January
Garnet, derived from the word granatum, means seed, and is called so because of the gemstone's resemblance to a pomegranate seed. It brings to those born in January friendship, loyalty and sincerity, and the stone is said to have the power to ensure good health and protect its owner during travel.
February
Amethyst is one of the rarest members of the quartz family of crystals, found in the inner lining of geodes. Known for its healing properties, the stone is said to aid with a variety of illnesses and addictions. It represents peace, temperance, and royalty.
March
Aquamarine represents the hope and youth that comes with spring. Its latin translation, "water of the sea," is a fitting title considering the stone's beautiful blue hue. It was believed in Ancient Rome that the stone was declared sacred by one of their gods, Neptune, and also believed by Medieval Europeans that the stone had powers to heal marital passion and protect soldiers during times of war.
April
Diamonds are thought of as the jewel of true love, power, and healing. Gracing the wearer with inner strength and the blessing of a fulfilling relationship. This king of all birthstones was once believed to possess healing properties, including drawing out toxins that were crippling the body. Though they are often thought of as having a crisp clear look, fancy-color diamonds are natural and often revered as being even more precious.
May
The Emerald is often correlated to the new growth and fertility that comes with late spring, is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Those born under the Emerald birthstone are known to be loyal, faithful, and true friends. It was mined in Egypt as early as 330 B.C., but today mined largely in Columbia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia.
June
The Pearl, the gem of the sea, has been used as an adornment for centuries and often represents love, purity, and is thought to even protect the wearer from evil. Ancient greeks believed them to be Aphrodite’s tears of joy. Pearls come in many varieties depending on where the pearls are from and come in many shapes and sizes as well. Other June birthstones include the Alexandrite and Moonstone.
July
Ruby is a variety of the gems species corundum. It is harder than any natural gemstone except diamond, which means a ruby is durable enough for everyday wear. Those with rubies are known to bless its owners with great health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love. It symbolizes zeal and passion, giving people born in July undying vigor and brings them good fortune. It is also a powerful protector for those surrounded by unfriendly forces.
August
Peridot is a gemstone that forms deep inside the Earth and brought to the surface by volcanoes. In Hawaii, peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Sometimes it is known as the evening emerald due to it's light green hue, but comes in a variety of colors ranging from yellowish green to brown. It symbolizes strength, and is known to protect its wearer from nightmares.
September
The Sapphire is known to protect loved ones from envy and harm, as well as bringing its wearer inner peace. This gemstone was often worn by medieval clergy, but is also known as one of the most precious gemstones of the modern day. The blue sapphire is only one form of the corundum, the other being the red ruby, as well as a number of other varied colors.
October
Opal is a formation of non-crystalline silica gel that seeped into crevices in the sedimentary strata. Though time and nature's heating and molding processes, the gel hardens into the radiant form of an opal. Each opal is adorned with a one-of-a-kind color combination, at times shining with the colors of the rainbow. It is said to be a symbol of love and hope, and also have the ability to sharpen the mind and emotions of those born in October.
November
Topaz, November's primary birthstone, has one of the most confusing histories of any popular gem. Though Topaz been known for ages, it was often misidentified with the Citrine, the month’s other birthstone. Both gems are found in the Mediterranean, and though they were very alike in color, they were defined by their size, form, and mineral composition. While Topaz was once thought to strengthen and cure the mind, the Citrine was thought to be energizing and life-giving.
December
Turquoise is the oldest and most popular of December's birthstones. It was hailed as a sacred stone by not Native Americans and Tibetans, believing that it would promote spiritual and mental clarity and also help build trust, understanding and kindness within the community. Unlike other gems, this December birthstone is opaque and often displays veins of other minerals. Other December birthstones include Blue Topaz and Tanzanite, which are often thought to have other healing powers and could dispel sadness.