Birthstones have captured the human imagination for eons, serving as mystical markers aligning with the day or month of birth. Birthstones are associated with specific months, zodiac signs, and individual personalities.
Origin of birthstones
Most scholars trace the tradition of wearing birthstones to ancient traditions. The ancients believed that specific stones could improve luck, fortune, and wealth for the wearer.
Eastern culture has a range of gemstones associated with birth, but they aren’t associated with your birth month. Instead, eastern astrologers associate your gem with celestial bodies and use astrology to find the one that will bring you the most fortune.
On the other hand, Western customs derive their idea of birthstones from the book of Exodus. In this book, Aron, Moses’ brother, had a unique garment that had a breastplate with 12 gemstones — each engraved with the 12 tribes of Israel. But remember that people of the time classified jewels by color, and the birthstones assigned today may not necessarily be the ones used centuries ago.
What are the birthstones for each Zodiac sign?
Whether you are a gem enthusiast or an open-minded spirit, here are birthstones by zodiac signs and their associated personalities. Remember, some months may have more than one birthstone.
| Zodiac Sign | Dates | Birthstone |
| Aries | March 21 – April 20 | Bloodstone, aquamarine |
| Taurus | March 21 – April 20 | Sapphire, emerald |
| Gemini | April 21 – May 20 | Agate, pearls |
| Cancer | May 21 – June 21 | Emerald, ruby |
| Leo | June 22 – July 22 | Onyx |
| Virgo | July 23 – August 23 | Carnelian |
| Libra | August 24 – September 23 | Chrysolite |
| Scorpio | September 24 – October 23 | Beryl |
| Sagittarius | October 24 – November 22 | Citrine |
| Capricorn | November 23 – December 21 | Ruby |
| Aquarius | December 22 – January 20 | Garnet |
| Pisces | January 21 – February 19 | Amethyst |
You’ve probably noticed that Zodiac signs and horoscopes start with Aries (in March) instead of Capricorn (in January). This is because March signifies renewal and new beginnings. It coincides with spring when we see the rebirth of nature, and in antiquity, the Greeks and Romans had their New Year on March 21.
What does the birthstone say about your personality
Bloodstone and aquamarine (Aries)
Bloodstone is primarily dark green with streaks of red hematite. It was said to bring strength and health to its wearer.
Aquamarine, another March birthstone, comes in various colors, from pale blue to light green. It was thought to cure heart, stomach, and liver diseases — just by drinking water in which it was soaked. Also, sailors wore it as a good luck charm to protect them on their voyage.
If this is your birthstone, you have an adventurous, spirited soul full of passion. You are also protective and love being around your family. These individuals are also known for their calmness, making them great mediators.
Emerald and sapphire (Taurus)
If you are a Taurus native, your birthstone is emerald and sapphire. Emerald symbolizes love and fertility and is said to be Cleopatra’s favorite gemstone. On the other hand, sapphire symbolizes truth and wisdom.
These people are known for their invincibility, grit, and stubbornness. Because of their perceptive abilities that stem from their wisdom, they tend to be introverted. It is said wearing emeralds can boost your memory and intelligence.
Agate and pearls (Gemini)
Geminis are known for their intellectual prowess and adaptability. They are also known for being spontaneous and open to new experiences.
You should wear pearls for purity and emotional balance, while agate enhances creativity and harmony. Agate will also bring stability to life.
Ruby and emerald (Cancer)
Cancer individuals are emotional, intuitive, and nurturing. They are also imaginative and good at protecting their loved ones.
Emerald wearers bring kindness and love into their lives.
Onyx and Peridot (Leo)
Onyx brings stability and self-control, while peridot symbolizes strength and protection. Also, ancient Egyptians believed in peridot’s protective powers from the “terrors of the night.”
Leo individuals and those associated with these birthstones are known for their creativity, warmth, and confidence. They tend to show a creative mindset toward problem-solving and exhibit guidance to those closest to them.
Carnelian (Virgo)
Known for their attention to detail and practicality, Virgo members are associated with carnelian and sometimes sapphire. They are also modest and reliable and tend to shy away from showing emotions to others,
Wearing carnelian gemstones may help them boost courage and motivation.
Chrysolite (Libra)
Libra natives are charming, diplomatic, and cultured. This means they are social with an easygoing attitude towards life.
Wearing chrysolite brings them confidence and the strength to face complex problems. Other stones associated with Libra include opals, Lapis Lazuli, and tourmaline.
Beryl (Scorpio)
Known for their intensity, determination, and resilience, Scorpio members are associated with beryl. These individuals are the most misunderstood (as selfish) because they are secretive.
They may also have other birthstones, such as topaz and malachite.
Citrine (Sagittarius)
The key traits of Sagittarius natives are optimism, adventurous spirit, and open-mindedness. They are also very straightforward and love their freedom.
Besides citrine, which brings abundance and happiness, they can also wear turquoise and amethyst.
Ruby (Capricorn)
Rubies and garnets are the main birthstones for Capricorn individuals. Rubies symbolize passion and prosperity, while garnet symbolizes loyalty and protection.
These individuals are known for their discipline, ambition, and practicality. This means they show a careful approach toward their work. So rubies may help them improve their focus and positivity — they can sometimes be pessimistic.
Garnet (Aquarius)
Aquarians are characterized by independence, creativity, and humanitarianism. They tend to expend their energy in creative and innovative endeavors, but they may also be unpredictable and hard to control.
Their birthstones are garnets for energy and vitality and amethyst for intuition and clarity.
Amethyst (Pisces)
Pisces natives mark the end of the Zodiac journey. They have accumulated the lessons of all Zodiacs and are, therefore, more intuitive, creative, and empathetic. Their empathy makes them generous to others, and their intuitiveness sharpens their senses to see danger before bad things happen.
Amethyst and aquamarine are their main birthstones. While aquamarine brings serenity and spiritual awareness, amethyst brings immense healing benefits, emotional healing, and inner peace.
Takeaway
Birthstones have captivated cultures and civilizations throughout history. Today, a direct link between birthstones, personality traits, and the fortune they bring remains unproven. But many people find inspiration, comfort, and identity through these gemstones.
Depending on your astrological beliefs, you may wear them as a symbol of birth months, days of the week, or links to your Zodiac signs. Whichever way you wear them, birthstones remind us of the boundless wonders of the natural world and our mysterious existence.
