Birthstones for the Zodiac Signs
Western astrology is based on the Sign of the Zodiac under which a person was born. A birthstone is associated with each zodiac sign.
Advocates of astrology believe that each birthstone has its own character and abilities, analogous to the unique properties of the gem stones themselves, such as color, hardness, and crystalline structure. Such advocates believe that wearing the stone of their zodiac sign helps them to accentuate the strengths and overcome the weaknesses associated with their zodiac sign.
The 12 signs of the zodiac are:
- Aries, The Ram: March 21st - April 20th
- Taurus, The Bull: April 21st - May 21st
- Gemini, The Twins: May 22nd - June 21st
- Cancer, The Crab; June 22nd - July 22nd
- Leo, The Lion: July 23rd - August 21st
- Virgo, The Virgin: August 22nd - September 23rd
- Libra, The Scales: September 24th - October 23rd
- Scorpio, The Scorpion: October 24th - November 22nd
- Sagittarius, The Archer: November 23rd - December 22nd
- Capricorn, The Goat: December 23rd - January 20th
- Aquarius, The Water Carrier: January 21st - February 19th
- Pisces, The Fishes: February 20th - March 20th
Western astrology also associates other gem stones with some of the signs of the zodiac; these are also shown below for completeness.
Chinese Astrology and Birthstones
Chinese astrology associates birthstones with the animals used as the Chinese signs of the zodiac.
Aries: Bloodstones
Bloodstone is the birthstone for people born under the Aries zodiac sign. Bloodstones are a green variety of chalcedony, that is cryptocrystalline quartz, that contain red speckles. Bloodstones are associated with rebuilding inner strength, determination, self esteem, and spiritual tenacity.
Other gem stones associated with Aries are diamonds and rubies.
Taurus: Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone for people born under the Taurus zodiac sign. Sapphires are most commonly blue, but also occur in a number of different colors. Sapphires are associated with communication skills, mental discipline, and personal organization.
Other gem stones associated with Taurus are emeralds and diamonds.
Gemini: Agate
Agate is the birthstone for people born under the Gemini zodiac sign. Agates are a banded variety of chalcedony, that is cryptocrystalline quartz, often with translucent bands. Green Moss Agate is associated with Mother Gaia, Fire Agates are associated with protection, and Blue Lace Agate is associated with strength.
Other gem stones associated with Gemini are alexandrite and amethyst.
Cancer: Emerald
Emerald is the birthstone for people born under the Cancer zodiac sign. Emeralds are the green variety of the mineral Beryl. Emeralds are associated with patience, loving, understanding, foresight, and with love and respect for all living things.
Other gem stones associated with Cancer are pearls, rubies, and moonstones.
Leo: Onyx
Onyx is the birthstone for people born under the Leo zodiac sign. Onyx is a black or white variety of chalcedony, which is cryptocrystalline quartz, usually with alternating bands. Onyx are associated with relaxation, comfort, being connected to Mother Gaia, and strength after illness or at difficult times.
Other gem stones associated with Leo are rubies, peridot, jade, sardonyx, and diamonds.
Virgo: Carnelian
Carnelian is the birthstone for people born under the Virgo zodiac sign. Carnelians is a partially translucent orange variety of chalcedony, that is cryptocrystalline quartz, whose color varies from near yellow to near red. Carnelians are associated with luck, safety, motivation, and the confidence and courage to change direction in life.
Other gem stones associated with Virgo are jade, jasper, moss agate, and blue sapphires.
Libra: Peridot
Peridot is the birthstone for people born under the Libra zodiac sign. Peridot is a lime green variety of olivine, which is a mixture of the minerals fayalite and forsterite. Peridot are associated with prosperity, happiness, fame, dignity, protection, and success.
Other gem stones associated with Libra are lapis lazuli, sapphires, and opals.
Scorpio: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the birthstone for people born under the Scorpio zodiac sign. Aquamarine is the blue-green variety of the mineral Beryl. Aquamarines are associated with courage, beauty, honesty, loyalty, happiness, and with releasing old emotional issues or anger.
Other gem stones associated with Scorpio are emeralds, golden topaz, and rubies.
Sagittarius: Topaz
Topaz is the birthstone for people born under the Sagittarius zodiac sign. Topaz may be colorless, yellow, orange, red, blue, or green. Topaz are associated with strength, wisdom, courage, and clear communication, particularly when speaking.
Other gem stones associated with Sagittarius are turquoise, lapis lazuli, and onyx.
Capricorn: Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone for people born under the Capricorn zodiac sign, although garnets are also closely associated with Capricorn. Rubies are the red variety of the mineral corundum, which is the second hardest natural mineral, second only to diamond. Rubies are associated with love, success, integrity, and passion.
Other gem stones associated with Capricorn are agate, garnet, and black onyx.
Aquarius: Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for people born under the Aquarius zodiac sign. Garnets are normally red in color, although they exist in other colors. Garnets are associated with strength, perseverance, prosperity, and health, and with a healthy connection to the Earth.
Other gem stones associated with Aquarius are amethyst, moss agate, and opals.
Pisces: Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for people born under the Pisces zodiac sign. Amethysts are purple in color, coming in a wide variety of shades. Amethysts are associated with spirituality, wisdom, sobriety, and security.
Other gem stones associated with Pisces are aquamarine, bloodstone, jade, and sapphires.
Birthstone Jewelry
Many people wear jewelry made from their birthstone believing it will bestow them with the powers of that gem stone. For example, people born under Scorpio might wear an aquamarine ring, or people born under Capricorn might wear a ruby brooch.
Birthstone Gifts
In more recent times, it has become a common practice to buy gifts for your loved ones that are made from their birthstones. For example, people might buy an emerald ring for someone born under Cancer, or a sapphire ring for someone born under Taurus.
Western Astrological Horoscope for 2012
Western astrology makes forecasts for each New Year in general, and for people belonging to each sign in more detail. Read the Horoscope for 2012.
Compatibility of Zodiac Signs
Western astrology holds that the character traits for each sign of the zodiac determine if two people are compatible. People who trust in astrology often consider the compatibility of their signs before committing to a romantic relationship or to a business relationship.
Sources:
Mark Tibbits - A professional writer and educator who writes about Astrology, South Asia/China, the UK, the British Royal Family, and Religion.
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