Red Birthstones
Red, as one of the most popular monthly birthstone colors, has long been considered as the color of love and passion, life and courage, eternal flame you cannot get your eyes away from. Red can also be accepted as one of the most popular birthstone colors throughout times.
What birthstone is red? There are 14 of them! Most birthstones by month lists are based on the gems of biblical Aaron’s breastplate. The 4th stone of the breastplate called ‘nophek’ was said to be of the most brilliant red color that could be displayed by either birthstone ruby or a fine almandine garnet.
To be considered a ruby in the US the corundum gemstone should be of a certain red color range. If the gemstone does not fall within these color boundaries, then it is a sapphire. So we can say that sapphire is another red birthstone!
Red birthstone beryl is called bixbit and is super rare and expensive. The same can be said about red diamond, which is arguably the most rare birthstone of all with only a handful of specimens known, and the most famous called Mikaleff diamond.
Birthstone jade is known for its green color, however it also exists in red. Centuries before the Christian times, jade had a meaning of the nine accomplishments which are Charity, Goodness, Virtue, Knowledge, Skill, Morality, Divination, Rectitude, and Harmony.
Agate, chalcedony, crystal, and jasper exist in any possible color and therefore can be considered red birthstones. The are semi-precious stones providing affordable options, and can look stunning in jewelry sets.
In ancient China precious gemstones were ranked based on religious and ceremonial considerations. Red or pink tourmaline was considered the gem of the 1st rank.
Golden pendant set with rubies
Sardonyx is a red variety of birthstone onyx. It is notable for its red and white bands, and was a very popular gem of antiquity. Can we consider sardonyx a red birthstone? I think we can.
Topaz is mostly known to jewelry admirers as a blue birthstone, however it does occur in other colors including red.
The last red birthstone in our list is also the most recent addition to the family of birthstones. This gem is often referred to as ‘the great impostor’ because it was considered to be ruby up until the late 18th century when a French mineralogists performed a serious of tests and proved that birthstone spinel and ruby were two different gems.
As a summary here is the list of all red birthstones: garnet, ruby, sapphire, beryl, jade, diamond, agate, chalcedony, crystal, jasper, tourmaline, sardonyx, topaz, spinel. Which one is your favorite?
