Birthstones by Month: The Complete Overview

What Is My Birthstone?

Your birthstone is the gemstone linked to the month you were born in. Find your birth month in the chart above and the modern birthstone column gives you the answer most jewelers use today. If you were born in March, June, August, October, November or December, you have more than one to choose from.

Unlike zodiac stones, which follow your star sign, a birthstone follows your calendar month. Your birthstone's healing properties and energies are said to resonate with your personality traits. Emerald's loving energy helps those born in May navigate their emotions with ease, while Moonstone's calming vibrations help those born in June find inner balance and harmony.

Birthstones and Their Origins

Birthstones began with the Breastplate of Aaron twelve gems set in a single garment, described in the Book of Exodus, each one representing a tribe of Israel. Centuries later, scholars linked those twelve stones to the twelve months of the year, and the idea of wearing the stone of your birth month took hold in 18th-century Poland. The list we use today was standardized in the United States in 1921.

What began as a sacred object became a folk tradition, and then a shared calendar of gemstones. Along the way the stones themselves changed some were swapped for gems that were easier to find or easier to set, and a few months gained extras as new discoveries came to light. Tanzanite joined December in 2002, Spinel joined August in 2016.

The meanings moved too. Ancient wearers carried these stones as protection against illness, misfortune, or danger on a long journey. Today most people choose a birthstone for what it invites in rather than what it keeps out: calm, clarity, confidence, or a gentle reminder of something they're working toward.

Modern vs Traditional Birthstones Explained

Gemstones have such an exciting past that it's no surprise birthstones also have a fascinating backstory. Some believe their origin lies in the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Bible, where twelve gems represented the twelve tribes of Israel.

But it was in the 18th century that the idea of linking specific gemstones to each of the twelve months really took off. And the birthplace of this tradition? Poland.

More than a century later, in 1921, the American National Association of Jewelers now Jewelers of America met in Kansas and standardized the list. This is how the modern birthstones were born.

What actually changed? The association tweaked the list toward gemstones that were easier to set in jewelry. This modern list differs slightly from the traditional one, often including non-transparent stones like Turquoise and Pearl. The list has been updated since: Tanzanite joined December in 2002, and Spinel was added to August in 2016.

Birthstones by Month and Meaning

Every birthstone carries a meaning drawn from centuries of folklore, and most of them cluster around a single idea. Garnet is love and commitment, Amethyst is protection and wisdom, Emerald is hope, Ruby is vitality, Citrine is abundance, Turquoise is truth. Below you'll find all twelve months in order, each with its stone's color, hardness and the qualities it has long been associated with.

Read them as an invitation rather than a rule. Many people are drawn to a stone from a different month entirely and that pull is worth trusting.

 

JANUARY BIRTHSTONE: GARNET

Color: Deep red to pomegranate · Hardness: 6.5–7.5 Mohs · Meaning: Love, passion, commitment

Garnet is one of the most durable and historical gemstones. Pieces from garnet jewelry can be traced back to 3100 BC, when ancient Egyptians used it extensively!

This beautiful gem is named after the Latin word “garanatus,” meaning “seed-like”, which refers to its pomegranate seed-like color and appearance. Known as the stone of love and passion, it is believed to promote commitment, energy, and self-confidence.

One of Garnet's best features is that it goes well with any type of jewelry. Those born in January will have no problem finding a Garnet piece that suits their taste. Spiritually, garnet symbolizes gratitude, service to others, and passion for life. Read more about garnet's meaning and healing properties, or see how to tell if your garnet is working.

FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE: AMETHYST

February Birthstone: Amethyst

Color: Purple to violet, sometimes pink or blue-tinged · Hardness: 7 Mohs · Meaning: Protection, wisdom, calm

Those born in February have a beautiful purple quartz crystal as their birthstone. Amethyst has a lovely blend of purple and red tones but can also show light pinkish or blue hues, depending on the cut.

The name "Amethyst" comes from the ancient Greeks. They called it amethystos, meaning "not intoxicated" they believed the stone protected the wearer from drunkenness. Today, amethyst is mostly associated with spiritual protection and wisdom.

Amethyst often occurs in geodes or the cavities of granitic rocks, and is found worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Zambia. Learn more in our complete amethyst guide, or compare it with rose quartz.

