Agate
+ Stone 9 – Sagittarius was symbolized by Sapphire
+ Stone 10 – Capricorn was shown with Yellow Topaz (Citrine)
+ Stone 11 – Aquarius was displayed by Beryl
+ Stone 12 – Pisces was exhibited by Jasper
The stones that have been associated with each month have changed frequently throughout the years. One reason is that the actual identification of gemstones has been haphazard and was often based on the description of the color, not the actual mineral composition of the stone. This led to confusion between gems like garnet and ruby.
Even today, historians argue over exactly what stones appeared on the breastplate, depending on which translation of the Bible is consulted. The custom of wearing birthstones eventually began to die after the mid-1500’s in Europe, but some sources indicate that the custom was revived again in Poland during the 18th century.
As the early movement of Christianity begins to spread throughout pagan lands, a transition from stones that were linked with star signs, planets, and astrological signs that were chosen for specific months began. The church worked to do away with the influence of astrology, particularly among pagan converts and began to link the stones with the 12 apostles. Sometime thereafter, a belief that all people born in a certain month became wards of a specific guardian angel arose where specific gems were assigned to each angel, adding to existing birthstone lore.
The American National Association of jewelers officially adopted the most common list of birthstones in 1912 to help with jewelry sales. This is generally the list of birthstones referred to in the US. Once people become interested in wearing birthstones again, less costly gemstones were