Symbolizes friendship + trust. Deep red.

Traditional birthstone list (codified 1912 American Gem Society, public domain modern adaptations)

Calm, sobriety, courage. Ancient Greek talisman against intoxication.

Traditional birthstone list (codified 1912 American Gem Society, public domain modern adaptations)

Sea-blue. Sailor's amulet for safe passage.

Traditional birthstone list (codified 1912 American Gem Society, public domain modern adaptations)

Eternal love + strength. Hardest natural substance.

Traditional birthstone list (codified 1912 American Gem Society, public domain modern adaptations)

Rebirth + fertility. Cleopatra's favorite gem.

Traditional birthstone list (codified 1912 American Gem Society, public domain modern adaptations)

Purity + new beginnings. Organic — the only birthstone made by a living creature.

Traditional birthstone list (codified 1912 American Gem Society, public domain modern adaptations)

Passion + protection. Burmese warriors embedded them under their skin for invincibility.

Traditional birthstone list (codified 1912 American Gem Society, public domain modern adaptations)

Strength + healing. Worn by ancient Egyptians as "the gem of the sun."

Traditional birthstone list (codified 1912 American Gem Society, public domain modern adaptations)

Wisdom + royalty. Clerics wore them to symbolize the heavens.

Traditional birthstone list (codified 1912 American Gem Society, public domain modern adaptations)

Hope + creativity. Pliny called it "fiery flame, the softness of amethyst, the deep sea's blue."

Traditional birthstone list (codified 1912 American Gem Society, public domain modern adaptations)

Honesty + faithfulness. Believed to cool hot tempers.

Traditional birthstone list (codified 1912 American Gem Society, public domain modern adaptations)

Success + good fortune. Sacred to Apache + Navajo cultures.

Traditional birthstone list (codified 1912 American Gem Society, public domain modern adaptations)