The pastel shades of turquoise have endeared it to many great cultures of antiquity: it has adorned the rulers of Ancient Egypt the Aztecs and other Pre-Columbian Civilizations. To some extent in ancient China since at least the Shang Dynasty. Despite being one of the oldest gems, probably first introduced to Europe with other Silk Road novelties, turquoise did not become important as an ornamental stone in the West until the 14th century, following a decline in the The Roman Catholic Church's influence which allowed the use of turquoise in secular jewellery. A common belief shared by many of these civilizations held that turquoise possessed certain prophylactic qualities; it was thought to change colour with the wearer's health and protect him or her from untoward forces. | Traditional Birthstone | Modern Birthstone | | January | Garnet | Garnet | | February | Amethyst | Amethyst | | March | Bloodstone, Jasper | Aquamarine | | April | Diamond, Sapphire | Diamond | | May | Emerald, Agate | Emerald | | June | Alexandrite, Emerald | Moonstone, Pearl | | July | Ruby, Onyx | Ruby | | August | Sardonyx, Carnelian | Peridot | | September | Sapphire, Peridot | Sapphire | | October | Tourmaline, Pearl | Opal, Rose Zircon | | November | Citrine, Topaz | Topaz, Citrine | | December | Zircon, Ruby | Tourquoise, Blue Topaz |
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