Here’s a comprehensive guide to all the traditional and modern birthstones for each month:
January: Garnet
- Traditional & Modern: Garnet
- Color: Typically deep red, but can be found in a range of colors
- Symbolism: Protection, friendship, and trust
February: Amethyst
- Traditional & Modern: Amethyst
- Color: Purple
- Symbolism: Wisdom, sobriety, and peace
March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
- Traditional: Bloodstone
- Modern: Aquamarine
- Color: Aquamarine (light blue), Bloodstone (dark green with red spots)
- Symbolism: Courage, healing, and clarity (Aquamarine); strength and healing (Bloodstone)
April: Diamond
- Traditional & Modern: Diamond
- Color: Typically clear but can be found in various colors
- Symbolism: Strength, love, and eternity
May: Emerald
- Traditional & Modern: Emerald
- Color: Green
- Symbolism: Rebirth, fertility, and love
June: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
- Traditional: Pearl
- Modern: Alexandrite and Moonstone
- Color: Pearl (white or cream), Alexandrite (green in daylight, red in incandescent light), Moonstone (white with a blue or rainbow sheen)
- Symbolism: Purity and innocence (Pearl); balance and joy (Alexandrite); intuition and fertility (Moonstone)
July: Ruby
- Traditional & Modern: Ruby
- Color: Red
- Symbolism: Passion, protection, and courage
August: Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel
- Traditional: Sardonyx
- Modern: Peridot and Spinel
- Color: Peridot (light green), Sardonyx (banded red and white), Spinel (varies, often red or pink)
- Symbolism: Strength, protection (Peridot); happiness and courage (Sardonyx); revitalization and energy (Spinel)
September: Sapphire
- Traditional & Modern: Sapphire
- Color: Typically blue, but can be found in a variety of colors
- Symbolism: Wisdom, loyalty, and nobility
October: Opal and Tourmaline
- Traditional: Opal
- Modern: Tourmaline
- Color: Opal (varies, often with a play of colors), Tourmaline (varies, often pink or green)
- Symbolism: Creativity, hope, and innocence (Opal); protection and healing (Tourmaline)
November: Topaz and Citrine
- Traditional: Topaz
- Modern: Citrine
- Color: Topaz (varies, often blue or yellow), Citrine (yellow to orange)
- Symbolism: Friendship, strength, and wisdom (Topaz); happiness and success (Citrine)
December: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite
- Traditional: Turquoise
- Modern: Zircon and Tanzanite
- Color: Turquoise (blue-green), Zircon (varies, often blue), Tanzanite (blue to violet)
- Symbolism: Good fortune, protection (Turquoise); prosperity and wisdom (Zircon); transformation and healing (Tanzanite)
Each of these birthstones has its unique beauty and significance. Whether you’re choosing a birthstone for yourself or as a gift, it’s a thoughtful way to celebrate a particular month or occasion.
