"BIRTHSTONES"

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BIRTHSTONES:

Birthstones tend to be a very personal choice, even to the point that people who don't like the color of their true birthstone will find any excuse to claim another. For example, the true November birthstone is citrine or golden topaz, yet many people choose blue topaz even though that lovely blue color is the result of treatment of a golden or colorless natural topaz crystal.

You may notice that the colors of the modern and traditional birthstones tend to be the same, implying that (historically speaking) the traditional color is the important consideration and blue topaz would not be an acceptable birthstone choice for November, only golden topaz. Indeed, blue topaz is sometimes considered to be an alternate birthstone for December - it is the right color. Remember, however, that the wishes of the gift recipient override all other considerations regarding the correctness of a birthstone gift.

Note that blue sapphire is the traditional color for September. But sapphires come in every color of the rainbow (except hues of red which are given the name ruby), as do tourmalines and even diamonds. Garnet, usually thought of as a red birthstone, actually is available in a variety of colors including orange, green, and even the lovely deep purple color of grapes.

Tanzanite became an official December birthstone on October 30, 2002, in the first revision since 1912 to the birthstone list maintained by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).

Also see the Stones of the Seasons, and the Weekday Stones. For the "sign stones" which are based upon the astrological signs (constellations) of the Zodiac, see Zodiac Birthstones. For the "stones of the Bible", see Biblestones. Also see Anniversary Gift Ideas for a list of appropriate gemstones for any anniversary.

January Birthstones:

Garnet (Strength, perseverity, prosperity, health) Rose Quartz (Emotional balance, forgiveness)

February Birthstones:

Amethyst (Wisdom, spirituality, sobriety, security) Onyx (Relaxation, comfort)

March Birthstones:

Aquamarine (Beauty, honesty, loyalty, happiness) Bloodstone (Endurance)

April Birthstones:

Diamond (Invincibility, clarity, purity, eternal love) Rock Crystal / Quartz (Balance, clarity, energy)

May Birthstones:

Emerald (Patience, understanding, foresight) Chrysoprase (Fertility, secrecy)

June Birthstones:

Alexandrite (Balance, confidence, joy) Moonstone (Balance, good fortune, tender passion) Pearl (Modesty, purity, beauty, happiness)

July Birthstones:

Ruby (Love, success, integrity, passion & promise) Carnelian (Luck, safety)

August Birthstones:

Peridot (Fame, dignity, protection, success) Sardonyx (Relaxation, security)

September Birthstones:

Sapphire (Truth, sincerity, commitment, loyalty) Lapis (Understanding, protection)

October Birthstones:

Opal (Hope, faith, confidence) Tourmaline (Balance, endurance, safety)

November Birthstones:

Topaz (Strength, wisdom, courage) Citrine (Hope, cheerfulness, youth, health, fidelity)

December Birthstones:

Tanzanite (Contentment, understanding) Zircon (Wisdom, honor, wealth) Turquoise (New possibilities, happiness)