Birthstones by Month: A Complete Guide to Gemstones, Colours & Their Meanings

Discover the gemstone associated with your birth month, explore the stories behind each stone, and find a gem that feels uniquely yours.

There is something special about a gemstone that feels personal to you. Perhaps it is the deep purple of an amethyst, the dreamy flashes of an opal, or the earthy green of a moss agate. Whatever draws you to a particular stone, gemstones have a wonderful way of connecting colour, natural beauty, and personal expression.

Birthstones make that connection even more meaningful. Traditionally associated with the twelve months of the year, these gemstones have become popular choices for jewellery, thoughtful gifts, and personal collections.

But what is your birthstone? What does it look like, and what makes it special?

In this guide, we explore the birthstones for all twelve months, their colours, traditional symbolism, and the little details that make each gemstone worth discovering.

What Are Birthstones?

A birthstone is a gemstone traditionally associated with a particular month of the year. Each stone has its own appearance, geological characteristics, history, and cultural symbolism.

The tradition has evolved over centuries. Modern birthstone lists draw on historical gemstone associations while reflecting changing jewellery traditions and the availability of different gems. Some months have more than one recognised birthstone, so the list you encounter may vary depending on the tradition or jewellery organisation.

Today, birthstones are often chosen for birthday jewellery, personalised gifts, and gemstone collections. You do not have to follow any particular belief system to appreciate them. Sometimes, a stone simply catches your eye and becomes meaningful because it is yours.

Birthstones by Month: The Complete Chart

Here is a quick guide to the commonly recognised birthstones for each month.

Birth MonthBirthstoneTypical ColourJanuaryGarnetDeep red, with other colour varietiesFebruaryAmethystPurple to violetMarchAquamarine, BloodstonePale blue; green with red inclusionsAprilDiamondColourless, with fancy-colour varietiesMayEmeraldRich greenJunePearl, Alexandrite, MoonstoneWhite, colour-changing, or iridescentJulyRubyRedAugustPeridot, Spinel, SardonyxGreen, varied colours, or banded reddish-brownSeptemberSapphireCommonly blue, but also other coloursOctoberOpal, TourmalinePlay-of-colour or a wide range of coloursNovemberTopaz, CitrineVarious colours, including golden yellowDecemberTanzanite, Turquoise, ZirconBlue, blue-green, or violet-blue

Note: Birthstone lists differ across traditions and jewellery organisations. This guide includes multiple recognised options for months that commonly have more than one birthstone.

January Birthstone: Garnet

Colour: Deep red, burgundy, and other natural colour varieties.

Garnet is January's traditional birthstone, best known for its rich red shades. However, garnet is a diverse gemstone group that also occurs in green, orange, purple, and other colours.

Traditionally, garnet is associated with friendship, loyalty, commitment, and protection. Its deep, warm colours make it a popular choice for jewellery that feels timeless rather than trend-driven.

If you love gemstones with an intense colour and a classic appearance, garnet is a beautiful place to begin your collection.

A little gem detail: Not every garnet is red. Green varieties, including demantoid and tsavorite, are particularly prized by gemstone enthusiasts.

February Birthstone: Amethyst

Colour: Lavender, violet, and deep purple.

Amethyst is February's birthstone and one of the most recognisable varieties of quartz. Its purple shades range from soft lilac to saturated violet, giving it an appearance that can feel delicate or dramatic depending on the stone.

Amethyst has long been associated with calm, clarity, and balance in traditional gemstone symbolism. It is also a favourite among collectors because its colour and crystal formations can be beautiful even in relatively simple specimens.

From polished stones to statement jewellery, amethyst offers plenty of ways to appreciate the natural character of a gemstone.

A little gem detail: Amethyst gets its purple colour partly from trace iron and natural irradiation within the crystal.

March Birthstone: Aquamarine and Bloodstone

Colours: Ocean blue and deep green with red inclusions.

March offers two very different gemstone personalities.

