Birthstones by Month: Meanings & Properties
A birthstone is the gem traditionally associated with the month you were born, and people have worn them for centuries as symbols of identity, protection, and good fortune. The custom traces back to antiquity, while the modern list most of the English-speaking world uses was standardized in 1912 and lightly updated since. Below is a full birthstone chart, month by month, with each stone's color, meaning, and the qualities tradition assigns it.
As with all crystal lore, treat these meanings as cultural and symbolic rather than medical. They're a lovely lens for reflection and a popular guide for meaningful jewelry — nothing more, nothing less.
A Brief History of Birthstones
The idea of a stone for each month is ancient. Many scholars trace it back to the breastplate of Aaron described in the Book of Exodus, a ceremonial garment set with twelve gemstones. Over time those twelve stones became linked first to the twelve signs of the zodiac and later to the twelve months of the year, and the custom of wearing the stone matching your birth month took hold in 18th-century Europe.
The modern list most people recognize today was formalized by jewelers in 1912 and has been lightly revised since — which is why several months now carry more than one "official" stone. Different cultures keep their own traditional lists too, so you may occasionally see a stone assigned to a different month than the one below.
January — Garnet
A deep red stone symbolizing protection, strength, and enduring friendship. Garnet has long been carried as a talisman for safe travel and is associated with vitality, passion, and a steady, grounded heart. Its name comes from the Latin for "pomegranate," a nod to the clustered, seed-like crystals it often forms.
February — Amethyst
A violet-purple quartz linked to calm, clarity, and spiritual insight. Amethyst is traditionally tied to sobriety, balance, and protection against negativity, making it a favorite for peace of mind and restful sleep. The ancient Greeks believed it could guard against intoxication and keep the mind clear.
March — Aquamarine
A pale blue-green stone named for seawater, associated with courage, calm, and clear communication. Sailors once carried aquamarine for safe passage, and it's regarded as a soothing, tranquil gem of the sea. (Bloodstone is a traditional alternate for March.)
April — Diamond
The brilliant, colorless gem symbolizing love, strength, and enduring clarity. As the hardest natural material, the diamond stands for invincibility and eternal commitment, which is part of why it crowns engagement rings. Tradition also links it to purity and unbreakable bonds.
May — Emerald
A lush green stone tied to rebirth, love, and abundance. Emerald has long symbolized fertility, renewal, and the fresh growth of spring, and tradition links it to wisdom, patience, and faithful love. Its vivid color made it one of the most treasured gems of the ancient world, from Cleopatra's Egypt onward.
June — Pearl
A soft, luminous gem (joined by alexandrite and moonstone) symbolizing purity, innocence, and emotional clarity. Unlike most birthstones, the pearl forms inside a living oyster, and it's associated with calm, integrity, and gentle wisdom.
July — Ruby
A vivid red gem long called the "king of stones," symbolizing passion, protection, and vitality. Ruby is associated with love, courage, and life force, and was once believed to guard the wearer from harm and even predict misfortune by darkening in color. It remains one of the most prized colored gemstones.
August — Peridot
A bright yellow-green stone tied to strength, light, and renewal. Sometimes called the "gem of the sun," peridot is associated with warding off negativity and inviting good fortune, prosperity, and a lighter heart. Ancient Egyptians mined it on a remote island in the Red Sea and treasured it as a stone of the sun. (Spinel is a modern alternate for August.)
September — Sapphire
A rich blue stone symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Sapphire has long been linked to truth, sincerity, and faithful devotion, and was traditionally worn as a guard against envy and harm. Medieval clergy wore it as a symbol of heaven, and while blue is classic, sapphires occur in nearly every color.
October — Opal
A shimmering, color-shifting gem (paired with pink tourmaline) symbolizing creativity, hope, and inspiration. Opal's play of color made it a stone of imagination and emotion, prized for its dreamlike, ever-changing fire. No two opals are exactly alike, which only adds to its reputation as a deeply personal stone.
November — Topaz
A warm golden stone (alongside citrine) associated with strength, abundance, and good fortune. Topaz is tied to clarity, confidence, and healing warmth, while its sunny citrine partner carries optimism and prosperity.
December — Turquoise
A sky-blue stone (joined by tanzanite and blue zircon) symbolizing protection, luck, and friendship. One of the oldest known talismans, turquoise has been worn across many cultures as a guardian stone believed to bring good fortune and well-being.
How to Use Your Birthstone
Most people wear their birthstone as jewelry — a ring, pendant, or pair of earrings — both for its beauty and as a personal symbol carried close. In crystal-healing tradition you can also work with your birthstone the way you would any meaningful stone: keep it where you'll see it, hold it while setting an intention, or simply enjoy it as a small emblem of who you are and the qualities you'd like to grow. A birthstone also makes a thoughtful, personalized gift that nods to someone's birth month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my birthstone?
Your birthstone is the gem tied to your birth month: January garnet, February amethyst, March aquamarine, April diamond, May emerald, June pearl, July ruby, August peridot, September sapphire, October opal, November topaz, and December turquoise. Several months have traditional alternates too.
Why do some months have more than one birthstone?
Birthstone lists have evolved across cultures and centuries, and modern updates added alternates to offer more affordable or available options. June, for example, includes pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone, while December covers turquoise, tanzanite, and blue zircon.
Can I wear a birthstone that isn't from my month?
Absolutely. Birthstones are a tradition, not a rule. Many people choose stones for their meaning, color, or personal appeal regardless of birth month — what matters most is the connection you feel to the stone.