A Call for Birthstone Reassignment

The tradition of assigning specific gemstones to each month—known as birthstones—has deep historical roots but has evolved significantly over time. While the current birthstone chart is widely recognized, exploring alternative gemstones, particularly those in black and white hues, can offer more accessible and meaningful options. And why boil it down to 'just' black and white? Because colors always distract.

Historical Origins of Birthstones

The concept of birthstones dates back to biblical times. The Book of Exodus describes the Breastplate of Aaron, a religious garment adorned with twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over centuries, these stones became associated with the twelve months of the year and the zodiac signs. However, the specific stones and their monthly assignments have varied across cultures and eras.

The modern list of birthstones was standardized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America). Geezers? Maybe. But fools they were not. This standardization aimed to create consistency in the jewelry industry, but it also had commercial motivations, promoting certain gemstones to boost sales.

Critique of the Current Birthstone Chart

The existing birthstone chart often emphasizes precious gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, which can be expensive and less accessible. This focus aligns with marketing strategies designed to drive consumer demand for high-end jewelry. But this approach may not resonate with individuals seeking more affordable or personally meaningful options.

Proposed Alternative: Black and White Gemstones

Introducing black and white gemstones as alternative birthstones offers a fresh perspective that emphasizes balance, accessibility, and holistic properties. The yin-yang symbolism inherent in black and white reflects the dualities present in life, such as light and dark or good and bad, promoting a sense of harmony.

Here are some black and white gemstones that could serve as alternative birthstones:

• Pearls: Symbolizing purity and wisdom, pearls are organic gems available in various colors, including classic white and black variations.
  Black Pearls: believed to amplify our intuition and psychic abilities, allowing us to connect with higher realms of consciousness.

• Obsidian: A volcanic glass, obsidian is known for its protective qualities and grounding energy.

• Moonstone: Associated with intuition and emotional balance, moonstone exhibits a captivating play of light.

• Opal: Celebrated for its unique play of colors, opal is believed to inspire creativity and enhance self-expression.

• Onyx: A chalcedony variant, onyx is thought to provide strength and support during challenging times.

• Hawkeye stone: an introspective stone that can help someone overcome challenges and develop intuition.
  Labradorite: Used in treatment for eyes and brain disorders, to stimulate mental acuity, and to reduce stress and anxiety.

• Howlite: Typically white with gray veining, howlite is believed to calm the mind and promote relaxation.

• Hematite: Known for its metallic sheen, hematite is associated with grounding and protection.

• Dalmatian Jasper: Featuring a distinctive spotted appearance, this stone is thought to encourage playfulness and joy.

• Quartz: Clear quartz is considered a master healer, amplifying energy and thought.
  
  Now here comes the overdue explanation as to why society is so backed up!! In any event, these 'Jewelers of America' and theistic Pagan scholars should convene in Kansas and hash it out until they yield better results. Until then, let's use a fine-toothed comb here:
  
  Truth Be Told: All Modern Birthstone Charts are Outdated and Classist.

  The traditional birthstone chart, established in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers, is about as modern as a rotary phone. While marketed as an ancient and mystical tradition, this system was actually a strategic move by the jewelry industry to push high-priced gemstones onto consumers. The result? A chart that prioritizes rare, expensive, and elite gemstones—leaving affordability, accessibility, and spiritual significance in the dust. I'll use the diamond as a prime example here. While traditional diamonds are often associated with status and luxury, they also have metaphysical properties. White diamonds represent purity, inner strength, and transformation. Some even believe they enhance energy, amplify thoughts, and support spiritual growth. However, their commercialization has led to inflated prices, making them an exclusive and classist choice for a birthstone.

  Let’s face it: the current birthstone chart is outdated, classist, and, quite frankly, arbitrary. It benefits luxury jewelers more than the people it supposedly represents. By emphasizing high-end gemstones like diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, the chart excludes those who can’t afford these pricey gems while ignoring more meaningful, holistic, and widely available alternatives.

  
  A Smarter Approach: The Power of Black & White Gemstones

  Rather than a chart designed to pad the wallets of high-end jewelers, a birthstone system should emphasize meaning, energy, and accessibility. Black and white stones represent the balance of life—the yin and yang of existence—while offering powerful metaphysical benefits. They are also far more affordable, making them a birthstone system for the people, not just the wealthy. And here’s why these stones make more sense:

  Pearls: Wisdom, Purity, and Adaptability

  Unlike most gemstones, pearls are organic, formed within living mollusks. They symbolize purity, wisdom, and transformation, reflecting life’s ability to turn irritation (a grain of sand) into something beautiful. Pearls are available in classic white, cream, and even darker shades like black pearls, each carrying unique energy.

  
  Black Pearls: Intuition & Spiritual Connection

  Mysterious and rare, black pearls are believed to enhance intuition, psychic abilities, and spiritual insight. Often associated with the ocean’s depths, they represent our connection to higher consciousness and the mysteries of life. Ancient cultures considered them symbols of wisdom gained through experience.

  
  Obsidian: Protection & Grounding Energy

  Born from volcanic activity, obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass known for its strong protective properties. Used throughout history for making mirrors and spiritual tools, obsidian shields against negativity, absorbs harmful energies, and promotes grounding. It’s the ideal stone for those seeking protection from toxic influences.

