Short answer: the traditional zodiac stone for Taurus is sapphire, according to the list published by the American mineralogist George F. Kunz in 1913. Modern crystal traditions commonly add rose quartz and malachite. Because Taurus runs from about April 20 to May 20, people born under the sign can also use the April birthstone, diamond, with rock crystal as the British alternative, or the May birthstone, emerald. Zodiac stones are a tradition rooted in astrology, not a property of the stones.
When is Taurus?
Taurus, Latin for "bull", is the second sign of the zodiac. In Western astrology, the sun passes through Taurus from about April 20 or 21 to May 20 or 21; the exact dates shift slightly from year to year. It is an earth sign, along with Virgo and Capricorn, and a fixed sign. Its ruling planet in astrology is Venus, and its opposite sign is Scorpio.
What is the Taurus 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 Taurus that stone is sapphire.
Sapphire is corundum, crystalline aluminum oxide, in any color but red; red corundum is ruby. It is best known in velvety blue, colored by iron and titanium, but also comes in pink, yellow, orange, purple, green and colorless. At 9 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage, it is one of the most durable gems for everyday rings. Sapphire is the September birthstone, covered in the September guide.
Which stones are linked with Taurus today?
Modern crystal shops and guides often name these stones for Taurus:
- Rose quartz: pale to medium pink quartz, widely known in crystal traditions as a stone of love. Its soft pink suits a sign ruled by Venus in astrology.
- Malachite: banded green copper carbonate. In crystal traditions it is associated with transformation and growth, and some lists pair it with Taurus.
- Emerald: green beryl, the May birthstone, which matches malachite's green and the sign's earth element.
These modern pairings vary from source to source. They are traditions and personal choices rather than a fixed rule.
What are the Taurus birthstones?
Because Taurus spans two months, people often use the birthstone of their birth month as well:
- Born April 20 to April 30: the April birthstone is diamond, and the British list adds rock crystal, clear quartz; see the April guide.
- Born May 1 to May 20: the May birthstone is emerald, green beryl colored by chromium and vanadium.
What do Taurus stones mean in tradition?
Taurus is an earth sign ruled in astrology by Venus, and its modern crystal picks reflect both: rose quartz for love, and green stones, malachite and emerald, for the earth. Sapphire, the traditional stone, has long symbolized sincerity, truth and faithfulness.
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 Taurus stones?
- As jewelry: a sapphire, diamond or emerald ring, or a rose quartz pendant, makes a popular birthday gift.
- As a desk or pocket stone: a rose quartz heart 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 sapphire with emerald.
How do you choose a Taurus stone?
- For a traditional choice, pick sapphire, the Kunz zodiac stone.
- For pink, pick rose quartz.
- For green, pick malachite for display or emerald for jewelry.
- For jewelry worn daily, diamond at 10 and sapphire at 9 are the most durable. Rose quartz is 7. Emerald, at 7.5 to 8, is often included and less tough, and malachite, at 3.5 to 4, suits display and pendants.
How do you care for Taurus stones?
- Sapphire and diamond: warm, soapy water is safe; ultrasonic cleaners are usually fine for untreated and heat-treated sapphires and most diamonds.
- Rose quartz: warm water and mild soap.
- Emerald: never use an ultrasonic cleaner; avoid heat and harsh chemicals.
- Malachite: avoid acids, heat and soaking; wipe with a damp cloth and dry at once.
Browse crystals and minerals at Digital Towns Market
Digital Towns Market
Stones often chosen for Taurus, in stock
Frequently asked questions
What is the Taurus birthstone?
The traditional zodiac stone for Taurus is sapphire. By birth month, April Taureans have diamond, or rock crystal on the British list, and May Taureans have emerald.
What crystals are good for Taurus?
In crystal traditions, the most common choices are sapphire, rose quartz and malachite, with emerald for May birthdays. These are traditional pairings rather than proven effects.
What are the dates for Taurus?
About April 20 to May 20 under the tropical zodiac. The exact dates shift slightly each year.
Is rose quartz a Taurus stone?
Rose quartz is often linked with Taurus in modern crystal traditions, as a stone of love for a sign ruled by Venus.
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, Taurus (astrology): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taurus_(astrology)
- Wikipedia, Astrology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology
- GIA, September Birthstone: https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/september-birthstones