What Are the Libra Stones and Birthstones?

Short answer: the traditional zodiac stone for Libra is chrysolite, according to the list published by the gem expert George F. Kunz in 1913. Chrysolite is an old name, today used mostly for peridot. Modern crystal traditions commonly name lapis lazuli and rose quartz for Libra. Because Libra runs from about September 23 to October 22, people born under the sign can also use the September birthstone, sapphire, or the October birthstones, opal and tourmaline. Zodiac stones are a tradition rooted in astrology, not a property of the stones.

When is Libra?

Libra, Latin for "scales", is the seventh sign of the zodiac. Under the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology, the sun passes through Libra from about September 23 or 24 to October 22 or 23; the exact dates shift slightly from year to year. Its symbol, the scales, is based on the Scales of Justice held by Themis, the Greek personification of sacred law, who inspired modern images of Lady Justice. Libra is the only zodiac sign represented by an object rather than an animal or a person. It is an air sign, along with Gemini and Aquarius, and a cardinal sign, and in astrology its ruling planet is Venus.

What is the Libra zodiac stone?

Zodiac stones and birthstones are different lists. Birthstones follow the calendar month; zodiac stones follow the astrological sign. In his 1913 book The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, George Frederick Kunz gave a stone for each sign, and for Libra that stone is chrysolite.

Chrysolite, from the Greek for "golden stone", is an old name rather than a single mineral. Today it usually means peridot, the yellowish green gem variety of olivine. In older use it covered several green and yellow-green gems, including topaz, chrysoberyl, zircon, prehnite, tourmaline, apatite and demantoid garnet. Peridot is the safest modern reading, and it is also an August birthstone.

Which stones are linked with Libra today?

Modern crystal shops and guides often name these stones for Libra:

• Lapis lazuli: a deep blue rock of lazurite with white calcite and gold pyrite flecks, mined in Afghanistan for more than 6,000 years. In crystal traditions it is associated with wisdom, truth and honest communication.
• Rose quartz: pale to medium pink quartz, widely known in crystal traditions as a stone of love. Its gentle color suits a sign ruled by Venus in astrology.
• Peridot: the modern reading of the traditional stone, chrysolite.

These modern pairings vary from source to source. They are traditions and personal choices rather than a fixed rule.

What are the Libra birthstones?

Because Libra spans two months, people often use the birthstone of their birth month as well:

• Born September 23 to September 30: the September birthstone is sapphire, best known in blue but found in many colors.
• Born October 1 to October 22: the October birthstones are opal and tourmaline; see the October guide.

Lapis lazuli's deep blue echoes sapphire, and pink tourmaline, the traditional October choice, sits well beside rose quartz.

What do Libra stones mean in tradition?

Libra is the scales, a symbol of balance and justice, and many modern crystal meanings for the sign play on that image. Lapis lazuli is linked with truth and wisdom, and rose quartz with love and harmony.

These are traditions and beliefs. Astrology has been recognized as pseudoscientific since the 18th century, and there is no scientific evidence that zodiac signs or the stones linked with them affect personality or events. People enjoy zodiac stones as personal symbols and gifts.

How do people use Libra stones?

• As jewelry: a sapphire or pink tourmaline ring, a rose quartz pendant or a lapis bracelet makes a popular birthday gift.
• As a desk or pocket stone: a rose quartz or lapis tumble kept nearby as a personal reminder.
• In meditation: as a focus object, as described in the meditation guide.
• As a pair: the scales invite pairs, and some people keep two stones together, such as rose quartz with lapis.

How do you choose a Libra stone?

• For a traditional choice, pick peridot, the modern reading of Kunz's chrysolite.
• For blue, pick lapis lazuli, or sapphire for a September birthday.
• For pink, pick rose quartz, or pink tourmaline for an October birthday.
• For jewelry worn daily, sapphire, at 9 on the Mohs scale, is the most durable; tourmaline and rose quartz are about 7. Opal, at 5 to 6.5, and lapis lazuli, at about 5 to 5.5, suit pendants and earrings better than rings.

How do you care for Libra stones?

• Rose quartz and tourmaline: clean with warm, soapy water; avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners for tourmaline.
• Lapis lazuli: wash gently with mild soap and avoid harsh chemicals; watch for dyed lapis.
• Opal: warm, soapy water only, no high heat or sudden temperature changes, and do not soak opal doublets or triplets.
• Sapphire: warm, soapy water is always safe.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Libra birthstone?

The traditional zodiac stone for Libra is chrysolite, usually read today as peridot. By birth month, September Libras have sapphire, and October Libras have opal and tourmaline.

What crystals are good for Libra?

In crystal traditions, the most common choices are lapis lazuli, rose quartz and peridot. These are traditional pairings rather than proven effects.

What is chrysolite?

An old gem name, from the Greek for "golden stone". Today it usually means peridot, but historically it covered several green and yellow-green gems.

What are the dates for Libra?

About September 23 to October 22 under the tropical zodiac. The exact dates shift slightly each year.

Do zodiac stones have real effects?

There is no scientific evidence that they do. Astrology is considered pseudoscience; zodiac stones are enjoyed as traditions, symbols and gifts.

Sources

• Wikipedia, Birthstone (zodiac stones after Kunz, 1913): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthstone
• Wikipedia, Libra (astrology): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libra_(astrology)
• Wikipedia, Chrysolite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysolite
• Wiktionary, chrysolite (etymology): https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/chrysolite
• Wikipedia, Astrology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology