While most of us may know our birthstones since traditionally they coincide with the month of our birth, the gemstones that align with our astrological signs might not be as commonly known since all the signs of the zodiac do fall into a variety of overlapping months. With that in mind, we thought it would be useful to look at the gemstones for each zodiac sign in some detail. Additionally, given that there is not only an interest in the recognized traditional birthstones for each month, but in what are considered modern alternative stones as well, we will include those in our recap of the stones for each astrological sign. While the traditional birthstones date back for many centuries, some of these modern alternatives presumably developed as jewelers looked for more transparent stone alternatives that they could use for customers' birthstone jewelry.
Aries – March 21 – April 19
Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac. The Aries sign symbol is characterized by the Ram, those born under the sign are thought to be bold and ambitious, and it some ways one might say the same thing about the two corresponding gemstones. The Aries birthstones are split between the months of March and April. March is aquamarine, April is Diamonds. The shimmering blues of aquamarine shades and the clarity and sparkle of diamonds offers so many jewelry alternatives for any Aries.
Taurus – April 20 – May 20
The bull is the Taurus symbol that we all recognize. Taurus is an earth sign, and it is said that those born under Taurus know how to enjoy both times of comfort and hard work. Beginning in April, diamonds are not only a “girl’s best friend” but this astrological bull’s as well. Fortunately for those under the sign who want to enjoy a bold, green splash of color, emeralds are the May birthstone. Being a precious gem that has been worn for centuries in many a royal palace, emeralds are a gemstone that any wearer under the Taurus sign will treasure.
Gemini - May 21 – June 20
The celestial twins that characterize this air sign are spontaneous, playful and curious. With emeralds as one of the Gemini birthstones, the twin nature of the sign would make any of us want to have two of those precious stones. The other traditional Gemini stone is the pearl – the June birthstone. In that respect it is a birthstone that can come in a long strand that one can layer with any of their favorite jewelry pieces. At the same time, June is the first month here with a modern birthstone alternative – Alexandrite. Alexandrite is one of the most precious stones, and the finest alexandrites can be more expensive than diamonds. Ironically, the best alexandrite will actually change color under different lights, and what better duality for a gemstone to have than to be under the sign of Gemini.
Cancer - June 21 – July 22
We have always loved the symbol of the crab, the water sign that represents Cancer. Those born under this sign are highly intuitive and know how to protect themselves. The shimmering pearl in some ways is the perfect stone to represent the purity of water, and the color change of the Alexandrite reminds us of the changing color of water as the sun reflects and moves across the sky. By contrast, those under Cancer are able to enjoy one of the boldest colored gemstones – the Ruby, also the July birthstone. Like the emerald, rubies have been revered for centuries so those under this sign can enjoy a stone with a long and storied history.
Leo - July 23 – August 22
We love lions, the Leo sign symbol! Our lion ring has been a favorite jewelry piece in our collection for many years. Leos are bold, loyal, and brave. If ever there was a gemstone with the same characteristics it would certainly be the Ruby with its fiery red shades. But at the same time, the lion draws his strength from the jungle, and the rich green of peridot – the other Leo birthstone and August birthstone - evokes the verdant green of the lion’s natural habitat.
Virgo - August 23 – September 22
Virgos are thoughtful, hard working, and strive for the most perfect outcome. The quiet elegance of peridot green seems like an ideal companion to those characteristics and since the Virgo sign symbol is represented by the goddess of agriculture, that rich green color reminds us of the beauty of nature. At the same time, the richness of the natural world thrives under the bluest of skies, so is it any wonder that the other traditional gemstone of Virgo is the sapphire, September’s birthstone, arguably the most precious and beautiful blue stone.
Libra – September 23 – October 22
Libra’s sign symbol is represented by the scale, Libra is a sign that embodies the traits of balance equilibrium and fairness. In that sense both of the gemstones for Libras’ come in a number of different colors, so one might argue that they are stones with nicely balanced alternatives. Sapphires, while known primarily for their blue shades, also are found in greens, yellows and white. Tourmaline, the other Libra birthstone is similarly seen in a variety of beautiful shades.
Scorpio – October 23 – November 21
Scorpios are complicated, they work hard and take a long, thought-out path towards a goal. In that respect the two gemstones for the Scorpio are also multi-faceted, again in the respect that neither are known for any one singular color. Tourmaline and Topaz, November’s birthstone, are the two Scorpio zodiac stones and both come in a variety of shades that add complexity to their gemstone identities.
Sagittarius- November 22 – December 21
Sagittarius is a fire sign, represented by the archer. Sagittarians are on a dedicated quest for knowledge and adventure. While the Topaz is the first gemstone for this astrological sign, the other traditional gemstone is turquoise, December’s birthstone. One of our favorite gemstones, turquoise was a part of many ancient cultures and civilizations across many continents. In the sense, it is perfect as a gemstone for Sagittarius as it has endured throughout the ages. Modern Sagittarius birthstones are tanzanite and blue topaz, and what more fitting stones for the archer who launches their arrow skyward.
Capricorn – December 22 – January 19
Capricorn is about patience and perseverance. You know we are champions of perseverance here at MRK, given that it is an empowering idea. Our Perseverance necklace collection continues to be a favorite amongst our community. The gemstones for Capricorn's are the December birthstones – both traditional and modern – that include Turquoise, Tanzanite and Topaz. The other Capricorn birthstone is Garnet, a stone that marks its beginnings back to the signet rings of Ancient Rome, so if there was a gemstone that symbolizes perseverance, a garnet would certainly be the one.
Aquarius – January 20 – February 18
Aquarians are both innovative and revolutionary. The Aquarius sign symbol is represented by water, those born under the sign of Aquarius are seeking to make things better. The gemstone for this astrological sign that is a companion to the garnet, January’s birthstone, is the Amethyst. These stones, with their signature purple hue, are representative of mental clarity and healing, both of which are ideals designed to leave the world a better place tomorrow.
Pisces – February 19 – March 20
The last of the water signs, Pisces is represented by two fish swimming apart. It that sense, as one sees these divisions, it is no wonder that Pisces are known for compassion and empathy. For the first traditional gemstone of Pisces to be Amethyst is appropriate. What better stone to heal divisions? Aquamarine, which is the other traditional Pisces birthstone, protected seafarers throughout the ages, so anyone born under the sign of Pisces can ultimately draw on these protective elements.
Let us know what sign you are and how the meaning of your gemstone might inspire you!
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