© Shutterstock

Origins of the birthstone -

The connection between certain stones and months of the year was first made by Christian scholars of the 5th century. They based them on the 12 stones found in the biblical Breastplate of Aaron, a sacred breastplate worn by the High Priest of the Israelites, according to the Book of Exodus.

© Getty Images

Making connections -

Scholars theorized that each stone was aligned with a month of the year and a zodiac sign, and that they would receive a different benefit from each stone if they wore it during that period.

© Shutterstock

A new stone each month -

At first, believers would wear a different stone every month, each imbued with its own power. This practice evolved over time and eventually it became standard to wear the stone associated with the month of your birth all year round. This is how the gems came to be known as birthstones.

© Getty Images

The definitive list -

For centuries, there was dissent about which stones were aligned with which months. This was somewhat resolved in 1912, when then mail order catalog company Sears published an 'official' chart. This became the most widely accepted list and has remained more or less the same since then, with just a few small adjustments.

© Shutterstock

Time to find yours! -

Click on to find out which stone is associated with each month, and what significance your birthstone holds for you.

© Shutterstock

January: Garnet -

The garnet is a dark red stone that is associated with protection. The name comes from the Latin word for "seed-like," as they’re similar in color and appearance to pomegranate seeds. Their association with protection dates back to ancient times. Travelers would carry garnets with them on their journeys for protection against evil spirits and bad luck, and the Aztecs brought them into battle.

© Shutterstock

January: Garnet -

Garnets are also associated with vitality and passion in all kinds of relationships. January babies forge strong connections with those around them and love abundantly, and they’re not afraid to show it.

© Shutterstock

February: Amethyst -

The amethyst stone has an interesting backstory in Greek mythology. Dionysus, the god of wine and partying, felt insulted by mortals after his hospitality was refused, and he decided to punish the next human he came across. It happened to be a pious young woman named Amethystos, a word which means "not drunken." As he was about to strike her down, Dionysus took pity on her and turned her to stone instead of obliterating her.

© Getty Images

February: Amethyst -

Amethystos became a statue of white stone. Dionysus was moved by her innocence and paid tribute to her by pouring his cup of wine over the statue instead of drinking it. It became a deep purple color. The purple amethyst stone, named after Amethystos, became associated with this rare moment of sober thoughtfulness for the hedonistic Dionysus, and is now the gemstone of wisdom.

© Getty Images

February: Amethyst -

While an amethyst won’t give those born in February some kind of supernatural resistance to alcohol, it does link them to qualities like mental clarity, spirituality, and healing.

© Shutterstock

March: Aquamarine -

The beautiful aquamarine stone reflects the many blue tones of the seas and skies. They have been associated with these natural elements for generations and were often carried by sailors on their voyages. They were purported to have a range of benefits, from ensuring a good night’s sleep to creating harmony in marriage. Ultimately, aquamarine is most commonly associated with serenity.

© Shutterstock

March: Aquamarine -

This gemstone is believed to have calming qualities, so it makes the ideal gift for someone about to be married, particularly due to its association with happiness in love. Today it also symbolizes health, honesty, loyalty, hope, and youth.

© Shutterstock

April: Diamond - April’s birthstone is the diamond, the most loved and sought-after stone in the world. Diamonds were formed approximately 3.3 billion years ago more than 100 miles (160 km) below the Earth’s surface. It’s also known for being incredibly strong. This explains why it’s so precious and popular in jewelry, but what does it mean?

© iStock

April: Diamond -

The diamond represents love, just one more reason that it’s the most popular stone for engagement rings. It’s associated with purity, open-heartedness, and unity, as are those born during the month of April.

© Shutterstock

May: Emerald -

May belongs to the emerald. These deep green stones were mined in Egypt more than 2,000 years ago and were often worn by Cleopatra. Its vital, earthy color evokes fields and forests, reminding us of springtime, and, by extension, renewal. The emerald is the stone of hope.

© Shutterstock

May: Emerald -

This association also links emeralds to youth and rebirth. It has also been tied to wisdom and it was once believed that wearers would be gifted with heightened intelligence, or perhaps even the ability to predict the future.

© Shutterstock

June: Pearl -

June’s pearl is the only birthstone that grows inside a living creature. They are found inside saltwater oysters or freshwater clams and are considered to be highly valuable. They are smooth in texture and color, symbolizing purity, honesty, and wisdom.

© Shutterstock

June: Pearl -

Pearls have also been associated with the divine for centuries, as some cultures believed them to be tears that have fallen from heaven. In ancient Chinese mythology, pearls were carried by dragons and represented power and wisdom. Pearls are a status symbol associated with wealth these days, but for those born in June the pearl is a symbol of their wisdom and inner strength.

© Shutterstock

July: Ruby -

The blood-red color of the ruby has fascinated humankind throughout history. It evokes vitality and is associated with strength and health.

© Shutterstock

July: Ruby -

Rubies have been used to decorate valuable goblets and drink vessels for centuries, adding significance and power to toasts for good health. Red has also long been linked to strong emotions and passion. For this reason, rubies are also associated with love. Those born in July are thought to be full of energy, life, and love.

© Getty Images

August: Peridot -

The unique olive-green peridot of August is associated with beauty. This could easily apply to any of the birthstones, but peridot is particularly delicate and pretty in color. These stones are also special in that they glow and shine just as brightly in natural light as they do in artificial light.

© iStock

August: Peridot -

This made them particularly valuable in ancient Egypt, where historic records show they were mined. They were appreciated for their great beauty that lasted into the night by fires and candlelight. The peridot is believed to protect the wearer at night.

© Getty Images

September: Sapphire -

The deep blue of the sapphire is associated with honesty, a quality that may be reflected in those born in September. The stone is thought to have the power to deflect bad intentions from others, as well as physical harm.

© Shutterstock

September: Sapphire -

Blue sapphires are also highly spiritual stones and have been worn by religious leaders for centuries. They represent faith, wisdom, trust, and loyalty, qualities we all look for in our spiritual and personal lives.

© Getty Images

October: Opal -

The opal is a unique stone that can take on many different colors. Its appearance also connects it with light and magic, but its main benefit is healing, particularly for the eyes. In the past, some even believed that opal could make the wearer invisible to others.

© Shutterstock

October: Opal -

Opals are thought to be lucky because of the way they diffract light and play with all of the colors of the rainbow at once. They are especially lucky to someone born in October!

© Shutterstock

November: Citrine -

This bright yellow stone rather appropriately represents joy. The golden shine seems to channel the Sun, enhancing the qualities of happiness and healing. Citrine is one of the rarest varieties of quartz found in nature and has only been discovered in a select few countries.

© Shutterstock

November: Citrine -

Citrine is believed to relieve issues of the mind and body, calming stress and curing stomach aches. Those born in November may have the quality of citrine; they are shining beacons of joy that light up the room.

© Shutterstock

December: Turquoise -

The final stone on the list is turquoise. Turquoise is unique in that it inspired the name of a color, rather than the other way around! It is most often associated with Turkey, as the Turks introduced this gemstone to Europe. In fact, "turquoise' is the word for "Turkish" in French. 

© Shutterstock

December: Turquoise -

In Turkish culture, the gift of turquoise was believed to give the recipient the ability to make friends easily. Today, turquoise is still most commonly associated with friendship.

Sources: (Gemological Institute of America) (International Gem Society) (Uncommon Goods) (Cape Town Diamond Museum)

See also: A history of jewelry

© Shutterstock