While there is a single birthstone commonly associated with the month of one’s birth, there are also gemstones assigned to the day a person is born. Each day of the week is assigned at least two semiprecious or precious stones; The stones are considered items that can draw luck to the person who wears or carries them. There are also talismanic stones assigned to each day of the week; These stones are believed to be particularly powerful for the individual born on the specific days to which the stones are assigned.
If a practitioner does not know the weekday he or she was born on, Onlineconversion.com offers a converter tool that can be used to find out the weekday associated with a date of birth.
The origin of birthstone associations
In “Diamonds and Precious Stones: A Popular Account of Gems,” Louis Dieulafait explains that astrological mineralogy originates in Chaldea and that the Chaldeans used precious and semiprecious stones as amulets; Chaldean astronomers categorized more than 300 stones according to the zodiac. Later, one stone was consecrated and assigned to each calendar month. The practice of assigning a stone to each of the zodiac is sometimes attributed to the use of stones in the breastplate of the Aaron the Priest; The stones not only represented each month, but the twelve tribes of Israel; Dieulafait also writes:
“An amulet was made of these twelve sacred stones; So that as the constellations successfully appeared above the horizon, the corresponding gem might always be on hand, to convey to the possessor the benign influences they were then supposed to bestow.”
According to Merriam-Webster, the first use of the word birthstone occurred in 1907: Prior to this the stones were referred to as natal stones. It was not until the 20th century that the list of appropriate birth gems for every month, which consisted of precious and semi-precious stones, had synthetic stones added in order to provide people with more affordable options.
In “The Curious Lore of Precious Stones,” George Fredrick Kunz shares a list of gems appropriate for each day of the week. Along with zodiac stones, Kunz also shares information about talismanic stones; Zodiac and talismanic stones help to protect the wearer and bring good fortune. The stone associations offered here are derived from the correspondences provided by Kunz; After the stone assignments are explored, a brief breakdown of each stone and its magickal properties is provided.
Sunday
Sunday zodiac stones are the diamond or topaz. The talismanic stone for Sunday is the pearl. In ancient Rome, the diamond is also associated with Sunday and the deity assigned to this day is Sol Invictus, meaning “Unconquered Sun.”
Monday
Monday zodiac stones are pearl or crystal; The talismanic stone is the emerald. This day is associated with the moon goddess Diana and the Romans assigned the moonstone to this day.
Tuesday
Tuesday zodiac stones include the ruby or emerald; The talismanic stone for this day is the topaz. The deity associated with Tuesday is Mars, the Roman god of war; in ancient Rome, the jasper was the stone for Tuesday.
Wednesday
Wednesday zodiac stones are the lodestone or the amethyst. The talismanic stone for this day is turquoise. Mercury, the god of communication, travel, trade and commerce, is associated with Wednesday; In ancient Rome, the stone associated with this day was crystal.
Thursday
Thursday birthstones are the carnelian or sapphire. The talismanic stone is also the sapphire and Jupiter or Jove, the chief Roman god rules this day. The Romans assigned the carnelian to this day.
Friday
Friday birthstones are the cat’s eye or emerald. The talismanic stone for the day is the ruby. The Romans also assigned the emerald to Friday: A day ruled by the Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
Saturday
Saturday birthstones are the turquoise or diamond. The talismanic stone is the amethyst. The Romans also assigned the turquoise stone to this day and Saturn, the Roman god of time, harvest, argriculture and liberation, rules Saturday.
Amethyst
Those who are dealing with addictions of any kind use amethyst stones. This stone is associated with the crown chakra and this quartz stone is appropriately used for establishing emotional balance, peace and tranquility. Amethysts are good for the purposes of meditation. The stone is worn for protective purposes and some people use it to perform spiritual cleansings of the aura or physical space.
Carnelian
Carnelian is associated with the root chakra; The stone helps in elevating one’s self-confidence and spirit. The stone can be used to calm aggressive emotions, to still the mind and to diminish negativity. The stone also draws success and good luck to the wearer; Kunz explains that people used carnelian to help individuals conquer fears associated with public speaking.
Cat’s Eye
Cat’s eye are stones that are used in issues where balance is sought; This stone is said to improve self-confidence and its commonly used when dealing with eye conditions. Due to its eye-like properties, cat’s eye stones are said to help in gaining insight into any situation.
Diamond
Interestingly, diamonds are usually the gemstone for the month of April, despite being assigned the seasonal association of winter. According to Witchpedia.com, the stone was at one time considered protection against phobias, poisons and insanity; The diamond is associated with harmony, constancy, stability, peace, reconciliation, protection and the stone can intensify the properties of other stones, especially if used in healing applications.
Emerald
Emeralds are associated with the spring and the month of May; The stone is the same color as the heart chakra so it is a good stone when dealing with physical/emotional issues related to the heart. The stone has magickal correspondences linked to memory, faith, clairvoyance, cleansing, truth, success and abundance.
Jasper
Jasper is a red, yellow, green or reddish-brown stone that can be worn for the purposes of protection; Kunz writes that the stone was believed to have the ability to banish evil spirits. Since the stone is available in so many colors, its magickal applications are myriad. Jasper is good for promoting positivity and balance.
Lodestone
Lodestones are associated with success, fidelity, loyalty, friendships, will power and strength. The stones are attractants due to their magnetic properties; These stones are suitable for those seeking balance, harmony, vitality, energy and resistance to illness or stressful conditions.
Moonstone
Moonstones have an opal-like appearance; These stones has feminine energies and are associated with psychic abilities, protection, the mysteries and divination. Kunz asserts that the moonstone has “a moving light”; In the East, it was believed that the stone had “a living spirit” and that it brings good fortune to those that wear it.
Pearl
The pearl is traditionally the birthstone for those who are born in the month of June; Pearls represents purity, virtue, devotion, integrity, fidelity, loyalty and chastity. According to Birthdaygems.com, the pearl has healing properties; The pearl is worn or carried to help deal with ulcers, intestinal issues and conditions affecting the spleen or heart.
Rock crystal
Rock crystal is another name for colorless, clear quartz; This stone can amplify the intensity of other stones. It is a stone ideal for those seeking to establish balance, harmony, clarity, protection and positivity.
Ruby
Rubies are ideal associations with the god Mars as well as the planet since they are richly red in color; These stones are commonly associated with the month of July and the root chakra. The magickal properties of rubies include passion, love, strength, vitality and the stone is believed to help in clearing toxins from the blood. Kunz explains that light colored rubies have feminine energies while the darker variants have masculine energies.
Topaz
The topaz is usually the stone associated with the month of November; This stone symbolizes companionship, faithfulness, devotion, fidelity and strength. Topaz can be carried or worn to promote relaxation, healing and spiritual growth. Topaz is thought to alleviate stress and bring good fortune to the wearer. The stone is associated with the throat chakra.
Turquoise
Turquoise is associated with the throat chakra, particularly when it is of the blue variety; This stone can be used for the purposes of conquering phobias and to achieve a harmonious state of mind. The stone is used for balance, inspiration, creativity and for physical strength.
Sapphire
The blue sapphire is associated with the throat chakra. Sapphires correspond to the season of autumn. Sapphires are therefore ideal stones for endeavors involving speaking, communication and expression. The stone is ideal when working with psychic abilities and it is worn to make the wearer prosperous. Kunz explains that the sapphire was believed to have “the ability to influence spirits” and that it was believed that all witches love the stone because of this particular influence.
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