The birthstone for April is the diamond – which is probably the most famous of all gemstones in the world simply because of its unique hardness and transparency. Its popularity also garnered a lot of interesting legends and lore.
Read on, or click any of these links to jump to a particular nugget of info that fascinates you most.
Alternative Birthstone For April
April Birthstone Color
White
White means integrity, purity, and friendship. It also symbolizes new birth and hope.
Here’s a funny side note – the color white used to mean the opposite of what it means now!
It once represented death and sorrow in Greece, Rome and Italy. Widows used to dress in white or wear white bands around their heads as a symbol of their mourning.
Traditional & Modern Birthstone For April:
Diamond
The diamond is the hardest natural substance known in the world. Most of the diamond’s meaning, legends, and mythological qualities stem from its clear color and incredible hardness.
Birthstone Meaning
Innocence, Love, Power, Strength, Endurance
The diamond is a representation of strength, resolve, and perseverance. It is also a symbol of purity, clarity, and wisdom. It is said to bring courage, power and success to the one who wears it.
Facts & Mythology
In Sanskrit, the word diamond means “thunderbolt”, as one common legend explains that the gem was born from lightning. Another legend describes its birth as a creation made from gold and the sun.
Another popular story from ancient lore claims that whatever power the diamond had could only work if the stone was given as a gift. If the diamond was bought or sold, the spirit of the diamond would be offended and leave the stone (similar to legends behind turquoise).
The diamond was also believed to ward off insanity and evil spirits, prevent aging, and bring the wearer power, wealth, luck, and friends… but most people who attract power and wealth also seem to attract “new friends” right? 😉
What I found most fascinating in diamond folklore wasn’t in one particular story but in the extreme opposite meanings given to the gem in ancient times. In some cultures, it was known as the stone of misfortune and darkness. But for most others, the diamond meant incredible strength, good luck, and virtue.
April Birthstone Poem
She who from April dates her years
Diamonds should wear, lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow.
This stone Emblem of innocence is known.
Innocence, repentance — sun and shower —
The diamond or the sapphire is her dower.
Curious Lore of Precious Stones,
George Kuntz, pg 328
Alternative Birthstone For April: Sapphire
The unofficial birthstone for April is the sapphire birthstone. Even though the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) made the diamond the official birthstone, some experts argue that the true birthstone for April should have been the sapphire since it was used in so many ancient cultures and rituals.
But alas, the AGTA put the sapphire down as September’s birthstone… and pretty much everyone uses their list like modern birthstone scripture.
To read more about the sapphire birthstone meaning and mythology, see September’s birthstone page.
April Birth Flowers
Daisy
The white daisy is April’s traditional birth flower. Like the color of its petals, the daisy means innocence, purity, loyalty and friendship.
Sweet Pea
The modern April birth flower is the sweet pea. This flower means “blissful pleasure” – which is what I feel every time I smell them! Their scent is one of the sweetest I’ve ever known (bet you couldn’t tell that I love this flower).
Sources For September Birthstone & Flowers: See sources listed on the Birthstone Color Chart page.
Up Next
The Birthstones For May Keep The Doctor Away
Previously
March Birthstones and Flowers – Lucky Charms and Good Health
Related Reading
Birthstone Facts And FAQs: What Are The Best Birthstones?
Monthly Birthstone List At A Glance
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