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Gemstone Meanings: 25 Symbolic Gemstones and Their Meanings

Gemstone Meanings

Gemstones have long been associated with various symbolic meanings. This guide covers the meanings and symbolic attributes of 25 popular gemstones. 

Gemstone Symbolism

Gemstone symbolism refers to the associations between certain gemstones and specific concepts like luck, love, healing, and strength. Many people choose gemstones based on these symbolic meanings to guide their purchases or for personal reasons. 

Gemstone Meanings

Gemstone Meanings

1. Alexandrite Gemstone Meaning

Alexandrite gemstones are known for their color-changing ability. Alexandrite symbolizes adaptability and confidence. Learn more in our Alexandrite Guide.

2. Amethyst Gemstone Meaning

Amethyst gemstones are linked to clarity and peace. Amethyst is thought to reduce stress and promote a calm state of mind. 

3. Aquamarine Gemstone Meaning

Aquamarine gemstones symbolize tranquility and harmony. Aquarmarine is believed to enhance communication and calm emotions. Learn more in our Aquamarine Guide.

4. Bloodstone Gemstone Meaning

Bloodstone represents strength and courage. It has been used historically to increase physical endurance. 

Gemstone Meanings

5. Citrine Gemstone Meaning

Citrine gemstones are associated with success and positivity. Citrine is often called the “Merchant’s Stone” for its link to financial success. 

6. Diamond Gemstone Meaning

Diamond represents strength, purity, and eternal love. It is a popular symbol of commitment and resilience. Learn more in our Diamond Guide.

7. Emerald Gemstone Meaning

Emerald gemstones symbolize growth and renewal. Emerald is also linked with wisdom and balance in relationships. Learn more in our Emerald Guide.

8. Garnet Gemstone Meaning

Garnet gemstones are associated with energy, passion, and creativity. Garnet is thought to boost confidence and personal strength. Learn more in our Garnet Guide.

9. Moissanite Gemstone Meaning

Moissanite gemstones symbolize inner strength and resilience. Moissanite is an alternative to diamonds and known for its brilliance. Learn more in our Moissanite Guide.

10. Morganite Gemstone Meaning

Morganite gemstones are a symbol of love and emotional healing. Morganite is believed to promote peace and compassion. 

Gemstone Meanings

11. Onyx Gemstone Meaning

Onyx is associated with strength, protection, and focus. It is believed to enhance self-discipline and provide emotional stability during difficult times.  

12. Opal Gemstone Meaning

Opal is linked to creativity and inspiration. It is thought to help balance emotions and protect against negativity. 

13. Pearl Gemstone Meaning

Pearl represents purity and wisdom. It is often linked with integrity and calmness, making it a popular choice for bridal jewelry. Learn more in our Pearl Guide.

14. Peridot Gemstone Meaning

Peridot gemstones symbolize protection and prosperity. Peridot is believed to help repel negative energy and encourage growth. 

15. Prasiolite Gemstone Meaning

Prasiolite is associated with transformation and healing. It symbolizes personal growth and creativity. 

16. Ruby Gemstone Meaning

Ruby gemstones represent love, passion, and courage. Ruby is thought to inspire confidence and vitality in relationships. 

Gemstone Meanings

17. Sapphire Gemstone Meaning

Sapphire gemstones symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and truth. Sapphire is often associated with mental clarity and spiritual insight. Learn more in our Sapphire Guide

18. Sardonyx Gemstone Meaning

Sardonyx is linked with strength and protection. It is believed to promote clear communication and happiness. 

19. Spinel Gemstone Meaning

Spinel gemstones symbolize resilience and healing. Spinel is thought to help in overcoming challenges and promoting recovery. 

20. Sunstone Gemstone Meaning

Sunstone represents joy, optimism, and vitality. It is believed to boost self-confidence and positivity. 

21. Tanzanite Gemstone Meaning

Tanzanite gemstones symbolize transformation and spiritual awakening. Tanzanite is often associated with intuition and personal growth. 

