Find Out the Meaning Behind Your Birthstone
What is the birthstone for your month? Check the list below to learn the meanings and history of each monthly birthstone.
Where do the Birthstones Come From?
The birthstones we associate with certain months now are not necessarily the same ones as those used centuries ago. Initially, they related to the twelve gemstones appearing on the breastplate of the High Priest of the Israelites described in the Book of Exodus.
Color was once the most important feature of a stone, which meant that there was no significant difference in meaning between a ruby and a garnet, for example.
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The names used in the past may not relate to the stone we think of with that name today, either:
- Sapphire was probably what we know today as lapis.
- Diamonds were most likely white sapphire or white topaz.
The wearing of birthstones is thought to bring good luck, good health, and protection. Astrologers long ago attributed supernatural powers to certain gemstones.
Birthstones by Month
January – Garnet
The January birthstone, garnet, is thought to keep the wearer safe during travel. The word “garnet” is derived from the early French word grenate, meaning “seedy,” because the gem resembles the color and shape of a pomegranate seed.
February – Amethyst
The February birthstone, amethyst, is said to strengthen relationships and give its wearer courage. At one time, only royalty could wear the gem. Ancient Greeks thought that the amethyst guarded against intoxication. In fact, “amethyst” comes from amethystos, a Greek word meaning “sober.”
March – Aquamarine, Bloodstone
The March birthstone, aquamarine, was thought to cure heart, liver, and stomach diseases—all one had to do was drink the water the gem had been soaking in. Early sailors believed that aquamarine talismans, etched with the likeness of the sea god Neptune, protected them against ocean dangers.
Another March birthstone is the bloodstone, which is dark green with red specks.
April – Diamond
The April birthstone, diamond, in addition to being a symbol of everlasting love, was once thought to bring courage. In Sanskrit, the diamond is called vajra, which means “lightning.” In Hindu mythology, vajra was the weapon of Indra, the king of gods.
May – Emerald
The May birthstone, emerald, was one of Cleopatra’s favorite gems. It has long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love. Ancient Romans went so far as to dedicate this stone to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Today, it is thought that emeralds signify wisdom, growth, and patience.
June – Pearl
The June birthstone, pearl, has long been a symbol of purity. The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy from Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
July – Ruby
The July birthstone, ruby, was regarded by ancient Hindus as the “king of gems.” It was believed to protect its wearer from evil. Today, the deep red color of the ruby signifies love and passion.
August – Peridot
The August birthstone, peridot, symbolizes strength. It is sometimes called the “evening emerald” for its light green color. It was once believed that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears of the volcano goddess Pele. When set in gold, this gem was said to protect the wearer from nightmares.
September – Sapphire
The September birthstone, sapphire, was once thought to guard against evil and poisoning. It was believed that a venomous snake would die if placed in a vessel made of sapphire. Traditionally a favorite stone of priests and kings, the sapphire symbolizes purity and wisdom.
October – Opal
The October birthstone, opal, symbolizes faithfulness and confidence. The word comes from the Latin opalus, meaning “precious jewel.” Necklaces with opals set in them were worn to repel evil and to protect eyesight.
November – Topaz
The November birthstone, topaz, symbolizes love and affection. It is believed to give the wearer increased strength and intellect.
December – Turquoise
The December birthstone, turquoise, is regarded as a love charm. It is also a symbol of good fortune and success, and it is believed to relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm. Turquoise rings, in particular, are thought to keep away evil spirits.
Learn More
Now that you know your birthstone… Do you know your birth flower? See our birth month flowers page!
And have fun on our Birthdays page with birthday facts, birthday history, folklore, and more!
What is your birthstone? Tell us if it fits you in the comments!
Catherine Boeckmann
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It helped me with a slide show I had to do.
These were the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen!
Thank you so much for compiling all of this information on birth flowers and stones. I find studying these topics so fascinating.
I love this i did not even know what mine was thank you so much
the stones are so beautiful!
I'd have thought you'd use the traditional birthstones (e.g. mine, March, is bloodstone).
The newer series were selected by jewelers, as the older stones were not pricey.
such nice information about gemstones. your article helps those people who bought gemstones according to birth month.
My birth flower is a daffodil and my birth stone is aquamarine I love the water and i'm happy most of the time so I think these types of sites might be onto something.
If we are strong and social than how come I have 1 good friend than I can depend on and the rest I can't?
Look within Grasshopper!😂
