What is a Birthstone and what is my Birthstone?

If you are born in the month of January, your gemstone is the garnet. The garnet is usually found in a deep red color. However, it may be found in other colors as well such as green and black.

Garnets are believed to protect the wearer against bad dreams, depression, inflammatory diseases, and hemorrhages. It may also be helpful in managing anger. The gemstone symbolizes loyalty, sincerity, faith and fidelity.

The amethyst is the birthstone for February. Amethyst is a transparent form of silicon dioxide and contains the mineral, quartz. This gemstone is found in various shades of purple. There are quite a few stories associated with the use of amethyst. One of them says that it is the stone of Saint Valentine. He is believed to have worn this stone with an engraving of Cupid. This is why the amethyst is associated with the month of February, that is, the month when St. Valentine's Day is celebrated.

The gemstone is believed to protect the wearer from drunkenness and poison. Many Bishops are seen wearing this ring as a symbol of celibacy. The gemstone symbolizes peace, tranquility, and sincerity and was used in ancient times to sharpen intellect and protect from sorcery.

Aquamarine is the gemstone for March. The color of the aquamarine varies from a deep blue to blue-green. The naturally occurring deep blue stones are quite rare to find.

The stone was believed to cure illnesses related to the stomach, liver, jaw and throat. It is believed to offer protection from evil. The stone is also said to promote love and affection in a marriage.

While aquamarine is considered to be the birthstone for March, some people believe that bloodstone is also the right gemstone for people born in this month.

The diamond is the birthstone for those born in April. These gemstones can range from a sooty black color to colorless. They can be transparent, translucent or opaque. Jewelers usually use colorless or tinted transparent diamonds.

Diamonds are the hardest substance known to man. The gemstone is considered to be the symbol of love and is usually find in engagement rings for this reason.

The emerald is the birthstone for May. This green gem is a symbol of love, affection and rebirth. This precious gem is known as the gem of eternal spring and was Cleopatra's favorite.

The stone was believed to cure dysentery and fever, stop bleeding, and prevent epilepsy during the ancient times. In the Middle Ages, it was considered that the emerald had the power to foretell the future. The emerald is also believed to improve the intelligence and memory of the wearer.

Pearl is June's birthstone. The pearl is a symbol of health as well as chastity. If you want to have good dreams or protect yourself from all kinds of harm, pearl is the gemstone for you. The color of the pearl depends on the species of the mollusk that produces it. However, white is the most common color of the pearl.

While pearl is considered to be the birthstone for June by most people, moonstone and alexandrite are also considered as the stones for this month.

The light green peridot is the gemstone for August. The peridot is regarded as the symbol of the sun since ancient times. This August birthstone is believed to keep away evil spirits and nightmares. It also brings success, peace, and luck for the wearer. Known as the "Stone of Friendship", this gem was believed to bring royal dignity for the wearer.

While peridot is considered to be the birthstone for those born in August, some people also consider the sardonyx as the stone for this month.

The birthstone for September is the sapphire. This stone is related to the ruby, July's birthstone. It comes in many colors such as blue, pink, yellow, orange and green. Known as the "Celestial Stone" by the Ancient Persians, the sapphire is believed to protect against harm and the jealousy of others.

The sapphire is a symbol of faithfulness, commitment, sincerity and loyalty and is believed to bring wisdom and calmness for the wearer.

Opal is the birthstone for October. This semi-precious stone flashes the color of the rainbow when moved. Australia is known for its black opals whereas fire opals are mined in Mexico and even in Nevada in the United States.

Opal is a symbol of hope, purity and foresight. It is also considered to be the symbol of love as well as religious emotion.

While opal is considered as the birthstone for October, there are others who also believe that tourmaline is also the stone for this month.

The topaz is the birthstone for the month of November. The word is taken from a Sanskrit word which means 'fire'. It is believed to be an excellent stone for managing excessive anger. It was, in fact, believed to have the power to cool boiling water in ancient times.

The topaz can be colorless or can come in colors such as blue, pale green, yellow or pink. The gemstone symbolizes beauty and intelligence. It is considered to encourage bravery and protect against the envy of others as well. Topaz is also believed to enhance wisdom and prevent mental disorders.

Turquoise is the birthstone for December. The color of this stone can range from sky blue to green. This gemstone is believed to bring good fortune, happiness, success and prosperity to the wearer. The stone is often worn as a love charm as well. Turquoise is also believed to be good for the eyes as well as protecting the wearer from evil.

While turquoise is considered to be the birthstone for December, some people believe that zircon is also the stone for this month.