22. Topaz Gemstone Meaning

Topaz gemstones are linked with strength and protection. Topaz is thought to provide mental clarity and help with decision-making. Learn more in our Topaz Guide

Gemstone Meanings

23. Tourmaline Gemstone Meaning

Tourmaline gemstones symbolize protection and emotional balance. Tourmaline is believed to shield against negative energy and promote inner calm. 

24. Turquoise Gemstone Meaning

Turquoise is associated with healing and protection. It is thought to provide emotional stability and peace of mind. 

25. Zircon Gemstone Meaning

Zircon symbolizes clarity and wisdom. It is often believed to boost self-confidence and promote clear thinking. 

Interested in learning more about gemstones? Check out our birthstone guidesJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

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Comments (120)

Sara Says:
July 26th, 2019 at 10:57 am

I have always loved Sapphires and Amethyst, wear them a lot. The rich color of the Sapphire speaks to my soul!!!

BENGTIONG YO Says:
July 4th, 2019 at 12:17 pm

GEMSTONES ARE BEAUTIFUL WHICH HAVE FULL POWER TO PROTECT AND GIVE LOVE TO PEOPLE

mary angrove Says:
June 8th, 2019 at 8:13 am

love emeralds

Vicky Legaspi Says:
June 1st, 2019 at 9:38 am

I love all the Gems presented. It caught my attention and interest to know the meaning of each Gem. On our 40th Wedding Anniv., my Hubby bought me a ring which the store owner said that because we are celebrating 40 years, he recommended to my Hubby, to get a Ruby ring. And fortunately that time there’s only one available Ruby Ring in his store which precisely my exact size for my right ringfinger. I love the beautiful and awesome style/setting of the ring and I was overwhelmed when my Hubby surprised me with it that I do gave him a surprise reward in return!
PS (Re: my reward, that’s between me and him…Lol!)

Melissa Bien-Aime Says:
May 10th, 2019 at 7:14 pm

Wow wonderful

robin pittis Says:
March 26th, 2019 at 4:04 am

love it

Paula Says:
March 20th, 2019 at 9:01 pm

Yes I do I wear Turquoise all the time gotten at a flea market in AZ. And I wear crystal some one gifted me.

Lisa Carriere Says:
March 18th, 2019 at 9:10 pm

Love all stone, but my favorite is the Emerald.

Candace Cowan Says:
March 7th, 2019 at 1:47 am

I want to see all of your opals I was born in October and I heard it’s bad luck for someone who was not born October to wear an opal

Lisa Harrington Says:
November 9th, 2018 at 7:40 am

I love the study of gem stones

Beverley Sprague Says:
October 19th, 2018 at 10:17 am

I was born in November which is yellow topaz but I was given an opal necklace once. I wore it as it was beautiful. I had a really horrible year. I was talking to someone about it once and we were overheard by a very nice older lady beside me. She looked right at me and told me to take the opal off! She said if it is not your birthstone it is call the sad stone. I took it off and never wore another opal again. Life’s been great!

madeline Says:
October 9th, 2018 at 11:03 am

nice

Lillian Tetreau Says:
July 31st, 2018 at 8:20 pm

NO WAY! The only good luck associated with gemstones is being lucky enough to afford them!

Gayle Daffin Says:
July 22nd, 2018 at 6:52 pm

I love my Opals, they are coloured as if on fire. They don’t seem to be as popular in North America as they are in Europe.

Mary Vos Says:
July 11th, 2018 at 4:26 pm

I would like to say that I think that this very interesting ..! And thank you for the information .

Ahmad Khan Says:
March 11th, 2018 at 3:09 am

love your webpage

Brenda Eckert Says:
February 6th, 2018 at 5:20 pm

I am a gem enthusiast! I have studied their powers, and other properties they hold too! I enjoy telling ppl what their birthstone is, and what it represents! I also make jewelry, for friends and family, which includes a bio of each stone! But, why do some months only have one birthstone, while others have several…such as June? It has 4…pearl, alexandrite, tanzanite, and moonstone aka bloodstone! Either way, this article was informative, and entertaining…good job!!

Lani Says:
January 30th, 2018 at 1:28 pm

I would say nope wear anything you like.

Jeffrey Austin Says:
January 22nd, 2018 at 4:56 pm

The topaz shown is actually a $3 blue topaz which is not a topaz at all.
Gem Topaz does come in a few colors, the most notable being the deep honey hue of Imperial Topaz which tends to be quite expensive, but blue is not one of them.

Sheri Cline Says:
January 3rd, 2018 at 2:07 am

The article was very enlightening. I am a March person so my stone is blood stone or aquamarine. I love the different hues the aquamarine come in. The most beautiful piece I ever saw was a combination aquamarine and pearls. I also collect brooches made from Sterling Silver and marcasite. I reside in central Oregon and I love all the gems that are found in our region. Thank you again for the wonderful tutorial.

Joseph Says:
January 1st, 2018 at 2:19 pm

What were the gemstones used in the high Prists breastplate in the Old Testament.

Natasha Huddleston Says:
October 27th, 2017 at 12:18 am

I’ve been interested in gems

Natasha Huddleston Says:
October 27th, 2017 at 12:17 am

I’ve always loved the emerald

Natasha Huddleston Says:
October 27th, 2017 at 12:15 am

Mine is a emerald

Ann Marie Horgan Says:
October 18th, 2017 at 2:59 am

Opal is my birthstone for the month of October. Now that’s a magical birthstone. Fascinating to look at. Almost like a kalidascope of changing colors and so many varigated varities. I could never get bored looking at an opal stone.Firey opals. Cool as snow with ever changing hues of a rainbow. Pretty as a special snowglobe in itself amazingly hipnotizing.I could go on. Fairy tales do come true when there is an opal looking back at you. Opal jewelry makes me happy instantly. I guess you could “Fall”as in this season of October for this birthstone. Always and forever.

Alley Says:
October 12th, 2017 at 8:39 am

I wear peridot because it’s my birth stone I just love the color of aquamarine it’s just so pretty

jeannine Says:
October 6th, 2017 at 9:06 am

Pretty stuff. I would like to own each piece shown here. When I was three I had a huge jewelry box stuffed with some real jewelry and some fake. I loved to play with it. I would pile on necklaces, bracelets and rings. My ears were not pierced at the time so I only had clip ons. They kind of hurt. I was glad to get my ears pierced. Every girl young or old loves jewelry

Diana Says:
October 5th, 2017 at 8:01 am

Would enjoy info on rare colored gemstones.

Jaxx Says:
October 1st, 2017 at 7:37 pm

Nice to know about using blue for wedding rings

Jaxx Says:
October 1st, 2017 at 7:32 pm

Interesting

Kathy Says:
September 30th, 2017 at 8:11 pm

Yes, I do feel gems have special meanings. I wish I could afford more!

[email protected] Says:
September 30th, 2017 at 7:27 pm

Needed coins

[email protected] Says:
September 30th, 2017 at 7:27 pm

Needed the coins

Elizabeth Platero Says:
September 30th, 2017 at 3:57 pm

You learn something new everyday.

Linda Monsure Says:
September 30th, 2017 at 2:09 am

Enjoyed the info

c aki Says:
September 28th, 2017 at 9:36 am

🙂

Gina Guilder Says:
September 26th, 2017 at 9:21 am

I love emralds

B. Earth Says:
September 25th, 2017 at 12:11 pm

Hi Denise, you can learn more about emeralds on our website here: https://www.brilliantearth.com/emerald-education-treatment/. Thanks for your interest!

B. Earth Says:
September 25th, 2017 at 12:10 pm

Hi Reggie, your birthstone is opal. Thanks for your interest!

