Libra Birthstones: Meaning, Properties, and Uses

Written by Crystal
Published: November 29, 2023
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What do Libras love?

Libras are lively individuals with a great appreciation for art. Whether they’re watching a play, visiting an art festival, or touring a museum; Libras love seeing what people can create. This passion for creativity carries through into the realm of birthstones. The idea of birthstones began centuries ago, and today we’ll be exploring the ancient meanings, properties, and uses of the Libras. What precious gemstones are associated with the airy sign of Libra? Read on to find out.

Libra Overview

Scales of Justice background - legal law concept. a balance is hand-held, sky is the background.zodiac sign - libra

Libras crave balance so it makes sense their primary birthstone is balanced by a second choice.

©maradon 333/Shutterstock.com

Libra has one primary birthstone and one secondary stone. The white opal is the primary, and the peridot is the secondary.

Nurturing, caring, and defenders of justice; Libras are complex individuals with a heart of gold. Those who fall under this zodiac sign may find themselves on an endless quest for balance and peace. Sometimes their passion for doing what’s right can make it difficult to let go of bad experiences. 

Emotionally Intelligent

Libras have the gift of reading the room. They’re emotionally intelligent and have no trouble assessing a situation. Sometimes all of the emotional information coming in can make it difficult for a Libra to be in the moment. They may find themselves acting shy or daydreaming to avoid social situations. 

Craves Balance

A Libra’s quest for balance can be described as a bit obsessive. They’re constantly looking for ways to use their skills to bring good into the world. However, this can be difficult when it comes to time management. Sometimes Libras find themselves stuck in a cycle of trying to do too much and then becoming exhausted. These extremes of doing everything vs. not being able to do anything, bother Libras to the core. Ruled by Venus, Libras rely heavily on their intellectual and emotional skills to fix unbalances. However, this doesn’t always work. 

Opal: Original Libra Birthstone

Natural Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone

Opals are a semi-precious gemstone, as well as the original Libra birthstone.

©Abdul Matloob/Shutterstock.com

Libras prefer to lead a balanced, thoughtful life, which doesn’t always leave room for spontaneity. This is where the opal comes in. Here are the top things Libras should know about this stone:

  • Opals are a semi-precious gemstone
  • They come in a range of colors
  • Opals symbolize hope, purity, resilience, guidance, and more
  • It has ties to romantic themes of finding true love
  • Wearing opals is believed to encourage self-esteem
  • Some believe opals improve memory skills
  • Opals can be helpful when you need a change

Wearing opals can help switch things up a bit. It’s believed that this gemstone encourages the wearer to be spontaneous. Unlike being recklessly impulsive, this spontaneity is all about seizing the moment at hand, rather than letting life pass you by.

Represents Positivity and Transformation

Opals are the happy stone. They’re all about positivity and transformation. It’s said that using opals helps you find inner strength and peace. Instead of being driven by negative emotions, the opal helps shed light on the truth. Acceptance and fearlessness create space for uncomfortable feelings. Instead of feeling tight and tense, opal wearers can try leaning into a sense of ease.

Sign of Resilience

Opals symbolize resilience and are said to help bring this trait out in Libras. Perhaps this has to do with the long, intense process these gemstones go through before becoming opals. It takes millions of years to create opals. It all starts when lava-hot minerals, like silica, seep into rock cracks. Tiny spheres of silica begin piling up before they harden. The hardened mineral then becomes beautiful light-catching opals. Their beauty is a reminder that amazing things come from tough situations. 

Symbolizes Luminous Energy and Protection

Opals are said to boost luminous energy for Libras. Rather than providing energy that isn’t there, this precious gemstone is all about accentuating what you already have to work with. The milky calm side of the opal helps encourage the positive traits of Libras. It’s all about granting them the balance they need to find a sense of peace and safety. If someone feels lost or scared, an opal can be a loving reminder that all will be well. 

