Birthstones have long held a special place in human culture, symbolizing everything from personal identity and protection to spiritual connection and prosperity. While the idea of assigning specific gemstones to each month of the year is ancient, the modern standardized list of birthstones was formalized in the early 20th century by the jewelry trade. Today, both modern and traditional lists of birthstones coexist, offering a rich tapestry of options for jewelry buyers, gemstone collectors, and those interested in the historical and symbolic significance of these precious stones.
This article provides a detailed overview of the modern and traditional birthstones by month, as outlined in the most authoritative and widely recognized sources. We will explore the evolution of these lists, the gemstones assigned to each month, and the various interpretations that have emerged over time. Additionally, we will delve into the historical context of birthstones, the reasons behind their selection, and the cultural and symbolic meanings attributed to each stone.
History and Evolution of the Birthstone Lists
The concept of birthstones dates back to antiquity, with roots in religious and cultural traditions. One of the earliest known references to birthstones comes from the Revelation of St. John in the Bible, which lists twelve foundation stones associated with the twelve apostles. These were later linked to the months of the year and the zodiac signs, forming the basis for early birthstone traditions.
By the 8th century, the idea of assigning gemstones to each month had gained more structure, with the 12 angels also being associated with each month and zodiac sign. This led to the creation of multiple lists of birthstones, including those based on guardian angels, zodiac signs, and apostles. These lists varied by region and culture, and as trade and cultural exchange expanded, so too did the diversity of birthstone assignments.
In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) in the United States formalized the modern birthstone list to standardize the industry and provide a unified reference for jewelers and consumers. The list was updated in 1952 and again in 2016, with the addition of alexandrite for June, pink tourmaline for October, and spinel for August. These revisions reflect the dynamic nature of the birthstone tradition, which continues to evolve alongside advances in gemology and market trends.
The modern birthstone list is now widely recognized in the United States and many other countries, though variations still exist. For example, Great Britain uses a version of the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) list with minor modifications. These differences highlight the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context behind each list when interpreting the significance of a birthstone.
Modern and Traditional Birthstones by Month
Below is a detailed breakdown of the modern and traditional birthstones for each month, based on the most authoritative sources:
| Month | Modern Birthstone | Traditional Birthstone |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond | Diamond |
| May | Emerald | Emerald |
| June | Alexandrite | Pearl |
| July | Ruby | Ruby |
| August | Peridot, Spinel | Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| October | Tourmaline | Opal |
| November | Topaz, Citrine | Topaz |
| December | Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz | Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli |
January: Garnet
Modern & Traditional Stone: Garnet
Garnet is one of the oldest known birthstones, with a history that dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Roman, Hebrew, and Hindu. It is a silicate mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7, making it relatively durable. Garnet comes in a variety of colors, with red being the most common, but blue, green, and even colorless varieties also exist. The rarest and most valuable form is tsavorite, a green garnet discovered in the 1960s in East Africa.
In ancient times, garnet was believed to ward off evil spirits and was often used in protective amulets. Today, it is associated with love, passion, and vitality, making it a popular choice for jewelry.
February: Amethyst
Modern & Traditional Stone: Amethyst
Amethyst is a quartz mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7 and a violet color caused by iron impurities. It is one of the most popular gemstones in the world, valued for its beauty and affordability. Amethyst has been used since ancient times for its calming and purifying properties.
In ancient Rome, amethyst was believed to prevent drunkenness, a belief reflected in its name, which comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning "not drunken." Today, amethyst is associated with clarity of mind, emotional stability, and spiritual growth.
March: Aquamarine (Modern) / Bloodstone (Traditional)
Modern Stone: Aquamarine
Traditional Stone: Bloodstone
Aquamarine is a beryl mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8. It is known for its blue to blue-green color, which resembles the sea. The most valuable aquamarines are those with a pure blue color and high transparency. Aquamarine is associated with serenity, courage, and protection, especially during travel.
Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is a green jasper with red spots that resemble blood. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7 and was believed in ancient times to heal wounds and promote courage. Bloodstone was especially popular in medieval Europe as a healing stone and protective talisman.
April: Diamond
Modern & Traditional Stone: Diamond
Diamond is the hardest natural substance on Earth, with a Mohs hardness of 10. It is a carbon mineral formed under extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth's mantle. Diamond is known for its brilliance, fire, and durability, making it the most sought-after gemstone in the world.
Diamonds have been used as symbols of eternity, love, and strength for centuries. In ancient India, diamonds were believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. Today, diamond is the ultimate symbol of commitment, especially in the form of engagement rings.
May: Emerald
Modern & Traditional Stone: Emerald
Emerald is a beryl mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8. It is prized for its deep green color, which is caused by chromium or vanadium impurities. The most famous source of emeralds is Columbia, where the finest specimens are found.
Emerald has long been associated with wisdom, love, and renewal. In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra was known to favor emeralds, and they were considered symbols of fertility and immortality. Today, emerald is a popular choice for fine jewelry, especially in rings and pendants.
June: Alexandrite (Modern) / Pearl (Traditional)
Modern Stone: Alexandrite
Traditional Stone: Pearl
Alexandrite is a chrysoberyl mineral with a Mohs hardness of 8.5. It is known for its color change property, appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light. Alexandrite was first discovered in Russia in the 1830s and was named after the Russian Tsar Alexander II.
Pearls are organic gemstones formed inside mollusks, primarily freshwater and saltwater mussels. They have a Mohs hardness of 2.5–4.5, making them softer and more delicate than most other gemstones. Pearls are associated with purity, elegance, and wisdom. In ancient times, they were believed to be tears of the moon goddess.
