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Birthstones Quick Guide

Related article: The Healing Power of Stones
Gemstones are associated with various qualities and each month has a birthstone that represents it. This belief goes back thousands of years to the time of Moses. In a similar manner, each Zodiac sign also has a representative birthstone.
Use the above menu to select the zodiac sign you are interested in, read about its birthstone(s) and the stone's properties.

Birthstones and their Powers

To see jewelry made with a specific gemstone, click on the gemstone title.

Birthday Stones

The term "Birthday Stone" has also been used as a synonym for "Birthstone", however there is also a separate list of assigment according to the day of the week you were born:
Monday: Pearl (the only organic gem)
Tuesday: Garnet
Wednesday: Cat's eye (Chatoyant Chrysoberyl)
Thursday: Emerald
Friday: Topaz
Saturday: Sapphire
Sunday: Ruby

If you are not sure which day of the week you were born, you can check right here! Enter your birthday, then click on "Calculate":
Day (1-31) Month (1-12) Year (eg. 1974)
Birthday:
Birthday Stone:

Aries March 21st - April 20th

Birthstone: Bloodstone
Bloodstone
Bloodstone Characteristics
ClassificationMineral
Hardness7
Chemical CompositionSiO2 - Silicon Dioxide
Crystal ShapeGranular Mass
Color/SpectrumBrown, yellow, red, grey, etc.
Density2.69
Light interactionWaxy
Bloodstone mining Bloodstone mining locations
India, Brazil, China, Australia, USA

According to legend bloodstone (heliotrope, a form of chalcedony) was first formed when a few drops of Christ's blood fell and stained the jasper at the foot of the cross. Finely powdered bloodstone is also used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India, even nowadays.
The classic bloodstone is green jasper with red inclusions of iron oxide.

Other Aries Gemstones

Diamond, Coral, Garnet, Ruby

Aries Characteristics
ElementFire Cardinal
Ruling planetMars
Key phrase"I am"
ColorRed, white
At its bestCourageous, energetic, competitive, pioneering
At its worstSelfish, abrasive, impulsive
Aries

Taurus April 21st - May 21st

Birthstone: Sapphire
Sapphire
Sapphire Characteristics
ClassificationMineral
Hardness9
Chemical CompositionAl2O3 - Aluminium oxide
Crystal ShapeTrigonometric
Color/SpectrumBlue, yellow, pink, white
Density2.65-2.68
Light interactionVitreous to semi-transparent
Sapphire mining Sapphire mining locations
Thailand, Sri Lanka, Australia, Cambodia, USA, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China, Madagascar

Sapphire symbolizes sincerity and faithfulness and is one of the best choices for an engagement ring or any love-related gift. The ancient Persians believed that the Earth rested on a giant Sapphire and its reflection colored the sky. The most famous and valuable sapphires are royal blue.

Other Taurus Gemstones

Rose Quartz, Garnet, Emerald

Taurus Characteristics
ElementEarth Fixed
Ruling planetVenus
Key phrase"I have"
ColorGreen
At its bestAffectionate, loyal, prosperous, patient
At its worstPossesive, stubborn, inflexible
Taurus

Gemini May 22nd - June 21st

Birthstone: Agate
Agate
Agate Characteristics
ClassificationMineral
Hardness7
Chemical CompositionSiO2 - Mostly Silica
Crystal HabitCryptocrystalline quartz
Color/SpectrumWhite, black, green, blue, red, etc.
Density2.6-2.8
Light interactionGlossy-Waxy
Agate mining Agate mining locations
USA, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Egypt, Congo, Italy, India, Nepal, Germany

Agate gets its name from the stone originally found in the Achates River in Sicily (now Drillo River). Ancient Egyptians have used agates for talismans, amulets, seals, and also vessels. Some early civilizations used eye beads (discs with a hole) to protect them from evil and as a good luck charm.

Other Gemini Gemstones

Emerald, Pearl, Alexandrite

Gemini Characteristics
ElementAir Mutable
Ruling planetMercury
Key phrase"I think"
ColorYellow, orange
At its bestQuick-witted, curious, entertaining, open-minded
At its worstFickle, easily distracted, mischievous
Gemini

Cancer June 22nd - July 22nd

Birthstone: Emerald
Emerald
Emerald Characteristics
ClassificationMineral
Hardness8
Chemical CompositionBe3Al2(SiO3)6 - Cyclosilicatic
Crystal ShapeHexagonal structure
Color/SpectrumGreen gamma
Density2.7-2.8
Light interactionVitreous
Emerald mining Emerald mining locations
Colombia, Zambia, Nigeria, Brazil, Russia, etc.

