associated each gemstone with a person’s birth month. The American National Association of Jewelers published an official list of birthstones in 1912, and while some alterations have occurred since then, the 1912 list is still in use today.
In This Article...
Is there a birthstone for each zodiac sign?
Monthly birthstones are not the same as zodiac birthstones, commonly known as astral stones. These are natural gemstones associated with the twelve astrological signs. Wearing your astral stone is said to allow you to access into its hidden abilities an idea that reaches back to ancient times!
What is my birthstone and where can I find it?
A birthstone is simply a gemstone that is related with the day of one’s birth and is thought to bring good luck and health to those who wear it. Certain gemstones are thought to have supernatural properties and are linked to specific planets. Many societies used to designate a distinct gemstone to each sign of the zodiac to denote birth, but this custom has since been switched from the zodiac to calendar months.
Birthstones have its origins in ancient astrology, and several birthstone lists have been utilized over the years. The most popular one now is based on a list first published in the 1950s by the US jewelry industry.
The following is a list of birthstones organized by calendar month:
January BirthstoneGarnet
This stone is thought to protect the wearer from danger. A garnet is also a symbol of everlasting friendship and trust. This stone has long been linked to blood purification and is thought to protect against food illness, snake bites, and hemorrhage.
March BirthstoneAquamarine
This gem was thought to protect sailors as well as ensure a safe journey. Aquamarine’s peaceful tint is supposed to settle the wearer’s anger, allowing them to stay calm and levelheaded. This stone is also thought to have anti-aging properties.
May BirthstoneEmerald
This stone symbolizes rebirth, and it is said that those who wear it will gain foresight, good fortune, and youth. Wearing an emerald is thought to provide wisdom, progress, and patience, according to some. It’s also revered for its capacity to convey genuine affection.
July BirthstoneRuby
Rubies stimulate the senses and the imagination, and are supposed to bring good health, intelligence, riches, and love success. Ruby is thought to help the wearer become smart and protect them from all kinds of catastrophes.
August BirthstonePeridot
Peridot is claimed to have magical and healing characteristics, as well as the ability to shield the wearer from nightmares and to bestow power, influence, and a beautiful year. This stone was also used to ward off evil spirits.
September BirthstoneSapphire
Sapphire shields the user and those close to them from danger and envy. Sapphires were thought to aid ancient priests in foretelling the future. The diamond is linked to pleasure and tranquility.
October BirthstoneOpal
Throughout history, opal has been associated with hope, innocence, and purity. It was claimed to have a positive influence on the wearer’s eyesight. It was also supposed to ward off evil spirits and to bring good fortune to children, amusements, friendships, and feelings.
November BirthstoneCitrine
This golden gemstone is thought to promote vitality and health in the wearer, as well as inspiring and guiding hope, energy, and warmth. Citrines have also been employed as a talisman against the plague, bad skin, and evil thoughts, as well as an antidote for snake poison. They are thought to help with digestion and the removal of toxins from the body.
December BirthstoneTurquoise
This gemstone is thought to bring happiness and good fortune to those who wear it. Turquoise was once identified with the blue sky and the green ground by Native Americans.
What are the Bible’s seven precious stones?
There were twelve sacred gemstones that came from the Mountain of God, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, way back in the beginning of the Old Testament. They were handed to Moses, whose brother, the high priest Aaron, was given the plan for a sacred breastplate in Exodus 28:15-30.
In Ezekiel Chapter 28, many of these exact gemstones are mentioned in relation to the King of Tyrus. The book of Ezekiel refers to them as “The Stones Of Fire,” since they are said to have the ability to summon angels (Ezekiel, Chapter 28:13-16).
In Revelation, Chapter 21, there are also twelve gemstones mentioned. Despite the confusion over their many names and translations, many think that the twelve holy gemstones referenced in Revelation, Chapter 21 are the same twelve precious gemstones from the Mountain of GOD, “The Stones of Fire,” that were in Aaron’s BreastPlate of Judgement.
Jasper, Sapphire, Chalcedony, Emerald, Sardonyx, Sardius, Chrysolite, Beryl, Topaz, Chrysoprasus, Jacinth, and Amethyst are the twelve sacred gemstones of Revelations.
Many people also believe that the twelve apostles and the twelve diamonds from Jerusalem’s walls have a definite connection. Andreas, Bishop of Caesurae, is one of the first writers to link the apostles to the symbolism of the twelve gems. Each saint was given their own gemstone, and each of the twelve gems corresponds to the ones named in the Revelations book.
Biblical References to Gemstones
The most prominent biblical references to gemstones are Aaron’s breastplate (Exodus 28: 15-20 and 39:10-13), the stones in the foundations of the wall of New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:18-21), and the valuable stones in the King of Tyre’s treasuries (Revelation 21:18-21). (Ezekiel 28:13).
