Birthstones & their meanings
History
Birthstones, meaning a particular gemstone for each month of the year, have been in existence for many years. Many think that its marketing hype. Many believe deeply that one should adhere to the allotted stone for your birth month. When you start to look, many different stones are assigned to one month or one sign of the zodiac.
“I love the notion that a specific gemstone signifies different spiritual powers and could enhance the wearer's life in some way.”
In this blog I have studied twelve gemstones in particular. Depending on what you read, you may come across other gemstones to represent the month in which you were born.
January
Garnet: The name is derived from granatum, which means seed, in this instance the red juicy seed of a pomegranate. Garnets are thought to keep travellers safe when travelling.
February
Amethyst: The name derives from the word methustos which roughly translates to the word intoxicated. Amethysts are thought to aid sobriety.
MArch
Aquamarine: The name derives from aqua meaning water and marina meaning sea. Aquamarines are thought to protect those at sea.
April
Diamond: The name derives from adamas meaning unbreakable, proper or unalterable. Diamonds are thought to be a symbol for everlasting love and courage.
May
Emerald: The name derives from the word smaragdos which translates to the word green. Emeralds are thought to symbolise wisdom, growth and patience.
June
Pearl: The name derives from perle which means leg, it is thought this because of the ham or mutton leg looking shape of the bivalve the pearls can be found in. Pearls are thought to symbolise purity.
July
Ruby: The name derives from the latin word for red, rubeus. Rubies are thought to protect the wearer from evil and symbolises love and passion.
august
Peridot: The name derives from either the Greek word peridona which means giving plenty or the Arabic word faridat meaning gem. Peridots are thought to protect the wearer from nightmares.
september
Sapphire: The name derives from the Latin word sapphirus meaning blue stone. Sapphires are thought to impart purity and wisdom.
october
Opal: The name derives from the Greek word opallis which means to see a change in colour. Opals are thought to repel evil and protect the wearer's eyesight.
november
Citrine: The name derives from the French word for lemon, citron. Citrines are thought to stimulate mental power and help focus.
december
Turquoise: The name derives from the French for Turkish, Turquois. Turquoise is said to instill a good future, success, and to relax the mind.