Aquamarine is a blue to blue-green variety of beryl. Its clear, watery appearance is reminiscent of the sea, making it a favourite for people drawn to cool colours and understated elegance. Traditionally, aquamarine is associated with serenity, courage, and safe journeys.

Bloodstone, on the other hand, is an opaque dark green variety of chalcedony, often marked by distinctive red spots. Its appearance is earthy and striking, with a long history in jewellery and traditional symbolism associated with courage and strength.

One month, two very different ways to love gemstones: the airy blue of aquamarine or the bold, natural patterns of bloodstone.

A little gem detail: Although both are associated with March, aquamarine and bloodstone differ in mineral composition, appearance, and geological classification.

April Birthstone: Diamond

Colour: Usually colourless, although natural diamonds also occur in various colours.

Diamond is April's traditional birthstone and is well known for its exceptional hardness and brilliance. Formed under high-pressure conditions deep within the Earth, natural diamonds have fascinated people for centuries.

Diamond is traditionally associated with enduring love, strength, and commitment. It is widely used in engagement rings and fine jewellery, but its appeal extends beyond its symbolism to its remarkable optical properties.

For those who prefer a different look, other clear gemstones can offer their own distinctive beauty without being diamonds.

A little gem detail: Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring mineral on the Mohs hardness scale, rated 10. Hardness measures resistance to scratching, not immunity to damage.

May Birthstone: Emerald

Colour: Green, from lighter shades to deep, vivid green.

Emerald is May's birthstone and a variety of the mineral beryl. Its green colour comes primarily from trace chromium, vanadium, or both.

Traditionally associated with renewal, growth, love, and wisdom, emerald has been admired across cultures and historical periods. Its saturated green colour makes it instantly recognisable, whether set in jewellery or displayed as a gemstone specimen.

Emeralds often contain natural inclusions, sometimes described affectionately in the gemstone trade as a stone's garden. These internal features can contribute to a gemstone's individual character.

A little gem detail: Emerald and aquamarine belong to the same mineral family, beryl, yet their colours and visual personalities are remarkably different.

June Birthstone: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone

Colours: Creamy white, colour-changing green and red, or soft iridescent shades.

June is one of the months with several recognised birthstones, offering an especially varied selection.

Pearls are organic gems formed within certain molluscs. Their soft lustre gives them a timeless appearance, and they are traditionally associated with elegance and purity.

Alexandrite is famous for its colour-changing effect. Depending on the light source, a fine example may appear greenish in daylight and reddish or purplish under incandescent lighting.

Moonstone is a feldspar gemstone known for its characteristic sheen, often appearing as a floating glow across the surface.

Each offers something different: the understated beauty of a pearl, the unusual colour-changing nature of alexandrite, or the dreamy glow of moonstone.

A little gem detail: Alexandrite's colour change is a distinct optical phenomenon. It is different from the surface sheen seen in moonstone.

July Birthstone: Ruby

Colour: Red, ranging from vivid red to deeper crimson.

Ruby is July's birthstone and a red variety of the mineral corundum. Its colour comes primarily from chromium, and fine rubies have long been valued in jewellery.

Traditionally, ruby symbolises passion, courage, vitality, and love. Its saturated colour makes it an expressive choice for people who prefer bold gemstones with a classic history.

Ruby and sapphire may look like entirely different gemstones, but they belong to the same mineral species. The key distinction is colour: red corundum is called ruby, while other gem-quality colours are generally classified as sapphire.

A little gem detail: Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the harder gemstones used in jewellery.

August Birthstone: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx

Colours: Olive green, a broad range of colours, and reddish-brown with white bands.

August has a particularly interesting selection of birthstones.

Peridot is recognised for its fresh yellow-green to olive-green colour. It is a variety of the mineral olivine and can look especially striking against warm or neutral backgrounds. Traditionally, peridot is associated with positivity, renewal, and good fortune.

Spinel occurs in many colours, including red, pink, purple, and blue. Historically, some red spinels were mistaken for rubies, reflecting just how similar different gemstones can appear.

Sardonyx is a banded variety of chalcedony known for contrasting layers, usually in reddish-brown, red, and white tones. It has a long history in carved jewellery and decorative objects.

