Birthstones are more than just beautiful gems—they are cultural and historical treasures that reflect the personality, values, and symbolism associated with each month of the year. While their colors, meanings, and origins vary, they serve as enduring symbols of identity and connection. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or simply curious about the meaning behind your birthstone, understanding the colors assigned to each month is essential.
This article offers a comprehensive overview of the colors of birthstones for each month of the year, based on both traditional and modern designations. It explores the historical evolution of these gemstone associations, the reasons behind their popularity, and the meanings attributed to them across cultures. In addition, it highlights the scientific and gemological properties that define these stones, as well as their significance in jewelry and metaphysical traditions.
Birthstones by Month – A Spectrum of Colors and Meanings
The concept of birthstones is ancient, with roots in religious and cultural traditions that date back to the biblical Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 28:15–30, Aaron, the high priest, wore a breastplate adorned with 12 stones, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones became associated with the months of the year, forming the basis for the modern birthstone calendar.
While the ancient associations have evolved, the tradition of assigning gemstones to each month continues to thrive today. In many cultures, birthstones are believed to offer protective qualities, emotional support, and even influence one’s personality and destiny. The colors of these stones, in particular, play a crucial role in their symbolism and aesthetic appeal.
The following section provides a month-by-month breakdown of the colors of birthstones, as defined by both traditional and modern systems. For months that have more than one designated stone, both the primary and secondary stones are included.
January – Garnet (Dark Red)
The birthstone for January is the garnet, a gemstone that has been cherished for centuries for its deep, rich red color. The name "garnet" is derived from the Latin word granatus, meaning "pomegranate," due to its resemblance to the red seeds of the fruit. Garnet is not just one type of gemstone but a group of related minerals, and it is known to occur in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, purple, and even colorless.
The red garnet, in particular, is the most well-known and widely recognized as the January birthstone. It symbolizes faith, fidelity, and a deep sense of commitment. In ancient times, garnets were believed to have protective powers, especially for travelers, and were often carried for safety during long journeys.
In modern jewelry, garnet is a popular choice due to its vibrant color and its relatively affordable price compared to other colored gemstones. It is also the traditional gift for the second wedding anniversary, making it a meaningful and enduring symbol of lasting love.
Garnet has a hardness of 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear in rings, earrings, and pendants, provided it is set carefully to protect its surface.
February – Amethyst (Purple)
February’s birthstone is the amethyst, a violet-hued gemstone that is a variety of quartz. The name "amethyst" comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "not drunk," as it was once believed that drinking from amethyst goblets could prevent intoxication.
Amethyst ranges in color from pale lavender to deep purple, and its most valuable specimens display a rich, saturated purple with a secondary blue or red tone. This color variation is due to trace amounts of iron and the way light interacts with the crystal structure.
Amethyst is associated with calmness, clarity, and spiritual awareness. In ancient times, it was used in religious ceremonies and was believed to bring wisdom and sobriety. It is also considered a stone of protection and is often used in meditation practices.
With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is durable enough for daily wear and is a popular choice for rings, bracelets, and pendants. It is also the traditional gift for the 16th wedding anniversary, symbolizing deep devotion and enduring love.
March – Aquamarine (Blue)
The birthstone for March is the aquamarine, a gemstone known for its serene blue color that resembles the ocean. The name "aquamarine" is derived from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (of the sea), reflecting its association with water and the sea.
Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, the same family as emerald. Its color comes from the presence of iron in the crystal structure. The most valuable specimens are those with a pure, light to medium blue color, free from green tones. Aquamarine is often found in Brazil, Colombia, and Zambia.
Symbolically, aquamarine is believed to promote courage, happiness, and communication. It is associated with the calming effects of the sea and is often used in jewelry for those seeking emotional balance and tranquility.
With a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is durable and suitable for a wide range of jewelry designs. It is also the traditional gift for the 19th wedding anniversary, making it a meaningful and lasting symbol of enduring love.
