Zodiac Gemstones
Early civilizations in both India and Babylon as far back as 3000 BC attributed rare and beautiful gemstones with magical properties. The early gem buyers sought advice from astrologers first, in hopes that they could influence the forces that were identified with the planets in their favor. There was no formal classification of gemstones, a gem was assigned each sign of the zodiac based on a color system. Color was thought to unleash the power attributed to the stone.The Indian and Babylonian systems both linked the ruling planets with their corresponding gems. Giving rise to the zodiac type system that we use today.
Josephus in his writings, proclaimed a connection between the twelve stones in the High Priest’s breastplate, the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac. It was not until the 18th century in Poland, that there is any documentation of people actually wearing birth stones or zodiac stones. People wore or carried gemstones at first, for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. These properties were then associated with characteristics of the zodiac, making them talismans for those born in the same months.
Stones in the High Priest’s Breastplate
Birth Month |
Zodiac |
Breastplate Placement |
Zodiac Gemstone | Quick Characteristics |
January (Jan 20 – Feb 18) |
Stone 11 | Beryl |
Knowledge, Humanitarian, Serious, Insightful, Duplicitous |
|
February (Feb 19 – Mar 20) |
Stone 12 | Jasper |
Fluctuation, Depth, Imagination, Reactive, Indecisive |
|
March
(Mar 21- Apr 19) |
Stone 1 | Carnelian |
Active, Demanding, Determined, Effective, Ambitious |
|
April
(Apr 20 – May 20) |
Stone 2 | Peridot |
Security, Subtle strength, Appreciation, Instruction, Patience |
|
May
(May 21 – Jun 20) |
Stone 3 | Emerald |
Communication, Indecision, Inquisitive, Intelligent, Changeable |
|
June
(Jun 21 – Jul 22) |
Stone 4 | Ruby |
Emotion, Diplomatic, Intensity, Impulsive, Selective |
|
July
(Jul 23 – Aug 22) |
Stone 5 | Lapis Lazuli |
Ruling, Warmth, Generosity, Faithful, Initiative |
|
August
(Aug 23 – Sep 22) |
Stone 6 | Onyx |
Analyzing, Practical, Reflective, Observation, Thoughtful |
|
September
(Sep 23 – Oct 22) |
Stone 7 | Sapphire |
Balance, Justice, Truth, Beauty, Perfection |
|
October
(Oct 24 – Nov 21) |
Stone 8 | Agate |
Transient, Self-Willed, Purposeful, Unyielding |
|
November
(Nov 22 – Dec 21) |
Stone 9 | Amethyst |
Philosophical, Motion, Experimentation, Optimism |
|
December
(Dec 22 – Jan 19) |
Stone 10 | Topaz |
Determination, Dominance, Perservering, Practical, Willful |