Birthstones by Month: Meaning, Colors, and Symbolism for Each One

Some people wear birthstones for their beauty, others for their symbolism оr superstitions. Whatever your reason, this guide gives you a crystal-clear breakdown оf each month’s gemstones —you’ll be surprised that your birth month has two or more stones! Let’s get right into it.

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January – Garnet

Photo showing the January birthstone, which is the garnet

Garnet is most commonly deep red, but it actually comes in nearly every color except blue. This January birthstone has long been associated with protection—ancient travelers believed garnets could guard against accidents. It also symbolizes loyalty and vitality. 

February – Amethyst

Photo showing the February birthstone, which is the amethyst

Amethyst’s purple hue ranges from pale lilac to deep violet. People (ancient Greeks, to be more precise) believed it protected against intoxication. 

Today, the February birthstone symbolizes clarity, calm, and spiritual wisdom. It’s also closely linked with sobriety and emotional balance.

March – Aquamarine, Bloodstone

Photo showing the March birthstones, which are the bloodstone and aquamarine

Unlike the first two months of the year, March has two birthstones – aquamarine and bloodstone. 

Aquamarine is a pale tо deep blue stone that symbolizes serenity, courage, and safe travel across water. On the other hand, bloodstone has a darker green stone flecked with red. This March birthstone is tied to physical strength and endurance. 

April – Diamond, Rock Crystal

Photo showing the April birthstones, which are the diamonds and rock crystal

Diamond and rock crystal are the birthstones of individuals born in the fourth month of the year. 

Diamonds are symbols of enduring love and strength. Beyond clear diamonds, natural colors like yellow, blue, and pink exist. On the other hand, rock crystal оr clear quartz symbolizes clarity, focus, and healing.

May – Emerald, Chrysoprase

Photo showing the May birthstones, which are the emerald and chrysoprase

Emerald has an unmistakably rich green and is tied to rebirth and love. They’re also believed to boost intuition and insight. For chrysoprase, this May birthstone has an apple-green hue and symbolizes joy, optimism, and forgiveness. 

June – Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone

Photo showing the June birthstones, which are the pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone

If you are born in June, you have three birthstones – pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. Here is a closer look at June birthstones: 

  • Pearls are organic gems formed іn mollusks, traditionally representing purity and wisdom gained through experience. 
  • Alexandrite is rare and changes color—from green in daylight to red in incandescent light—symbolizing transformation and balance. 
  • Moonstone glows with a soft sheen, and іs thought to heighten intuition and calm the mind.

July – Ruby, Carnelian, Onyx

Photo showing the July birthstones, which are the ruby, carnelian, and onyx

Similar to June, July has three birthstones: 

  • Ruby blazes іn reds and pinks and іs tied to passion, love, and protection. 
  • Carnelian is a fiery orange-red stone symbolizing motivation and confidence—great for getting out оf a rut. 
  • Onyx, typically black, is a grounding stone used to absorb and transform negative energy.

August – Peridot, Sardonyx, Spinel

Photo showing the August birthstones, which are the peridot, spinel, and sardonyx

Peridot, sardonyx, and spinel are the birthstones of individuals born in August. And just like the other birthstones we’ve previously talked about, each of the August birthstones has its unique features: 

  • Peridot, a bright olive tо lime green gem, symbolizes growth and good fortune. 
  • Sardonyx combines bands оf red-brown and white and іs associated with strength and protection. 
  • Spinel, often mistaken for ruby, comes in many colors and symbolizes revitalization and resilience.

September – Sapphire

Photo showing the September birthstone, which is the sapphire

September-born individuals only have one birthstone, and it’s a sapphire. While most people think оf sapphires as deep blue, they come in every color except red. They symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and truth. 

October – Opal, Tourmaline

Photo showing the October birthstones, which are the opal and tourmaline

Just like March, April, and May, October has two birthstones – opal and tourmaline. 

Opals can flash all the colors оf the rainbow in one stone—no two are alike. They represent creativity and spontaneity but were once unfairly linked to bad luck.

On the other hand, tourmaline comes in a stunning array of colors. This October birthstone is believed to inspire compassion and ease stress, making it a popular modern alternative.

November – Topaz, Citrine

Photo showing the November birthstones, which are the topaz and citrine

For the 11th month of the year (November), you have topaz and citrine. Here is a closer look at these November birthstones: 

  • Topaz ranges from golden yellow to icy blue, symbolizing strength and success.
  • Citrine іs a sunny yellow tо orange quartz, often linked with prosperity and joy. It’s called the “merchant’s stone” because it’s thought to attract wealth.

December – Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, Lapis Lazuli

Photo showing the December birthstones, which are blue zircon, lapis lazuli, tanzanite, and turquoise

December birthstones consist of the following: 

  • Turquoise is robin’s egg blue and has been used for thousands of years as a talisman. It symbolizes protection, wisdom, and connection to the spiritual world. 
  • Tanzanite is a striking blue-purple stone discovered in the 1960s and tied to transformation. 
  • Blue Zircon (not to be confused with synthetic cubic zirconia) is brilliant and symbolizes clarity and truth. 
  • Lapis Lazuli features a deep blue stone flecked with gold, historically prized for stimulating wisdom and inner vision.