Emerald is the "gem of eternal spring" and has been cherished and used in ancient Egypt and India. Cleopatra adored her emeralds more than any other gem, and the Moguls of India inscribed emeralds with sacred texts and wore them as talismans.

Other Cancer Gemstones

Moonstone, Sapphire, Pearl, Ruby

Cancer Characteristics
ElementWater Cardinal
Ruling planetMoon
Key phrase"I feel"
ColorSilver, pearl white
At its bestSensitive, imaginative, kind, creative
At its worstControlling, self-centered, delicate
Cancer

Leo July 23rd - August 22nd

Birthstone: Onyx
Onyx
Onyx Characteristics
ClassificationMineral
Hardness7
Chemical CompositionSiO2 - Silica
Crystal Shape-
Color/SpectrumBlack, dark red
Density2.58-2.62
Light interactionOpaque
Onyx mining Onyx mining locations
India, Brazil, China, Australia, USA

The ancient Greeks and Romans loved Onyx. The name itself derrives from the Greek word "onux", meaning "fingernail". Reddish brown onyx is known as Sardonyx. Sardonyx was popular in old Rom, especially for seals, because it was said it didn't stick to the wax.

Other Leo Gemstones

Carnelian, Sardonyx, Golden Topaz, Ruby

Leo Characteristics
ElementFire Fixed
Ruling planetSun
Key phrase"I will"
ColorGold, scarlett, lime green
At its bestConfident, sociable, realistic, fair
At its worstSmug, pompous, stubborn
Leo

Virgo August 23rd - September 22nd

Birthstone: Carnelian
Carnelian
Carnelian Characteristics
ClassificationMineral
Hardness6.5
Chemical CompositionSiO2 - Silicon Dioxide
Crystal ShapeGranular Mass
Color/SpectrumBrown, yellow, red, grey, etc.
Density2.6-2.65
Light interactionWaxy
Carnelian mining Carnelian mining locations
India, Brazil, China, Australia, USA

According to G.E. Kunz (gemologist & historian) Carnelian is especially recommended for shy people. Wearing it will give them the courage they lack. Carnelian was also admired by Muslims, as Muhammad himself wore a silver seal ring with an engraved carnelian.

Other Virgo Gemstones

Jade, Jasper, Emerald

Virgo Characteristics
ElementEarth Mutable
Ruling planetMercury
Key phrase"I analyze"
ColorForest green, Emerald green
At its bestCourageous, energetic, competitive, pioneering
At its worstSelfish, abrasive, impulsive
Virgo

Libra September 23rd - October 23rd

Birthstone: Peridot
Peridot
Peridot Characteristics
ClassificationMineral
Hardness7
Chemical CompositionSiO2 - Silicon Dioxide
Crystal ShapeGranular Mass
Color/SpectrumBrown, yellow, red, grey, etc.
Density2.69
Light interactionWaxy
Peridot mining Peridot mining locations
India, Brazil, China, Australia, USA

According to legend bloodstone was first formed when a few drops of Christ's blood fell and stained the jasper at the foot of the cross. Finely powdered bloodstone is also used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India, even nowadays.

Other Libra Gemstones

Aventurine, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Sapphire

Libra Characteristics
ElementAir Cardinal
Ruling planetVenus
Key phrase"I balance"
ColorBlue, cyan, pink
At its bestCharming, harmonious, diplomatic, social
At its worstIndecisive, thoughtless, flirtatious
Libra

Scorpio October 24th - November 21st

Birthstone: Beryl
Beryl
Beryl Characteristics
ClassificationMineral
Hardness8
Chemical CompositionBe3Al2(SiO3)6 - Beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate
Crystal ShapeGrained minerals
Color/SpectrumPink, peach, yellow, red, etc.
Density2.74
Light interactionClean
Beryl mining Beryl mining locations
Austria, Germany, Ireland, USA, Madagascar, Russia, Brazil, Mozambique, Namibia, Afghanistan, Madagascar

The most popular, and quite rare Beryl is pastel pink, peach or lavender Morganite. The name for Heliodor, a golden beryl, derrives from the Greek word for sun "helios" and gift "doron". It has a beautiful sunny yellow color.

