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What gemstones represent December? What are the meanings and symbolism of these gems? What makes them December birthstones?

December is the twelfth month of Gregorian calendar. And if you’re reading this article, chances are it’s your birth month or the birth month of someone you care about. The name December came from Latin word decem which means ten. The reason why December came from a word that means ten is December used to be the tenth month in the old Roman calendar. In the Northern Hemisphere, December marks the beginning of winter according to both astronomical and meteorological definitions. On the other hand, in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the beginning of summer. In many western countries, December is a time of festivity, celebration, and get-together.

The twelfth month is host to two zodiac signs: Sagittarius and Capricorn. Besides being connected to some of the boldest birth flowers, people who were born in the month of December are also fortunate to have three unique gemstones to represent their birth month. These three December birthstones are bloodstone, ruby, and turquoise. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

1. Bloodstone

Photo: Bloodstone / Credit: Ra’ike @ Wikimedia Common

Bloodstone is a traditional December birthstone.

Bloodstone is an opaque, dark green gemstone with red spots. The red spots resemble droplets of blood, and this resemblance inspired the name bloodstone. The red spots are a result of hematite inclusion. Another important component in the bloodstone is green jasper, this mineral is where bloodstone gets its deep dark green color from.

The December gem bloodstone is also called heliotrope, which means “sun turning” in Greek. In ancient times, it was believed that the bloodstone would enhance courage and physical strength. Warriors in antiquity carried bloodstones into battle in order to stop bleeding when they’re wounded. Bloodstone was also believed to have the power of preventing infection and avoiding death. Reportedly, the sun-turning stone also protects against the curse of the evil eye. For the uninitiated, the evil eye is a superstitious curse cast by a malevolent glare.

Bloodstone symbolizes strength, protection, health, longevity, nobility, and justice.

The stone is also believed to cure ailments related to blood. For example, nosebleeds, anemia, and blood disorders. It is also said to improve blood circulation. Other health benefits of bloodstone include strengthening the immune system, kidneys, bone marrow, and liver functions. In addition to health benefits, the Bloodstone also has metaphysical abilities. It’s believed that the Bloodstone can increase the courage of the wearer. This is because when you endure tragedies and chaos in your life, the bloodstone can give you a sense of inner strength. Inner strength is very important to have when overcoming hardship and tragedies in life. It can also boost endurance. Endurance means having the power to go through a difficult situation without giving up. With the bloodstone, you will have the endurance to stand up to the harsh times in life.

The stone of blood helps prepare athletes and warriors mentally for the fight, race, and match ahead. It can also strengthen the root chakra. The root chakra is centered on the emotional and spiritual balance of a person. The December gemstone can help develop clear thinking. This is important when making important decisions that can affect you and others. It enables the wearer to listen to their intuition since it helps with eliminating the delusion that can cloud thoughts.

2. Ruby

Photo: Ruby / Credit: Amila Tennakoon @ Flickr

Ruby is a traditional birthstone for December. Ruby is perhaps the most famous red gemstone. It belongs to the corundum gem family. Another notable member of this gem family is sapphire.

The red December stone’s name ruby came from Latin word rubeus which literally means red. Ruby means “king of gems” in Sanskrit (ratnaraj). From the 15th century to early twentieth century, ruby was the traditional birthstone in Britain. In ancient Roman societies, adorning ruby is believed to bring happiness and good health to a person who was born in December.

Ruby symbolizes health, wisdom, and good fortune. In terms of elemental affinity, ruby is related to fire and a little bit of earth.

Similar to topaz or emerald, the term ruby was used as an umbrella term for red gemstones by the ancients. As gemology advances, gemologists were able to distinguish gemstones better based on their compositions. For example, spinels were sometimes called rubies in the past. The famous Black Prince’s Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown is actually a red spinel.

3. Turquoise

Photo: Turquoise of Nishapur / Credit: Sonia Sevilla @ Wikimedia Common

Turquoise is a modern birthstone for December. It is an opaque colored gemstone found in various shades of green to blue colors. Its most signature color the color that is named after it—turquoise, which is a teal-like color.

Its name turquoise was derived from French turquois which means Turkish because it was first brought to Europe through Turkey.

The turquoise is considered to be a love charm as it is believed to make you more attractive.

As a birthstone, the turquoise is said to provide protection to its owner: protection from physical harm, mental stress, and even pollutants in the environment. Another benefit of this gemstone is that it can eliminate weariness and depression from the wearer. It is also believed that turquoise can assist with calming the nerves. This makes turquoise an excellent jewelry choice for events such as job interviews and public speaking.

Turquoise symbolizes calmness, happiness, peacefulness, and serenity. Its elemental affinities are water and air.

December Gemstones

In this article, we’ve discussed three gemstones that are designated as birthstones of December: bloodstone, ruby, and turquoise.

Birthstones by Month

January Birthstones | February Birthstones | March Birthstones | April Birthstones | May Birthstones | June Birthstones | July Birthstones | August Birthstones | September Birthstones | October Birthstones|  November Birthstones | December Birthstones

Birthstones by Zodiac Sign

Aries Birthstones | Taurus Birthstones

References

https://archive.org/details/gemsgemminerals00farrrich/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/December

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July & Birthstones

July is the seventh month of the Gregorian calendar. It is summertime in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere. July used to be called Quintilis, before it was renamed to honor Roman general Julius Caesar. July’s birth flowers are the Larkspur or the Water Lily. Two zodiac signs share the month of July. They’re Cancer and Leo. In the US, Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th each year.

