The concept of birthstones—assigning a specific gemstone to each month of the year—has a long and fascinating history, rooted in ancient traditions and evolving with time. Today, the monthly birthstones chart serves as both a scientific and symbolic reference for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelers, and those seeking meaningful gifts or personal connections through their birth month. This article explores the historical development of the birthstones chart, its modern structure, the gemological properties of each month’s associated stones, and the cultural and symbolic meanings that have accumulated over centuries.
The monthly birthstones chart is more than just a list of gemstones; it is a synthesis of ancient lore, scientific classification, and commercial standardization. While the practice of assigning stones to months dates back thousands of years, the modern chart we recognize today was officially established in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America). Since then, it has been updated to reflect new discoveries and changing tastes in jewelry design. For example, in 1952, alexandrite was added to June’s list, and in 2016, spinel was officially recognized as an August birthstone. These additions reflect the dynamic nature of the birthstone tradition, blending historical reverence with contemporary relevance.
Understanding the monthly birthstones chart requires a look at both its ancient origins and its modern adaptations. The earliest known references to gemstones associated with the months are found in biblical texts, such as the Breastplate of Aaron in the Book of Exodus, which is said to have contained 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Over time, various cultures developed their own interpretations, often linking gemstones to zodiac signs and astrological influences. The modern chart, however, is not tied to astrology but rather to a more generalized calendar-based system.
History and Lore of the Birthstone Tradition
The tradition of associating gemstones with specific months has ancient roots, with one of the earliest known references appearing in the Bible. The Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Book of Exodus, was believed to be adorned with 12 stones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. This has been interpreted by many as the earliest known form of a birthstone tradition. While the exact identities of the stones on the breastplate remain debated, this concept of linking gemstones to groups or individuals laid the foundation for later traditions.
By the 1st century CE, the Roman historian Pliny the Elder documented a list of gemstones associated with the zodiac, which was later expanded to include the months of the year. This system was further developed in medieval Europe, where gemstones were believed to possess protective and healing properties depending on the month in which they were worn. For instance, garnet was considered a stone of protection for those born in January, while emerald was associated with wisdom and fertility for those born in May.
The modern monthly birthstones chart as we know it today was standardized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America). At that time, the list was created to serve as a guide for jewelers and consumers, offering a consistent reference for birthstone jewelry. While the 1912 list is considered the official modern chart, it is not the only version in use. Some sources still reference ancient and traditional birthstone lists, which differ from the modern chart. For example, the ancient list of birthstones includes stones like bloodstone for March and sardonyx for August, while the traditional list sometimes combines multiple stones with a single month.
Over the years, the modern list has been updated to reflect new gemological discoveries and market trends. In 1952, the American Jewelry Manufacturers Association added alexandrite to the list for June, and in 2016, spinel was added for August. These changes illustrate the ongoing evolution of the birthstone tradition, as it continues to adapt to new cultural and commercial influences.
The Modern Monthly Birthstones Chart
The modern monthly birthstones chart consists of 12 months, each associated with one or more gemstones. While the 1912 list originally assigned a single gemstone to each month, modern versions often include multiple options, particularly for months where more than one gemstone is popular or widely available. This flexibility allows for a broader range of choices for jewelry designers and consumers.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the modern monthly birthstones chart, based on the most widely accepted and authoritative sources:
| Month | Modern Birthstones |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl, Alexandrite |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot, Spinel |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz, Citrine |
| December | Turquoise, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite |
January – Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for January and is one of the most ancient and widely recognized gemstones in the world. The name "garnet" comes from the Latin word granatum, meaning "pomegranate," referring to the deep red color of the most common garnet variety. However, garnet is not a single mineral but a group of minerals with similar chemical and physical properties. These include pyrope, almandine, spessartine, andradite, and grossular, each of which can exhibit a range of colors, from deep red to green, yellow, and even color-changing varieties.
Garnet was believed in ancient times to offer protection and promote vitality. In medieval Europe, it was often carried as an amulet to ward off disease and misfortune. Today, garnet is valued both for its beauty and its durability, with a hardness of 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is commonly used in jewelry and is known for its brilliance and luster.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for February and is a variety of quartz known for its striking purple color. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning "not drunken," as the stone was believed to protect against the effects of alcohol. Ancient Greeks and Romans would drink wine from amethyst cups to avoid intoxication.
Amethyst is a member of the quartz family and is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). It is relatively durable, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for a variety of jewelry applications. The stone can range in color from pale lavender to deep purple, with the most valuable specimens exhibiting a rich, saturated hue.
In addition to its protective qualities, amethyst is also associated with wisdom, calmness, and spiritual clarity. It has been used in religious and ceremonial contexts for centuries and remains a popular gemstone in modern jewelry design.
March – Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and is a blue to blue-green variety of beryl. The name "aquamarine" is derived from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (sea), referring to its resemblance to the sea. This gemstone is composed of beryllium aluminum silicate and is known for its clarity and vibrant color.
Aquamarine is relatively hard, with a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making it ideal for use in rings, pendants, and other fine jewelry. It is often cut in a cushion or emerald cut to enhance its brilliance. In ancient times, aquamarine was believed to protect sailors from the dangers of the sea, and it was considered a symbol of youth and happiness.
Today, aquamarine is highly valued for its beauty and durability, and it is often used as an alternative to blue sapphire in jewelry. It is also a popular choice for engagement rings and anniversary gifts.
April – Diamond
Diamond is the birthstone for April and is perhaps the most well-known and valuable of all gemstones. Composed entirely of carbon, diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. Its exceptional hardness makes it extremely durable and suitable for use in all types of jewelry.
Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under conditions of extreme heat and pressure. They are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions and are found in a variety of colors, including colorless, yellow, blue, green, and pink. Colorless diamonds are the most common and are often used in engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
Diamond has long been associated with love, purity, and eternal commitment. Its brilliance and fire make it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, and it remains a symbol of luxury and sophistication.
May – Emerald
Emerald is the birthstone for May and is a vivid green variety of beryl. The name "emerald" comes from the Greek word smaragdus, meaning "green." Emerald is composed of beryllium aluminum silicate and is known for its rich color and exceptional clarity. It has a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for use in jewelry, although it is more delicate than other beryls like aquamarine.
Emerald has been prized for thousands of years, with the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all using it in jewelry and ceremonial objects. It was believed to bring wisdom, love, and prosperity, and it was often worn by royalty and nobility. Today, emerald is considered one of the "Big Three" gemstones, along with ruby and sapphire, and it is highly valued for its beauty and rarity.
June – Pearl, Alexandrite
June is unique in that it has three official birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. Of these, pearl and alexandrite are the most widely recognized.
Pearl is a natural gemstone formed within the soft tissue of certain mollusks, particularly oysters. Unlike most gemstones, pearls are not mined from the Earth but are cultivated in controlled environments. They are composed primarily of calcium carbonate and conchiolin, with a thin organic layer that gives them their luster and iridescence.
Pearls come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, cream, black, and even rainbow hues. They are relatively soft, with a hardness of 2.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale, and they require careful handling and cleaning to avoid damage.
Alexandrite, on the other hand, is a rare and highly valuable gemstone that was first discovered in Russia in the 19th century. It is a variety of chrysoberyl that exhibits a unique color-changing property, appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light. This phenomenon, known as the "alexandrite effect," is due to the presence of trace amounts of chromium in the stone.
Alexandrite is extremely rare and is often considered one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. It has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable and suitable for use in fine jewelry.
July – Ruby
Ruby is the birthstone for July and is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is the same mineral that forms sapphires. Ruby is composed of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) with trace amounts of chromium, which gives it its deep red color. The name "ruby" comes from the Latin ruber, meaning "red," and it has been prized for centuries for its beauty and rarity.
Ruby is one of the hardest gemstones, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it highly durable and suitable for use in all types of jewelry. It is known for its brilliance, fire, and deep red color, which has been associated with passion, power, and vitality.
Throughout history, ruby has been considered a symbol of love and protection. In ancient times, it was believed to bring good fortune and to protect the wearer from harm. Today, ruby is one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world.
August – Peridot, Spinel
August has two official birthstones: peridot and spinel. These gemstones differ in composition, color, and history, but both are widely used in jewelry and are associated with the month.
Peridot is a silicate mineral that is composed of iron and magnesium. It is known for its vibrant green color, which can range from a light yellow-green to a deep olive-green. Peridot is relatively soft, with a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, and it is often used in earrings, pendants, and other fine jewelry.
Peridot has a long history of use in jewelry and has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. It was believed to bring good luck and to protect the wearer from nightmares and negative influences. In modern times, peridot is considered a symbol of warmth, strength, and renewal.
Spinel is a mineral that is often mistaken for ruby or sapphire due to its similar appearance. It is composed of aluminum and magnesium oxides and can be found in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, blue, green, and black. Spinel has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable and suitable for use in jewelry.
Spinel was once considered a type of ruby, but in the 18th century, it was identified as a separate mineral. Today, it is highly valued for its beauty and affordability, and it is considered a modern addition to the birthstone list.
September – Sapphire
Sapphire is the birthstone for September and is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is the same mineral that forms ruby. Unlike ruby, which gets its red color from chromium, sapphire gets its blue color from trace amounts of iron and titanium. However, sapphires can be found in a wide range of colors, including pink, yellow, green, and even colorless, though blue is the most well-known.
Sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it highly durable and suitable for use in all types of jewelry. It is known for its brilliance, clarity, and deep blue color, which has been associated with wisdom, truth, and loyalty.
Sapphires have been used in jewelry and ceremonial objects for thousands of years, and they have been prized by royalty and nobility throughout history. Today, sapphire is one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world.
October – Opal, Tourmaline
October has two official birthstones: opal and tourmaline. These gemstones differ in composition, color, and history, but both are widely used in jewelry and are associated with the month.
Opal is a hydrated amorphous silica that is known for its iridescence and play-of-color. Unlike most gemstones, which are crystalline, opal is amorphous, meaning it does not have a regular crystal structure. This gives it a unique appearance, with flashes of color that change depending on the angle of light.
Opal is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale, and it is often used in pendants and earrings rather than rings. It is considered one of the most fragile of the gemstones and requires careful handling and cleaning.
Opal has a long history of use in jewelry and has been associated with love, passion, and creativity. In ancient times, it was believed to bring good fortune and to protect the wearer from harm.
Tourmaline is a complex borosilicate mineral that is known for its wide range of colors. It can be found in black, green, pink, red, blue, and even colorless varieties. Tourmaline is relatively hard, with a hardness of 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, and it is often used in pendants, earrings, and rings.
Tourmaline has been used in jewelry for centuries and is known for its durability and beauty. It is also considered to have healing properties and is often used in alternative medicine and holistic healing practices.
November – Topaz, Citrine
November has two official birthstones: topaz and citrine. These gemstones differ in composition, color, and history, but both are widely used in jewelry and are associated with the month.
Topaz is a silicate mineral that is known for its bright colors and clarity. It can be found in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, blue, green, and even pink. The most valuable and sought-after topaz is the golden topaz, which has a rich, warm color.
Topaz is relatively hard, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable and suitable for use in jewelry. It is known for its brilliance and fire, and it has been used in jewelry for thousands of years.
Topaz has long been associated with strength, protection, and good fortune. In ancient times, it was believed to bring courage and to protect the wearer from harm. Today, it is a popular choice for rings, pendants, and other fine jewelry.
Citrine is a variety of quartz that is known for its yellow to orange color. It gets its name from the French word citron, meaning "lemon," referring to its bright, sunny color. Citrine is relatively hard, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, and it is often used in rings, pendants, and earrings.
Citrine has been used in jewelry for centuries and is associated with warmth, happiness, and prosperity. It is considered a stone of positivity and is often used in meditation and healing practices.
December – Turquoise, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite
December has three official birthstones: turquoise, blue zircon, and tanzanite. These gemstones differ in composition, color, and history, but all are widely used in jewelry and are associated with the month.
Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper that is known for its blue to green color. It is one of the oldest known gemstones and has been used in jewelry and ceremonial objects for thousands of years. Turquoise is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5–6 on the Mohs scale, and it requires careful handling and cleaning.
Turquoise has long been associated with protection, healing, and good fortune. In ancient times, it was believed to bring the wearer strength and to protect them from harm. Today, it is a popular choice for jewelry and is often used in pendants, earrings, and rings.
Blue Zircon is a variety of zircon that is known for its bright blue color. Zircon is a silicate mineral that is found in a wide range of colors, including red, yellow, green, and blue. Blue zircon is one of the most popular and valuable varieties and is often used as an alternative to blue sapphire.
Blue zircon is relatively hard, with a hardness of 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale, and it is known for its brilliance and fire. It is a popular choice for rings, pendants, and other fine jewelry.
Tanzanite is a rare and highly valuable gemstone that was first discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is a variety of the mineral zoisite and is known for its deep blue to violet color. Tanzanite is relatively soft, with a hardness of 6–7 on the Mohs scale, and it is often used in pendants and earrings.
Tanzanite is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world, and it is often used as an alternative to blue sapphire. It is associated with wisdom, intuition, and transformation.
Conclusion
The monthly birthstones chart is a rich and evolving tradition that combines ancient lore, scientific classification, and modern commercial standards. From the deep red garnet of January to the vibrant turquoise of December, each month has its own unique gemstone that carries a history of meaning, symbolism, and cultural significance. Whether used for jewelry, personal connection, or historical appreciation, the birthstone tradition continues to captivate and inspire.
Understanding the modern birthstones chart allows for a deeper appreciation of the gemstones associated with each month. With updates to include new discoveries and changing tastes, the chart remains a dynamic and relevant reference for gemstone enthusiasts and jewelers alike. Whether you are born in January or December, there is a birthstone that represents you, carrying with it a legacy of beauty, meaning, and tradition.