Avdi Says:
September 25th, 2017 at 8:38 am

The application is so much good for students and oldest, and alas fantastic fishing tgar

Avdi Says:
September 25th, 2017 at 8:37 am

I wants knows about the world’s

Amber hooper Says:
September 20th, 2017 at 2:07 pm

Idk what

Sean Says:
September 17th, 2017 at 9:53 pm

Hi I’m Sean thank you I love this

Sean Says:
September 17th, 2017 at 9:53 pm

Hey what’s up I’m Sean

Sean Says:
September 17th, 2017 at 9:52 pm

Hey

Denise Champoux Says:
September 15th, 2017 at 12:11 pm

Please send more info ( e- mail about emeralds).

Reggie Says:
September 15th, 2017 at 2:31 am

What is my gemstone/birthstone for October 12, 1972?

Reggie Says:
September 15th, 2017 at 2:29 am

What is my gemstone/birthstone for 10/12/1972?

Jeff Tanner Says:
September 7th, 2017 at 10:12 pm

Look great.

Rosanne Mansfield Says:
September 6th, 2017 at 3:19 pm

my birthstone is a garnet and what you say about this stone is somewhat true especially about the nobility part since I am a blood aristocrat. Now I’d like to obtain a sapphire and a citrine in their natural state. I will wait till later. thank you ever so much!!!

April Conway Says:
September 1st, 2017 at 8:42 pm

Beautiful jewelry . Interesting information.

Michael Smith Says:
August 28th, 2017 at 10:48 pm

This is cool ?

Naksh Kaloo Says:
August 25th, 2017 at 4:47 am

Meaning of Gemstones beautifully described. Great Blog!

Stacie Says:
August 23rd, 2017 at 12:13 pm

Stunningly beautiful jewelry
Would like to see a variety of settings including alexandrite

Nina Says:
August 19th, 2017 at 3:01 pm

June has two birthstones, the pearl and the gem stone Alexandrite.

Aniyah Says:
August 18th, 2017 at 10:04 pm

I liked it

yvette Says:
August 16th, 2017 at 7:02 am

oooo very pretty

Marc lumpkin Says:
August 14th, 2017 at 12:36 pm

Thank u

kionna Says:
August 12th, 2017 at 6:42 pm

love the sapphire

Judith Jorge Says:
August 11th, 2017 at 2:41 pm

Thank you.

Judith Jorge Says:
August 11th, 2017 at 2:40 pm

Yes. I two believe in stones. Real ones. Not synthetic. Specially garnet. Turquoise. I have one is turquoise. Tree if life. Sometimes feels so heavy. I take it off. It does shine more at night. I love learning about stones. And their history. I am attracted to real stones and real silver. Turquoise. Diane’s (princess) engagement ring. Is so beautiful. The blue is so soothing.

Ron harper Says:
August 8th, 2017 at 7:53 pm

To much $$$$

Emily watson Says:
August 6th, 2017 at 4:08 pm

Mines not here

arianna Says:
August 3rd, 2017 at 8:53 pm

I love it?????

arianna Says:
August 3rd, 2017 at 8:52 pm

I love it

Ashelle nealand Says:
July 31st, 2017 at 5:24 pm

I am so rich I bleed money ????

Abbi mirza Says:
July 25th, 2017 at 4:47 pm

I will write again about some interesting things about stones.

Abbi mirza Says:
July 25th, 2017 at 4:44 pm

We as Muslims Truly believe in power of gem stones especially carnelian, turquise, garnet, jade, and topaz there is no doubt that some of these stones has magical and healing powers but all stones has to be real not synthetic and real stones are heavy in weight not light and they shine in the dark, before we wear a stone we put it in cold water for few hours to purify and wear it before go to bed in our religion if you feel uneasy for any reason after wearing a new stone weather its a ring necklace or bracelet just take it off that’s what I always do I am a true believer of its power esp carnelian yellow or liver color yellow is very rear and hard to find.

Ruth Says:
July 23rd, 2017 at 3:00 pm

I was told by Great Gma (1893) that you should not buy an opal for your self, it is bad luck. An Opal must be given to you. Just some old stuff?

Dam Says:
July 22nd, 2017 at 6:22 am

I ware silver for beauty an pease. And emerged for luck of the clover an money.

