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Certain stones are associated with
particular months of the year and considered lucky to people born in those
months. Some attribute the origin of the tradition of birthstones to the 12-jeweled breastplate, a vestment worn in ancient
times, of Aaron, the brother of Moses. Myths and superstitions gradually grew around the stones and symbolic meanings
or virtues were eventually ascribed to them.
The first record of wearing stones of the month was in
Poland in the 18th century when they were worn to keep
illness away. Only later was the mystic bond between the stone of the month and persons born in that month fully
realized.
The
varied interpretations of the identity of the
original twelve stones and substitutions by different cultures
and races over
the centuries has resulted in a number of versions of the stones assigned to each month.
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Following is a
List of what are believed to be the
Ancient birthstones and the Modern
version together with their Symbolic
Meanings. |
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MONTH |
ANCIENT |
MODERN |
SYMBOLIC
MEANING |
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| January |
Garnet |
Garnet |
Constancy |
| February |
Amethyst |
Amethyst |
sincerity |
| March |
Jasper |
Bloodstone or
Aquamarine |
Courage |
| April |
Sapphire |
Diamond |
Innocence |
| May |
Agate |
Emerald |
Love, Success |
| June |
Emerald |
Pearl,
Moonstone, or Alexandrite |
Health,
Longevity |
| July |
Onyx |
Ruby |
Contentment |
| August |
Carnelian |
Sardonyx or
Peridot |
Married
Happiness |
| September |
Chyrsolite |
Sapphire |
Clear
Thinking |
| October |
Aquamarine |
Opal or
Tourmaline |
Hope |
| November |
Topaz |
Topaz |
Fidelity |
| December |
Ruby |
Turquoise
or Lapis Lazuli |
Prosperity |
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