Alexandrite was added to the birthstone list in 1952, replacing pearl as the modern birthstone for June. Pearl remains a traditional option, especially for those who prefer natural or cultured pearls.
July: Ruby
Modern & Traditional Stone: Ruby
Ruby is a corundum mineral with a Mohs hardness of 9, making it one of the hardest and most durable gemstones. It is a red-colored gemstone due to chromium or vanadium impurities. The most famous ruby deposits are found in Burma (Myanmar), where the finest "pigeon's blood" rubies are mined.
Ruby has long been associated with passion, power, and protection. In ancient India, it was believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. Today, ruby is a symbol of deep love and commitment, often used in engagement and anniversary rings.
August: Peridot, Spinel (Modern) / Sardonyx (Traditional)
Modern Stones: Peridot, Spinel
Traditional Stone: Sardonyx
Peridot is a silicate mineral with a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7. It is known for its green color, ranging from yellow-green to deep olive, caused by iron impurities. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color, making it unique among birthstones.
Spinel was added as an additional modern birthstone for August in 2016, reflecting the growing appreciation for this beautiful and affordable gemstone. Spinel comes in a wide range of colors, including red, blue, pink, and even colorless, with a Mohs hardness of 8.
Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony with white and brown bands. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7 and was believed in ancient times to bring courage and protection in battle.
September: Sapphire
Modern & Traditional Stone: Sapphire
Sapphire is a corundum mineral with a Mohs hardness of 9, making it one of the hardest gemstones after diamond. It is a blue gemstone due to iron and titanium impurities, though sapphires can also occur in other colors, including pink, yellow, green, and even colorless (in which case they are called white sapphires).
Sapphire has long been associated with wisdom, truth, and divine favor. In ancient times, it was believed to ward off evil and bring protection. Today, sapphire is a symbol of enduring love, especially in engagement rings, and is often associated with royalty and elegance.
October: Tourmaline (Modern) / Opal (Traditional)
Modern Stone: Tourmaline
Traditional Stone: Opal
Tourmaline is a complex silicate mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7–7.5. It is known for its wide range of colors, including pink, green, blue, and even black. The most famous variety is pink tourmaline, which is often used in jewelry and healing practices.
Opal is an amorphous hydrated silica with a Mohs hardness of 5–6.5. It is known for its play-of-color effect, caused by the refraction of light through tiny silica spheres. Opal is associated with imagination, creativity, and emotional balance. However, it is more delicate than tourmaline, making it less suitable for everyday wear.
Tourmaline was added as a modern birthstone for October in 1952, replacing opal as the primary birthstone. Opal remains a traditional and culturally significant stone, especially in Australian and European traditions.
November: Topaz, Citrine (Modern) / Topaz (Traditional)
Modern Stones: Topaz, Citrine
Traditional Stone: Topaz
Topaz is a silicate mineral with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it a durable and versatile gemstone. It is available in a wide range of colors, including yellow, blue, pink, and even colorless (in which case it is often referred to as white topaz). Blue topaz is one of the most popular varieties, especially in jewelry and fashion pieces.
Citrine was added as an additional modern birthstone for November in 2016, reflecting the growing demand for affordable and colorful gemstones. Citrine is a yellow quartz with a Mohs hardness of 7 and is associated with energy, positivity, and abundance.
Topaz has been used as a protective stone in many cultures, especially in ancient Egypt and Greece, where it was believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune.
December: Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz (Modern) / Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli (Traditional)
Modern Stones: Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz
Traditional Stones: Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli
Tanzanite is a trigonal mineral with a Mohs hardness of 6–7. It is a rare gemstone found only in Tanzania, where it was discovered in 1967. Tanzanite is known for its violet-blue color, which deepens under UV light. It is associated with spiritual awakening, transformation, and emotional healing.
Blue zircon is a zircon mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8. It is known for its bright blue color and high dispersion, which gives it a diamond-like fire. Blue zircon is a popular alternative to blue topaz, especially in cost-conscious jewelry.
Blue topaz is a silicate mineral with a Mohs hardness of 8. It is a color-treated version of colorless topaz, and it is known for its brilliant blue color and affordability. Blue topaz is a popular choice for everyday jewelry, especially in rings and pendants.
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral with a Mohs hardness of 5–6. It is known for its blue-green color and organic appearance, often containing matrix patterns. Turquoise has been used for thousands of years in jewelry, amulets, and decorative objects, especially in Native American and Middle Eastern cultures.
Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock with a Mohs hardness of 5–6. It is known for its deep blue color with golden flecks of pyrite. Lapis lazuli has been used since ancient times in Egypt and Mesopotamia for jewelry, cosmetics, and ceremonial objects.
Tanzanite was added as a modern birthstone for December in 1968, replacing turquoise and lapis lazuli as the primary birthstone. Turquoise and lapis lazuli remain traditional and culturally significant stones, especially in Bohemian and artisanal jewelry.
Conclusion
The modern and traditional birthstone lists offer a fascinating glimpse into the historical, cultural, and scientific significance of gemstones. While the modern list provides a standardized reference for jewelers and consumers, the traditional list reflects the rich diversity of regional and cultural traditions that have shaped the use of gemstones over time.
Each birthstone carries its own unique properties, symbolism, and history, making it a personal and meaningful choice for those who wish to wear it. Whether you choose a modern gemstone for its brilliance and durability or a traditional stone for its cultural and historical significance, birthstones continue to play an important role in jewelry, spirituality, and personal expression.
Understanding the origins, properties, and meanings of each birthstone allows us to appreciate not only the beauty of gemstones but also the deep connections between people, nature, and culture that have endured for centuries.