Mary Franke Says:
July 12th, 2017 at 1:07 pm

Hi Becca, you can learn about diamonds here: https://www.brilliantearth.com/news/15-amazing-facts-about-diamonds/. Thanks for your interest!

Joanne Lin Pelletier Says:
July 9th, 2017 at 8:53 am

I’m looking at my family gem’s, my mother’s & myself. Reading the suppior meanings.

Debra Says:
July 9th, 2017 at 7:46 am

I ware silver for beauty an pease. And emerged for luck of the clover an money.

Debra Says:
July 9th, 2017 at 7:42 am

I ware rubies for love in an all around
Kind of love.

Reviewer Girl Says:
July 4th, 2017 at 11:50 pm

Such sweet legends! And the jewelry is sooooooo beautiful !!!!!! ?? good job guys !!!

Shaun Grimshaw Says:
July 3rd, 2017 at 3:16 am

Interesting!

Mary Kay Schober Says:
July 2nd, 2017 at 11:14 pm

Indeed from my native American spirit, I know they do

Alyssa Rosario Says:
June 28th, 2017 at 5:12 pm

I want to learn more

Alyssa Rosario Says:
June 28th, 2017 at 5:11 pm

I’m born in January

Becca Remer Says:
June 23rd, 2017 at 7:09 pm

My birthstone is a diamond, why isn’t that on here?

Adrianna Says:
June 21st, 2017 at 7:48 pm

Love the um the um um… the EMARLAD

Emily Says:
June 10th, 2017 at 11:44 pm

I love all these butiful gems

Bye bye Says:
June 6th, 2017 at 10:43 pm

Very nice information.! I’ve never heard this information before I really enjoyed.

Bye bye Says:
June 6th, 2017 at 10:42 pm

Very nice information.!

lea Says:
May 26th, 2017 at 10:19 am

Very cool

lea Says:
May 26th, 2017 at 10:17 am

Very nice wish I could afford all of them

Chelsea Andrade Says:
May 25th, 2017 at 12:47 pm

This was awesome

trip Says:
May 20th, 2017 at 6:52 pm

Really nice

Carly Says:
May 16th, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Love it

Rina Says:
May 13th, 2017 at 10:28 pm

What about Alexandrianite there are two gemstones for Gemini they are pearls and Alexandrianite

Nbd Says:
May 2nd, 2017 at 9:15 pm

I love iy

Kathleen Says:
April 27th, 2017 at 2:10 pm

I got my friend a bracelet to ward off evil eye she says it has changed her life.

Rinit Says:
April 12th, 2017 at 8:31 am

Anita Harris, both alexandrite and pearl are your birthstone. Most months have 2 stones. My birthday is in October. My Mom bought me a daughter’s pride ring with diamond for her birthday April, alexandrite for my Dad, June and pink (the stone was never identified but a pink stone is shown in all of the guides) for my birthday, October. A few years later she bought me another one with diamond, pearl and opal. Both rings were correct. I believe the rule is one is considered a stone while the other is a gem for the month.

Anita Harris Says:
April 7th, 2017 at 4:50 pm

Some places say that my birthstone is alexandrite, while others say that it’s pearl. My birthday is June 24th. Can you tell me without a doubt which is my birthstone?

vir bone Says:
April 3rd, 2017 at 12:29 pm

I am wore Malachite almost for the 46 years to shed away my Kidney Pain problem, the day I put it in my ring finger the ruler and constant pain vanished, I am Happy giving this stone to the pain sufferers free of cost considering helping human being a mean paying thanks to the Nature making this stone a remedy of kidney pain,,

Barbara Roth Says:
April 1st, 2017 at 6:29 am

Since God created everything, and He did not make anything bad or wrong, everything created has special powers, purposes and meanings.

Leah Lavoie Says:
March 25th, 2017 at 9:02 pm

Marion, i think that it is bad luck. ESPECIALLY opal.