 

MARCH BIRTHSTONE: AQUAMARINE & BLOODSTONE

Aquamarine

Colors: Sea blue-green (Aquamarine) · dark green with red flecks (Bloodstone) · Hardness: 7.5–8 / 6.5–7 Mohs · Meaning: Tranquility, courage, resilience

Aquamarine

The modern and more popular birthstone for March is Aquamarine. This gemstone has a dreamy translucent clarity and bluish-green color, which inspired its name — from the Latin for "seawater."

Aquamarine was always a symbol of happiness and eternal youth for Egyptians and Sumerians. The gemstone was also believed to grant safe passage across stormy waters. Today it is recognized as a strong meditation tool and a stone of harmony and tranquility. Explore the seven hidden benefits of aquamarine.

Bloodstone

The traditional March birthstone is Bloodstone, a dark-green gemstone with mysterious red spots of iron oxide.

Bloodstone is mainly sourced in India, Brazil, and Australia, found as pebbles in rocks and riverbeds. It is a stone cloaked in rich folklore and purifying energy, believed to realign the lower chakras and boost resilience and strength.

APRIL BIRTHSTONE: DIAMOND

Color: Colorless, also yellow, brown, pink, blue and green · Hardness: 10 Mohs the hardest natural substance · Meaning: Purity, clarity, perfection

Nature makes diamonds from carbon alone, yet they became the most durable and iconic gemstones on the planet. A diamond can only be cut with another diamond.

You are probably most familiar with white, transparent diamonds. But these gemstones come in several colors, including brown, yellow, red, pink, blue, and green, ranging in intensity from faint to vivid. More saturated colors mean a higher value.

If you love the brilliance of diamond but want something more affordable and just as meaningful, Clear Quartz is the crystal world's answer colorless, luminous, and known as the master healer. See how to use clear quartz for spiritual growth.

MAY BIRTHSTONE: EMERALD

Color: Deep spring green · Hardness: 7.5–8 Mohs · Meaning: Love, hope, intelligence

People have always loved this gemstone for its luxurious appearance and green color, which represents spring. In the past, Emerald was often worn as a statement piece for significant events and famous gatherings.

This alluring crystal grows with six sides and can reach up to a foot in length. How well its color shows depends heavily on the cut. Deep green, high-quality Emeralds are becoming increasingly limited, so emerald jewelry should be valued and cared for with extra attention.

Since early times, this green gem has been a symbol of deep spirituality, intelligence, and hope. Some ancient civilizations considered it a gift from the god of wisdom. If you were born in May, you may also want to explore Taurus stones and their meanings.

JUNE BIRTHSTONE: PEARL, Alexandrite & Moonstone

Colors: Creamy white (Pearl) · milky blue (Moonstone) · color-shifting green to red (Alexandrite) · Hardness: 2.5–4.5 / 6–6.5 / 8.5 Mohs · Meaning: Intuition, purity, new beginnings

Pearl

Pearl is one of the most unique gems out there the only gemstone made by living creatures. That is why it is so precious and so vulnerable, with a hardness of only 2.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale. Australia is one of the last places where natural pearls with creamy white hues are harvested in the wild.

Pearls are said to offer spiritual protection, wealth, and good luck, and are known for their tranquil, relaxing effect.

Moonstone

June's second modern birthstone is Moonstone. Named by the Roman natural historian Pliny, it has been used since ancient times. The finest moonstones are found in Sri Lanka and show a transparent, light blue sheen.

Moonstone has some of the strongest spiritual associations of any birthstone  intuition, psychic ability, and clairvoyance. Its one weakness is low hardness: it is prone to stress cracking, so moonstone rings and bracelets need extra care. Read our guide to the spiritual uses of moonstone, or find the right piece with our moonstone gift guide.

Alexandrite

The traditional birthstone of June is Alexandrite, one of the most recently discovered gemstones, found in emerald mines in the Ural Mountains.

Its signature feature is chameleon-like color shifting bluish-green in daylight, purplish-red under incandescent light. Alexandrite is a stone of longevity, prosperity, and luck. Learn more about Alexandrite's color-change properties.

JULY BIRTHSTONE: RUBY

Color: Vivid red to dark red, sometimes pinkish or orange · Hardness: 9 Mohs · Meaning: Vitality, passion, self-esteem

Ruby is one of those stones that gracefully transcends time. In ancient Sanskrit it was known as the "king of precious stones," and it is still one of the most adored gems in the world.