Whether you gravitate towards peridot's green, spinel's colour diversity, or sardonyx's natural bands, August has something for very different tastes.

A little gem detail: Spinel and ruby are separate minerals, even though both can occur in vivid red.

September Birthstone: Sapphire

Colour: Most famously blue, but sapphire occurs in many other colours.

Sapphire is September's birthstone and a variety of corundum. Blue sapphire is perhaps the best-known variety, but sapphires can also be yellow, pink, green, violet, and other colours.

Traditionally, sapphire is associated with wisdom, loyalty, sincerity, and nobility. Its combination of colour, durability, and long-standing place in jewellery has made it a favourite for rings and heirloom pieces.

For gemstone collectors, sapphire is particularly interesting because its appearance can vary considerably depending on colour, inclusions, and origin.

A little gem detail: Corundum is the mineral family that includes both sapphire and ruby. Both rank 9 on the Mohs hardness scale.

October Birthstone: Opal and Tourmaline

Colours: Opal can display flashes of multiple colours; tourmaline occurs in an extensive range of hues.

October's birthstones are perfect for people who appreciate gemstones that never look quite the same from one example to another.

Opal is famous for its play-of-colour, in which flashes of colour appear to move across the stone as the viewing angle changes. Not every opal displays this effect, but precious opal is especially admired for it.

Tourmaline is a diverse gemstone group that occurs in colours ranging from pink and green to blue, yellow, and multicoloured combinations. Some specimens display more than one colour within the same crystal.

Traditionally, opal is associated with creativity, hope, and inspiration, while tourmaline is often linked with individuality and emotional expression.

A little gem detail: Opal is not a crystalline mineral in the same way as quartz or tourmaline. It is a hydrated, amorphous form of silica.

November Birthstone: Topaz and Citrine

Colours: Topaz occurs in several colours; citrine is yellow to orange-brown.

November's birthstones offer warm shades that suit autumn-inspired palettes throughout the year.

Topaz occurs naturally in several colours, including colourless, yellow, and blue. Some colours commonly sold in jewellery may result from treatments, so it is useful to check how a gemstone has been described by its seller.

Citrine is a yellow to orange-brown variety of quartz. Its golden hues make it a popular choice for people who love warm-toned gemstones and earthy collections.

In traditional symbolism, topaz is associated with strength and affection, while citrine is often connected with abundance, optimism, and warmth.

A little gem detail: Citrine and amethyst are both varieties of quartz. Their colours differ because of different colour-producing conditions and factors within the crystals.

December Birthstone: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon

Colours: Violet-blue, opaque blue to green, and a variety of colours including blue.

December's birthstones bring together three gemstones with very different appearances.

Tanzanite is known for its striking blue-violet colour. It is a relatively uncommon gemstone variety of zoisite, found in a limited geographic area of Tanzania.

Turquoise is an opaque gemstone prized for its blue to green colour, sometimes accompanied by distinctive matrix patterns. It has a long history in jewellery and decorative arts across many cultures.

Zircon occurs in several colours and is valued for its brilliance and dispersion. Blue zircon is a popular choice for those drawn to cool, sparkling gemstones. Natural zircon should not be confused with cubic zirconia, a separate material commonly used as a diamond simulant.

Traditionally, these stones are associated with qualities such as prosperity, protection, wisdom, and good fortune, depending on the tradition.

A little gem detail: Natural zircon is a genuine mineral gemstone. Cubic zirconia is a manufactured material with a different chemical composition and crystal structure.

How to Choose a Birthstone

Your birthstone can be a starting point, rather than a rule you have to follow. If you are choosing a stone for yourself or someone else, consider what makes a gemstone appealing to you.

1. Start with colour. Do you prefer deep purples, ocean blues, earthy greens, or warm golden shades? The colour you naturally gravitate towards can help narrow down your options.

2. Think about how you will use it. A gemstone intended for a ring worn every day may need different durability considerations from a stone displayed in a collection or used as a decorative object.

