Birthstones
by Month Traditional Birthstones
and Modern Alternatives

Birthstones by Month Traditional Birthstones and Modern Alternatives

Discover the fascinating world of birthstones by month as we explore their history, origins, and meaning. From a Biblical breastplate and the foundation stones of Jerusalem, to Western and Indian astrology, the evolution of month birthstones through the ages has been curious and complex.


Cultural Evolution: The Origin of Month Birthstones

“Perhaps the first arrangement of gems into a group of twelve of which we have any record is that in the Book of Exodus,” writes Oliver C. Farrington in his 1903 book, Gems and Gem Minerals. “Here in the twenty eighth chapter, verses 17-19, are prescribed in order twelve precious stones, which shall be set in the breastplate of the high priest” he continues, linking them to the twelve tribes of Israel and later the foundation stones of the Holy City.

While the names of gemstones have shifted through the ages, and similarly, translations of the Bible, many scholars link the stones in Aaron’s breastplate to some of our modern day month birthstones.

Displayed in a 3x4 grid, the original gemstones of Aaron’s breastplate are believed to be:


Sardius color

Sardius

(Sardonyx)

Sardius
(Sardonyx)

Peridot

Peridot

Carbuncle color

Carbuncle

(Ruby or Garnet)

Carbuncle
(Ruby or
Garnet)

Emerald color

Emerald

Sapphire color

Sapphire

Diamond color

Diamond

Ligure color

Ligure

(possibly Lapis Lazuli)

Ligure
(possibly
Lapis Lazuli)

Agate color

Agate

Amethyst color

Amethyst

Beryl

Onyx

Jasper


Farrington goes on to cast doubt on simple interpretations of the ancient stone names. “It is not probable, however, that these names indicate in each case the corresponding stones of modern usage,” he writes, noting similar lists found in Ezekial and Revelation that already had substitutions by the time each respective book was written. He also struggles to make a concrete association between the high priest’s breastplate and today’s month birthstones.

“Though in each of these lists only twelve precious stones are mentioned, there is nothing to indicate that their use was in any way connected with the months of the year,” writes Farrington. “Just when it became the custom to designate each month by a particular gem, or how the custom originated, it is impossible to determine.”

Farrington posits that the modern list of birthstones by month may have formed from a hybrid of the Hebrew breastplate and Arabic astrology. And, he suggests, alternative birthstones were listed in modern times to make birthstone jewelry more accessible to those who couldn’t afford the rare and often expensive gems from early lists. He suggests that our current birthstone chart was concocted, in part, by clever marketers in the jewelry industry such as Tiffany & Company who had a stake in certain types of stones.

The following birthstone month poem was distributed by Tiffany & Company in 1870:

January 

By her who in this month is born,

No gems save Garnets should be worn;

They will insure her constancy,

True friendship, and fidelity.

July

The glowing Ruby shall adorn

Those who in July are born;

Then they’ll be exempt and free

From love’s doubts and anxiety.

February

The February-born shall find

Sincerity and peace of mind,

Freedom from passion and from care,

If they an Amethyst will wear.

August

Wear a Sardonyx or for thee

No conjugal felicity;

The August-born without this stone,

‘T is said, must live unloved and lone.

March

Who in this world of ours their eyes

In March first open shall be wise,

In days of peril firm and brave,

And wear a Bloodstone to their grave.

September 

A maiden born when September leaves

Are rustling in September's breeze,

A Sapphire on her brow should bind -  

‘T will cure diseases of the mind.

April

She who from April dates her years,

Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears

For vain repentance flow; this stone,

Emblem of innocence is known.

October

October’s child is born for woe,

And life’s vicissitudes must know;

But lay an Opal on her breast,

And hope will lull those woes to rest.

May

Who first beholds the light of day

In spring’s sweet flowery month of May,

And wears an Emerald all her life,

Shall be a loved and happy wife.  

November

Who first comes to this world below

With drear Novembers fog and snow,

Should prize the Topaz’s amber hue -

Emblem of friends and lovers true.

June

Who comes with summer to this earth,

And owes to June her hour of birth,

With ring of Agate on her hand

Can health, wealth and long life command.

December

If cold December gave you birth,

This month of snow and ice and mirth,

Place on your hand a Turquoise blue;

Success will bless whate’er you do

The following birthstone month poem was distributed by Tiffany & Company in 1870:

January 

By her who in this month is born,

No gems save Garnets should be worn;

They will insure her constancy,

True friendship, and fidelity.

February

The February-born shall find

Sincerity and peace of mind,

Freedom from passion and from care,

If they an Amethyst will wear.

March

Who in this world of ours their eyes

In March first open shall be wise,

In days of peril firm and brave,

And wear a Bloodstone to their grave.

April

She who from April dates her years,

Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears

For vain repentance flow; this stone,

Emblem of innocence is known.