April – Diamond (Colorless or White)
April’s birthstone is the diamond, one of the most precious and highly valued gemstones in the world. A diamond is a crystallized form of carbon and is the hardest natural substance known, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. While diamonds can occur in a range of colors, including yellow, blue, pink, and even black, the colorless or white diamond is the most traditional and widely recognized as the April birthstone.
Diamonds have been treasured for centuries for their brilliance, fire, and durability. They are often associated with love, purity, and eternal commitment, making them the most popular choice for engagement rings and other significant jewelry pieces.
In addition to their physical beauty, diamonds are also believed to have metaphysical properties. They are said to promote strength, clarity of thought, and emotional stability. They are also associated with spiritual enlightenment and are believed to enhance one’s ability to focus and achieve goals.
Diamonds are the traditional gift for the 10th, 40th, 60th, and 70th wedding anniversaries, symbolizing the strength, beauty, and timelessness of love.
May – Emerald (Green)
The birthstone for May is the emerald, a gemstone known for its rich, vibrant green color. Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, and its color is caused by the presence of chromium or vanadium in the crystal structure. The most valuable emeralds come from Colombia, where they have been mined for centuries.
Emerald has long been associated with love, renewal, and fertility. In ancient times, it was believed to have healing properties and was used to treat ailments of the heart and eyes. It was also considered a symbol of immortality and was often used in royal jewelry.
With a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, emerald is relatively durable but should be handled with care due to its inclusions, which can affect its strength. It is best suited for pendants and earrings rather than rings, where it is more likely to be subjected to impact.
Emerald is the traditional gift for the 55th wedding anniversary, symbolizing enduring love and devotion.
June – Pearl and Alexandrite (White and Color-Change)
June has two designated birthstones: the pearl and the alexandrite. The pearl is a natural gem formed within the shell of certain mollusks, and it is known for its soft, luminous white color. Pearls can occur in a range of colors, including white, cream, pink, and black, but the classic white pearl is the most traditional and widely recognized.
Pearls are associated with purity, wisdom, and serenity. In ancient times, they were considered symbols of the moon and were believed to bring calmness and peace of mind. They were also used in religious ceremonies and were considered sacred in many cultures.
Alexandrite is the secondary birthstone for June and is known for its remarkable color-changing properties. In daylight, it appears green, and in artificial light, it appears red. This unique quality makes it a rare and highly prized gemstone.
With a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, alexandrite is durable and suitable for a variety of jewelry designs. It is best suited for pendants and earrings.
Pearls are the traditional gift for the 30th wedding anniversary, symbolizing the beauty of a life well-lived.
July – Ruby (Red)
July’s birthstone is the ruby, a gemstone known for its deep, fiery red color. Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, and its red color is caused by the presence of chromium in the crystal structure. The most valuable rubies are those with a pure, vivid red color, often described as "pigeon’s blood."
Ruby has long been associated with love, passion, and vitality. In ancient times, it was believed to have protective powers and was often used in royal jewelry. It was also considered a symbol of the sun and was believed to bring energy and strength to the wearer.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, ruby is one of the hardest gemstones and is suitable for a wide range of jewelry designs. It is also the traditional gift for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, symbolizing enduring love and devotion.
August – Peridot and Spinel (Green and Red)
August has two designated birthstones: peridot and spinel. The primary birthstone is peridot, a gemstone known for its vibrant green color. Peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine, and its color is caused by the presence of iron in the crystal structure. The most valuable peridots are those with a deep, saturated green color.
Peridot has long been associated with healing, protection, and vitality. In ancient times, it was believed to have protective powers and was often used in jewelry for travelers and warriors. It was also considered a symbol of friendship and was believed to bring good luck and happiness.
Spinel is the secondary birthstone for August and is known for its red color. Spinel is a mineral that is often mistaken for ruby due to its similar appearance. However, spinel is a different mineral with its own unique properties.
With a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is relatively soft and should be handled with care. It is best suited for pendants and earrings rather than rings.
Peridot is the traditional gift for the 22nd wedding anniversary, symbolizing the warmth of a life well-lived.