Birthstones are an age-old tradition and there are beliefs about what each gemstone’s properties and effects entail. Although these beliefs can’t be proven scientifically, they can certainly give you a positive psychological boost. One thing is certain, wearing or owning your special birthstone makes you feel good.

“Birthstone” is a broad term for any gemstone that represents one’s birthday, birth year, day of birth, zodiac sign, and birth month. Although the most popular birthstone for July is Ruby, it is important to understand that a birthstone list is flexible. At a different time or in a different culture, you’ll likely find that the birthstone for your birth month is entirely different. For the purpose of this article we’ve picked three birthstones for July: ruby, onyx, and turquoise. Let’s take a closer look at these marvelous July gems.

Birthstones: July

1. Ruby

Above: Cut ruby. Credit: Amila Tennakoon @ Flickr

Ruby is the modern July birthstone. Its designation as a July gemstone and rise to popularity are relatively modern history. Without exaggeration, ruby is one of the most famous gemstones there is, alongside diamond, sapphire, and emerald.

While ruby is known for its blood-red color, it can also exist in pink. However, no other color ruby exists besides red and pink. The reason for this is simply a matter of definition. Ruby is defined as the red variety of gem family corundum. And corundum varieties of other colors are called sapphires. Gem-quality ruby is transparent but don’t let that from stopping you to collect this gorgeous red stone.

The name ruby traces its origin to Latin word rubeus which means ‘red.’ The word later became rubinus in Medieval Latin and subsequently rubi in Old French, before getting adopted as ruby in English.

As a gemstone with ancient history, ruby has meant different things to different people. But most commonly, ruby is a symbol of good fortune, wisdom, and health. Perhaps because of its signature red color, ruby is believed to have strong healing power. While ruby isn’t as hard as diamond, it is the hardest colored stone. For this reason, some believe that ruby can protect its owner from harm and illness.

Ruby is also said to be the stone of love and passion. Ruby’s red hue makes it one of the best gemstones that represent romance. Maybe that’s one of the factors why ruby is a popular engagement ring gem.

2. Onyx

Above: Cross section of an onyx stone showing a beautiful “eye” pattern. Credit:
Robert M. Lavinsky @ Wikimedia

Onyx is a traditional July birthstone. Known as the black gemstone, onyx is a close sibling of agate. Both onyx and agate are banded varieties of chalcedony. Onyx’s banding is said to be parallel. A signature look of onyx is that of a black stone with white bands. However, the bands’ intensity and pattern can vary greatly depends on the formation of individual rocks and the cutting of the gemstones. The red variety of onyx is called sardonyx.

The July stone Onyx symbolizes strength, boldness, balance, and self-confidence. It represents the strength of the mind, making it an ideal stone for those who are (1) always looking for a challenge, and (2) in need of a confidence boost.

The black gemstone cleanses the body of negative energy after a long day at work and boosts one’s energy to face the next day with renewed vigor. Onyx is believed to bring a sense of fulfillment in work and life, making it an appropriate gift for anyone who is building a career or business.

As a semi-precious stone, onyx that is not gem-quality is sometimes made into flower vase and tableware.

3. Turquoise

Above: Turquoise from Nishapur, Iran. Credit: Sonia Sevilla @ Wikimedia

Turquoise is a spiritual July birthstone. It is a precious stone known for its unique colors that are in shades of blue-to-green. While ruby was named after the color red in Latin, turquoise took a different direction—a teal-like color is named after it.

Etymologically, turquoise was derived from French word turquois which means “Turkish” because the gemstone was brought to Europe from Persia through Turkey.

Turquoise symbolizes peace, happiness, calmness, and fluidity. Because of its color, the gemstone is believed to have an affinity to water and air. This means turquoise is connected to steady movement, flow, and progress. Naturally, this makes turquoise a powerful gemstone in one’s Feng Shui toolbox.

The July gem Turquoise is believed to be a stone of good luck and a protector stone that dispels negative energy. It is also said to bring peace, happiness, and health to its owner. Turquoise is commonly used for jewelry making: rings, earrings, necklaces, etc. Turquoise has been used by civilizations for thousands of years for its color, durability, and beauty.

It is reported that the ancient Egyptians used turquoise to treat ailments such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Some believe this stone can change color with mood or health. While the connection hasn’t been proved, it is true that turquoise can change color. This is because it is a porous stone and its composition which contains metals such as aluminum, copper, and iron—elements that could change color through oxidation and chemical reaction when exposed to other substances.

In conclusion, the tradition of birthstones have a rich history behind them and they can be much more than just gems for jewelry. These gemstones are the perfect gift for your and your loved ones in the month of their birth.

Birthstones by Month

January Birthstones | February Birthstones | March Birthstones | April Birthstones | May Birthstones | June Birthstones | July Birthstones | August Birthstones | September Birthstones | October Birthstones|  November Birthstones | December Birthstones

Birthstones by Zodiac Sign

Aries Stones | Taurus Stones | Gemini Stones | Cancer Stones | Leo Stones | Virgo Stones | Libra Stones | Scorpio Stones | Sagittarius Stones | Capricorn Stones | Aquarius Stones | Pisces Stones

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