The precious red color comes from traces of chromium. Ruby can also appear dark red, pinkish, or light orange depending on its iron and chromium content.

When it comes to durability, only diamond is harder than ruby. That combination of fiery color and incredible resilience is why rubies have been so highly valued since their discovery. Spiritually, ruby is associated with divine creativity and high self-esteem.

AUGUST BIRTHSTONES: PERIDOT, SARDONYX & SPINEL

Colours: Olive green (Peridot) · vivid red to violet-blue (Spinel) · banded red-brown (Sardonyx) · Hardness: 6.5–7 / 8 / 6.5–7 Mohs · Meaning: Prosperity, strength, protection

In 2016, August became one of three months with three birthstones. And the selection is beautiful.

Peridot

Peridot is cloaked in rich folklore and loved for its pretty green glow. In ancient Greece it symbolized prosperity and meant "giving plenty." In Hawaii, this gem once symbolized the tears of the volcano goddess. It looks fantastic in any jewelry setting and with any outfit.

Sardonyx

Sardonyx is a blend of sard and onyx two types of the mineral chalcedony layered into a unique stone striped in reddish-brown. It takes its name from the Persian city of Sardis, where the red stone was discovered, and symbolizes strength, protection, and courage.

Spinel

For Spinel, vivid red is the most desirable color, though it also appears in violet-blue, pale pink, yellow, and mauve. Historically it was often mistaken for sapphire and ruby, but it was always prized by emperors and kings the Crown Jewels of England contain several. Spinel was even used to magnetize compasses as early as the 11th century.

Spiritually, Spinel is believed to be a source of physical energy, good health, and longevity. 

SEPTEMBER BIRTHSTONE: SAPPHIRE

Color: Royal blue, also yellow, pink, green and orange · Hardness: 9 Mohs · Meaning: Wisdom, focus, creativity

Sapphire's name comes from the Latin sapphirus and the Greek sappheiros, meaning "blue stone." Some believe it originates instead from a Sanskrit word meaning "dear to Saturn."

Whatever the case, sapphire is remarkable. It is incredibly durable at 9 on the Mohs scale, and traces of iron, titanium, copper and magnesium give it a whole palette of natural colors — from blue and yellow to orange, green, and purple.

Sapphire thrives in jewelry, electronics, watches, and scientific instruments. Spiritually, it is a guide to greater wisdom, concentration, and creativity. Read the full September birthstone guide.

Looking for that same deep blue in a crystal you can build a ritual around? Lapis Lazuli carries a similar energy of truth and inner clarity.

OCTOBER BIRTHSTONE: OPAL & TOURMALINE

Colors: Iridescent play-of-color (Opal) · every shade of the rainbow (Tourmaline) · Hardness: 5–6.5 / 7–7.5 Mohs · Meaning: Intuition, emotional balance, protection

Tourmaline

Tourmaline, including watermelon tourmaline, is a stone of mixed colors representing every shade in the rainbow. It is a complex group of minerals that sometimes breaks off into distinctive varieties such as Black Tourmaline.

Each variety has its own spiritual meaning. Black tourmaline is highly valued for spiritual protection; pink tourmaline is associated with gentleness, joy, and love, and is often worn to promote compassion.

Opal

Opal has always been known as the "stone of changing colors" and a "play of rainbow." The Romans were fascinated by its color spectrum.

Opal is an emotional stone believed to reflect the wearer's mood. It intensifies emotions and enhances cosmic consciousness while stimulating intuition and insight. Read the full October birthstone guide.

NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONE: TOPAZ & CITRINE

Colors: Golden yellow (Citrine) · blue, golden or imperial orange (Topaz) · Hardness: 7 / 8 Mohs · Meaning: Abundance, joy, friendship

Citrine

Citrine is easily one of the most popular gems in the world a stone of summer that always brings good vibes and attracts good luck.

Its durability, affordability, and vibrant yellow color are what made citrine so beloved. Wearing citrine jewelry or keeping citrine stones nearby is said to inspire more self-esteem, creativity, and positivity. Citrine remains the official November birthstone on the modern calendar.

