When it comes to stones and crystals, they can often be seen as more than just pretty things. Whether you believe in astrology or the significance of certain gemstones, there’s something magical about being gifted a stone related to your birth month!
Birthstones are special because they not only represent our unique personalities but also act as protectors of use. So if you want to get a bit nerdy about what color and stone corresponds with your birth month, then you’ve come to the right place!
From January through December (and sometimes even beyond!), let’s look at all 12 months’ colored gems and sparkly keepsakes.
What are Birthstones by Month?
Who knew birthstones could be so fashionable? Well, birthstones by month are becoming more and more popular as each birthday passes. Every birthstone is tailored to a birth month and can vary depending on the birthday.
Birthstones by month are an interesting concept that dates back thousands of years, with each month having its own unique birthstone to represent it. According to popular belief, the corresponding birthstone for a given month has special curative powers and brings its bearer good fortune.
Every month has its distinct birthstone, which can be further divided into day-specific stones for those born on certain days. For example, your birthstone is turquoise if you are born on the fourth day of December.
In addition, October has two separate stones: opal and tourmaline; November gets three in total – citrine, topaz, and pearls; while December has four – turquoise, blue topaz, zircon, and tanzanite. You can mix and match any of these beautiful stones to create a unique combination according to your preferences!
Birthstone Chart: Color and Stones Assigned to Each Month
The birthstone chart represents the age-old tradition of assigning a unique stone and color to each month. Let’s look at some of the most popular birthstones and colors associated with every calendar month.
| Birth Month | Birth Month Colors | Traditional Stone | Modern Stone | Alternative Stones |
| January Birthstone | Deep Red, Blue, Green | Garnet | Garnet | Emerald, Sapphire, Rose Quartz, Rhodolite, Serpent Stone |
| February Birthstone | Purple, Light Blue, Yellow | Amethyst | Amethyst | Jasper, Californite, Pearl |
| March Birthstone | Pale Blue, Green | Bloodstone | Aquamarine | Jasper |
| April Birthstone | White/Clear, Yellow, Red | Diamond | Rock Crystal | Sapphire |
| May Birthstone | Green, Yellow | Emerald | Emerald | Green Tourmaline, Chrysoprase, Agate |
| June Birthstone | White, Light Purple, Cream | Pearl | Moonstone | Alexandrite, Moss Agate |
| July Birthstone | Red, Green | Ruby | Carnelian | Turquoise, Chalcedony |
| August Birthstone | Light Green, Orange, Red | Sardonyx | Peridot | Carnelian, Spinel, Topaz, Golden Beryl |
| September Birthstone | Deep Blue, Brown | Sapphire | Sapphire | Kunzite, Lapis Lazuli, Chrysolite, Zircon |
| October Birthstone | White, Pink, Cerulean Blue | Opal | Tourmaline | Aquamarine, Coral, Beryl |
| November Birthstone | Yellow, Gold, Orange | Topaz | Citrine | Cat’s Eye, Pearl |
| December Birthstone | Blue, Green, Bluish-Green | Turquoise | Lapis Lazuli | Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Topaz, Rubellite, Chrysoprase |
Why are there 2 Birthstones for Each Month?
Did you know that every month of the year has two birthstones associated with it? That’s right; birthstones aren’t just limited to one per month – they come in pairs!
But why are there two birthstones for each month? It’s a question as old as time, and the answer is surprisingly simple. Birthstones can bring luck and good fortune to their wearer, so having two per month gives you twice the chance of luck!
The primary birthstone for each month is typically seen as more “official” and dates back hundreds (if not thousands) of years. The secondary birthstones are often newer or more readily available alternatives than their primary counterparts – but don’t let that fool you; both stones can provide the same level of good vibes.
How did this age-old tradition come to fruition? Well, birthstones are believed to represent different qualities, so having a pair for each month allows us to celebrate two characteristics that people born in that particular month possess.
While some may be surprised to learn that there can be two birthstones per month, it makes sense when viewed from an ancient perspective. In days past, people believed that wearing multiple stones at once could boost their luck even further, so having two stones per month gave them a chance to double down on their efforts to bring success and happiness into their lives.
So whether you’re looking for one unique stone or want to make sure all your bases are covered with two – there’s no wrong way to wear your lucky birthstone!
Also See: List of All Birthstones By Zodiac Sign
Modern vs. Traditional Birthstones: Which is Better?
The question of whether or not contemporary or traditional birthstones are preferable has been hotly contested for decades. While the traditional birthstone list dates back to the 16th century, in 1912, the National Association of Jewelers released a modern version that featured only transparent gemstones.
Thanks to this, jewelers now have greater leeway to design mother’s rings with numerous stones to accommodate changing preferences. Despite not being conventional birthstones a century ago, a few stones, including spinel, citrine, and tanzanite, are now a part of the birthstone chart.
There are now up to three or more stones symbolizing each month, which explains why so many people have trouble identifying their unique birthstone.
Whether you choose a traditional option like turquoise for January or go with its modern counterpart of garnet, it’s important to remember that the gem you select is entirely up to you.
Fascinating History of Birthstones
The birthstone tradition dates back millennia. Still, it wasn’t until the birth of astrology and its zodiac associations that birthstones, as we know them today, were invented. In fact, the ancient book of Exodus has the earliest written reference to birthstones. Birthstones are still traditionally associated with each calendar month today – meaning everyone has their own “lucky” stone.
The modern birthstone set was made sometime in the 18th century by a Rabbi in Poland who apparently took an inventory of all the birth month gemstones referenced throughout Jewish history. From ancient Babylon to Ancient Rome, people wore birthstones according to custom, but the Rabbi’s work allowed birthstones by month to become accepted worldwide. What began as an Eastern European superstition has now been adopted across multiple cultures!
The discovery of these monthly gems is attributed to astrology and folklore from many civilizations throughout the globe. For example, people in a particular area or region may have known about the properties of a specific gemstone for many generations.
People also believed that certain colors were synced with individual months and that specific stones could reflect natural energies within us all. This is why birthstones by month are so special: people have used them for hundreds of years as a way to connect with nature.
Also See: Lucky Stones for Zodiac Signs
FAQs
No, you should not always wear your birthstone. While some people like to pick fashion jewelry and accessories based on their birthstones, it is not necessary to wear them all the time. In fact, wearing your birthstone has no medical or spiritual benefits, so it is really up to personal preference.
The king of all birthstones is arguably the diamond. It has been revered for centuries and is known as one of the most valuable gemstones in existence. Diamonds are associated with strength and clarity; they are said to bring out an individual’s inner beauty and power.
The significance of birthstones extends well beyond their superficial beauty. Wearing or gifting someone with their birthstone is believed to offer them protection from harm, luck in life, and good health. It is also thought that each stone has healing powers that can help promote emotional balance and physical well-being.
Birthstones have deep ties to astrological interpretations of the zodiac, with certain stones considered appropriate for specific signs. And other combinations are just not worth trying because of inherent difficulties.
Did You Find Your Birthstone by Month?
So whether it’s December and you’re rocking a zircon and turquoise duo, or October and your wearing opal and tourmaline – these birthstone wonders are sure to bring luck, protection, and charm all year round!
Luckily the birthstone by month and day system appears efficient enough to ensure everyone can find their perfect birthstone match. So find your birthstone today and sparkle into your next birthday!
