January Garnet
Garnet is predominantly a reddish-orange colour; however there are many different type of garnet. As the official birthstone of January, garnet symbolizes faith, devotion, and truth. It tends to have strong supportive energy and even is believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and cure depression!
Alternative Rose Quartz
The colours of Rose quartz–pink to rose red–is unlike any other pink mineral, and is one of the most desirable varieties of quartz! Also known as “Love Stone”, rose quartz strike forgiveness and compassion into one’s heart, and allow one to let go of anger, resentment, guilt, fear, and jealousy! It can also balance self-esteem and self-confidence!
February Amethyst
This beautiful gemstone comes in all varieties of purple. Amethyst is known as the gemstone of understanding. It is also thought to have philosophical, spiritual, and material powers. Amethyst also has a history of popularity that has rarely diminished. It was a prized stone of royalty in Ancient Egypt and was preferred by Catherine the Great of Russia! It even has an honoured place in the crown jewels of England
Alternative Onyx
Onyx is the black portion of a striped, semiprecious variety of silica mineral agate that has white and black alternating bands. The name came from the Greek word of nail, finger or claw. Legend says that one day Venus was sleeping, Cupid cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Since it was believed that no part of a holy being could die, the gods turned them into what later became known as onyx. It is said that Onyx can provide stability, balance, and protection!
March Aquamarine
Aquamarine gets its name from two Latin words that mean “water” and “sea”. It has a lovely greenish-blue colour and has been popular since 400 B.C.! It can also come in other various tints of blue. It is said to bring love to those who wear it.
Alternative Bloodstone
Bloodstone is a green gemstone with red spots. These spots come from the nodules of bright red jasper throughout its mass. Bloodstone is the gemstone of power and strength. It supports current relationships, and also attracts good luck and abundance! Bloodstone can also reduce stress and inspire intuition!
April Diamond
Diamond is perhaps the most famous and beautiful in all of gemstones. It is the hardest mineral known to man. For that reason it bears the symbol eternity. Ancient myth says that if you took a Diamond to bed, it would cast out all your sicknesses! Diamond is mostly used for engagement rings, as well as marriage anniversary jewelleries.
Alternative Quartz
Quartz is a common mineral not only could be found on earth, but on the moon as well! People have used it for thousands of years, first as tools and weapons, then later for jewellery and decorative objects. Quartz comes in almost any colour. It is said to be a strong gemstone that empowers people, and also raises and focuses energy. Quartz can also provide emotional and physical balance, lessen anger, and reveal exaggerations
May Emerald
Emeralds are among the oldest gemstones in the world! Cleopatra herself prized emerald above all other gems! It is suggested that these gemstones will improve memory and intelligence, as well as enhance love and contentment!
Alternative Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is a yellowish green gemstone that has had popularity in many different places and eras. The Egyptians used it before 3000 B.C. and in the eleventh century. It was claimed to improve eyesight. Chrysoprase was also very popular in the fourteenth century in Europe. It is thought to have the power to attract friends, success, and wealth and also lifts emotions, as well as aids in adaptability
June Moonstone
Moonstone is soft milky white stone, the most valuable variety of feldspar! It also shows a beautiful silvery or bluish iridescence. An ancient Roman myth once described Moonstone as being created by moonlight. The Romans dating, back to the year 100, used it as jewellery! This gemstone has been called the “travellers stone” because it is thought to provide protection during long journeys.
Alternative Alexandrite
The Alexandrite colour ranges from greens and blues to reds and violets. Alexandrite is best known for its ever-changing appearances. Alexandrite changes its colours under certain light conditions. It is indeed one of the most interesting and unique gemstones in the world!
July Ruby
Ruby can be found in different varieties of red and is associated with the signs of Cancer, Leo, and Scorpio. For centuries, ruby has been a symbol of love and devotion. It is also believed to attract wealth, inspire wisdom, and strengthen self-esteem! Not only that, but ruby can also chase away fear and protect one from all forms of negativity!
Alternative Carnelian
Carnelian is historically a highly valued gemstone of the Greeks and Romans. They used carnelian in rings, signets and intaglios! This red gemstone is known to protect against anger and soothes grief and sorrow. It also can draw out ones talents and aid in reaching goals through focus. Carnelian promotes harmony, creativity, and self-worth!
August Peridot
Peridot ranges from green to yellow in colour and is the official birthstone for the month of August. The Ancient Romans called the peridot “evening emerald” because it maintained its colour and did not darken as the sunlight faded! Peridot also encourages peace and happiness, and attracts success and good luck!
Alternative Jade
Jade can be found in variety of colours and is known as the “stone of fidelity” because of its connection with love and virtue. It also is known as a “dream stone” as it helps in remembering dreams. Jade promotes peace and harmony and aids in finding wisdom and bringing good luck to oneself.
September Sapphire
Sapphires are more commonly known to be blue, but can be found in almost any colour! It has a long history connected to the heavens! One legend tells of the Ten Commandments being delivered to Moses on tablets of sapphire. It is legends such as that the rulers of both church and state have used these beautiful gemstones as emblems for their sincerity and wisdom. It is said that sapphire can help one find purpose in life, as well as provide healing energy!
Alternative Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a beautiful deep blue gemstone, sometimes with a hint of violet and gold speckles! It is a powerful stone of wisdom that strengthens person expression and intuition. The awareness it imparts aids in accessing ancient knowledge. It is also a protective stone and promotes tranquillity.
October Opal
There are many kinds and colours of opal, and it also has quite a history! Rulers enjoyed opal; it was even used in emperors’ crowns in the Holy Roman Empire! It was even brought back into popularity during Queen Victoria’s reign! Opal has been called the “stone of visionaries” as it was thought by the Greeks to possess psychic powers. The Romans believed opal as a symbol of hope.
Alternative Tourmaline
Ancient legend says that tourmaline is found in all colours because it travels along the rainbows. It has been utilized for its beauty for several thousands of years! This gemstone is attributed with healing powers and the ability to overcome negative energy!
November Citrine
Citrine is a semiprecious gem that is valued for its yellow to light brownish colour and its resemblance to topaz. Citrine symbolizes joy and aids in getting in touch with ones higher self. This gemstone is also known as an energizer that can emotionally bind families.
Alternative Topaz
Topaz comes in colours ranging from light yellow, brown, blue, clear and pink. The pure crystal of topaz is used a great deal in jewellery and is often called the “stone of the sun”, bringing warmth, light, and healing powers. There are different possibilities as to the origin of its name, one being named for an island in the Red Sea. The island was frequently shrouded in mist and so its name came to be synonymous with seeking. This may be the source of the belief that topaz could help one be clear-sighted!
December Turquoise
Turquoise has been used widely throughout history, dating back to 5500 B.C. where it was found in the tomb of an Egyptian queen. It has been used as amulets and has been ground into powder for cosmetics. The Native Americans, medicine men, and warriors have also used turquoise for blessing and healing purposes! Its powers include protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck.
Alternative Zircon
Zircon can be found in blue, green, brown, orange, red, yellow, and even be colourless. It became popular in Europe in the 1920s. It has been used since the Middle Ages, when it was believed that zircon aided in spiritual growth and promoted prosperity and wisdom. This gemstone can also be used as an instrument in finding beauty and peace
