Birthstones and Their Meanings
January - Garnet
Originating from the Latin word ‘granatum’ meaning pomegranate, Garnet’s are most commonly of a juicy red colour. It is said that Garnet stone can help us feel grounded and connected to the present. Garnets are said to posses an earthier red tone than rubies and have been used in jewellery across history, most notably in roman signet rings. The perfect gemstone to start the year. Garnets fall between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale and are sysnoymous with 2nd wedding anniversaries.
February - Amethyst
A quartz mineral famous for its gorgeous purple colour. The stone ranks a 7 on the Mohs scale and is also a traditional gift for 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries. In ancient Greece the stone was thought to protect one from drunkenness and to help maintain a stable and balanced mind. Nowadays amethysts are regarded as a healing, soothing and stress relieving gemstone.
March - Aquamarine
The Aquamarine gemstone is famous for its vivid blue and sometimes green colour. This gemstone has a real splash of colour and holds meaning synonymous with the ocean. Derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina it was understood that this stone would help sailors remain safe at sea. This stone is said to bring serenity and calm.
April - Diamond
April births are gifted the diamond as their birthstone. The hardest mineral known to man - diamonds come a range of colours but the white or clear diamonds are the most well known. Diamonds are a traditional gift for 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries. Diamonds are said to have great healing powers but are also associated with love and commitment, used in engagement and wedding rings across the world.
May -Emerald
These rich green gemstones are the luxurious gemstone for May babies. This stone rates an 8 on the Mohs scale. The emerald is also a traditional gift for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. Coming from Greek ‘smargados’ simply meaning green stone. Emeralds are a popular gemstone choice in jewellery and come in a variety of shades of green all highly sought after.
June- Alexandrite
Alexandrite gems are often viewed as a green gemstone but they offer multiple colours dependant on the light and can often be seen to change from green to red. It is said to be named after the Russian Tsar Alexander II as it was discovered at the same time of his coming of age. It’s red and green colours are also reflective of the Russian flag. The gem falls around 8.5 on the Mohs scale and is associated with the 55th wedding anniversary. It is said to help with concentration and study.
July- Ruby
Rubies are famous for their vivid red colouring which comes in an array of shades and varying degrees of richness. Rubies come from the same family as Sapphires and rate on the Mohs scale as a 9 making them a very hard stone. They are also associated with the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
August - Peridot
The Peridot is a green gemstone which is found in lava in the earth’s mantle. This stone has also incredibly been found in meteorites giving it an extra terrestrial edge against all the other precious gems. Peridot is said to have special powers for healing and warding off nightmares. The Peridot stone rates a 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The stone is also associated with 15th wedding anniversaries.
September - Sapphire
Best known for its royal blue colour but available in a range of other colours including yellow, pink and green. Sapphires are said to help protect lovers and encourage romance. Sapphires have historically been a popular gemstone between nobility and royalty but Sapphires also hold a biblical connection as they are mentioned in the bible multiple times and is said that the ten commandments were handed to Moses on tablets made from Sapphire. This gemstone is strong and is documented as 9 on the Moh’s scale of hardness. Sapphires are said to help bring peace and clarity and bring about good mental health.
October - Opal
Known as the Queen of Gems in ancient times the Opal is one of the most alluring gemstones which radiates a rainbow of colours which turn and twist as an opal is moved or rotated. The name Opal is derived from the Greek word ‘Opallios’ which means to change in colour. Opals are typically found in Australia but are mined all over the word today. Opals are said to bring good luck, particularly to those born in October.
November - Topaz
Topaz is birthstone of those born in November and is said to bring calmness and warmth which radiates from within these gemstones. For centuries it was believed that Topaz was only ever a yellow gemstone however it is now common knowledge that Topaz is available in a range of colours which vary from yellow to pink to blue to green and more. In roman times Topaz was associated with the sun and it was believed that it had powers to protect and heal. Measuring 8 on the Mohs scale, topaz is a hard and durable gem.
December - Zircoin
Zircon is the birthstone for those born in the last month of the year and since the middle ages it is said to help induce sleep, bring calm and ward of evil. It comes in an array of colours not just vivid blue including red, orange, yellow, green and brown, as well as, clear. Origionally found in Autralia this gemstone dates back 4.4 million years.
