Birthstones

A birthstone, otherwise known as a birthday stone, is a gemstone or other precious material which traditionally symbolise the month of birth in the Gregorian calendar, though some birthstone lists are linked to signs of the zodiac. Whilst there is plenty of confusion as to what material relates to what month since birthstone lists vary amongst different cultures, there have been efforts to standardise these lists. The table below shows birthstones associated with the months of the year from modern, traditional and mystical culture:

Month Traditional Birthstone(s) Modern Birthstone(s) Mystical Birthstone
January Garnet Garnet Emerald
February Amethyst Amethyst Bloodstone
March Bloodstone, Jasper Aquamarine Jade
April Diamond, Sapphire Diamond Opal
May Emerald, Agate Emerald Sapphire
June Alexandrite, Emerald Moonstone, Pearl Moonstone
July Ruby, Onyx Ruby Ruby
August Sardonyx, Carnelian Peridot Diamond
September Sapphire, Peridot Sapphire Agate
October Tourmaline, Aquamarine Opal, Tourmaline Jasper
November Citrine, Topaz Topaz, Citrine Pearl
December Zircon, Ruby Turquoise, Blue Topaz Onyx


As mentioned earlier, gems of different colours have also been assigned to the twelve signs of the zodiac, as shown in the table below. Astrologers claim these gemstones help people influence the planets in their favour.

Sign of the Zodiac Birthstone (Gemstone)
Aquarius (20 January - 18 February) Garnet
Pisces (19 February - 20 March) Aquamarine
Aries (21 March - 19 April) Diamond
Taurus (20 April - 20 May) Sapphire
Gemini (21 May - 20 June) Agate
Cancer (21 June - 22 July) Emerald
Leo (23 July - 22 August) Onyx
Virgo (23 August - 22 September) Carnelian
Libra (23 September - 22 October) Peridot
Scorpio (23 October - 21 November) Beryl
Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December) Topaz
Capricorn (22 December - 19 January) Ruby

Traditionally, birthstones were thought to offer an individual powers when worn during their associated month.