Birthstones by Month
Throughout history, cultures have attributed powerful meanings to gemstones, linking them to birth months and personal identity. Today, birthstones are a popular and meaningful way to celebrate life events, give symbolic gifts, or connect with the beauty of natural stones.
This guide introduces the modern U.S. birthstone list, along with several months that have traditional stones. Each gemstone listed is one we feature or plan to feature in our collection.
Our shop carries a rotating selection of these birthstones, each hand-selected for quality, color, and character. Many are available in faceted cuts, cabochons, or as matched pairs. We carry a variety of quality tiers and sizes to suit all budgets — from GIA-certified stones to everyday favorites.
January -Garnet
Meaning: Protection, passion, grounding
Traditional Birthstone: Garnet
Zodiac: Capricorn, Aquarius
Chakra: Root, Heart (varies by variety)
Color Range: Deep red (most common), orange, pink, purple, green
Popular Varieties: Almandine, Pyrope, Spessartine, Rhodolite, Tsavorite, Demantoid
Hardness: 6.5–7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners, especially if the stone has inclusions or fractures.
Note: Garnet has been cherished since antiquity as a symbol of protection, loyalty, and safe travel. As January’s traditional birthstone, it’s a meaningful way to celebrate new beginnings and lasting strength.
February – Amethyst
Meaning: Clarity, peace, spiritual protection
Traditional Birthstone: Amethyst
Zodiac: Aquarius, Pisces
Chakra: Crown, Third Eye
Color Range: Pale lavender to deep reddish purple
Popular Varieties: Siberian Amethyst, Rose de France, Uruguayan Amethyst
Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe; avoid heat and steam.
Note: As the traditional birthstone for February, amethyst has been valued since ancient times for its calming energy and association with clarity of mind. It’s a meaningful gift for those seeking peace, balance, or spiritual connection.
March – aquamarine
Meaning: Serenity, courage, protection
Traditional Birthstones: Bloodstone, Jasper
Modern Birthstone: Aquamarine
Zodiac: Pisces, Aries
Chakra: Throat
Color Range: Pale blue to greenish blue
Popular Varieties: Santa Maria, Espirito Santo, Maxixe (rare, fades with light exposure)
Hardness: 7.5–8
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe unless the stone is heavily fractured; avoid steam and prolonged heat.
Note: Aquamarine’s name means “water of the sea,” and it has long been believed to calm the mind and protect those who travel by water. As March’s modern birthstone, its tranquil energy and oceanic color make it a symbol of peaceful strength and clear communication.
April – Diamond
Meaning: Strength, clarity, eternal love
Traditional Birthstone: Diamond
Zodiac: Aries, Taurus
Chakra: Crown
Color Range: Colorless to shades of yellow, brown, gray; rare fancy colors include blue, pink, green
Popular Varieties: Colorless Diamond, Fancy Yellow, Champagne, Pink Diamond
Hardness: 10 (hardest known natural mineral)
Luster: Adamantine
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for untreated diamonds; avoid with fracture-filled or treated stones.
Note: Celebrated for its brilliance and resilience, diamond is April’s birthstone and the hardest natural material on Earth. A timeless symbol of enduring love, inner strength, and purity, it remains one of the most treasured gemstones in the world.
May – Emerald
Meaning: Love, growth, wisdom
Traditional Birthstone: Emerald
Zodiac: Taurus, Gemini
Chakra: Heart
Color Range: Bluish green to green (medium to vivid saturation)
Popular Varieties: Colombian Emerald, Zambian Emerald, Brazilian Emerald
Hardness: 7.5–8 (often brittle due to inclusions)
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean only with warm soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners due to common fracture-filling and inclusions.
Note: Known as the “stone of successful love,” emerald has been cherished for millennia as a symbol of rebirth, insight, and vitality. Its lush green color and rich history make it a powerful and meaningful choice for May birthdays.
June – Pearl
Meaning: Purity, wisdom, integrity
Traditional Birthstone: Pearl
Zodiac: Gemini, Cancer
Chakra: Sacral, Heart
Color Range: White, cream, pink, silver, golden, black, and iridescent tones
Popular Varieties: Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian, Freshwater
Hardness: 2.5–4.5 (very soft and organic)
Luster: Pearly to silky
Care: Wipe gently with a soft cloth after wear. Avoid heat, chemicals, ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Store separately to prevent scratching.
Note: Pearls are the only gems formed within a living organism, symbolizing grace and emotional balance. As June’s most traditional birthstone, they remain a timeless emblem of natural beauty and elegance.
