In collaboration with Trevor Boyd - Mineral Stones Expert
If you think about mineral stones, accompanying legends may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Did you know that there is deeper meaning behind birthstones and that legend says that the stones hold special powers for those who wear them? Birthstones are gemstones that represent each month of the year. Each birthstone has its own unique meaning and significance, for example luck or good health. If you are looking for a unique gift, what better than a stone with special powers? Birthstones are most commonly seen in jewellery, but owning the mineral stone itself is just as special and perhaps an even more unique gift idea. Read all about what mineral stones expert Trever Boyd has the say about the mystical of birthstones and what their powers are, for those born in their respective months.
Origin & Now
The story of the birthstones originated from the book of Exodus. Each stone represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Legend has it that a Jewish scholar saw twelve stones on a breastplate. After his discovery, he made a connection that the twelve stones represented the twelve months of the calendar year. Centuries later monks and scholars would wear the stone of that month and believed the stones held special mystical powers. Today the selection of birthstones has changed far from the original legend, but still holds its meaning. Here is the official modern birthstone calendar and an explanation of their powers.
January
Garnet is the birthstone of January. Garnet is red coloured and used as gemstones and abrasives. The stone symbolises peace, prosperity and good health. It is even said that garnet gives the wearer eternal happiness, health, and wealth. A perfect stone to begin the year with.
February
The mineral stone, Amethyst, represents the month February. Because this month is often cold and dark, Amethyst helps people by giving a little bit of extra warmth and strength to get through the month. The stone is also associated with the qualities of peace, courage, and stability.
March
Aquamarine is for the lucky ones who are born in this month. This stones helps to enhance the wearer's health.
April
Diamond is, of course, the hardest material in the world and the most prized one. The lucky ones who are born in April are represented with this popular stone. Diamonds are, after all, a girl's (and boy's) best friend!
May
May the emerald be with you! Emeralds are May's stone and are often favoured by the rich and famous to wear as statement pieces. The stone is prized for its brilliant green colour.
June
Although not technically a stone, Pearl is this month's birthstone. Pearls symbolise wisdom for the one who wears them. They can also balance someone's karma.
July
July is represented by the mineral stone ruby. With its red glow, the stone symbolises passion and energy and brings the wearer love and success.
August
For the real lucky ones, August is the month of three mineral stones! The original birthstone for August was sardonyx, and then peridot was added. Now sardonyx and peridot added spinel to the group. Sardonyx boots the owner's optimism and mental discipline. Peridot increases confidence and assertiveness, and spinel boosts vitality.
Sardonix stone
September
Sapphire is the birthstone of September. A precious mineral stone that represents wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Plus, the stone is said to help to focus the mind and encourages self-discipline.
October
Tourmaline and opal are the stones of October. Each gem represents unlimited possibilities, as one comes in rainbow colours and the other in shades of blue.
Tourmaline stone
November
If you are born in November, topaz and citrine are the stones for you. Both stones are known for their calming energies and bringing warmth and fortune to the one who wears them.
December
December is also represented with three beautiful stones: tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise. Zircon is known as one of the oldest rocks on earth, while tanzanite was one of the most recently discovered stones. Turquoise is unmatched in its beautiful blue colour.
Tanzanite stone
Whether you are born in January or December, on Catawiki you can find a variety of birthstones in our weekly Mineral auction. If you are more of a gemstone type, our Gemstones auction is the right place for you!