La Mine d'Or | Birthstones

Birthstones

Month	Gemstone	Description	Traditional Meaning
January	Garnet	The garnet group is largest and most colourful group of gems; they can be found in every colour except blue. Some varieties display the phenomenon of asterism (the appearance of a "star" on a cabochon cut stone) or change their colour from daylight to artificial light. The most remarkable varieties are tsavorite, hessonite, demantoid, almandine, pyrope, rhodolite, and mandarin.	"The Stone of Love and Devotion" - The stone of passion and courage
February	Amethyst	Amethysts are the best known variety of Quartz. They are transparent and range in colour from bluish purple to purple to reddish purple.	"The Stone of the Spirit" - Protects against anger, hate, envy and fear.
March	Aquamarine	"Aquamarines are part of the Beryl family and are generally very pure and crystalline. They are commonly blue with shades of green. Aquamarines are said to restore harmony for couples who are having problems. They are also claimed to strengthen the intellect."	"The Stone of Courage & Serenity” - Accelerates the intellectual reasoning process.
April	Diamond	"Diamonds are the crystaline form of pure carbon (99.95% pure) and is the hardest naturally occuring substance on earth. Colourless diamonds are the most commonly known. However, there are also coloured diamonds, in deep yellow, blue, pink or green, for example. These are called fancy diamonds and are very rare (Red being the rarest). The tradition of presenting a diamond ring as an attestment of marriage began in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a ring adorned with a diamond to seal their marriage vows.	"The Stone of Love, Excellence and Purification" - Symbolizes power, strength, brilliance and unparalleled beauty.
May	Emerald	Emeralds are generally green with hues of blue and yellow. Gem-quality emeralds are transparent but often have "gardens" of inclusions. They have often been considered powerful talismans in ancient civilizations.	"The Healer’s Stone” - A symbol of hope.
June	Pearl	"Pearls are formed entirely of organic material and are cultured in both freshwater and saltwater. Pearls are formed of concentric layers of nacre. Nacre consists of aragonite (approximately 85%), conchiolin (approximately 12%) and water (approximately 3%). They come in a variety of colours. The different colours of pearls had different meanings: Golden pearls symbolized riches; White ones, idealism; Black ones, philosophy; Pink, beauty; Red, health and energy; Grey, thought Dull pearls brought bad luck.	"Symbol of Purity & Spiritual Transformation" - It was said that pearls were the solidified tears of Venus. Some claim that pearls are a symbol of faith and purity.
July	Ruby	The most beautiful Rubies are called "Pigeon’s Blood”, and are saturated red; they are not tinged with orange or purple. This magnificent red gives a satiny look due to the "silk”—fine needles of a mineral called rutile—contained in these rubies.	"The Stone of Fire and Passion” - symbolizes passion, courage and love.
August	Peridot	Peridot is transparent and only green in colour, generally with a hint of yellow. The most sought-after colour is known as "spring green.” The Kashmire Peridot is said to be the finest quality peridot in the world. It is only found in Pakistan.	"The Stone of Emotional Healing” - brings emotional balance, and helps heal emotional imbalances.
September	Sapphire	Sapphires are blue but exist in other colours; these are called Fancy Sapphires. The most beautiful sapphires are pure, saturated blue. They sometimes have slightly violet shades. People often talk about "Kashmir Sapphires” as being the most beautiful. They have a smooth blue colour with a slight hint of turquoise.	"The Stone of Loyalty and Fidelity" - symbolizes truth, sincerity and faithfulness.
October	Opal	Precious opals are those that exhibit the beautiful play of colour seen in the specimens mounted in jewellery. They come in a variety of body colours from white, to red, to black. In many countries, opals have been considered to be good luck charms which are mood-sensitive.	"The Stone Happiness and Truth" symbolizes purity and intensity.
November	Yellow Topaz	Topaz is a transparent gemstone. It exists in many colours: colourless, yellow, orange, brown, pink to red to purple-red, light to dark blue and light green.The yellow variety of Topaz is also known as "Sherry Topaz". Rough topaz crystals are sometimes gigantic.	"The Stone of Success" - symbolizes creativity and provides self-confidence.
December	Turquoise	Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem. It varies in colour from light to medium blue, greenish blue to green; it is often mottled and may show dark spots or veins. Persian Turquoise is considered the finest quality. Turquoise was one of the most prized stones of ancient civilizations.	"Stone of Wisdom" - symbolizes self-realization and honesty.