June – Alexandrite
Meaning: Transformation, luck, intuition
Traditional Birthstone: Moonstone
Zodiac: Gemini
Chakra: Third Eye, Heart
Color Range: Green to bluish-green in daylight; red to purplish-red in incandescent light
Popular Varieties: Natural Russian Alexandrite, Sri Lankan, Brazilian
Hardness: 8.5
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe; avoid heat and sudden temperature changes.
Note: Revered for its rare color change phenomenon, Alexandrite is a magical and highly valued gemstone. It represents duality and change — a perfect symbol for June birthdays and the transition between spring and summer.
June – Moonstone
Meaning: Intuition, emotional balance, new beginnings
Traditional Birthstone: Moonstone
Zodiac: Cancer
Chakra: Crown, Third Eye
Color Range: Colorless to gray, peach, or green; often shows blue or rainbow sheen (adularescence)
Popular Varieties: Rainbow Moonstone, Blue Sheen Moonstone, Peach Moonstone
Hardness: 6–6.5
Luster: Vitreous to pearly
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Store away from harder gems to prevent scratches.
Note: Known for its glowing internal light, moonstone has been associated with lunar energy, feminine wisdom, and emotional insight. A mystical choice for June birthdays, it’s as meaningful as it is beautiful.
July – Ruby
Meaning: Passion, vitality, protection
Traditional Birthstone: Ruby
Zodiac: Cancer, Leo
Chakra: Root, Heart
Color Range: Vivid red to purplish red; must be red corundum to be classified as ruby
Popular Varieties: Burmese Ruby, Thai Ruby, Mozambique Ruby, Star Ruby
Hardness: 9
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe unless the stone is fracture-filled. Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Note: Ruby has long been seen as a symbol of power, protection, and enduring love. As July’s birthstone, its rich red glow and remarkable durability make it one of the most coveted and meaningful gemstones in the world.
August – Peridot
Meaning: Abundance, protection, inner peace
Traditional Birthstone: Sardonyx
Zodiac: Leo, Virgo
Chakra: Heart, Solar Plexus
Color Range: Yellow-green to olive-green (no other hues)
Popular Varieties: Burmese Peridot, Pakistani Peridot, Arizona Peridot
Hardness: 6.5–7
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as peridot can be sensitive to thermal shock.
Note: Known as the “evening emerald,” peridot has been treasured for its golden-green glow since ancient Egypt. As August’s most widely recognized birthstone, it symbolizes prosperity, renewal, and emotional balance.
August – Spinel
Meaning: Revitalization, resilience, inspiration
Traditional Birthstone: Sardonyx
Zodiac: Leo
Chakra: Root, Heart (varies by color)
Color Range: Red, pink, lavender, violet, orange, blue, gray, and even black
Popular Varieties: Red Spinel, Cobalt Blue Spinel, Mahenge Spinel
Hardness: 7.5–8
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe unless the stone has significant inclusions; avoid steam.
Note: Once mistaken for ruby in royal crowns, spinel is now prized in its own right for its vibrant colors and durability. As an August birthstone, it’s perfect for those seeking strength, beauty, and a less conventional gem with royal heritage.
August – Sardonyx
Meaning: Stability, courage, grounding
Traditional Birthstone: Sardonyx
Zodiac: Leo
Chakra: Root
Color Range: Banded layers of red, brown, and white
Popular Varieties: Sardonyx from India, Brazil, and Uruguay
Hardness: 6.5–7
Luster: Vitreous to silky
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, especially for carved or banded stones.
Note: Sardonyx, the oldest known August birthstone, was revered by the Romans as a warrior’s stone. With its earthy layers and historical significance, it’s ideal for those drawn to tradition, strength, and grounding energy.
September -Sapphire
Meaning: Wisdom, truth, protection
Traditional Birthstone: Sapphire
Zodiac: Virgo, Libra
Chakra: Third Eye, Throat
Color Range: All colors except red; most commonly blue, but also pink, yellow, green, purple, orange, and colorless
Popular Varieties: Royal Blue Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Montana Sapphire, Kashmir Sapphire
Hardness: 9
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are usually safe unless the stone is fracture-filled or heavily included.
Note: As one of the most iconic and durable gemstones, sapphire has long symbolized integrity, insight, and protection from harm. September’s birthstone offers a stunning range of colors and lasting brilliance, making it both meaningful and versatile.
October – Opal
Meaning: Creativity, hope, emotional expression
Traditional Birthstone: Opal
Zodiac: Libra, Scorpio
Chakra: Crown, Heart
Color Range: White, black, gray, blue, orange, and colorless with play-of-color (precious opal); also non-iridescent common opal in pastel shades
Popular Varieties: White Opal, Black Opal, Fire Opal, Boulder Opal, Ethiopian Opal, Crystal Opal
Hardness: 5.5–6.5
Luster: Vitreous to waxy
Care: Clean with soft cloth or warm soapy water. Avoid heat, chemicals, prolonged drying, ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Store away from hard gems to prevent scratching.
