Birthstones are rooted in deep tradition, rich history, and cultural significance. They are even mentioned in the Bible. However, the birthstones we see today are not necessarily the same ones used in ancient times.
Traditionally, each month was associated with only one gemstone. But as you'll find out soon, there are months with multiple birthstones.
Each birthstone, born from the very heart of the Earth, carries its own energetic vibrations, features, facts, and other intriguing details. These vibrations resonate with you, amplifying your strengths and offering a subtle yet powerful boost to your well-being. Plus, a piece of birthstone jewelry will surely give a small upgrade to all your outfits.
We will reveal the most exciting details about your traditional and modern birthstones along the way. But first, let's discover why some months may have more than one.
Modern vs Traditional Birthstones Explained
Gemstones have such an exciting past that it's no surprise birthstones also have a fascinating backstory. But what are traditional birthstones, and where do they come from? 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 in a year really took off. And the birthplace of this tradition? Poland!
More than a century later, in 1921, the American National Association of Jewelers, now called Jewelers of America, met in Kansas and tried to standardize this list. This is how the modern birthstones were born.
What actually changed, you might wonder? The American National Association of Jewelers simply tweaked the list with gemstones that were easier to make into jewelry. This "modern" list differs slightly from the traditional one, often including non-transparent stones like Turquoise and Pearls.
What Is My Birthstone?
To the difference with zodiac stones, birthstone, as the name implies, is a precious gem linked to your birth month. What does this mean? In a few words: your birthstone’s unique healing properties and energies resonate with your personality traits.
For example, 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.
JANUARY BIRTHSTONE: GARNET
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 the stone goes well with any type of jewelry. Those born in January will have no problem finding high-quality Garnet jewelry that suits their taste! Spiritually, garnet symbolizes gratitude, service to others, and passion for life.
FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE: AMETHYST
Those born in February will enjoy a beautiful purple quartz crystal as their birthstone. Amethyst stone has a lovely blend of purple and red colors but can also have light pinkish or blue hues, depending on how the cut is finished.
Most interestingly, the name “Amethyst” comes from ancient Greeks. They called it “Amethystos,” which means “not intoxicated.” Initially, Greeks believed that the stone protects 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. The stone is found worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Zambia.
MARCH BIRTHSTONE: AQUAMARINE & BLOODSTONE
Aquamarine
The modern and more popular birthstone for March is the beautiful Aquamarine. This gemstone has dreamy translucent clarity and bluish-green colors, which inspired the stone’s name, which comes from the Latin word 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.
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 and is found as pebbles in rocks and riverbeds. It is also a stone cloaked by rich folklore and purifying energy.
It is believed that Bloodstone can realign lower chakras and boost resilience and strength.
APRIL BIRTHSTONE: DIAMOND
Nature made diamonds only from carbon, yet they became the most durable and iconic gemstones on the planet. And a Diamond can only be cut with another Diamond.
Because of their durability and brilliance, They are one of the most popular stones used in engagement rings.
You are probably most familiar with white and transparent diamonds. But these gemstones come in several colors, including brown, yellow, red, pink, blue, and green. They also range in intensity from faint to vivid. More saturated colors will mean a higher value for the stone.
If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your life, the fancy-color diamonds are definitely for you. Diamonds symbolize purity and perfection.
MAY BIRTHSTONE: EMERALD
People have always loved this gemstone for its luxurious appearance and green color, which represent 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 grow up to a foot in length. How fascinating its appearance and colors are will heavily depend on how well a gemologist cuts the stone. Deep green and high-quality Emeralds are becoming increasingly limited. Therefore, Emerald jewelry and stones should be valued and looked after with extra care.
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.
JUNE BIRTHSTONE: PEARL, Alexandrite & Moonstone
Alexandrite
June is one of the wealthiest months in terms of birthstone variety. And it all starts with the traditional birthstone of June—Alexandrite. It is one of the most recently discovered stones found in Emerald mines located in the Ural Mountains.
The unique feature of the stone is its chameleon-like color shifting. It can go from bluish-green in daylight to purplish-red under incandescent light! Alexandrite is a stone for longevity, prosperity, and luck.
Pearl
Pearl is one of the unique gems out there. It is the only gemstone made by living creatures (mollusks). That’s why it is so precious and vulnerable, with only a 2.5 -4.5 hardness on Moh’s scale. Australia is one of the last places where natural pearls with creamy white hues are harvested in the wild.
According to history and various beliefs, pearls offer spiritual protection, wealth, and good luck. They are also known for their tranquility and relaxing effects.
Moonstone
June’s third birthstone is the Moonstone. The stone was named by the Roman natural historian Pliny and has been used since ancient times. The most delicate Moonstones are found in Sri Lanka and have transparent light blue colors.
Moonstone has some of the strongest spiritual abilities. It is believed that the stone can help one tap into intuition, psychic abilities, and spiritual clairvoyance.
The only weakness of this beautiful crystal is its low hardness on the Mohs scale.
Moonstone is prone to stress cracking and cleaving. Extra care is required with moonstone jewelry like rings or bracelets.
JULY BIRTHSTONE: RUBY
Ruby is one of those stones that graciously transcends time. In ancient Sanskrit, it was known as the “king of precious stones.” And it is still one of the most adored stones in the world.
The precious red colors of the ruby stones come from traces of chromium. But ruby can also be dark red, pinkish, or light orange, depending on their iron and chromium content.
