For centuries, humanity has shared a connection with gemstones, believing specific stones offer protection, fortune, and a unique personal identity to those born in corresponding months. This tradition, deeply rooted in history and culture, continues today with a fascinating array of birthstones—some ancient, some modern—each possessing unique qualities and symbolism. This article provides a detailed overview of the birthstones assigned to each month, drawing upon historical context and modern classifications.
January: Garnet
The birthstone for January is garnet, consistently recognized across ancient and modern lists. Garnets have been prized for millennia, with historical references dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome. The name “garnet” derives from the Latin word granatus, meaning “seed-like,” referencing the gem’s resemblance to pomegranate seeds. While often associated with a deep red hue, garnets actually occur in a wide range of colors, though red remains the most common and recognizable.
February: Amethyst
February is represented by amethyst, a gemstone equally consistent in both ancient and modern birthstone charts. Amethyst is a variety of quartz, renowned for its captivating purple color, ranging from pale lilac to deep violet. Historically, amethyst was associated with royalty and nobility, often adorning the regalia of kings and queens. The gem’s name originates from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “non-intoxicated,” as ancient Greeks believed wearing amethyst could prevent drunkenness.
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
March presents a choice between aquamarine and bloodstone, reflecting the traditional and modern distinctions in birthstone lists. Aquamarine, a variety of beryl, is celebrated for its serene blue to blue-green hues, evoking the tranquility of the sea—its name is derived from the Latin aqua marina, meaning “seawater.” In contrast, bloodstone, a dark green chalcedony with red spots, has a more ancient association, representing courage and vitality.
April: Diamond
April’s birthstone, the diamond, is universally recognized for its brilliance and enduring strength. Diamonds have been valued for millennia, symbolizing love, purity, and invincibility. Their exceptional hardness—the highest of any natural mineral—contributes to their lasting appeal and makes them ideal for jewelry. The diamond’s association with April dates back to ancient times, and it remains a highly sought-after gemstone.
May: Emerald
May is graced by the emerald, a vibrant green gemstone consistently featured in both traditional and modern lists. Emeralds are a variety of beryl, colored by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. Their rich green hue symbolizes rebirth, growth, and prosperity. Historically, emeralds were favored by royalty, including Cleopatra, who famously adorned herself with them.
June: Alexandrite, Pearl, and Moonstone
June offers a trio of birthstones: alexandrite, pearl, and moonstone. Alexandrite, a rare color-change gem, displays green in daylight and red in incandescent light, making it a particularly fascinating stone. Pearls, formed within oysters and mussels, have been treasured for their lustrous beauty for centuries, symbolizing purity and innocence. Moonstone, known for its ethereal glow, is believed to possess calming and intuitive properties.
July: Ruby
July is represented by the ruby, a gemstone synonymous with passion, courage, and nobility. Rubies are a variety of corundum, colored red by trace amounts of chromium. Their vibrant red hue has historically associated them with love, energy, and vitality. Rubies have been prized by cultures worldwide for millennia, often adorning crowns and other symbols of power.
August: Peridot and Spinel
August presents a choice between peridot and spinel, reflecting the evolution of birthstone lists. Peridot, an olive-green gemstone, has been historically associated with prosperity and good fortune. Spinel, added as a modern birthstone in 2016, comes in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, blue, and purple.
September: Sapphire
September’s birthstone, the sapphire, is renowned for its captivating blue hue, though it occurs in a variety of colors. Sapphires are a variety of corundum, prized for their durability and brilliance. Historically, sapphires were associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. The deep blue color is often linked to royalty and faith.
October: Opal and Tourmaline
October boasts two birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Opal is famous for its mesmerizing “play-of-color,” displaying a rainbow of hues as it moves. Tourmaline, available in more colors than any other gemstone, offers versatility and is believed to promote reconciliation and compassion.
November: Topaz and Citrine
November’s birthstones, topaz and citrine, are known for their warm, sunny hues. Topaz, available in a variety of colors, including yellow, blue, and pink, symbolizes affection and strength. Citrine, a golden-yellow variety of quartz, is often called the “merchant’s stone,” believed to bring prosperity and joy.
December: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite
December offers a selection of three stunning blue stones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Turquoise, one of the oldest known gemstones, is prized for its opaque, robin’s egg blue color and is considered a talisman of good fortune and protection. Blue zircon, a relatively rare gemstone, exhibits a brilliant blue hue. Tanzanite, a more recent discovery, is a vibrant blue-violet gemstone known for its trichroism—displaying different colors depending on the viewing angle.
The Evolution of Birthstone Lists
The tradition of associating gemstones with birth months has evolved over time. The earliest roots can be traced to the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Bible, which featured twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel. In the first century A.D., Josephus linked these stones to the zodiac signs. However, the widespread association of gemstones with birth months emerged in the 18th century. The National Association of Jewelers created a standardized modern list in 1912, which has remained largely unchanged since then, though additions like spinel for August have been made more recently. Today, individuals often draw from both traditional and modern lists, selecting the stones that resonate with them most.