May

Who first beholds the light of day

In spring’s sweet flowery month of May,

And wears an Emerald all her life,

Shall be a loved and happy wife.  

June

Who comes with summer to this earth,

And owes to June her hour of birth,

With ring of Agate on her hand

Can health, wealth and long life command.

July

The glowing Ruby shall adorn

Those who in July are born;

Then they’ll be exempt and free

From love’s doubts and anxiety.

August

Wear a Sardonyx or for thee

No conjugal felicity;

The August-born without this stone,

‘T is said, must live unloved and lone.

September 

A maiden born when September leaves

Are rustling in September's breeze,

A Sapphire on her brow should bind -  

‘T will cure diseases of the mind.

October

October’s child is born for woe,

And life’s vicissitudes must know;

But lay an Opal on her breast,

And hope will lull those woes to rest.

November

Who first comes to this world below

With drear Novembers fog and snow,

Should prize the Topaz’s amber hue -

Emblem of friends and lovers true.

December

If cold December gave you birth,

This month of snow and ice and mirth,

Place on your hand a Turquoise blue;

Success will bless whate’er you do

List of Birthstones by Month (with Modern Alternatives)

Find your traditional month birthstone using our comprehensive birthstone chart. While there are many ways to determine one’s birthstone, the classic month format rose to popularity in the Victorian era, thanks to Tiffany and other gemstone jewelry purveyors. Fans of astrology and numerology wil be happy to know that birthstones can also be calculated by date, time, day of the week, and zodiac sign.

If you’re not a fan of a particular gem on our birthstone chart, check alternative ways to find a meaningful gift for a friend or a lucky charm for yourself. Once you’ve located your mineral kingdom match, read on to learn more about its history and metaphysical lore.


January

Garnet color

Deep red gemstone; often mistaken for Ruby; name origin linked to pomegranates; also a 2nd wedding anniversary gift;

Rose Quartz color

Very light to rich translucent pink; part of the quartz family; name origin linked to gentleness and universal unconditional love; also a 2nd anniversary gift

February

Amethyst color

Pale to rich purple gemstone; part of the Quartz family; name origin linked to a cure for drunkenness; mentioned in the Bible as part of Aaron’s breastplate: also a 6th wedding anniversary gift

March

Aquamarine color

Aqua or pale blue gemstone; name origin linked to water and sea; linked to mermaid and Posiedon in ancient lore; also a 19th wedding anniversary gift;

Bloodstone color

Bloodstone

Dark green gemstone with red “blood” spots; related to Chalcedony and Jasper; also called heliotrope - meaning “to turn the sun”

April

Diamond color

Crystal clear gemstone; Mohs’ benchmark for hardness (10); name linked to adamant - meaning “unbreakable;” mentioned in the Bible as part of Aaron’s breastplate

Crystal clear gemstone; often used as a Diamond substitute; Moh's benchmark for hardness (8); connected to the island Topazos; known as one of the stones in the breastplate of the high priest in the Bible

May

Emerald color

Emerald

Rich jungle green gemstone; part of the beryl family; name origin from smaragdos - “green gem;” mentioned in the Bible as part of Aaron’s breastplate; also a 20th and 35th wedding anniversary gift

Soothing green gemstone; name's origins is Greek and means "fingernail"; its hardness is a 7 on the Mohs Scale; associated with the heart chakra and Mercury; also a 7th wedding anniversary gift

June

Moonstone color

Iridescent gemstone, often light in color; part of the feldspar family; called chandrakanta in India - “moon loved” or “wife of the moon;” also a 13th wedding anniversary gift

Pearl color

Pearl

Organic gemstone; often white but found in several colors; name origin tied to ham - for the shape of mollusk that contains pearls; also a 30th wedding anniversary gift

Alexandrite color

Alexandrite

Rare color changing gem; ranges from green to purple; part of the chrysoberyl family; named for Russia’s Alexander II;

Agate color

Agate

Striped or banded gemstone; found in many color varieties; part of the chalcedony family; related to jasper and petrified wood; often cut to reveal stripes or rings; mentioned in the Bible as part of Aaron’s breastplate

July

Ruby color

Rich red gemstone; part of the corundum family; name origin from ruber - Latin for “red;” historically tied to royalty; also a 15th and 40th wedding anniversary gift

August

Peridot color

Apple green gemstone; historically confused with topaz and emerald; part of the olivine family; found in meteorites; name origin tied to faridat - Arabic word for “gem,” also a 16th wedding anniversary gift

Spinel color

Spinel

Red to hot pink gem; also found in purple and blue; often mistaken for ruby (including in the Crown Jewels); name origin from the Italian for “thorn;” also a 22nd wedding anniversary gift

Sardonyx color

Sardonyx

Banded gemstone consisting of sard and onyx: usually red, brown, white, black; similar appearance to jasper and agate; mentioned in the Bible as part of Aaron’s breastplate (also called sardius);

