Birthstones by Month - What are the Twelve Birthstones

Birthstones have a place of importance in almost every ancient culture. Traditionally, birthstones have been associated with zodiac signs. Birthstones supposedly render legendary powers and unique personality traits to people born under the zodiac signs of their ruling planet. Vedic astrology and the ayurveda stream of medicine, believe that birthstones are influenced by the cosmic powers of planets and they symbolize the respective birthstones. Hence, wearing a particular birthstone imparts the cosmic powers of that planet to your body and mind, and brings about positive changes in your life.

Birthstones by Month

Every birthstone instills unique qualities to the wearer. Here is a list of modern birthstones that go for each month and their effects on the people born in that month.

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January Birthstone - Garnet Garnet is similar to a ruby in appearance and is found in almost all colors except blue. A garnet has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It has a very high refractive index, which is responsible for its brilliance. Garnet is found in abundance and is a much sought-after gemstone, for making fashion accessories. It is considered to channel faith, consistency and virtue to the people born in January.

February Birthstone - Amethyst This is an extremely beautiful gemstone with brilliant violet color. It is said to possess miraculous powers and bring good luck during wars or hunts. It is also believed to ward off the evil spirits and keep them at bay. Besides, it also has medicinal and cleaning properties. The color palette of amethyst ranges from pale lilac to deep purple. Amethyst imparts sincerity to the people born in February.

March Birthstone - Aquamarine Aquamarine is found in myriad hues of blue, from pale yellowish blue to deep blue. Aquamarine is very hard and the hardness ranges between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale. The price of aquamarine is directly proportional to its intensity. It fosters feelings like sympathy, trust, harmony, friendship, etc.

April Birthstone - Diamond Diamond is the most precious and expensive gemstone. It is most desirable as it is extremely luminous and rare. Color, clarity, cut and carat are the properties which rule the appearance and durability of a diamond. Diamonds symbolize true love, commitment and passion.

May Birthstone - Emerald Emerald is a fascinating green colored gemstone, desirable for the people born in May. A fine quality emerald can be more expensive than a diamond, and hence was favored by kings and monarchs of the past. Emerald enhances clairvoyance, love and commitment. They are also said to possess healing powers.

June Birthstone - Pearl Pearl is the only gemstone formed as a result of biological activities of living creatures. A pearl is used for making jewelry, since ages, due to its luminance and inner glow. It symbolizes beauty, love, happiness and wealth.

July Birthstone - Ruby This brilliant gemstone is most famous for its fiery red color. It is responsible for bringing peace and prosperity. It also has certain medicinal and healing powers. It stands for blood, love, romance and passion.

August Birthstone - Peridot A green gemstone, peridot is rightly called the 'evening emerald', as it resembles emeralds in the glow of lamps. During ancient times, it was taken internally for curing asthma. It is considered as a symbol of power and influence.

September Birthstone - Sapphire Even though blue is the only color associated with sapphires, they come in various other colors as well. They are one of the hardest, durable minerals. Sapphires render the qualities like clear thinking and wisdom, to the people born in September.

October Birthstone - Opal Opal is available in almost every shade of each color. From translucent to transparent and milky white to dark black, opal exhibits all the colors of the rainbow. This vivid-colored birthstone is said to impart hope and harmony, to the people born in October.

November Birthstone - Topaz Topaz is usually found in shades of yellow and brown. Topaz is believed to offer long life and fidelity to those born in November. It symbolizes beauty, splendor and joy. It is also associated with qualities such as loyalty, faithfulness, friendship etc.

December Birthstone - Turquoise Clear blue Persian turquoise is considered as one of the most expensive and precious stones in the world. Turquoise brings very good fortune and prosperity to those born in the month of December. It also promises good health and peace for these people.

Birthstones are considered as lucky charms by many. Wearing the appropriate traditional birthstones can heal your body and soothe your mind. They are a great way of harnessing the cosmic power of planets and using it to enhance your living. Even if you do not believe in the magical powers of these gems, you can still wear them, for they make a very enticing fashion statement.