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A '''birthstone''' is a gemstone associated with a [[month]] in the [[Julian Calendar|calendar]], and often worn as jewelry by a person born in the associated month. Each month (January through December) has a birthstone, and some months have an "alternate" birthstone, such as [[November]] where the birthstone can be either [[Topaz]] or [[Citrine]].
Historically birthstones were based on [[astrology]], and each stone was fabled to have its own properties and characteristics, for instance, the turquoise was thought to have healing properties and bring good fortune to the wearer. Some birthstones have also been used to denote status, for instance [[Amethyst]] was once worn to symbolize royalty.
Chart of birthstones:
*[[January]] - [[Garnet]]
*[[February]] - [[Amethyst]]
*[[March]] - [[Aquamarine]]
*[[April]] - [[Diamond]]
*[[May]] - [[Emerald]]
*[[June]] - [[Pearl]], [[Alexandrite]]
*[[July]] - [[Ruby]]
*[[August]] - [[Peridot]]
*[[September]] - [[Sapphire]]
*[[October]] - [[Opal]]
*[[November]] - [[Topaz]], [[Citrine]]
*[[December]] - [[Turquoise]]
==References==
* http://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones.htm?gclid=CLu6o5CW-pACFRsTawodHiK31Q - American Gem Society List of Birthstones
[[Category: Birthstones]]
[[Category: Gems]]