What Is the Color of the October Birthstone

November 25, 2021

15 Facts About Birthstones

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Each person has a birthstone that correlates with the month in which he or she was born. Learn how these fascinating stones were assigned to each month and why.

History of Birthstones

Birthstones are likely a biblical reference to Moses' brother, Aaron, who wore a breastplate with several colorful gems. Through the years, the stones were connected to the 12 signs of the zodiac and eventually became popular enough in the early 1900s to become a household phenomenon.

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Color Theory

The colors of birthstones have specific meanings relating to their corresponding birth months. It was popular to wear your birthstone during your birth month to heighten its powers. For example, May's birthstone, emerald, is said to bring wisdom.

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The Zodiac and Birthstones

Birthstones vary depending on your zodiac sign and birthdate. Certain gemstones were first assigned to their zodiac counterparts, but were later specified to birth months. Your birthstone for March may be aquamarine, but Pisces and Aries stones are both different than the month.

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January

January's birthstone is garnet. This deep red stone symbolizes trust. This stone was thought to keep the wearer safe from harm when traveling.

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February

February's birthstone is amethyst. This sparkling, purple cluster symbolizes royalty. It was said that this gem aided in strengthening bonds and increasing psychic activity.

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March

March's birthstone is aquamarine. This light blue gem symbolizes purity and protection. Sailors often wore it to protect against the ruthlessness of the sea.

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April

April's birthstone is diamond. This popular stone is one of the most famous. It symbolizes love and courage and often appears in engagement rings and other jewelry.

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May

May's birthstone is emerald. This gem is rare, green form of beryl. Emerald symbolizes intelligence and joy. It's a popular gem used in royal crowns and jewelry.

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June

June's birthstone is pearl. Pearls symbolize purity and youth. Queen Elizabeth I frequently wore them to express her purity as the Virgin Queen.

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July

July's birthstone is ruby. This deep red stone symbolizes passion and good health. Many believed this gemstone deterred evil spirits from attaching themselves to the wearer.

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August

August's birthstone is peridot. This light green gem erupts from the earth in volcanoes. It symbolizes healing and strength. Peridot is often worn for healing and for protection against bad dreams.

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September

September's birthstone is sapphire. This lovely blue mineral symbolizes wisdom. Some kings and high priests wore sapphire to protect themselves against harm or poisoning.

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October

October's birthstone is opal. Opal's non-traditional patterns and colors symbolize confidence. This precious stone is thought to keep its wearer safe from harm.

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November

November's birthstone is topaz. This prized stone symbolizes affection. Often mistaken for citrine, topaz is a warm, dusty orange-hued gem that, according to superstition, gives the wearer strength.