September

Sapphire color

Sapphire

Deep blue gemstone; part of the corundum family; name origin tied to Sanskrit sanipriya - “precious to the planet Saturn;” mentioned in the Bible as part of Aaron’s breastplate; also a 5th and 45th wedding anniversary gift

Deep-blue metamorphic gemstone with violet tones; Moh's benchmark for hardness (5-5.5); believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac in Ancient Rome; ground down and used as cosmetics by Ancient Egyptians; also a 9th wedding anniversary gift

October

Opal color

Iridescent gemstone; name origin linked to Greek opallios - to see a change of color; part of the silica family; objects can become opalized (similar to petrified wood); also a 24th wedding anniversary gift

Tourmaline color

Tourmaline

Multicolored gemstone; found in many solid colors and color combinations (like watermelon tourmaline); forms in long tubular crystals; name origin tied to Sri Lankan word for “mixed gems”

November

Citrine color

Yellow or amber gemstone; part of the quartz family; often seen in terminated crystal form; closely related to amethyst; name origin linked to citrus - for its yellow color

Golden Topaz color

Golden Topaz

Amber to yellow orange gemstone; historically confused with peridot; mentioned in the Bible as part of Aaron’s breastplate; name origin tied to Sanskrit for “heat” and “fire;” also connected to the island Topazos

December

Turquoise color

Teal to robin’s egg blue gemstone; opaque with solid color or matrix of brown or black; name origin linked to Turkish traders who brought it to Europe; prized by Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans; also an 11th wedding anniversary gift

Blue Topaz color

Cobalt to sky blue gemstone; state gem of Texas; name origin tied to Sanskrit for “heat” and “fire” (when yellow); historically connected to the island Topazos; also a 4th wedding anniversary gift

Blue Zircon color

Blue Zircon

Teal to cerulean blue gemstone; ranges in color; occurs naturally (no relation to synthetic cubic zirconia); name origin tied to words for gold and vermillion (when orange);

Tanzanite color

Tanzanite

Royal blue to violet gemstone; recently discovered (in the 1960s); named for Tanzania (where it was found); also a 24th wedding anniversary gift



Behind Month Birthstones: Gemstone Properties and Trivia

If you’ve pinned down your month on our list of birthstones, or you’re still looking for the perfect piece of jewelry that resonates with you, it can be fun to dive into the history and lore of precious gems. From myths about Moonstones to the history of how Fire Opals got their name, we love learning about gemstone jewelry and sharing it with you.


January Birthstones: Garnet and Rose Quartz

January’s birthstones are Garnet and Rose Quartz. Garnet is a juicy red gemstone that is often confused with Ruby, and may have been used in its stead in jewelry pieces throughout history. It has been called the “stone of commitment” and the “stone of health” in metaphysical circles, and is said to stimulate the Kundalini. Rose Quartz is a blush pink gem known for its gentle, calming properties. This abundant stone gets its rosy hue from inclusions in the stone that refract light giving them their hazy pink color. A stone of unconditional love and infinite peace, Rose Quartz is a powerful gem associated with the heart chakra.


February Birthstone: Amethyst

February’s birthstone is Amethyst. It’s a purple colored version of the Quartz crystal, and gets its natural hue from iron and in some cases, manganese. In spiritual practice, it is favored for its intense meditative applications. Amethyst forms in crystal clusters and geodes large enough to stand in.


March Birthstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone

March’s birthstones are Aquamarine and Bloodstone. Aquamarine takes its name from the Latin for water and the sea, so it’s double the fun for ocean lovers. Legends about Aquamarine tell of mermaids, sailors, Poseidon, and stormy seas. This “stone of courage” was said to calm troubled seas (and stomachs), and encourage the wearer’s innate ability to “always be prepared.” Bloodstone is a hardstone alternative for the month of March. This ancient healing stone was once thought to turn the sun red if they were placed in water. The dark greenish-blue Bloodstone is spotted with red iron oxide “blood” that brings health and strength to the wearer.


April Birthstones: Diamond and White Topaz

April’s birthstones are Diamond and White Topaz. The most popular engagement gift for young couples, Diamond rings are a relatively new standard, gaining in popularity after a famous advertising push. This crystal clear gemstone takes its name from the Greek word adamas, meaning unbreakable (also the root adamant), and is the benchmark 10 on Mohs’ hardness scale. Radiant White Topaz is known as the stone of awareness. Ancient Romans believed this gemstone would give them strength, protect them from enemies, and bring reconciliation. In metaphysical circles White Topaz is known to aid inner peace, synchronizing your thoughts, and helps you efficiently reach your goals.


