Birthstones

The custom of wearing gemstones for mystical purposes is mentioned as early as the Torah, in the description of the breastplate stones worn by the High Priest.

As written in Exodus 28:29:"And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord continually."This golden plate, divided into three columns and four rows, was set with twelve different gemstones, each engraved with the name of a tribe. Through the letters on the stones, the High Priest would receive divine messages concerning the people of Israel.

Since ancient times, humans have adorned themselves with gemstones, and through this, global trade routes for their distribution developed. Beyond their use as jewelry and status symbols, the powers attributed to gemstones appear in ancient teachings from India and China. To this day, certified practitioners incorporate them into holistic healing.Below I’ve listed the attributes commonly associated with each gemstone by month — though full disclosure: I don’t claim to be an expert and don’t use them spiritually. I simply love all gemstones, and to me, they’re like additional shades on my color palette – a material in the hands of the creator.

In Europe as well, gemstones were worn for health and luck, giving rise to traditions linking each astrological sign with a specific stone. In the 20th century, the U.S. gemstone and diamond industry adopted a marketing strategy associating each Gregorian calendar birth month with a particular gem.

January – Garnet

The name originates from “pomegranate seed,” and indeed, the stone is red in color, durable, and identified with the nophek stone of the priestly breastplate.Symbolizes faith, devotion, and trust.

February – Amethyst

A purple mineral linked to achlama, one of the breastplate stones. Its name suggests healing, and in Latin tradition, it was believed to guard against intoxication and poison.

March – Aquamarine

A member of the beryl family, its name and hue reflect shades of water — from sky-blue to sea-green. In the Bible, it appears as tarshish, another breastplate stone.Associated with calm, balance, and communication.

April – Diamond

A mineral composed of pure carbon, one of the breastplate stones, rated 10 on the Mohs scale. A status symbol of wealth.Identified by the 4 Cs:

• Carat – 100 points = 1 carat

• Color – The clearer (grades D, E, F), the more valuable

• Cut – The precision of proportions for maximum light return

• Clarity – The fewer inclusions, the higher the grade (VVS = Very Very Slight)

There are also rare, natural colored diamonds with different grading criteria.

May – Emerald (Bareket)

The emerald is the bareket of the breastplate stones, one of the most precious gems alongside sapphire and ruby. Though diamond leads in hardness, emerald is prized for its deep green color and clarity.The name derives from Persian, meaning “green.”Believed to bring abundance and both physical and emotional healing.

June – Pearl (Margalit)

Unlike mineral gemstones, the pearl has a biological origin, formed from calcium carbonate and protein secretions by mollusks. These accumulate in layers to form a luminous sphere.Mentioned in Proverbs 31:10: “A woman of valor, who can find? Her worth is far above pearls.”Pearls are traditionally knotted between each bead to prevent loss and minimize friction.

Mother of pearl

July – Ruby (Odem)

Mentioned as odem in the Bible, a breastplate stone named for its red hue. Considered one of the most precious stones, alongside sapphire and emerald.High-quality rubies originate from Burma and are described as “pigeon’s blood” in color.In ancient Far Eastern traditions, rubies were believed to possess magical properties and were even implanted under the skin before battle to boost courage.Crystal healing attributes include confidence and fertility.

August – Peridot

Recognizable by its distinct yellow-green color — its only natural hue, unlike most gems that appear in many shades.Said to provide energetic protection.

September – Sapphire

Appears in the Bible as one of the breastplate stones, known for its iconic blue shade.Sapphire is a precious gem nearly as hard as diamond and can also appear in rare hues like pink, lilac, or yellow.Believed to aid healing and protection against harm.

October – Opal (Leshem)

Opal, associated with the leshem stone in the priestly breastplate, is an amorphous mineral composed of silica and water, forming tiny spheres arranged in layers.Its prismatic structure reflects a vibrant play of colors.Traditionally worn as a talisman for good fortune.

November – Yellow Topaz (Pitdah)

Mentioned as pitdah among the breastplate stones.The name comes from the island of Topazos in the Red Sea. Yellow topaz is the most common variety.When exposed to radiation, clear topaz can be turned blue.Attributed healing qualities include immune system support and nervous system balance.

December – Turquoise or Lapis Lazuli

Turquoise

A soft, opaque gemstone in distinct shades of turquoise-blue or green. The name comes from the word “Turkish,” due to historical trade routes.Appears in ancient Egyptian artifacts, often paired with other gems like lapis lazuli.Though “blue” isn’t mentioned in the Bible, “techelet” (light blue) is. In antiquity, women ground turquoise into eye makeup or used it to repel evil spirits.To this day, both Jews and Muslims use turquoise to ward off the evil eye.

Lapis Lazuli

A stunning deep-blue stone, often speckled with golden pyrite.Used since prehistoric times, from pharaohs to modern times.Egyptian queens wore lapis-based cosmetics, and in the Middle Ages it was ground into pigment for painting.The name lapis means “stone” in Aramaic, while lazuli originally referred to a Persian region where it was mined, later becoming associated with the word “blue.”Said to purify mentally and spiritually, enhance intuition, and strengthen interpersonal communication.