What are my birth stones? The ones that were given to me by my mom or dad on my birthday, right? Well, yes, but what if we’re talking about the real birthstones, the actual gems that are said to be associated with your zodiac sign? You see, there’s some overlap between the two—some gems that fall into both categories, like amethyst and pearl—but in general, you will find different gems under each heading. Here’s a look at the real birthstones, their meanings and their Zodiac matches.
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December Birthstone - Topaz
The December birthstone is Topaz, which is a variety of Quartz. The word Topaz comes from a Sanskrit word meaning fire. It was believed that Topaz protected its wearer from fire as well as lightning, so it was often placed in areas of danger such as ship holds, homes where gunpowder was stored or near lightning rods. Today, people believe that Topaz increases creativity and clarity to help them deal with career issues like corporate restructuring or job transfers. It’s also said to foster harmonious relationships by bringing out your best qualities to other people, whether you are on a first date or interacting with a spouse or co-worker.
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January Birthstone - Garnet
Garnet is a beautiful gemstone with an extremely long history that dates back to antiquity. Ancient Egyptians were known to have mined garnets for use in jewelry. In fact, garnets were even found among Tutankhamun's possessions when his tomb was opened in 1922. Red garnets actually symbolize friendship, and today many cultures regard them as symbols of love as well. However, they are also associated with success, leadership and intellect—all traits that anyone can appreciate!
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February Birthstone - Amethyst
Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for February. This lavender crystal stone has been worn throughout history in many different cultures. Amethyst is said to provide balance, peace and sobriety, but also carries healing properties that help promote spiritual awareness and calmness. On a physical level, it can be used to treat insomnia, headaches or stomach issues. Amethyst has long been associated with royalty due to its regal purple hue as well as its durability; so much so that it's been known as The Stone of Kings and was referenced in Shakespeare’s play Richard III.
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March Birthstone - Aquamarine
March's birthstone is aquamarine, a light blue stone that symbolizes friendship, loyalty, peace and courage. It can also provide protection during travel or when meeting new people. [4] During medieval times, March was known as aquamarine time in honor of its birthstone; [5] today aquamarine is said to bring luck to those who wear it during tests or job interviews. [6] Read on for more about March's birthstone .
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April Birthstone - Diamond
April's birthstone is diamond, but do you know how it got that way? The association between diamonds and April may have started in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria married Mary of Burgundy. For their wedding he presented her with a rough diamond weighing 36 carats. In 1478 it was cut into a 16-carat brilliant, which is on display at Vienna's Schatzkammer Treasury Museum. As such things are wont to do, rumors began to swirl about where the diamond came from, including claims that it was found in a mine owned by Philip III of Spain or even that Elizabeth Taylor sold one of her own stones to buy two dozen infant incubators for children whose lives were threatened by a polio epidemic.
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May Birthstone - Emerald
The birthstone for those born in May is emerald, a classic birthstone that’s been popular since antiquity. The stone represents wisdom, honor, love of nature and skill in poetry or song. It also symbolizes longevity. Emerald is associated with abundance, luck and divine love. In some cultures it’s even believed to have mystical powers to make things grow! Today it’s known as a symbol of friendship, good fortune and eternal youth. Given its diverse range of meanings across history—not to mention its striking green hue—the emerald makes an excellent gift for someone you know who was born in May.
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June Birthstone - Pearl
In almost every culture, pearls symbolize elegance, wisdom, power and wealth. Legend has it that pearl was Cleopatra's birthstone. If you share her zodiac sign (Taurus), your favorite gem might be a pearl. Pearls also match Libra's gemstone (agate) and Virgo's stone (carnelian). The most expensive pearl in history was found in an oyster near Sydney; it was estimated to be worth $1 million at auction. Although coral is not technically a pearl, it is often treated as one.
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July Birthstone - Ruby
For those born in July, rubies are their birthstone. Red is a passionate color that stimulates and excites us. It’s no wonder then that people with a birthday in July are active, motivated leaders who don’t lack ambition or drive. Red evokes passion, so while people born in July often have very strong personalities and want to stand out from others, they also tend to be generous.
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August Birthstone - Peridot
This gemstone was considered sacred to several ancient cultures, including those of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. The name peridot comes from an Arabic word meaning gem. Peridots are mined in Myanmar (formerly Burma), but they were originally found in ancient Egyptian mines. According to legend, Cleopatra wore a peridot set in gold as an earring after Mark Antony presented it to her during his conquest of Egypt. Later on in history, Napoleon's wife wore peridots on her wedding day. In various legends from many different cultures around the world—including Native American lore—peridots were said to have healing powers that protected people from harm.
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September Birthday Stone – Sapphire
If your birthday is in September, your birthstone is sapphire. The deep blue hue of sapphires reminds us of peace, loyalty, sincerity, and faithfulness. They are great symbols for one who is born in September because these individuals are so rare. As a month stone sapphire can be worn by anyone to show they were born in September. If you don’t have a September birthday, consider giving someone you know that was born in September a beautiful sapphire as their month birthstones gift. It will bring them much joy as it signifies what makes them unique!
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October Birthday Stone – Tourmaline
These beautiful gems offer an abundance of benefits. Tourmaline protects against negativity, especially in relationships, and helps one feel positive about themselves. It is often used to treat arthritis pain, among other ailments. A stone with a warm green or brown color is called Watermelon Tourmaline because it exhibits colors of both green tourmaline and pink tourmaline together. It provides healing energy for heart issues. Many people keep a piece of Watermelon Tourmaline in their pocket to bring them closer to inner peace throughout their day!
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November Birthday Stone – Citrine
The month of November is traditionally associated with birthstone Citrine. October’s birthstone is Opal, November’s birthstone is Citrine, December’s birthstone is Turquoise, January’s birthstone is Garnet, February’s birthstone is Amethyst, March’s stone is Aquamarine, April's stone is Diamond and May's stone is Emerald. [1] The Romans recognized Citrine as a gem to ward off pestilence. Traditionally used in connection with wealth and prosperity, today people believe that wearing Citrine can bring great business opportunities while also offering protection against enemies.[2] Wearing it around your neck or near your work space may be of help too.