Other Scorpio Gemstones

Topaz, Obsidian, Garnet, Amber

Scorpio Characteristics
ElementWater Fixed
Ruling planetPluto
Key phrase"I desire"
ColorMaroon, burgundy
At its bestLoyal, determined, passionate, deep
At its worstJealous, vinidicative, moody
Scorpio

Sagittarius November 22nd - December 21st

Birthstone: Topaz
Topaz
Topaz Characteristics
ClassificationMineral
Hardness8
Chemical CompositionAl2SiO4(F,OH)2 - Neseosilicate
Crystal ShapeHexagonal
Color/SpectrumBrown, yellow, red, grey, etc.
Density2.64-2.65
Light interactionVitreous
Topaz mining Topaz mining locations
Brazil, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Russia, Nigeria, China, etc.

The Egyptians associated the Topaz with the sun god Ra and considered it a very powerful protection against harm. According to legend, it dispels all enchantment and also helps improve eyesight! Greeks believed that Topaz has the power to increase strength and it was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink, as well as cure insomnia and asthma.

Other Sagittarius Gemstones

Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Azurite, Amethyst

Sagittarius Characteristics
ElementFire Mutable
Ruling planetJupiter
Key phrase"I see"
ColorDeep blue, purple
At its bestEnthusiastic, tolerant, optimistic, frank
At its worstExcessive, hotheaded
Sagittarius

Capricorn December 22nd - January 21st

Birthstone: Ruby
Ruby
Ruby Characteristics
ClassificationMineral
Hardness9
Chemical CompositionAl2O3 - Aluminiumchromium oxide
Crystal ShapePrizmatic
Color/SpectrumRed gamma
Density2.65-2.68
Light interactionVitreous to semi-transparent
Ruby mining Ruby mining locations
Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Afghanistan

Rubies are said to bring wisdom, happiness and health to those who wear them, as well as bring good luck to gamblers and lovers.

Other Capricorn Gemstones

Garnet, Quartz, Peridot

Capricorn Characteristics
ElementEarth Cardinal
Ruling planetSaturn
Key phrase"I utilize"
ColorBlack, forest green
At its bestCautious, ambitious, disciplined, prudent
At its worstInflexible, perfectionist, apprehensive
Capricorn

Aquarius January 21st - Fenruary 21st

Birthstone: Garnet
Garnet
Garnet Characteristics
ClassificationMineral
Hardness7
Chemical CompositionX3Y2SiO4 - Aluminium cyclosilicate
Crystal ShapeCubical
Color/SpectrumBroad gamma
Density2.49-2.52
Light interactionVitreous
Garnet mining Garnet mining locations
USA, Kenya Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Germany,Sri Lanka, Russia, Brazil, etc.

There is a large number of trade names for garnet, mostly based on color: Hessonite, Melanite, Malaya, Rhodolite, Bohemian garnets, Almandite,.. and all the species can be used as gemstones.

Other Aquarius Gemstones

Aquamarine, Amethyst, Garnet, Ruby

Aquarius Characteristics
ElementAir Fixed
Ruling planetUranus
Key phrase"I know"
ColorBlues, violet
At its bestIndependant, friendly, caring, inventive
At its worstTactless, aloof, rude
Aquarius

Pisces February 22nd - March 21st

Birthstone: Amethyst
Amethyst
Amethyst Characteristics
ClassificationMineral
Hardness7
Chemical CompositionSiO2 - Silicon Dioxide
Crystal ShapeGranular Mass
Color/SpectrumLilac to deep purple
Density2.65
Light interactionClean
Amethyst mining Amethyst mining locations
Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, parts of Africa, Australia

In Tibet Amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha, so many roseraries are created using this stone. It was also thought to prevent drunkenness, hence many wine goblets were carved from it. Based on the belief that Amethyst encourages celibacy, it was very popular in the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages. Bishops still often wear Amethyst.

Other Pisces Gemstones

Aquamarine, Bloodstone

Pisces Characteristics
ElementWater Mutable
Ruling planetNeptune
Key phrase"I believe"
ColorLavender, pink, sea green
At its bestCompassionate, humble, unwordly, intuitive
At its worstGullible, self-pitying, dependent
Pisces