Birthstones are a collection of precious gems that correlate to one's birth month. Traditionally, each gem holds a different meaning thought to hold true to its wearer. There are a few months where multiple birthstones symbolize various characteristics, giving its wearer multiple choices in the gem they choose. Each of these birthstones has a fascinating history and continues to bring health and wellness to its wearers from all parts of the world.
What Do the Birthstones Mean?
The Old and New Testaments of the Bible mention birthstones by their color. In Exodus, Aaron the priest wore a special breastplate that had 12 unique gemstones, which represented the 12 tribes of Israel. In Revelation, the last book of the Bible, the 12 gemstones become part of the new foundation of the New Jerusalem. Over time, astrologers began to attribute one gemstone to each of the 12 months of the year, as well as the 12 zodiac signs. Early astrologers believed each gemstone brought healing powers or protection from evil to the people born in each respective month, which is why we still call them birthstones today.
What Is My Birthstone?
Your birthstone is the gemstone of the month when you were born. Refer to this birthstone chart of all the birthstones by month to find your special gem. Keep in mind that some months have more than one gem.
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl or alexandrite
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal or tourmaline
- November: Topaz or citrine
- December: Blue topaz, blue zircon or turquoise
Gemstones by Month
Traditionally, birthstones have a reputation for improving the health and well-being of people born in their respective months. The birthstone colors add to the gemstones' symbolic qualities. Find your birth month below and discover more about these gemstones and their meanings and unique properties.
January
Legends say the garnet offers protection from nightmares and gives its wearer guidance in the night for those born in January. The red color of the gemstone symbolizes faith, love and courage. Wearing garnet can reportedly protect children from nightmares and can promote overall self-worth. Garnet protects the heart and lungs and increases energy levels.
February
The amethyst gemstone represents royalty, passion and hope. This gem supposedly calms the spirit and give focus to all with February birthdays. Amethyst theoretically protects its wearers from drunkenness, arthritis and illness. Amethyst guards the mind and sets the wearer free from passion. Amethyst has the power to overcome difficulty and strengthen love relationships.
March
In ancient times, people believed aquamarine, the traditional birthstone of March, protected seafarers in helping them clearly remember their loved ones when they were far away at sea. Wearing aquamarine promotes creativity, hope, self-expression and courage. Wear this gemstone to boost love, youth, good health and overall happiness. Aquamarine traditionally helps pregnant women, protecting both the mother and child from harm.
April
Diamonds have been the traditional symbol of love since ancient Greece and the sparkling birthstone for April-born babies. This gemstone is the symbol of eternal love and courage. This gem protects its wearers from insanity. People believe diamonds increase energy, both positive and negative. They also treat dizziness and vertigo and can detoxify the body and cure allergies.
May
Some believe that by wearing the vivid emerald gem, the symbol of May birthdays, you can cure specific ailments and will be able to see into the future. This birthstone promotes health, faithfulness, fertility and wealth. Emeralds also reportedly possess magical qualities that prevent illness. This gemstone detoxifies the liver and improves overall health and wellness, especially to heal from sinus infections and eye disorders.
June
Celebrate June birthdays with pearls, which supposedly symbolize modesty and purity. Pearls protect against nervous and anxious thoughts, as well as control anger. Medically, pearls can treat digestive disorders, increase fertility and ease the pain of childbirth. Alexandrite also correlates with June. It ranks alongside ruby, one of the world's most desirable gemstones. This gemstone treats nervous system disorders, as well as pancreatic and spleen disorders.
July
The vivid gem of ruby is symbolic of July birthdays. The gemstones are supposed to protect against misfortune and allow their wearer to live in harmony with others. Rubies are red, which symbolizes strength and courage. They can support the emotional health of the wearer. Rubies encourage the removal of negative energies from your path and can treat exhaustion and lethargy.
August
Historically, peridots bring courage, wealth, wisdom and purity to wearers with a birthday in August. The light green gemstone relieves stress and calms anger, as well as protecting the wearer from evil, negativity and black magic. Peridot boosts the immune system and improves skin quality.
September
The popular imagination portrays the majestic sapphire gemstone as a symbol of truth and protection to those born in September. The blue sapphire gemstone brings success to all who wear it. Sapphires reduce pain and demonstrate purity, wisdom, faith, loyalty and serenity in the wearer. Sapphires also have a reputation for treating blood disorders and excessive bleeding.
October
Ancient legends say the opal gemstone will soothe away sadness and envy for those with October birthdays. The tourmaline gem also represents the birth month of October with its resistance to breaking and scratching. Both opal and tourmaline gems possess healing and restorative qualities and are symbols of hope, innocence and creativity. Opals strengthen the wearer's memory and increase the will to live. Tourmaline can relieve stress and increase mental alertness.
November
Citrine traditionally has a reputation for warding off evil thoughts and poisonous snakes. Today, the cheerful citrine, representative of November birthdays, brings success and prosperity to its wearers. Citrine improves intellect and removes negativity from the wearer. Topaz also complements the month of November with its shades of brown, orange and yellow. Both topaz and citrine promote health and wellness in the mind and body. They also protect their wearers from negative influences.
December
Zircon provides the wearer with wisdom, honor and riches for those born in December. Turquoise also associates with December, bringing its wearer happiness and good fortune. Turquoise used to be an indicator of the wearer's ill health or danger because of the gemstone's ability to change color. Topaz brings good health and prevents headaches. All of the birthstones for December possess healing properties.
Give a Special Gift of Gemstones From Mountz
Now that you know the meaning of your birthstone, buy a piece of jewelry to improve your health and wellness. At Mountz Jewelers, we offer a unique collection of colored gemstone jewelry to show off your birthstone and tell the world who you are. Explore our unique gemstone jewelry to buy for you or a family member with an upcoming birthday.