What You Don’t Know About September Birthstones

Different resources will have their own source of information about what different birthstones mean for each month and what they say about a person. However, what makes them more valuable is the cultural history and global significance to different areas of the world. The idea to wear birthstones did not occur until around the 15th and 16th centuries in Poland with the traditional birthstones.

People may know what their modern birthstone is such as a Sapphire for September, but these days they may be unaware of what other gemstones their birth month is associated with including what is considered their traditional birthstone. The more you know behind the history of a birthstone for each month, the more you realize just how unique they are for each culture throughout the world.

Just How Many Birthstones Are There for Each Month?

Actually, quite a few are associated with each month. Each month has several birthstones that go way back besides the modern birthstone. The most common birthstones include the mystical, Ayurveda or Indian, and as mentioned the traditional birthstones.

Why should you care? Shouldn’t a Sapphire always be purchased for September? Well if you were born during this month or know someone who was, these specific stones tell you a bit more about the birth month. If you are shopping for someone for a September birthstone, you can vary which stones you buy and why that stone specifically.

The modern birthstone for this month, Sapphire, is beautiful and was widely sought after and worn by royalty and as a symbol of wisdom and purity during the Renaissance era. However, before selecting a birthstone to purchase for yourself or give to someone, consider the other stones you don’t already know about.

Ayurveda (Indian) September Birthstone: Moonstone

A moonstone is a feldspar gem that has been regarded as sacred in India because from past tradition, it is believed to be connected to the moon. To the Indian culture, it is also symbolized as the Third Eye because of the connection between the Earth and the moon.  For this particular birthstone within the Indian culture, Arurvedic medicine considers a moonstone to be a clear connection to the moon’s gravitational force with the body’s magnetic field on Earth.

Besides the Indian culture and Arurvedic medicine, this gem has been widely used by the Romans and in Venice during the Renaissance era and since has been very popular in different jewelry designs.

Mystical September Birthstone: Agate

Agate is the mystical birthstone which was selected for the month of September over a thousand years ago in Tibet. Like the Sapphire, an agate can come in a variety of different colors from bright shades of blue, green, pink, yellow to deep brown and black.

Tibetans used agate stone to create Dzi beads which literally translate to “heaven pearls” and can have different cultural meanings depending on the number of “eyes,” whether it is banded or striped, or other symbols. The higher the number of “eyes” on the bead, the more purpose and strength it is supposed to give to a person.

Besides being used by Tibetans, this stone has been used as early has 20,000-16,000 B.C. in France when it was found with the remains of a Stone Age man, Egypt before 30,000 B.C, as well as from other early civilizations found in Greece.

Traditional September Birthstone: Chrysolite

Chrysolite, or also known as Peridot, is considered the traditional birthstone for September which is thought to have been mined for over 3,500 years. Traditional birthstones can be traced back to the 15^th century, and Chrysolite’s history includes possibly being the gemstone of choice that was worn by Cleopatra.

Chrysolite/Peridot is green in color and one of the few gemstones that can only be found as this singular color compared to the Sapphire which is not only blue but yellow, pink, and shades of red (rubies) as well. This gemstone can be found throughout the world in Pakistan, China, and traditionally Burma but USA is a major producer of it as well; especially Arizona.

Modern September Birthstone: Sapphire

By this point you realize just how much debate there is throughout history as to what the true birthstone for September is throughout the world. Every culture will have their own tradition as to how they symbolize and use each gemstone. That is why in 1912 the (American) National Association of Jewelers met to create an official list which was further updated in 1952 and 2002 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America list the Sapphire as the modern birthstone for September.

Why Select a Birthstone?

What makes a birthstone the perfect gift for someone? Besides a gem that celebrates a person’s birth month and is something personal, it is traditional as well. It’s a meaningful gift whether it is for a newborn child, graduation, or anniversary besides just for a birthday. With September being one of the most popular months for babies to be born, many people will be purchasing Sapphires during this time.

These four different birthstones are just an example of how they can vary for each month. However, there is more to it than that. From an array of different cultures from North American, Polish, Roman and even ancient Hindu cultures. When selecting a birthstone to give or wear, no need to purchase a modern gem such as a sapphire for September. There is a lot of history and significance behind each gem for different people and cultures that make it personal for the wearer.