May Birthstones: Emerald and Green Onyx

May’s birthstones are Emerald and Green Onyx. This rich, jungly green gem is one of the four Cardinal Gems (along with Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire). Emeralds were said to be a favorite of Cleopatra and Incan royalty. Called the “stone of successful love,” Emerald was one of the original stones in the Biblical breastplate of the high priest. Green Onyx has a long history and has been used in jewelry and hardstone carvings for generations. This translucent green gem is associated with the planet Mercury and is the symbol for restfulness, thought to relieve tension and stress.


June Birthstones: Moonstone, Pearl, Alexandrite, Agate

June has more than one birthstone. They are Moonstone, Pearl, Alexandrite, and Agate. Moonstone, the modern alternative to Pearl, displays a special form of iridescence called adularescence when shifted in the light. It is often translucent with a hint of periwinkle blue or green. Pearl - technically formed by an animal - is the only birthstone on the list that is not truly gem or mineral. It has been revered for centuries by ocean cultures, and is a popular bridal accessory. Named for a Russian prince, Alexandrite is a relatively new June birthstone. It changes color from green to purple, and can be prohibitively expensive for most birthstone jewelry shoppers. Agate, one of the oldest birthstones on our list, can be found in colorful striated from, and is sliced thinly to reveal its beautiful rings.


July Birthstone: Ruby

July’s birthstone is Ruby. This luscious red beauty is one of the Cardinal Gems, and has remained a favorite of royals throughout the ages for a reason. Known as the “stone of nobility,” it can be found in the treasures of India and the Middle East, and the Medieval courts of Europe. Perhaps because of its color, Ruby is often associated with lifeblood.


August Birthstone: Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx

August has several birthstones. They are Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. Peridot is a bright green gem and a member of the Olivine family. It is believed that the stones found on the ancient island of Topazos were indeed Peridot, and no chemically true Topaz was found there. Peridot has been found on meteorites, indicating that it can form in space. Spinel, an alternative August birthstone can be found in several colors, most notably, hot pink. Called the Black Prince’s Ruby, a large spinel stone is the centerpiece of Queen Elizabeth’s crown. Sardonyx is a striped stone comprised of bands of Sardon and Onyx (ahh, we get it). It is believed to be the sardius of the high priest’s breastplate.


September Birthstones: Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli

September’s birthstones are Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli. A richly colored royal blue, Sapphire is tied to Saturn and is one of the original Biblical birthstones. Called “the stone of prosperity,” Sapphires are one of the most expensive birthstones, and like their cousin Ruby, are commonly associated with royalty. The imperial blue Lapis Lazuli has been found in the tombs of Pharaohs and Emperors. Once used by artists to create the ultramarine pigment used in masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel, this brilliant blue stone is the universal symbol for wisdom and truth.


October Birthstone: Opal, Tourmaline

October has multiple birthstones. They are Opal and Tourmaline. Opal, the traditional birthstone for October, was once incredibly hard to obtain. Modern discoveries in Australia and Africa have popularized the stone, which can range in color from white to deep blues with rainbow like qualities called play of color. Opal was once believed to give the wearer powers of invisibility. Tourmaline, a long columnar crystal, comes in many colors. Perhaps most enjoyable are specimens that contain more than one color like the Watermelon Tourmaline.


November Birthstone: Citrine, Golden Topaz

November has several birthstones. They are Citrine and Golden Topaz. Known for their amber like coloring, both of the November birthstones reflect the leaves of fall. Citrine, the more accessible of the two, is actually a yellow cousin of Amethyst, and a member of the Quartz family. It is known as “the merchant’s stone,” and is said to encourage success in business. Golden Topaz, the more traditional November birthstone is also linked to success (with a side of true love). It is used in metaphysical visualization and meditation.


December Birthstone: Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Zircon, Tanzanite

December has multiple birthstones. They are Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Zircon, and Tanzanite. Named for Turkish traders who brought it to Europe, Turquoise is full of folklore from the Middle East to the American Southwest. It gets its signature color from copper, and the color turquoise actually takes its name from stone. Blue Topaz, another December birthstone, offers a transparent, gemmy alternative to rustic Turquoise. It is thought to stimulate the throat chakra and facilitate communication. Zircon, though naturally occurring, has suffered from the name’s similarity to lab grown Cubic Zirconia. In keeping with the theme, blue Zircon is most often used as this month’s birthstone, though it comes in many colors. Tanzanite, another blue gem (which borders on violet) rounds out the December birthstone blues. A relatively recent discovery, Tanzanite can only be found in Tanzania.



Can’t get enough of our birthstones by month and general gemstone trivia? Dive into our articles on Diamonds, the April birthstone; October’s enigmatic Opal; and mystical June Moonstones. For those of you into baby blues, you’ll love our list of December birthstones, and a spotlight on March’s birthstone, Aquamarine.

We’d like to thank Oliver C Farrington, Melody, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the International Gem Society (IGS) for this article’s reference material.