Yellow Birthstones
The color of gemstones had a high significance in ancient times. In relation to gemstones, yellow was worn by men who were keeping secrets, and by women as an indication of generosity.
Colors were very important in Christian symbolism and based on those beliefs different gems were used in the ornaments. George Kunz writes: “Yellow of a golden hue is emblematic of God’s goodness and of faith and good works.”
Based on gem color they were prescribed by the alchemists of the old times to attempt to cure specific disorders. For example, yellow crystals were in favor when a person had liver issues or had to deal with jaundice.
One of the criteria for our list is, of course, the fact that each and every of the mentioned yellow crystals belongs to a birthstone list: birthstones by zodiac, birthstones by month, or alternative birthstones lists. Another criteria, of course, is them being yellow gems!
Most of birthstone by month lists are based on biblical high priest breast plate that was set with 12 gems. Crystal #2 was called pitdah (פַּטְדָה) in Hebrew which apparently derives from a Sanskrit word pita meaning ‘yellow’. Many scholars agree that this stone was topazius or as we know it today – topaz. By the way, in ancient times topaz was considered true if it was yellow.
There are yellow birthstones that are indeed famous for being yellow. Amber is a gemstone that is not a gemstones ( a resin actually) that is still a yellow birthstone I hope I have not confused anybody. Birthstone amber was particularly popular in the Roman empire during the reign of Emperor Nero. He used the phrase ‘amber colored’ when he described his wife’s hair which prompted many fashionable ladies of the empire to attempt to chase the same hair color and popularized this gem. Another gem famous for being a yellow birthstone is citrine which is a variety of quartz.
Amber - a famous yellow birthstone
There are other birthstones that a known for other color, but many do not realize they came in yellow as well. A good example here is a sapphire that everybody knows as a blue birthstone, however so called ‘fancy’ sapphires come in beautiful yellow too! When you think about jade, you imagine a green birthstone, however jade is a yellow birthstone too because it does occur in this majestic color. Jewelry stores have an abundant choice of colorless diamonds, though this ‘girl’s best friend’ can be found in other colors including yellow. Non-colorless diamonds are VERY expensive and that’s probably why you do not see them that often.
There are stones that occur in virtually every color of the rainbow, and they can also be considered yellow birthstones. These are agate, chalcedony, beryl, rock crystal, jasper, garnet, spinel, tourmaline, and zircon. Cat’s eye can also be accepted as a yellow birthstone.
If you would like to know about yellow birthstone month please click on each highlighted gem name for more their birth rock months, stories, virtues and more. Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest!