Note: Opal’s brilliant play-of-color has made it a prized gem since ancient times. As October’s traditional and modern birthstone, it symbolizes imagination and spontaneity — a luminous reflection of individuality.
October – Tourmaline
Meaning: Balance, compassion, self-confidence
Traditional Birthstone: Opal
Zodiac: Libra
Chakra: Varies by color (e.g., Heart for green/pink, Root for black)
Color Range: All colors — including pink, green, blue, red, black, watermelon, and bi-colored combinations
Popular Varieties: Pink Tourmaline (Rubellite), Paraíba Tourmaline, Indicolite, Watermelon Tourmaline, Chrome Tourmaline
Hardness: 7–7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaners may be safe for untreated stones; avoid heat and steam, especially for heat- or irradiation-treated gems.
Note: Tourmaline is known for its exceptional color diversity and energetic balance. As a modern birthstone for October, it represents openness of heart and a harmonious blend of strength and gentleness.
November – Topaz
Meaning: Clarity, abundance, emotional healing
Traditional Birthstone: Topaz (yellow)
Zodiac: Scorpio, Sagittarius
Chakra: Solar Plexus, Third Eye (varies by color)
Color Range: Colorless, yellow, blue, pink, orange, brown, green; also treated varieties like Mystic Topaz
Popular Varieties: Imperial Topaz, Blue Topaz, London Blue, Sky Blue, Precious Topaz
Hardness: 8
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe unless the stone is coated or heavily included. Avoid sharp blows and extreme heat.
Note: Topaz has been linked to strength, clarity, and good fortune since ancient times. As a modern November birthstone, it offers both bold brilliance and a range of colors for every personality and occasion.
November – Citrine
Meaning: Prosperity, joy, confidence
Traditional Birthstone: Topaz
Zodiac: Scorpio, Sagittarius
Chakra: Solar Plexus
Color Range: Pale yellow to golden, orange-brown, and reddish hues
Popular Varieties: Madeira Citrine, Lemon Citrine, Golden Citrine
Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Avoid steam and sudden temperature changes. Ultrasonic cleaning is generally safe.
Note: Citrine’s warm golden glow has earned it the name “merchant’s stone,” associated with wealth and success. As a modern birthstone for November, it’s beloved for its uplifting energy and affordability, making it both beautiful and meaningful.
December – Tanzanite
Meaning: Transformation, intuition, elevated consciousness
Traditional Birthstone: Turquoise
Zodiac: Sagittarius, Capricorn
Chakra: Third Eye, Crown
Color Range: Violet-blue to bluish-purple; typically pleochroic (shows multiple colors)
Popular Varieties: Blue Tanzanite, Violet Tanzanite, Deep Saturated “AAA” Tanzanite
Hardness: 6–7
Luster: Vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water only. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as tanzanite is heat-sensitive and can fracture.
Note: Discovered in 1967, tanzanite is celebrated for its vivid trichroic colors and rarity. As a modern December birthstone, it symbolizes spiritual awakening and personal evolution.
December – Zircon
Meaning: Clarity, grounding, inner peace
Traditional Birthstone: Turquoise
Zodiac: Sagittarius
Chakra: Root, Crown (depends on color)
Color Range: Most commonly blue; also white (colorless), yellow, brown, green, red, and orange
Popular Varieties: Blue Zircon, White Zircon, Champagne Zircon
Hardness: 6–7.5
Luster: Adamantine to vitreous
Care: Clean with warm soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners due to brittleness and potential inclusions.
Note: Often confused with cubic zirconia (a synthetic stone), natural zircon is a brilliant, ancient gemstone known for its fiery sparkle and grounding energy. It’s a vibrant, underappreciated choice for December birthdays.
December – Turquoise
Meaning: Protection, healing, truth
Traditional Birthstone: Turquoise
Zodiac: Sagittarius, Capricorn
Chakra: Throat
Color Range: Sky blue to blue-green; often with brown or black matrix
Popular Varieties: Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, Persian Turquoise, Kingman Turquoise
Hardness: 5–6
Luster: Waxy to subvitreous
Care: Clean with a soft damp cloth only. Avoid soap, heat, and all chemicals. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Store away from harder gemstones.
Note: One of the oldest known gemstones, turquoise has long been used as a protective talisman and symbol of truth. As a December birthstone, it remains deeply spiritual and culturally significant across the world.
Learn More About Birthstones
Gemstone EducationWant to dive deeper into the stories and science behind these birthstones? Visit our Gemstone Education page to explore the history, meaning, and care tips for each birthstone and the natural gemstones they represent. Whether you’re selecting a gift or learning about your own stone, our birthstone collection connects beauty with purpose.