Birthstones by Month: Traditional Birthstones and Modern Alternatives

If you’ve pinned down your month on our list of birthstones, or you’re still looking for the perfect piece of jewellery that resonates with you, it can be fun to dive into the history and lore of precious gems. From myths about Moonstones to the history of how Fire Opals got their name, we love learning about gemstone jewellery and sharing it with you.

January’s birthstones are Garnet and Rose Quartz. Garnet is a juicy red gemstone that is often confused with Ruby, and may have been used in its stead in jewelry pieces throughout history. It has been called the “stone of commitment” and the “stone of health” in metaphysical circles, and is said to stimulate the Kundalini. Rose Quartz is a blush pink gem known for its gentle, calming properties. This abundant stone gets its rosy hue from inclusions in the stone that refract light giving them their hazy pink color. A stone of unconditional love and infinite peace, Rose Quartz is a powerful gem associated with the heart chakra.

February’s birthstone is Amethyst. It’s a purple colored version of the Quartz crystal, and gets its natural hue from iron and in some cases, manganese. In spiritual practice, it is favored for its intense meditative applications. Amethyst forms in crystal clusters and geodes large enough to stand in.

March’s birthstones are Aquamarine and Bloodstone. Aquamarine takes its name from the Latin for water and the sea, so it’s double the fun for ocean lovers. Legends about Aquamarine tell of mermaids, sailors, Poseidon, and stormy seas. This “stone of courage” was said to calm troubled seas (and stomachs), and encourage the wearer’s innate ability to “always be prepared.” Bloodstone is a hardstone alternative for the month of March. This ancient healing stone was once thought to turn the sun red if they were placed in water. The dark greenish-blue Bloodstone is spotted with red iron oxide “blood” that brings health and strength to the wearer.

April’s birthstones are Diamond and White Topaz. The most popular engagement gift for young couples, Diamond rings are a relatively new standard, gaining in popularity after a famous advertising push. This crystal clear gemstone takes its name from the Greek word adamas, meaning unbreakable (also the root adamant), and is the benchmark 10 on Mohs’ hardness scale. Radiant White Topaz is known as the stone of awareness. Ancient Romans believed this gemstone would give them strength, protect them from enemies, and bring reconciliation. In metaphysical circles White Topaz is known to aid inner peace, synchronizing your thoughts, and helps you efficiently reach your goals.

May’s birthstones are Emerald and Green Onyx. This rich, jungly green gem is one of the four Cardinal Gems (along with Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire). Emeralds were said to be a favorite of Cleopatra and Incan royalty. Called the “stone of successful love,” Emerald was one of the original stones in the Biblical breastplate of the high priest. Green Onyx has a long history and has been used in jewelry and hardstone carvings for generations. This translucent green gem is associated with the planet Mercury and is the symbol for restfulness, thought to relieve tension and stress.

June has more than one birthstone. They are Moonstone, Pearl, Alexandrite, and Agate. Moonstone, the modern alternative to Pearl, displays a special form of iridescence called adularescence when shifted in the light. It is often translucent with a hint of periwinkle blue or green. Pearl - technically formed by an animal - is the only birthstone on the list that is not truly gem or mineral. It has been revered for centuries by ocean cultures, and is a popular bridal accessory. Named for a Russian prince, Alexandrite is a relatively new June birthstone. It changes color from green to purple, and can be prohibitively expensive for most birthstone jewelry shoppers. Agate, one of the oldest birthstones on our list, can be found in colorful striated from, and is sliced thinly to reveal its beautiful rings.

July’s birthstone is Ruby. This luscious red beauty is one of the Cardinal Gems, and has remained a favourite of royals throughout the ages for a reason. Known as the “stone of nobility,” it can be found in the treasures of India and the Middle East, and the Medieval courts of Europe. Perhaps because of its color, Ruby is often associated with lifeblood.

August has several birthstones. They are Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. Peridot is a bright green gem and a member of the Olivine family. It is believed that the stones found on the ancient island of Topazos were indeed Peridot, and no chemically true Topaz was found there. Peridot has been found on meteorites, indicating that it can form in space. Spinel, an alternative August birthstone can be found in several colors, most notably, hot pink. Called the Black Prince’s Ruby, a large spinel stone is the centerpiece of Queen Elizabeth’s crown. Sardonyx is a striped stone comprised of bands of Sardon and Onyx (ahh, we get it). It is believed to be the sardius of the high priest’s breastplate.

September’s birthstones are Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli. A richly colored royal blue, Sapphire is tied to Saturn and is one of the original Biblical birthstones. Called “the stone of prosperity,” Sapphires are one of the most expensive birthstones, and like their cousin Ruby, are commonly associated with royalty. The imperial blue Lapis Lazuli has been found in the tombs of Pharaohs and Emperors. Once used by artists to create the ultramarine pigment used in masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel, this brilliant blue stone is the universal symbol for wisdom and truth.

October has multiple birthstones. They are Opal and Tourmaline. Opal, the traditional birthstone for October, was once incredibly hard to obtain. Modern discoveries in Australia and Africa have popularized the stone, which can range in color from white to deep blues with rainbow like qualities called play of color. Opal was once believed to give the wearer powers of invisibility. Tourmaline, a long columnar crystal, comes in many colors. Perhaps most enjoyable are specimens that contain more than one color like the Watermelon Tourmaline.

November has several birthstones. They are Citrine and Golden Topaz. Known for their amber like coloring, both of the November birthstones reflect the leaves of fall. Citrine, the more accessible of the two, is actually a yellow cousin of Amethyst, and a member of the Quartz family. It is known as “the merchant’s stone,” and is said to encourage success in business. Golden Topaz, the more traditional November birthstone is also linked to success (with a side of true love). It is used in metaphysical visualization and meditation.

December has multiple birthstones. They are Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Zircon, and Tanzanite. Named for Turkish traders who brought it to Europe, Turquoise is full of folklore from the Middle East to the American Southwest. It gets its signature color from copper, and the color turquoise actually takes its name from stone. Blue Topaz, another December birthstone, offers a transparent, gemmy alternative to rustic Turquoise. It is thought to stimulate the throat chakra and facilitate communication. Zircon, though naturally occurring, has suffered from the name’s similarity to lab grown Cubic Zirconia. In keeping with the theme, blue Zircon is most often used as this month’s birthstone, though it comes in many colors. Tanzanite, another blue gem (which borders on violet) rounds out the December birthstone blues. A relatively recent discovery, Tanzanite can only be found in Tanzania.

Next time you're looking for a meaningful gift or a piece of jewellery to commemorate a special occasion, consider the significance of birthstones and the history behind these precious gems.