Each calendar month in the year is matched to a particular gemstone. These are called birthstones and your birthstone is determined by the date you were born. The birthstones for the year from January to December are as follows; Garnet, Amethyst, Aquamarine/Bloodstone, Diamond, Emerald, pearl/Moonstone/Alexandrite, Ruby, Peridot/Sardonyx, Sapphire, Opal/Pink Tourmaline, Citrine/Yellow Topaz and finally Blue Topaz/Turquoise.

Each individual birthstone and its alternate have distinct colour s and properties. For example, the birthstone for October is the Opal. This stone derives its name from the Latin word "opalus" meaning precious jewel. The opal has a unique ability to refract and reflect different light waves making it shimmer. The alternate birthstone for this month is Pink Tourmaline
and it is said to possess magical properties. This is because when this stone is heated it possesses a static electric charge making it capable of attracting lightweight objects to it!

Unlike the opal the June birthstone, Pearl is not mined but created by shellfish. This is achieved when a parasite is introduced into the shellfish. The shellfish then builds a protective coating around the intruder and hence a pearl is born. Natural Pearls are rare these days and cultured pearls cater for 90% of the pearl market. These pearls are made in the same method as natural pearls, the process has just been helped along the way by the introduction of a parasite into the shell.

Birthstones like people all have their own attributes and properties. Wearing the gemstone associated with your birth date is commonly though to bring good luck or health.