Acknowledgements:
https://www.keen.com/articles/spiritual/the-metaphysical-qualities-of-your-birthstone
Hawk's Eye & Eagle's Eye Stone Properties, Meanings, & Uses — Fierce Lynx Designs
https://www.fourtane.com/blog/birthstones-and-their-origin#:~:text=Birthstones%20And%20Their%20Origin,-The%20idea%20of&text=The%20modern%20list%20of%20birthstones,for%20the%20month%20of%20December.

Moonstone: Emotional Balance & Feminine Energy
Moonstone’s mesmerizing glow (called adularescence) makes it one of the most mystical gemstones. Connected to intuition, femininity, and emotional balance, this stone helps regulate emotions, enhances psychic abilities, and fosters inner harmony. Ancient cultures revered it as a “stone of new beginnings.”

Opal: Creativity & Self-Expression
Opal is known for its kaleidoscopic play of colors, symbolizing spontaneity, inspiration, and transformation. It encourages self-expression, enhances creativity, and amplifies emotions—making it ideal for artists, writers, and dreamers. Opals were once thought to bring both good and bad luck, reinforcing their status as a stone of dynamic energy.

Onyx: Strength & Resilience.
A deep black variety of chalcedony, onyx has long been associated with strength, perseverance, and endurance. It’s powerful grounding stone, offering stability during difficult times. Ancient warriors carried onyx into battle for protection, and today, it remains a stone for mental clarity and willpower.

Hawk Eye: is a protective stone. It's believed to enhance mental clarity and focus. It's been used for centuries to heal the body, mind, and spirit. The stone is associated with intuition and perception

Labradorite: Can grant access to higher realms and inner understanding. Many people see this captivating gem as a kind of key that unlocks heightened intuition and spiritual insight.

Howlite: Calmness & Mental Clarity
Howlite is a soothing white stone with gray veins, often used to ease stress, quiet the mind, and promote relaxation. If you struggle with anxiety or overthinking, this is your go-to stone for bringing peace and patience into your life. It’s also great for meditation and sleep.

Hematite: Protection & Focus.
Hematite is a grounding, metallic stone known for its stabilizing energy. It helps enhance focus, absorb negativity, and strengthen personal boundaries. Ancient warriors used hematite as a protective talisman in battle. Today, it remains a popular stone for mental clarity and protection from negative energy.

• Hard Facts:

  • It’s a Product of Corporate Greed

    • The 1912 birthstone chart wasn’t handed down by ancient mystics—it was created by jewelers looking to increase profits.

    • It prioritizes expensive and rare gemstones, leaving out widely available, meaningful alternatives.

  • It Excludes People Who Can’t Afford It

    • Diamonds, emeralds, and rubies aren’t cheap. If your birthstone is an expensive gem, you’re forced to either shell out big bucks or settle for a synthetic version.

    • This reinforces the idea that wealth equals value, making birthstones an elitist concept rather than a universal tradition.

  • It Ignores the Spiritual & Healing Qualities of Gemstones

    • Many people wear gemstones for their energy, healing properties, and symbolic meaning—not just their price tag.

    • A revised birthstone chart should focus on metaphysical benefits rather than rarity and cost.

  • It’s Culturally Inconsistent

    • Different cultures assign different gemstones to months, proving that birthstone assignments aren’t universal.

    • If the system isn’t set in stone (pun intended), why not change it to something more inclusive, symbolic, and practical?
      

  The Birthstone System We Deserve

  Instead of perpetuating a classist and commercialized birthstone chart, we should embrace a system rooted in balance, accessibility, and real meaning.

  Black and white stones represent yin and yang, duality, and harmony. They also offer powerful healing, protection, and grounding properties—things we could all use more of in daily life.

  Rather than being forced into an expensive marketing scheme, people should choose birthstones that resonate with their energy, personality, and spiritual needs.

  Because let’s be honest: meaning is more valuable than a price tag. 💎
  

Benefits of Adopting Alternative Birthstones

• Affordability: Many black and white gemstones are more affordable than traditional precious stones, making them accessible to a broader audience.

• Holistic Properties: These gemstones are often associated with various metaphysical properties, such as protection, grounding, and emotional balance, appealing to those interested in holistic well-being.

• Personalization: Choosing alternative birthstones allows individuals to select stones that resonate with their personal experiences and beliefs, fostering a deeper connection.
  Unpretentious impressions: No one gives a shit about a boisterous, obnoxious and pretentious person.
  
  

Conclusion

While the traditional birthstone chart has historical significance, implementing alternative gemstones, particularly in plain ol' black and white, can provide more meaningful and accessible options. This approach not only challenges consumer-driven norms but also encourages us to find personal significance in the gemstones we choose to wear. Also, without the risk of sounding cheap: WE WANT AFFORDABLE STONES, MAN! That is before they slap a hefty price tag on these too!

https://sianelizabethhughes.co.uk/blogs/news/the-origins-of-birthstones-who-assigned-gemstones-to-particular-months-and-why-its-so-popular
birthstones - Leon Megé | The Art of Platinum®
https://www.gemsociety.org/article/history-of-birthstones/
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