When it comes to durability, only Diamonds are more rigid than Rubies! The combination of fiery red colors and incredible vitality is why Rubies have been highly valued since their discovery. Spiritually, the Ruby is mostly associated with divine creativity and high self-esteem.
AUGUST BIRTHSTONES: PERIDOT, SARDONYX & SPINEL
In 2016, the month of August became one of three months to have three gems as birthstones. And the selection is beautiful.
Peridot
Peridot is cloaked by rich folklore and is 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. The best thing about this stone is that it looks fantastic in any jewelry and with any attire.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a blend of layers of sard and onyx—two types of mineral chalcedony. The result? A unique stone striped in reddish-brown colors.
The Sardonyx gemstone is linked to the Persian city “Sardis,” where the red stone was discovered. The Sardonyx stone symbolizes strength, protection, and courage.
Spinel
When it comes to Spinel, vivid red is the most desirable color. However, this gemstone also has violet-blue, pale pink, yellow, and mauve colors.
Historically, Spinel was often mistaken for Sapphire and Ruby. But it was always valued by emperors and kings. Even the Crown Jewels of England have a few Spinels in them! Spinel is also recorded to have been used in compass magnetizing as early as the 11th century.
Spiritually, Spinel is believed to be a source of inspiration for more physical energy, good health, and longevity.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHSTONE: SAPPHIRE
Sapphire's origins have several different variations. Its name comes from the Latin word “sapphirus” and the Greek “sappheeiros,” which means “blue stone.” However, some believe it originates from a Sanskrit word meaning “dear to Saturn.”
Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain—sapphire is remarkable. It is incredibly durable, with a nine on the Mohs scale, and has various elements within itself. The iron, titanium, copper, magnesium, and other components give it a pallet of natural colors—from blue and yellow to orange, green, and purple.
Sapphire is thriving in jewelry, electronics, watches, and scientific instruments. Spiritually, it can be a guide to more wisdom, concentration, and creativity.
Find out more about Sapphire September birthstone.
OCTOBER BIRTHSTONE: OPAL & TOURMALINE
Tourmaline
Tourmaline or watermelon tourmaline is a stone of mixed colors, representing every color and shade in the rainbow! The Tourmaline crystal is a complex group of minerals. Sometimes, it breaks off into a separate, distinctive crystal, such as Black Tourmaline.
Each variety of Tourmaline has its own unique spiritual meaning. For example, the black stone is highly valued for its spiritual protection capabilities. Pink Tourmaline is associated with gentleness, joy, and love, and it is often worn as jewelry to promote compassion.
Opal
Opal was always known as a “stone of changing colors” and a “play of a rainbow.” The gemstone was already used by Romans, who 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.
NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONE: TOPAZ & CITRINE
Topaz
Topaz stone’s name comes from the ancient Greek word “Topazios” which refers to St. John’s Island in the Red Sea. Even though yellow stones were mined there, those probably weren’t Topaz.
Today, some of the most famous Topaz gemstone variations are blue, orange, yellow, and pink. The most prized of which is Imperial Topaz—an intense golden to reddish-orange stone found primarily in Brazil. However, the purest Topaz crystals are colorless.
Topaz is a durable stone that will serve long as jewelry. Spiritually, It is known as a gentle stone that promotes joy, happiness, and friendship.
Citrine
Citrine is easily one of the most popular gems in the world. It’s a stone of summer, always bringing good vibes and attracting good luck!
The durability, affordability, and vibrant yellow colors are what made Citrine so beloved. Wearing Citrine jewelry or having Citrine stones nearby inspires you to have more self-esteem, creativity, and positivity!
Citrine remain however the official November birthstone on the modern calendar.
DECEMBER BIRTHSTONE: TURQUOISE, LAPIS LAZULI, TANZANITE, & BLUE ZIRCON
Turquoise
Turquoise is probably the most recognized December birthstone. It is famous due to its striking colors and cultural importance. Ancient Egyptians, Persians, Native Americans, and even Aztecs admired Turquoise. They used it in jewelry, weapons, ceremonial items, and more.
The captivating colors represent wisdom, tranquility, and hope. However, the stone requires gentle care. Turquoise is sensitive to direct sunlight and is rated only six on Moh’s scale for its durability.
Lapis Lazuli
Renowned for its deep blue color, Lapis Lazuli is one of December’s more traditional birthstones. It is a captivating semi-precious gemstone that has been revered for centuries.
The most prized Lapis Lazuli stones have an intense blue hue with flecks of golden Pyrite, however, color variations, including greenish-blue and violet-blue, can also occur.
Used in sacred objects and jewelry in Ancient Egypt, "Lapis Lazuli was named after the Latin "lapis," meaning stone, and the Persian "lazhuward," meaning blue.
Spiritually, this striking gemstone is believed to promote clarity, self-awareness, and inner truth.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is found only near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which makes it genuinely unique. It is a blue-purple variety and scales around 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Tanzanite can also display different color tones when viewed from different angles.
For those attractive blue and purple hues to show up, the gem must be cut properly. Tanzanite is a high-vibration crystal, and its shifting colors are linked to higher consciousness.
Blue Zircon
Zircon is another beautiful birthstone for December. This stone has a wide range of colors—from red, orange, and brown to blue, green, and yellow! This variety in colors is caused by impurities, some of which are even slightly radioactive! However, Blue Zircon is the one most associated with the month of December.
Zircon is the oldest mineral on Earth, dating back 4.4 billion years! It has essential clues and answers about our planet’s history, formation, and more.
Find out more about the December Birthstones
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.