Aaron commanded the clan of the high priests and was Moses’ brother. His breastplate is one of the earliest examples of gemstones being used as ornaments and symbols. The breastplate of judgment or determination is described in the Bible. It was etched with the names of the Israelite tribes and included twelve precious gems, one for each of them. The stones were arranged in four rows: a sardius, topaz, and carbuncle in the first row; an emerald, sapphire, and diamond in the second row; ligure, agate, and amethyst in the third row; and beryl, onyx, and jasper in the fourth row. Each stone was secured by a gold ouch, or clasp or buckle.
High priests have worn a fabric breastplate or gorget identical to that worn by Aaron since the 13th century BC. When the priests were consulting with God about the path the Israelites should take, they wore these robes. The breastplate, according to Josephus, represented the world, and the priest’s girdle, the ocean that around it. The twelve stones, he assumed, represented the months or Zodiac signs. Thunder and lightning were depicted by the priests’ bells and pomegranates, and heaven was portrayed by their headpiece. They always longed for the rebuilding of Jerusalem after Solomon’s temple was destroyed and the Jews were brought captive to Babylon in the 6th century BCE. Various precious stones were added to the foundations of the New Jerusalem wall over time. Jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolyte, beryl, topaz, chrysoprasus, jacinth, and amethyst were utilized from the first to the twelfth foundations, respectively. Jasper was used to construct the wall. The stones resemble those worn by Aaron and the subsequent high priests.
Ezekiel (28:13) describes the Garden of Eden as having “every precious stone,” including beryl, carbuncle, diamond, emerald, gold, jasper, onyx, sapphire, sardius, and topaz, and that “the workmanship of thy tablets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou was created,” in reference to the treasures of Hiram I, 10th century king of Tyre. Tyre was the seat of a vast trading empire that traded with Egypt, Arabia, and Mesopotamia, and the monarch amassed considerable wealth. Hiram aided Solomon in the construction of his temple.
The second stone in the third row of the breastplate was agate, which was considered to represent the Israelite tribe of Aser. The stone was thought to bring good health, long life, and wealth. It was transported to Palestine in caravans by merchants from Babylonia, Persia, Saba, and Reema (Ezekiel 27:22). Until the Middle Ages, agate was thought to have medical properties, reportedly warding against poisons, communicable diseases, and fever. Agate comes in a variety of vibrant colors. Red agate was thought to help with vision.
The Issachar tribe is represented by amethyst. It can be discovered in the king’s treasure, the breastplate, and the foundations of the walls. This stone was considered to keep people from getting drunk. For this reason, drinkers would wear an amethyst amulet. It’s intended to give you deep, pure love. It’s a vivid purple that looks like red wine.
Beryl is discovered in the breastplate and wall foundations, and is considered to represent the Nephtali tribe. It comes in a range of colors from pale blue to yellowy green, as well as white and rose. It has to do with happiness and eternal youth.
Carbuncle is a member of the Judah tribe and appears on the top row of the breastplate as well as the King of Tyre’s treasure. It’s a brilliant crimson color. When you hold it up to the sun, it appears to be burning coal.
Carnelian is the first stone (sard) in the breastplate and is a blood red tint or a pale skin color. It’s also discovered in the king’s riches and the foundations of the celestial city’s walls. Carnelian was a powerful stone for warding off bad luck.
Chalcedony is one of the stones used in the foundations of the walls. It has a translucent milky or grey tint and is milky or grayish in appearance. It was designed to help people overcome their depression.
Chrysolyte is a Zabulon tribe member. It’s a stone in the wall’s foundations. It was an orangey yellow color that cheered the heart, helped people overcome their fear of the dark, and frightened the devil away. It was meant to be a remedy for eye problems.
The breastplate had a diamond, which was one of the king’s prized stones. It represents purity, tranquility, and the prevention of storms.
The tribe of Levy is the representative of Emerald. It can be discovered in the breastplate, the foundations of the walls, and the Tyre treasures. It has a bright green sheen to it. Emerald is a type of beryl that is green in color. It was designed to help you keep or regain your vision. It is a symbol of invincibility and immortality.
Hyacinth is a building block. It’s a reddish-orange tint that gives you second sight.
The Benjamin tribe is represented by Jasper in the breastplate. Jasper was used to construct the New Jerusalem wall. It is translucent, comes in a variety of colors, and bestows courage and knowledge.
Ligurus is a stone found in the breastplate and wall foundations that is associated with the Gad tribe.
Onyx is a Joseph tribe stone that occurs in the breastplate. It has to do with marital bliss. It is white and black in color, with a hint of brown on occasion.
