January’s birthstone, the garnet, is not actually a singular stone. It’s an entire mineral family! Garnets come in a wide range of colors, though they are typically seen in a deep red. They get their name from the French word for seed, as they bear a resemblance to pomegranate seeds. Garnets, like other red gems, were once associated with the concept of ‘lifeblood’ and thought to promote health.
November’s orange birthstone is aptly named. Citrine can be found in a spectrum of hues, from yellowish orange to deep amber. Citrine was once called “the merchant’s stone” because it was believed to attract prosperity. In nature, it sometimes grows together with amethyst, creating stunning orange and purple crystals known as ametrines.
Ancient Egyptians believed that tourmaline traveled to Earth via a rainbow. That would certainly explain the tourmaline's wide range of colors! This gemstone is often found in pink, green, or a mix of the two. The pink-and-green variety of tourmaline can be found in California, and is called watermelon tourmaline. Pink tourmaline is an alternate birthstone for October.
December’s birthstone is turquoise–the only gemstone with a color named after it. It is found in dry, arid climates, including the deserts of Iran and the American Southwest. Turquoise was once believed to make the wearer invincible. Some Native American tribes shared a legend that turquoise fell from the sky. Nowadays, its bright color brings us cheer year-round.
