Birthstone Traditions
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While it's said that a birthstone holds the strongest power for the person born in its month, anyone can wear the gemstones and benefit from their beauty and healing energies.
Birthstone Traditions
Western Customary Birthstones: The origin of birthstones is believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The idea of birthstones has a place in many traditions, customs, and belief systems. The first century Jewish historian Josephus believed there was a connection between the twelve stones in Aaron's breastplate (signifying the tribes of Israel, as described in the Book of Exodus), the twelve months of the year, and the twelve signs of the zodiac. Translations and interpretations of the passage in Exodus regarding the breastplate have varied widely, with Josephus himself giving two different lists for the twelve stones. George Frederick Kunz argues that Josephus saw the breastplate of the Second Temple, not the one described in Exodus. St. Jerome, referencing Josephus, said the Foundation Stones of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19–20) would be appropriate for Christians to use.
- Mystical birthstones: Based on the Tibetan birthstone chart dating back thousands of years. A mystical birthstone represents the spiritual world, which is why some people prefer these types of birthstones to modern ones.
- Ayurvedic birthstones: Ayurvedic birthstones date back to ancient Indian culture, who believed in specific stones having certain healing powers. They date back as far as 1500 B.C., and are linked closely with the ancient practices of Indian medicine.
Determine Birthstone by Zodiac Sign
Aries: March 21- April 20 Taurus: April 21- May 20 Gemini: May 21- June 21 Cancer: June 22- July 22 Leo: July 23- August 23 Virgo: August 24- September 23 |
Libra: September 24- October 23 Scorpio: October 24- November 22 Sagittarius: November 23- December 21 Capricorn: December 22- January 20 Aquarius: January 21- February 19 Pisces: February 20- March 20 |
Find your birthstone by month - click HERE
Informational sources for the birthstone informational pages include and are not limited to: Mindat, Smithsonian, Gem Society, GIA, "Fifty Minerals that Changed the Course of History" by- Eric Chaline, "The Curious Lore of Precious Stones" by- George Frederick Kunz, Wikipedia, American Gem Society, Geology.com, my own research summaries (Kai)