What Are the Scorpio Stones and Birthstones?

Short answer: the traditional zodiac stone for Scorpio is beryl, according to the list published by the gem expert George F. Kunz in 1913. Beryl is the mineral family of emerald and aquamarine. Modern crystal traditions often add darker, intense stones for Scorpio, especially black obsidian and malachite. Because Scorpio runs from about October 23 to November 21, people born under the sign can also use the October birthstones, opal and tourmaline, or the November birthstones, topaz and citrine. Zodiac stones are a tradition rooted in astrology, not a property of the stones.

When is Scorpio?

Scorpio, Latin for "scorpion", is the eighth sign of the zodiac, named for the constellation Scorpius. Under the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology, the sun passes through Scorpio from about October 23 to November 21; the exact dates shift slightly from year to year. It is a water sign, along with Cancer and Pisces, and a fixed sign. In one popular astrology reference, Scorpio's colors are deep red, maroon, black and brown.

What is the Scorpio 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 Scorpio that stone is beryl.

Beryl is a beryllium aluminum silicate. Pure beryl is colorless, and traces of other elements give its gem varieties their colors:

• Emerald: green, from chromium and vanadium; the May birthstone.
• Aquamarine: blue to blue-green, from iron; a March birthstone.
• Morganite: pink, from manganese.
• Golden beryl and heliodor: pale yellow to brilliant gold.
• Goshenite: colorless beryl, named after Goshen, Massachusetts.
• Red beryl: a rare red variety, first described in 1904.

Beryl rates 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale and grows as six-sided crystals, mostly in granitic pegmatites. A Scorpio can choose any color of beryl as their zodiac stone.

Which stones are linked with Scorpio today?

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

• Black obsidian: natural volcanic glass. In crystal traditions it is associated with protection, grounding and honest self-reflection, a meaning that echoes its history as a polished mirror. Its black matches one of Scorpio's traditional colors.
• Malachite: banded green copper carbonate. In crystal traditions it is associated with transformation, change and emotional growth, and some lists pair it with Scorpio.
• Beryl: the traditional stone, in any of its colors.

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

What are the Scorpio birthstones?

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

• Born October 23 to October 31: the October birthstones are opal and tourmaline; see the October guide.
• Born November 1 to November 21: the November birthstones are topaz and citrine; see the November guide.

What do Scorpio stones mean in tradition?

Scorpio is a water sign pictured as a scorpion, and its modern crystal picks lean toward dark stones that match the colors associated with the sign. Obsidian is linked with protection and self-reflection, and malachite with transformation.

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 Scorpio stones?

• As jewelry: an aquamarine, morganite or topaz ring, or an obsidian pendant, makes a popular birthday gift.
• As a desk or pocket stone: an obsidian tumble or a polished malachite piece kept nearby as a personal reminder.
• In meditation: as a focus object, as described in the meditation guide.
• As a set: some people pair their zodiac stone with their birthstone, for example aquamarine with topaz.

How do you choose a Scorpio stone?

• For a traditional choice, pick beryl: aquamarine, morganite, golden beryl or emerald.
• For black, pick obsidian.
• For green, pick malachite for display, or emerald for jewelry.
• For jewelry worn daily, beryl at 7.5 to 8 and topaz at 8 are the hardest choices, though both need protection from hard knocks. Malachite, at 3.5 to 4, and obsidian, at 5 to 6, are better kept for pendants and display.

How do you care for Scorpio stones?

• Aquamarine, morganite and other beryls: warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Treat emerald gently and never put it in an ultrasonic cleaner.
• Obsidian: handle rough pieces carefully and avoid drops.
• Malachite: avoid acids, heat and soaking; wipe with a damp cloth and dry at once.
• Opal: warm, soapy water only, and no sudden temperature changes.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Scorpio birthstone?

The traditional zodiac stone for Scorpio is beryl. By birth month, October Scorpios have opal and tourmaline, and November Scorpios have topaz and citrine.

What crystals are good for Scorpio?

In crystal traditions, the most common choices are beryl, black obsidian and malachite. These are traditional pairings rather than proven effects.

What is beryl?

A beryllium aluminum silicate mineral whose gem varieties include emerald, aquamarine, morganite, golden beryl and goshenite.

What are the dates for Scorpio?

About October 23 to November 21 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, Scorpio (astrology): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpio_(astrology)
• Wikipedia, Beryl: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl
• Wikipedia, Astrology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology