Birthstones are sentimental for those who love jewelry, but what are the birthstones for each month? In this article, you’ll see that it is a lot more complex than you initially imagined.
- List of Birthstone Gems of the Month
- Take the Birthstone Style Quiz (New Feature)
- Birthstone Chart by Month
Birthstone Gems of the Month Chart
The birthstone for each month is a highly controversial topic. Not everyone agrees with each other regarding which birthstone represents which month. We have followed the most traditional opinions.
| Gemstones | Cost | Colors | |
| January | Garnet | $ | Orangish Red |
| February | Amethyst | $ | Purple |
| March | Aquamarine | $$ | Greenish-Blue |
| April | Diamond | $$$ | White |
| May | Emerald | $$$ | Dark Green |
| June | Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite | $ | White and Blue |
| July | Ruby | $$$ | Dark Red |
| August | Peridot | $ | Green |
| September | Sapphire | $$$ | Dark Blue |
| October | Opal and Tourmaline | $$ | Multicolored |
| November | Citrine and Topaz | $ | Light Blue and Orange |
| December | Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise | $$ | Blue |
January Birthstone
Cost: Affordable
Hardness: 6.5 – 7.5 on the Mohs Scale
Colors: All colors, but most famously deep red
The January Birthstone is Garnet. It is the special birthstone for January, and it’s a gemstone that comes in many different colors, although it’s most famous for its deep red-orangish shades. The word “garnet” comes from the Latin word “granatum,” which means “pomegranate.”
Garnet is a very popular option for those who love deep red colors but don’t have the budget for a high-quality ruby.
You will usually see garnets in rings, necklaces, and earrings. Garnet pendants are also growing in popularity.
Learn more about January Birthstone
February Birthstone
Cost: Affordable
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs Scale
Colors: Purple, violet, and dark purple
The February Birthstone is Amethyst, a purple gemstone with a long history and fascinating legends. The word “amethyst” comes from a Greek word meaning “not drunk.” Ancient Greeks believed that wearing amethyst jewelry or drinking from amethyst cups would prevent them from getting too drunk.
When you look at amethyst, you’ll see different shades of purple, from light lavender to deep violet.
Amethyst is growing in popularity as the center stone for engagement rings, but it is also popular in necklaces, earrings, and brooches. Additionally, because it has been around for a long time, you’ll see many stunning antique jewelry pieces that feature or accent with amethyst.
Learn More About February Birthstone | View Amethyst Rings
March Birthstone
Cost: Moderately Affordable
Hardness: 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs Scale
Colors: Pale blue to light green and deep blueish green
The March birthstone is aquamarine, the gemstone that famously looks like the ocean due to its stunning blue-green color. The name “aquamarine” actually comes from two Latin words: “aqua” means water, and “marina” means sea.
Aquamarine has fascinated people for ages, and it is featured in many antique jewelry pieces.
In recent years, aquamarine has become so mainstream that some consider it the newest member of the fine gemstones list.
Aquamarine is a popular gemstone used in all sorts of jewelry, especially engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Additionally, its soft blue-green shade goes great with many outfits.
Learn about the March Birthstone | View Aquamarine Rings
April Birthstone
Cost: Expensive
Hardness: 10 on the Mohs Scale
Colors: White, White with yellow-tint, and colored
The April birthstone is the diamond, the undisputed king of gemstones. Diamonds are famous for their incredible sparkle and beauty. They come in various colors, but the most common ones are clear or white. They can be found in all types of jewelry, like rings, necklaces, brooches, earrings, and bracelets. They are most famous, though, as the first choice gemstone when shopping for an engagement ring.
That said, diamonds are the perfect gemstone for every type of jewelry and the most desirable precious gemstone in the world.
Diamonds are also extremely strong, making them perfect for advanced commercial drilling.
Learn about April Birthstone | View Diamond Rings
May Birthstone
Cost: Expensive
Hardness: 7.5-8 on the Mohs Scale
Colors: Green
The May birthstone is emerald, a gem synonymous with its beautiful green color. The name “emerald” comes from the Greek word “smaragdos,” which means green gem. Humankind has been fascinated by emeralds for thousands of years. Emeralds are worn by royalty and celebrities, making them a symbol of luxury and elegance.
Emeralds are utilized in all sorts of jewelry, from necklaces to bracelets and earrings. Although they’re popular in rings, many try to avoid emerald rings, as they are prone to breakage.
Learn about May Birthstone | View Emerald Rings
June Birthstone
Cost: Affordable
Hardness on the Mohs Scale: Pearl is 2.5 – 4.5, moonstone is 6 – 6.5, and Alexandrite is 8.5.
Colors: Pearls are White, grey, and black. Moonstones are green, yellow to brown, or gray to nearly black. Alexandrite is green, orange, purple-red, and more.
The June Birthstones are pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. Let’s dive into each of these unique gems!
The Pearl is known for its timeless beauty and elegance. Unlike other gemstones, pearls are created by living creatures—oysters and mussels. They come in various colors, with white and cream being the most common. Pearls have been cherished for centuries and are often associated with purity and wisdom. They’re used to create all sorts of jewelry, like necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, and they add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
Moonstone is another fascinating June birthstone. This gem has a magical, almost otherworldly quality because it displays a shimmering play of light across its surface, resembling the glow of the moon. Moonstones come in various colors, including green, blue, gray, and rainbow-like hues. It is common in earrings, pendants, and necklaces.
Alexandrite, also a June birthstone, is truly unique because it changes color depending on the lighting. It can appear green in daylight and red under incandescent light, giving it a chameleon-like quality. This gem is often associated with creativity and imagination. It’s a rare and precious stone, making it highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
Learn about June Birthstones | View Pearl Rings
July Birthstone
Cost: Expensive
Hardness: 9 on the Mohs Scale
Colors: Red
The July birthstone is the fiery and vibrant ruby! Rubies are known for their deep red color, often associated with love and passion. These gemstones have a long history of being prized and revered by various cultures. Rubies are among the “four precious gemstones.”
Wearing a ruby can make you feel bold and confident. They are very popular in rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
Learn about July Birthstone | View Ruby Rings
August Birthstone
Cost: Affordable
Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs Scale
Colors: Green
The August birthstone is the beautiful peridot. It is known for its stunning green color, which can range from bright lime green to a deeper olive shade. This gem is often associated with nature and the lush greenery of summertime. It pairs nicely with other gemstones and stands nicely on its own.
Peridot is often used in jewelry like rings, earrings, and necklaces, adding a pop of fresh green to any outfit. What makes it even more fascinating is that it’s one of the few gemstones (aside from emerald) that can be found in only one color—green.
Learn about August Birthstone | View Peridot Jewelry
September Birthstone
Cost: Affordable
Hardness: 9 on the Mohs Scale
Colors: Blue
The September birthstone is the sapphire, a gem that shines as brilliantly as a deep blue sea. Sapphires are famous for their high saturation of blue color, although they can also come in other shades like pink, yellow, or white. However, the classic blue sapphire is most loved and cherished. Historically, sapphires have been associated with wisdom, nobility, and royalty. They have adorned the crowns and jewelry of kings and queens, symbolizing power and protection.
Sapphires are often used in all kinds of jewelry, from rings to necklaces and earrings. Featuring a sapphire in an engagement ring is also becoming increasingly common.
Learn about September Birthstone | View Sapphire Rings
October Birthstone
Cost: Opal ranges from affordable – expensive | Tourmalines are affordable
Hardness on the Mohs Scale: Opals are 5.5 – 6.5 | Tourmalines are 7 – 7.5
Colors: Opals come in all colors | Tourmaline are pink, green, blue, and red
The October birthstones are opal and tourmaline.
Opals are famous for their elusively magical appearance. They’re known for their play of colors, shimmering and changing when they catch light. Opals come in various shades, including white, black, and fiery red. They are often used in jewelry, like rings, earrings, and especially pendants.
Tourmaline, on the other hand, usually has one (or two) color per gemstone. It can be pink, green, blue, or even watermelon-like hues with a mix of red and green. These gems are also used in various types of jewelry, like rings, earrings, and pendants. They’re a very popular option for jewelry wearers who want something with strong color without paying high prices.
Learn about October Birthstone | View Opal Jewelry
November Birthstone
Cost: Citrine is affordable | Topaz is affordable
Hardness on the Mohs Scale: Citrine is 7 | Topaz is 8
Colors: Citrine comes in yellow, orange, and brown | Tourmaline comes in blue, yellow, white, and green
The November birthstones are citrine and topaz.
Citrine has a warm, golden-yellow color. It is popular in various types of jewelry, like necklaces, rings, and earrings. It’s also very popular in cocktail rings, especially larger ones.
Topaz, on the other hand, is a deep, lighter blue. While topaz can technically come in different colors, the most popular one is a beautiful sky-blue shade. Topaz is desirable in jewelry, and jewelers often set it in rings, bracelets, and earrings. It is also a very popular option in cocktail rings.
It is very easy to obtain high-quality gemstones of both October birthstones.
Learn about November Birthstones | View Citrine Jewelry
December Birthstones
Cost: Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise are all affordable
Hardness on the Mohs Scale: Zircon is 7.5 | Tanzanite is 6 – 6.5 | Turquoise is 5 – 6
Colors: Zircon comes in all colors | Tanzanite comes only in blue and purple | Turquoise usually comes in blue and green (but can come in almost all colors)
The December Birthstones are zircon, tanzanite, turquoise, and possibly blue topaz!
Zircon comes in various colors but is most commonly bright blue. Zircon is common in many different types of jewelry, especially rings and necklaces. It is very affordable and has a very desirable color.
Tanzanite is also strikingly blue-violet in color. It is only found in Tanzania, which makes it incredibly rare and special. Tiffany and Co. famously love this gemstone. Most tanzanites are found in rings, earrings, and pendants.
Turquoise, on the other hand, is not a translucent gemstone like the other birthstones. It’s an extremely popular gemstone, regularly found in rings, bracelets, pendants, and earrings. Most of the stones are affordable, but there is a market for very precious turquoise and the prices can go very high.
Some people also consider Blue Topaz as a December birthstone. Read more about that in the link below.
Learn about December Birthstones | View December Birthstone Jewelry
Birthstone Information
Birthstones have long been believed to bring good luck, good health, prosperity, love, and many more benefits to the wearer. Each stone is associated with a particular month, a tradition from the 15th century. Some changes have occurred in the list over the years, with several months now having more than one birthstone. The latest “official” list was given by the American Gem Trade Association and finalized in 2016. This update added alexandrite as a June birthstone and tanzanite for December.
Of course, there’s no evidence to suggest that any birthstone brings the wearer good health or fortune. However, this lack of data hasn’t stopped people from purchasing birthstones, and they are growing more popular each year.
One advantageous effect of a birthstone is its direct connection with a birthday gift. It affords gift-givers the ease of knowing what to buy. Magical powers or not, it’s a fantastic system. Most birthstones are readily available, and the purchased stone doesn’t need the highest quality to still carry the love and thought that went into choosing it.
Birthstone gift recipients are often unaware of their significance but start learning more about their stones.
Take the Birthstone Style Quiz
Birthstone Chart by Month
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Contact a Birthstone Expert
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