What’s the Birthstone of Each Month?

Have you ever wondered what the birthstone is for yourself, a loved one, a partner, or a friend? Curious about how many birthstone options there are for a specific month? Here’s a guide that introduces the birthstones for each month and their significance on the calendar. Let’s explore the meaning and beauty behind each month’s birthstone together!

January: Garnet

Garnet is the only birthstone for January. 

Garnet comes in many colors, but red garnet is the most traditional and classic choice for January, symbolizing protection and vitality. In the Middle Ages, garnet was believed to ward off nightmares and heal wounds,bring good health. In the heart of winter, when nights are long and cold, it brings warmth and protection. Its rich, warm, and festive color and its association with strength make it an ideal stone to begin the new year.

February: Amethyst 

This month also has only one birthstone—amethyst. 

February is a month of reflection and transition—from the depths of winter to the hope of spring. February birthstone Amethyst, with its calm purple tones, mirrors this introspective energy. Known for soothing the mind and purifying emotions, it perfectly fits a month often associated with inner growth and quiet strength. This regal purple quartz is rooted in mythology and royal tradition. Ancient Greeks believed it could prevent intoxication, making it a gem that brings clarity of thought and spiritual insight for those born in February.

March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone

March has two birthstones—aquamarine and bloodstone. This month, temperatures begin to rise as ice and snow start to melt. 

Aquamarine captures March’s flowing waters—clear, fluid, and full of life. With its ocean-like blue hues, it symbolizes renewal and safety, much like the arrival of spring. 

Bloodstone, deep green with specks of red, represents vitality and courage, celebrating the awakening of the earth. 

Both march birthstones reflect the transitional energy of early spring.

April: Diamond 

Diamond is the only birthstone for April.

April is a season full of light and clarity. Flowers bloom, days grow brighter, and the world bursts with new vitality. Diamond, the hardest and most brilliant of all gemstones, reflects this sense of purity and resilience. Just as spring strengthens the earth, the diamond represents unbreakable bonds and fresh beginnings. It’s an eternal birthstone, perfectly suited for a month that celebrates clarity and new starts.

May: Emerald 

Emerald is the only birthstone for May. 

In May, when everything is in full bloom, emerald is clearly the most fitting gemstone. Its vibrant green color mirrors the energy of spring and the revival of life. Emerald has long symbolized abundance, wisdom, and renewal—making it the ideal gem to wear in this expressive and flourishing time of the year.

June: Moonstone, Alexandrite, Pearl 

Babies born in June have three dazzling birthstones to choose from—pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. This month marks the transition from spring to summer and is a time of emotional depth and subtle change. 

Pearl is the only birthstone produced by a living organism, symbolizing purity, wisdom, and transformation from deep within—harmonizing beautifully with the softness of early summer. 

Moonstone glows with a gentle, moonlike luster and is often believed to carry lunar energy, evoking intuition and a sense of mystery. 

Alexandrite changes color depending on the light, embodying the dual nature of this transitional month. Known as “emerald by day, ruby by night”, it represents balance, transformation, and adaptability.

July: Ruby 

Ruby is the only birthstone for July. July marks the beginning of high summer and the rise of vitality. 

In the heat of summer, ruby shines like the blazing sun. Its rich red color is a timeless symbol of passion, courage, and energy—capturing the very essence of July’s fiery spirit. In ancient India, ruby was known as the “king of gemstones” and was believed to protect its wearer from harm.

August: Sardonyx, Peridot, and Spinel 

August has three birthstones—sardonyx, peridot, and spinel. This is a month full of golden sunshine and laid-back afternoon moments. 

Sardonyx, with its layers of reddish-brown and white bands, has been used since ancient times as a symbol of protection, courage, and communication. It brings a grounding energy that complements the vibrant spirit of late summer.

Peridot glows with a citrus-like green brilliance, capturing the warmth and abundance of late summer. Often associated with the sun, it’s said to repel negative emotions—an ideal gem for those facing changes as autumn approaches.

Spinel is often mistaken for ruby (in fact, many “rubies” in famous crowns are actually spinel). It symbolizes rejuvenation and represents the quiet strength and resilience hidden beneath August’s calm exterior.

September: Sapphire 

September is another month with just one birthstone—sapphire—with its classic, deep blue reflecting the September sky. 

Sapphire is best known for its rich blue hue, but it also comes in a variety of colors, offering more options for those born this month. Traditionally, sapphire has symbolized wisdom, loyalty, and divine favor. In the Middle Ages, clergy wore sapphire to represent heaven, and kings believed it would protect them from harm and envy.

October: Opal and Tourmaline 

October has two birthstones, both known for their wide range of colors. This is a season of transformation—leaves change, the light softens, and autumn begins to unfold. 

Opal is known for its kaleidoscopic play of color and is believed to spark creativity and hope. Tourmaline is equally vibrant, appearing in nearly every shade, and is said to promote healing and emotional balance. 

The vivid colors of these two gems reflect the diversity and richness of fall, capturing the vibrant, expressive spirit of those born in October.

November: Topaz and Citrine 

November ushers in the season of harvest, and this month has two birthstones—topaz and citrine. 

Topaz comes in many colors and is often associated with strength and healing. In ancient legends, it was believed to break spells and calm anger.

Citrine, known as the “merchant’s stone”, is thought to attract wealth and joy, symbolizing abundance and a bright outlook.

Golden topaz and sunlit citrine both radiate warmth, gratitude, and vitality. Their golden hues resemble autumn’s waving fields of grain, echoing the abundance of the harvest season. These gems bring light, prosperity, richness, and strength to the calm, transitional days leading into winter. 

December: Zircon, Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz 

December has four birthstones—zircon, turquoise, tanzanite, and blue topaz. They all share a common trait: shades of blue, representing the coolness of winter. Blue evokes calm and tranquility, making it the perfect color to close out the year.

Tanzanite, discovered in the 20th century in Tanzania, is known for its velvety indigo hue and is associated with transformation and new beginnings. 

Zircon, often mistaken for diamond, is one of the oldest minerals on Earth and symbolizes wisdom and clarity. 

Turquoise, one of the world’s oldest gemstones, stands for protection, peace, and good fortune. 

Blue topaz brings serenity, truth, and honest communication—just what we need to end the year on a peaceful note.

(Some may say that topaz belongs to November, not December. In fact, blue topaz, due to its cool tone that aligns with the other December stones, is widely accepted as a December birthstone.)