Birthstone Traits: Ruby, Peridot, Sapphire

July, August, and September Birthstone Traits

Birthstones for July, August, and September are ruby, peridot, and sapphire respectively. These vibrant stones, in their array of reds, greens, and blues, can create gorgeous jewelry—especially when combined—as well as contribute to various forms of healing. Read on to learn more about these unique gems.

Ruby

It’s a stone for powerful feelings; rubies are connected to love and passion, as well as enthusiasm for life itself. A powerful stone, it’s commonly associated with the sun. A ruby’s rich red color can vary from light to dark, and some truly special rubies can even appear to have a symmetrical five-pointed star within them.

Rubies have a rich history, appearing in a number of ancient cultures, from India to China, and they are mentioned frequently in the Bible. Ruby lore maintains that the precious stones grew on trees like fruit, beginning as white gems and then ripening to red. Once they were dark enough, they were ready to be picked.

Rubies are protectors of sound mind, making it a stone of leadership. Rubies are thought to improve mental health, spark motivation, and aid in goal setting. They’re also associated with strong leaders.

They encourage energy and balance, stimulating the heart chakra, detoxifying the body, and blood. They have been used throughout history to treat fevers, help the circulatory system, and stimulate various organs, including the kidneys and the spleen.

Peridot

Peridot derives from the French “peritot,” which means gold, so it might be surprising that many peridots are green in color. The gem can range in color from green hues to yellow and, naturally, gold.

Known as the stone of light, the ancient Egyptians associated peridot with the sun. Some historians even believe that the famous emerald collection of Cleopatra was really made up of peridots. Today, the peridot is the national gem of Egypt.

Peridots are found in volcanoes and volcanic matter, forming deep within the Earth’s crust. In Hawaiian lore, peridots were once believed to be the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. This may have contributed to the stone’s reputation as a gem of strength.

Peridots are said to inspire peace, cheerfulness and security. The gem is also thought to counter the effects of negative emotions and soothe a nervous temperament. By helping with emotional release, this stone helps restore lightness and balance.

Sapphire

Rubies and sapphires come from the same mineral, called corundum. When corundum is red, it creates a ruby, and when it’s blue, it’s a sapphire. (Emerald rounds out this pairing to make it a trio of similar stones with different hues.) The word “sapphire” is derived from the Latin word “sapphirus” and the Sanskrit word “sanipryam,”, both meaning “blue stone.”

Sapphires were considered heavenly in ancient and medieval times, inspiring hope and faith from above. The stone was thought to provide not only spiritual insight, but protection as well. In the Bible, it’s thought that the commandments were inscribed upon stones made from sapphire. Hindus, Buddhists, and ancient Greek mythologists also incorporated sapphire into their faiths.

Sapphires are thought to enhance mental clarity and intuition, making them an ideal gem from inner and spiritual growth. Used for focusing the mind, gaining clarity and releasing mental tension, the stone helps restore peace and balance.

The sapphire also symbolizes wisdom, virtue, faithfulness, and sincerity. It’s often used with diamonds (or by itself) in engagement rings. The most iconic example of this is likely Princess Diana of Wales’ famous bauble, which is now worn by Kate Middleton.