Birthstones - January - June

A birthstone is a precious metal assigned to a particular month so there are a total of twelve birthstones. Each precious metal or gemstone is associated with characteristics or qualities that describe the month. Others refer to birthstones as birthday stones or anniversary stones. Over time, the list of stones have been changed and been updated according to the times. But in 1912, the national association of jewelers in the US, Jewelers of America, has sought to standardize the list which is still being used today not just in the US but in other countries as well such as Australia and Asia.

garnet ring

Garnet for January

GARNET

Garnet is usually colored red although they can also be seen in various colors of the color spectrum. The name originated from the Latin term granatus which literally means grain and is possibly used as a reference to the pomegranate plant which come with red seeds which resemble the shape, size and color of the garnet crystals.

Amethyst for February

Amethyst usually come in the color of purple or violet and is commonly used as a decoration. The name came from the Greek term a and methuskein which refers to the belief that this gemstone prevents the wearer from getting intoxicated or drunk.

Aquamarine for March

This gemstone usually comes in a turquoise or blue color. The name came from the Latin aqua marina which translates to "water of the sea."

Diamond for April

The name diamond is derived from the Greek term adamas which means invincible. This gemstone is the hardest precious metal known to man that only another diamond can scratch it.

Emerald for May

Emerald comes in the color green or bluish green and is a highly prized gemstone. The name can be derived from the Greek word smaragdos and Latin word smaralda.

Pearl for June

This is the only non-mineral birthstone on the list. Pearls are hard, circular objects produced by mollusks. The largest pearl found came from the Philippines in the year 1934 which was originally tagged as the Pearl of Allah but is now officially known as Pearl of Lao-Tzu.

Birthstones - January - June

GARNET