Gemstone Guide
Learn More About Birthstones and Gemstones
A gorgeously cut gemstone adds sparkle and color to any look. At Miner’s North, we offer a range of vibrant gemstone pieces that range from traditional to modern and elegant to elaborate. Simply put, there’s a stone for every style. Our wide selection includes birthstones and other precious gemstones.
Birthstones are a subset of gemstones that correspond with each month of the year. Beautiful birthstone jewelry can make a wonderful gift for your loved one for birthdays or any occasion.
Use our gemstone guide to learn more about birthstones and gemstones by clicking on each stone below.
January Birthstone - Garnet
Garnet comes from the Latin word granatus, meaning “grain.” Garnet is mostly mined in Southeast Asia, Brazil and Africa. Occurring in every color except blue, garnet is a versatile stone, appropriate for a multitude of applications and occasions.
February Birthstone - Amethyst
Amethyst is a member of the quartz family, and ranges in color from light to deep purple. Its name is derived from the Greek word emthystos meaning “not drunk.” The ancient Greeks and Romans made drinking cups out of amethyst believing that it would prevent intoxication.
March Birthstone - Aquamarine
Aquamarine, from the Latin phrase aqua marina or “water of the sea,” was named because of its blue or turquoise color. In the United States, aquamarine can be found in central Colorado and Wyoming.
April Birthstone - Diamond
The word “diamond” comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning “unbreakable” or “unalterable.” Diamonds are composed of a single element, and are the purest of all the gemstones. The diamond is the ultimate symbol of love, and is said to symbolize strength and enhance relationships.
May Birthstone - Emerald
Emeralds can range in color from light to dark green. The name comes from the Greek word smaragdos meaning “green gem.” While emeralds are found in many places throughout the world, the ones from Colombia are generally considered the most valuable.
June Birthstone - Pearl
White may be the first color that comes to mind when you think of a pearl, but you can also find pearls in black, gray, blue, yellow cream, lavender and mauve. When purchasing a pearl, you want to consider the surface, luster, color and shape.
July Birthstone - Ruby
Ruby takes its name from the Latin ruber, meaning “red.” The ruby is pink-red in color and second only to the diamond in hardness. It’s counted among the four precious stones, along with sapphire, emerald and diamond.
August Birthstone - Peridot
Peridot derives its name from the Arabic faridat, which translates to “gem.” It’s one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color, green. The most valued shade is a sparkling dark olive hue.
September Birthstone - Sapphire
Sapphire is from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning “blue stone.” Although blue is the most well-known color, sapphires can encompass any color of corundum except for red, which are known as rubies.
October Birthstone - Opal
Ancient Romans believed opal to symbolize love and hope, and they named it opalus, meaning “precious stone.” A shimmering stone that can come in many different colors, 97% of the world's Opal is from Australia. Generally, black is the most valuable color.
November Birthstone - Citrine
From the latin word citrina, meaning “yellow,” citrine is a stone of manifestation, imagination and personal will. A type of quartz, it is warm, comforting and energizing. It stimulates the chakras like the sunlight of spring, to clear the mind and stir the soul.
December Birthstone - Blue Topaz
Topaz can be found in many different colors, but blue topaz is the birthstone for December. Ranging from very light blue to deep blue in color, it is a wintery-looking stone associated with clarity and inner wisdom.