3. Explore different forms. Faceted gemstones, polished cabochons, palm stones, crystal points, and raw specimens can offer completely different ways to appreciate the same mineral or gemstone family.

4. Learn about the stone itself. Look into its mineral composition, natural inclusions, colour variations, and care requirements. Understanding the material can make collecting more rewarding.

5. Choose what feels personal to you. Your birth month may introduce you to a gemstone, but you can collect any stone whose colour, form, or natural patterns capture your imagination.

At Mrigha, we believe that appreciating gemstones begins with curiosity. You do not need a particular birth month or a special occasion to fall in love with a stone.

Are Birthstones Different from Zodiac Stones?

Yes. Birthstones are generally associated with the month of birth, while zodiac stones are associated with astrological signs or particular astrological traditions.

These systems can overlap, but they are not interchangeable. Different cultures and astrological systems may also assign different gemstones to the same sign.

If you are exploring gemstones through astrology, it is worth checking which tradition a particular recommendation comes from rather than assuming there is one universal list.

Similarly, traditional gemstone meanings are part of cultural history and folklore. They can add personal significance to a stone, but they should not be confused with scientifically established healing effects.

Birthstones as Gifts: A Personal Touch

A birthstone can turn an ordinary gift into something more personal. It might be a birthday present, a piece of jewellery for a milestone, a small addition to a gemstone collection, or a reminder of someone important.

You could choose the recipient's birthstone, a gemstone in their favourite colour, or a stone that reminds you of a shared memory.

Birthstones can also be collected over time. A collection of twelve stones, for example, can become a colourful introduction to mineral diversity, with each piece offering a different texture, colour, and geological story.

And if you are buying for yourself? That is reason enough, too. A gemstone does not need to mark a milestone to deserve a place in your collection.

Discover the Beauty of Natural Gemstones with Mrigha

Every gemstone has its own character. Some draw attention through vivid colour, while others reveal intricate patterns, unusual inclusions, or subtle variations that make each specimen distinct.

At Mrigha, we celebrate the natural beauty of crystals and gemstones for collectors, jewellery lovers, and curious minds. Whether you are beginning your collection or looking for a stone that catches your eye, we invite you to explore gemstones beyond their traditional labels.

Your birthstone may be where the journey begins. The rest of the collection is yours to discover.

Explore the Mrigha collection and find a gemstone that speaks to your sense of beauty, curiosity, and personal style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birthstones

What is my birthstone by month?

January is associated with garnet, February with amethyst, March with aquamarine and bloodstone, April with diamond, May with emerald, June with pearl, alexandrite and moonstone, July with ruby, August with peridot, spinel and sardonyx, September with sapphire, October with opal and tourmaline, November with topaz and citrine, and December with tanzanite, turquoise and zircon.

Can I wear a birthstone that is not associated with my birth month?

Absolutely. Birthstone associations are traditions, not restrictions. You can choose any gemstone based on its colour, appearance, history, or personal significance.

Do birthstones have healing properties?

Many cultures have associated gemstones with symbolic or spiritual qualities. However, there is no reliable scientific evidence that wearing or owning a birthstone produces specific physical or medical healing effects. You can still appreciate a stone for its beauty, history, and personal meaning.

Are birthstones always natural gemstones?

Not necessarily. Birthstone jewellery can feature natural gemstones, laboratory-grown gemstones, treated stones, or imitation materials. If natural origin matters to you, check the seller's description and ask about any treatments or enhancements.

What is the difference between a birthstone and a zodiac stone?

A birthstone is associated with a birth month, while a zodiac stone is linked to an astrological sign or tradition. The two may overlap, but their associations can differ depending on the source.

Which birthstone is the rarest?

Rarity depends on the specific gemstone variety, quality, colour, size, and origin. Fine alexandrite and certain high-quality tanzanite specimens, for example, can be particularly sought after. There is no single universal ranking that makes one birthstone the rarest in every context.

Gemstone descriptions and birthstone associations in this guide are intended for educational and general-interest purposes. Traditional meanings may vary across cultures and sources.

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