Opals Connect Libras to Their Quest

In the zodiac world, every living creature is on a quest, even if they don’t know it. For Libras, identifying their path can be difficult, especially when you have numerous talents. You may feel torn in different directions, never having enough time to feel set on a single path. Thankfully, the opal is found to be beneficial when it comes to gaining clarity about your life’s purpose. With a theme of peace and harmony, opals offer libras a chance for honest self-reflection and guidance. 

Beyond White

White opals are the traditional birthstone, but that doesn’t mean Libras shouldn’t explore other colors. The exact hue and coloration of an opal depends on where it’s mined. Australia provides about 95% of the world’s precious opal. Small quantities of precious opal are also found in Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. 

Brazil is famous for producing transparent fire opals, a terrific gem when you want to take on a new challenge. Then there’s the highly prized black opals found in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales. Black opals are said to have a powerful calming ability that helps the wearer feel a sense of ease. 

Peridot: Alternative Libra Birthstone

Closup of raw Peridot gemstone, attached to original volcanic host rock. Smaller specimens surrounding. From Hawaii.

Green peridot, the secondary birthstone for Libras, represents greatness and independence.

©David G Hayes/Shutterstock.com

The secondary stone Libras should know about is the peridot, a powerful gem choice. This often-overlooked sunstone symbolizes greatness and independence. Just like the sun holds a place of royalty in the Universe, so does the wearer of this gem. It’s not that the peridot makes you great. But rather, it reminds you of how worthy you are. Some might say it awakens the greatness in you, especially if you’re a Libra.

Peridot is also a stone for Libras who are on a mission. This stone is said to be a magnet for prosperity and abundance. It’s a great gem to wear when you’re actively visualizing new things into being.

Remember how we mentioned Libras crave balance? Well, peridot stones represent balance. Specifically the delicate balancing of thoughts and emotions. This stone serves as a reminder and aid when you want to break free of old thinking patterns. When you’re stuck in a mental traffic circle, peridot helps you make a swift exit. This gem is all about illuminating the truth, without judgment. It’s a great choice for Libras who are feeling any type of mental block, be it creative or otherwise. Peridot also goes one step further by awakening heart-opening energy.

Other Gems and Crystals Libras Should Know

Now you know the two birthstones for Libras. White opal is the Libra’s official birthstone, and peridot is an alternative. After choosing what gem suits you, we suggest exploring these other stones that have an affinity with Libras.

Here are a few stones and crystals that can help Libras:

  • Malachite
  • Sapphire
  • Lapis Lazuli
  • Agate
  • Ametrine
  • Bloodstone
  • Bulls Eye Agate
  • Chrysoprase
  • Aquamarine
  • Emerald
  • Iolite
  • Jade
  • Kyanite
  • Lepidolite
  • Prehnite
  • Rose Quartz
  • Moonstone
  • Nephrite Jade
  • Tanzanite
  • Tourmaline

Are you starting a new adventure or getting ready to travel? Now might be a fun time to choose a talisman stone, and agate is a great choice for Libras. Talisman stones are meant to offer protection and good fortune. Even if the stone itself doesn’t provide assistance, there’s a great power that comes from feeling secure. 

Lapis Lazuli: Expand Self-Awareness

Lapis lazuli is a good stone for Libras who are seeking more honesty in their work-life balance, or school-life balance. It’s also believed that lapis lazuli also helps Libras expand their self-awareness. This stone helps airy Libras move toward a place of centeredness. Finding a balance in both their inner and outer world.

Aquamarine: Calming Stone

Aquamarine gemstones help Libras connect to their throat chakra. This can be especially helpful for those who are uncomfortable with confrontation. This pristine stone offers a soothing quality, that encourages relaxation. Aquamarine’s all about going with the flow, and letting your voice be heard. It’s also a great stone for Libras who have a busy mind and need a moment of clarity.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Allexxandar/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Crystal is a dedicated writer at A-Z Animals, focusing on topics related to mammals, insects, and travel. With over a decade of experience in the world of research and writing, she also fulfills the role of a skilled video and audio engineer. Residing in sunny Florida, alligators are Crystal's favorite animal.

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