Topaz

Topaz takes its name from the ancient Greek Topazios, which refers to St. John's Island in the Red Sea. Yellow stones were mined there, though probably not topaz.

Today the best-known variations are blue, orange, yellow, and pink. The most prized is Imperial Topaz an intense golden to reddish-orange stone found primarily in Brazil. The purest topaz crystals are actually colorless.

Topaz is durable enough to wear daily. Spiritually, it is a gentle stone that promotes joy, happiness, and friendship. Read the full November birthstone guide.

DECEMBER BIRTHSTONE: TURQUOISE, LAPIS LAZULI, TANZANITE, & BLUE ZIRCON

Colors: Blue-green (Turquoise) · blue-violet (Tanzanite) · vivid blue (Zircon) · deep blue with gold flecks (Lapis) · Hardness: 5–6 / 6–7 / 6–7.5 / 5–6 Mohs · Meaning: Truth, hope, wisdom

Turquoise

Turquoise is probably the most recognized December birthstone, famous for its striking color and cultural importance. Ancient Egyptians, Persians, Native Americans, and Aztecs all admired it, using it in jewelry, weapons, and ceremonial items.

Its captivating color represents wisdom, tranquility, and hope. The stone requires gentle care, it is sensitive to direct sunlight and rates only 5–6 on the Mohs scale.

Lapis Lazuli

Renowned for its deep blue color, Lapis Lazuli is one of December's more traditional birthstones a captivating semi-precious gemstone revered for centuries.

The most prized stones have an intense blue hue with flecks of golden pyrite, though greenish-blue and violet-blue variations occur. Used in sacred objects and jewelry in ancient Egypt, Lapis Lazuli was named from the Latin lapis ("stone") and the Persian lazhuward ("blue"). Spiritually, it is believed to promote clarity, self-awareness, and inner truth read more on the protective magic of lapis lazuli.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is found only near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which makes it genuinely unique. A blue-purple variety rating around 6.5 on the Mohs scale, it displays different color tones when viewed from different angles — which means the cut matters enormously. Tanzanite is a high-vibration crystal, and its shifting colors are linked to higher consciousness.

Blue Zircon

Zircon comes in a wide range of colors red, orange, brown, blue, green, and yellow caused by trace impurities. Blue Zircon is the variety associated with December.

Zircon is the oldest mineral on Earth, dating back 4.4 billion years, and holds essential clues about our planet's formation. Read the full December birthstone guide.

Birthstone Jewelry: Necklaces, Bracelets and Rings

A birthstone makes one of the most personal gifts there is — it is chosen for one specific person and no one else. Whether you are buying for yourself or for someone born in a particular month, here is where to start:

• Birthstone necklaces — the easiest piece to wear every day, and the most popular birthstone gift.
• Birthstone bracelets — keeps the stone against your skin, which many people prefer for energy work.
• Birthstone rings — best for harder stones like sapphire, ruby and topaz; softer stones like pearl and moonstone need more care.
• Shop all birthstone jewelry — every month in one place.

Not sure which stone is right? Take our crystal quiz, or explore 20 healing crystals for beginners.

Final Thoughts 

There might be some confusion about birthstones, with two different lists floating around. We hope that after reading this article, everything makes more sense. 

But here's the beauty of it all: both lists resonate with your unique traits. Whether you choose Bloodstone's fiery passion or Aquamarine's calming wisdom, the connection remains.

Ultimately, the choice is yours let your intuition guide you, and you will surely find the birthstone, traditional or modern, meant for you.

About Mindful Souls

Mindful Souls started in 2018 with a simple idea: to make crystals and spiritual practices feel more accessible in everyday life. Today, we're a community of over 180,000 people exploring these tools in a practical, personal way.

We carefully source all of our crystals directly from ethical suppliers around the world, ensuring they are 100% natural. Each one is also tested and third-party lab certified for authenticity and quality, so you always know what you're working with. If you're curious about how it all started, you can read more on our story page.

 

Written by:

Mindful Souls

Your destination for spirituality, mindfulness, and crystal jewelry. We simplify spiritual improvement, making it accessible and beneficial for everyone. With over 10 years in the mystical industry, we ensure quality through our experts in lithotherapy and geology.

Reviewed & approved by Monal Gehlot gem expert certified GIA.

# # # # #