Leah Lavoie Says:
March 25th, 2017 at 8:58 pm

In opal. I always thought i was special. Lol. Just not in beauty. I am blonde tho.

Lois Says:
March 25th, 2017 at 4:00 am

Yes, I also would like information on Alexandrite as it is my birthstone as well. Thanks

Jaisa maryines Says:
March 24th, 2017 at 9:17 pm

Great survey

Jaisa maryines Says:
March 24th, 2017 at 9:16 pm

Great

Katie Says:
March 19th, 2017 at 1:05 pm

I was born in October, so my birthstone is the Opal. Should I get an opal to wear around college soon?

Dylan Says:
March 6th, 2017 at 5:54 pm

Hi hi go hi I’m him

Roger Says:
February 23rd, 2017 at 6:13 am

Russian alexandrite (rare)? meaning..

Johan Says:
February 11th, 2017 at 3:25 pm

Very interesting

Barbara Grant Says:
January 10th, 2017 at 10:02 am

I had cancelled all postings from this site and was told within 24 hours it would be cancelled. 2 weeks later I am still getting your postings. PLEASE STOP SENDING POSTS-CANCEL THE POSTINGS

VERN RIEDIGER Says:
December 12th, 2016 at 11:20 am

RECENTLY BOUGHT A MEN’S EMERALD RING IN ISRAEL. THE APPRAISAL AT HOME WAS MORE THAN TWICE WHAT I PAID FOR IT. SURPRISE!!

Daniel Says:
November 6th, 2016 at 2:28 pm

I do not believe that gems give anything except the beauty of them. I believe that supernatural powers are just nothing more then an illusion of thoughts.

sherri koss Says:
October 28th, 2016 at 2:43 pm

i want a ring with my birthstone january

Douglas Malott Says:
September 20th, 2016 at 10:33 am

I noticed that there was nothing mentioned about my birthstone Alexandrite, as I was born in the month of June. Could you please tell me more?

scott Says:
August 30th, 2016 at 2:11 pm

is Pearl the month of june and what as a male does wearing a black pearl mean

EDsouza Says:
July 27th, 2016 at 6:45 pm

I believe in gem stones, Priest Aaron, Prophet Moses’ brother, used to wear gem stones as per Holy Bible

Miri Says:
July 23rd, 2016 at 6:10 am

What does Alexandrite mean?

Miri Says:
July 23rd, 2016 at 6:09 am

I’ve been given various gems in rings and have worn them even though they are not my birthstone. Luck or not, if I like it I wear it, not every day, as I like variety as well as beauty.

Karen Says:
July 21st, 2016 at 6:04 pm

Marion, so interesting that you should say that about the Opal. My birthstone is the turquoise but I would like to wear a white opal. I’ve made many friends and cherish everyone of them. I liken an opal to meeting someone. At first you see a blank page but as you get to know them you see their colours. Their “true blue” causes. What they feel strong about. In my cause that would be teaching children. The things that they love … “red”. My case — dogs. The natural beauties of this world would be the green. Me — waterfalls. Yellow is a happy colour. What makes that friend happy. I love to see my friends laugh. I don’t own an opal but I consider my friends “gems”.

Patrick Lawlor Says:
July 8th, 2016 at 3:45 pm

Very educational to our clients.

Patrick Lawlor Says:
July 8th, 2016 at 3:43 pm

Very nice and interesting.

traceymccreadie Says:
July 3rd, 2016 at 11:38 am

I like the rings

Jessica gabriel Says:
July 2nd, 2016 at 9:48 am

I wear a turquoise since it’s my birthstone. Is it ok. I need something that will draw wealth and success to as I,m having a lot of bad luck and my money keeps going and I’m left with nothing . Let me know also I have a lot of gemstone rings and earrings like garnet, Oman alexandrite jade diamond but wear this occasionally whe I go out. The only ring with turquoise I wear every day 24/7

Marion Says:
June 2nd, 2016 at 10:29 am

True or False: It is “bad” luck to wear
a gemstone that is not your Birthstone? Especially OPAL