September – Sapphire (Blue)
September’s birthstone is the sapphire, a gemstone known for its deep, rich blue color. Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, and its blue color is caused by the presence of iron and titanium in the crystal structure. The most valuable sapphires are those with a pure, vivid blue color, often described as "cornflower blue."
Sapphire has long been associated with wisdom, loyalty, and truth. In ancient times, it was believed to have protective powers and was often used in royal jewelry. It was also considered a symbol of the heavens and was believed to bring clarity and insight to the wearer.
With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones and is suitable for a wide range of jewelry designs. It is also the traditional gift for the 5th, 45th, and 65th wedding anniversaries, symbolizing enduring love and devotion.
October – Opal and Tourmaline (Rainbow and Multicolored)
October has two designated birthstones: opal and tourmaline. The primary birthstone is opal, a gemstone known for its iridescent rainbow colors. Opal is a hydrated silica mineral and is known for its play-of-color, a unique optical phenomenon that causes flashes of different colors when the stone is viewed from different angles.
Opal has long been associated with mystery, magic, and transformation. In ancient times, it was believed to have magical properties and was used in rituals and ceremonies. It was also considered a symbol of love and was believed to bring passion and romance to the wearer.
Tourmaline is the secondary birthstone for October and is known for its wide range of colors. Tourmaline is a complex mineral that can occur in almost every color of the spectrum, including pink, green, blue, and black. The most popular tourmaline for jewelry is the pink variety, known as rubellite.
With a hardness of 5.5–7 on the Mohs scale, opal is relatively soft and should be handled with care. It is best suited for pendants and earrings rather than rings.
Opal is the traditional gift for the 14th wedding anniversary, symbolizing the beauty of a life well-lived.
November – Topaz and Citrine (Yellow)
November has two designated birthstones: topaz and citrine. The primary birthstone is topaz, a gemstone known for its golden yellow color. Topaz is a silicate mineral and is known for its clarity and brilliance. The most valuable topazes are those with a deep, saturated yellow color, often described as "imperial topaz."
Topaz has long been associated with strength, wisdom, and protection. In ancient times, it was believed to have healing properties and was used to treat ailments of the heart and digestive system. It was also considered a symbol of love and was believed to bring warmth and happiness to the wearer.
Citrine is the secondary birthstone for November and is known for its yellow color. Citrine is a variety of quartz and is often used as a more affordable alternative to yellow topaz. It is also known for its positive and energizing properties.
With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, topaz is relatively durable and is suitable for a wide range of jewelry designs. It is also the traditional gift for the 23rd wedding anniversary, symbolizing the joy of a life well-lived.
December – Tanzanite and Turquoise (Blue and Blue-Green)
December has two designated birthstones: tanzanite and turquoise. The primary birthstone is tanzanite, a gemstone known for its deep blue-violet color. Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone and was first discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is known for its pleochroism, a property that allows it to display different colors when viewed from different angles.
Tanzanite has long been associated with transformation, intuition, and spiritual growth. In modern times, it is believed to promote emotional balance and inner peace. It is also considered a symbol of love and is often used in romantic jewelry.
Turquoise is the secondary birthstone for December and is known for its blue-green color. Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper and is often found in arid regions. It has been used for centuries in jewelry and is often associated with protection, wisdom, and good fortune.
With a hardness of 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, tanzanite is relatively soft and should be handled with care. It is best suited for pendants and earrings rather than rings.
Tanzanite is the traditional gift for the 24th wedding anniversary, symbolizing the depth and richness of a life well-lived.
Conclusion
The colors of birthstones serve as more than just aesthetic markers—they are rich in history, symbolism, and cultural significance. Each month of the year is associated with one or more gemstones, each with its own unique properties and meanings. From the deep red of garnet in January to the brilliant blue of sapphire in September, these stones reflect the diversity and beauty of the natural world.
Whether used in jewelry, worn for their protective qualities, or gifted to commemorate a special occasion, birthstones continue to captivate and inspire. Their enduring appeal lies not only in their beauty but in the stories and traditions they represent. For gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology, understanding the colors and meanings of birthstones is a fascinating journey into the world of natural gems and their cultural significance.