Birthstone
List
Gemstones for the Zodiac Signs
Gemstones for Wedding Anniversaries
| Ruby |
| Birthstone:
July |
Zodiac:
Cancer |
Anniv:
40th |
| Ruby,
from the Latin word ruber meaning "red,"
is the red variety of the mineral corundum. Ruby is traditionally
associated with passion, power and majesty; the ancients
believed that a ruby thrown into a pot of water would
cause it to boil immediately. Ruby is thought to attract
and retain reciprocal love, and to bring success and good
fortune to its wearer. |
| Peridot |
| Birthstone:
August |
Zodiac:
Leo |
Anniv:
3rd |
| Peridot
derives its name from the Arabic faridat, or "gem."
Peridots were highly prized in ancient Egypt; they were
used both as currency and as personal adornments for the
Pharoahs. Legend has it that peridots were only mined
at night, since they were believed to glow in the dark
like lanterns. They are thought to prevent sorrow and
fear. |
| Sapphire |
| Birthstone:
September |
Zodiac:
Virgo |
Anniv:
15th, 30th, 50th |
| Sapphire
is a variety of the mineral corundum, encompassing all
colors except red (which is ruby); blue is the most common.
The Persians believed that the blue of the sky was the
reflection of a great sapphire on which the Earth rested.
Accordingly, sapphire has represented the tranquility
of the heavens throughout the ages. It is said to promote
the intelligence of its wearer. |
| Opal |
| Birthstone:
October |
Zodiac:
Libra |
Anniv:
13th |
| Opal's
name comes from the Sanskrit upala, or "precious
stone." The Arabs believed that opals acquired their
fiery color by falling from heaven in flashes of lightning.
Another legend claims that a Roman emperor once offered
to trade one-third of his vast kingdom for a single opal.
A particular favorite of Queen Victoria, opal has been
said to bring love, foresight and the gift of prophecy
to its wearer. |
| Topaz |
| Birthstone:
November |
Zodiac:
Scorpio |
Anniv:
4th, 16th, 23rd |
| Topaz,
which is thought to take its name from the Sanskrit tapas,
meaning fire, occurs in a range of colors. The warm, golden
variety inspired ancient Egyptians to associate it with
the sun god Ra. Topaz is said to calm emotions when worn
around the neck; it is also reputed to assure beauty,
intelligence and a long life. Citrine is often substituted
for topaz as the birthstone for November. |
| Blue
Zircon |
| Birthstone:
December |
Zodiac:
Sagittarius |
Anniv:
7th |
| Blue
zircon is a naturally occurring gemstone, not to be confused
with cubic zirconia. Hindu poets celebrated its beauty
by describing the Kalpa Tree, a symbolic offering to the
gods, as having leaves of zircons. Blue zircon was used
frequently in Victorian jewelry, especially during the
1880s, and was marketed under the name Starlite in the
1920s. Blue zircon is said to bring wisdom and riches
to its wearer. |
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