The breastplate, wall foundations, and king’s wealth all include sapphire. It is a symbol of the Dan tribe. It’s a lovely blue color that encourages consistency, truth, and goodness.
Topaz is mentioned in each of the three major biblical allusions to valuable stones. It is a symbol of happiness and friendship.
There are further biblical allusions to the jewels found in the priests’ breastplate, New Jerusalem’s wall foundations, and the King of Tyre’s treasures, as well as to other stones, but these three and their stones are often considered to be the most significant.
Exodus 39:8-14 (ESV)
8 He fashioned the breastpiece from gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, as well as exquisite twined linen, in the form of the ephod. 9 It had a square shape. When the breastpiece was doubled, it had a length of a span and a breadth of a span. 10 Then they placed four rows of stones in it. The first row included sardius, topaz, and carbuncle; the second row included an emerald, sapphire, and diamond; the third row included a jacinth, agate, and amethyst; and the fourth row had a beryl, onyx, and jasper. They were encased in gold filigree settings. 14 There were twelve stones with names that corresponded to the names of Israel’s sons. For the twelve tribes, they were like signets, each carved with its own name.
You’ll notice that the location of stones in the breastplate differs depending on the translation of the word or scripture you read – Protestant, Catholic, Greek, Hebrew, Egyptian, Babylonian, or Assyrian. This was due to the fact that gemstones did not have distinct names like they do now. Many were given regional names. Some have the name of the city or nation where they came from, such as Chalcedony (Turkey). In ancient days, they did not examine the content or crystalline shape of these prized stones.
Revelation 21:15-21
15 And the one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod with which he measured the city, its gates, and its walls. 16 The city is foursquare, with the same length and width. With his rod, he measured the city at 12,000 stadia. Its length, width, and height are all the same. 17 He also took a measurement of its wall, which was 144 cubits by human measurement and 144 cubits by angel measurement. 18 The city was pure gold, clear as glass, while the wall was made of jasper. 19 Every form of diamond was adorning the foundations of the city’s wall. The first was jasper, followed by sapphire, agate, and emerald. The fifth was onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelveth amethyst. 21 The city’s street was pure gold, transparent as glass, and the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each one made of a single pearl.
Although the ancients were not well-versed in mineralogy, they did have names for many of the regularly utilized minerals and stones of the time. Several of these may be linked back to the mineral, gem, or type of stone that they used. The veil of time, on the other hand, has cast a pall over some, now and forever. There is a lack of exact information on the qualities, particularly color. As a result, there is a lot of speculation in the literature. The uncertainty has been exacerbated by the translation of the original Hebrew and subsequent translations from the ancient Grecian language by later writers.
Moonstone belongs to which zodiac sign?
Moonstone, along with Pearl and Alexandrite, is the June birthstone and is associated with the zodiac sign Gemini. It’s a modern June stone that’s given to newlyweds in their 13th year of marriage and every subsequent 13 years.
What are the colors of the zodiac signs?
Hues have energy, and particular colors can bring forth something in you that shines brightly. They have the ability to boost confidence, calm restless energy, empower strength, and much more. Continue reading to find out which color brings out the most potent characteristics in YOUR zodiac sign.
Aries color: Red
Aries’ soul is stirred by the color red, which increases their passion, energy, and initiative. It’s the hue of elation and assertiveness, which complements Aries’ dynamic personality and zest for life. Aries is a sign that doesn’t want to be overlooked, and red demands attention. It’s no surprise that Mars, Aries’ ruling planet, is referred to as “The Red Planet.” The more red tones Aries is surrounded by, the stronger their innate powers will be.
With a FREE Birth Chart, you can learn about other aspects that are specific to your zodiac sign. With a Birth Chart, you can learn about other aspects that are specific to YOUR zodiac sign. Reading
What is the most valuable birthstone?
While some birthstones are more common than others, all gemstones, particularly expensive gemstones, are extremely uncommon. However, in terms of rarity, price tags can be deceiving, as some really expensive stones are not so uncommon, and vice versa. April’s diamond, for example, is less rare than rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite, despite its high price. While we’re on the subject of alexandrite, it’s worth noting that it’s the rarest gemstone on the birthstone list and may be quite costly. Black opals are extremely rare as well.
Birthstones are an intriguing approach to select jewelry. They allow people to look at jewels that they might otherwise avoid. At the same time, birthstones are not always what people think they are, so make sure you’re buying it for the right reasons before you buy it.
Are there two birthstones for each month?
Each month is traditionally linked with one gemstone, but some months have numerous birthstones. This fact may cause some confusion, however the many selections for some months were created to provide more economical alternatives to the more expensive traditional stones.