Birthstones Chart

January – Garnet

Garnet comes in an extraordinary range of colours—from the deep reds most people know to greens, oranges and even blues. This diversity is reflected in its symbolism: the January birthstone is mined around the world and is said to foster positive emotions and protection. Explore varieties like pyrope, almandine and tsavorite on our garnet guide.

February – Amethyst

Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. Historically, it was thought to prevent drunkenness and sharpen the mind. Modern meanings emphasise clarity, sobriety and personal empowerment. Our amethyst meaning page explains why this stone, once reserved for royalty, is now beloved and affordable.

March – Aquamarine & Bloodstone

Aquamarine: Its name comes from the Latin for “seawater,” and ancient mariners believed it calmed waves and kept sailors safe. Aquamarine is also associated with happiness in marriage and intellectual clarity.

Bloodstone: Also known as heliotrope, bloodstone is a dark green jasper with red iron‑oxide inclusions. In ancient lore, some believed placing the gem in water would turn the sun red; the red spots were thought to represent the blood of Christ. Bloodstone symbolises vitality, courage and protection.

April – Diamond

April’s birthstone is the diamond, nature’s hardest material (10 on the Mohs scale). Diamonds are prized for their exceptional brilliance and scintillation, making them enduring symbols of strength and eternal love. Learn more in our diamond guide.

May – Emerald

Emerald’s lush green colour evokes rebirth and renewal, mirroring the splendor of spring. Ancient cultures revered it as the stone of fertility and vitality. Our emerald page delves into its history with Cleopatra and its modern allure.

June – Pearl, Moonstone & Alexandrite

Pearl: Associated with purity, humility and innocence; pearls embody “sweet simplicity” and were traditional wedding gifts.

Moonstone: Known for its shimmering adularescence, moonstone has long been linked to lunar deities and is believed to bring love, passion, fertility and luck.

Alexandrite: A rare variety of chrysoberyl, alexandrite famously changes colour—green or blue in daylight and red to purple in incandescent light. Discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains and named for future Tsar Alexander II, it mesmerises with its duality.

July – Ruby

The ruby is the red variety of corundum; its name comes from the Latin ruber (red). Called the “King of Coloured Stones,” ruby symbolises love, passion and courage. Historically prized by royalty and warriors, rubies are the gem of power and protection.

August – Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx

Peridot: The yellowish‑green variety of olivine, peridot forms under extreme conditions—in lava flows and meteorites. The Arabic word faridat (gem) gave it its name. It has long been used as a protective talisman.

Spinel: Named from the Latin spina (thorn), spinel comes in many colours and has often been mistaken for ruby; the famous Black Prince’s “ruby” is actually a spinel. It is believed to promote harmony and revitalisation and is given for 22nd wedding anniversaries.

Sardonyx: A layered stone combining sard and onyx, sardonyx displays bands of brownish red and white or black. Ancient Romans used it for seals and cameos. Sardonyx is associated with courage, happiness and clear communication.

September – Sapphire

Sapphires have long symbolised nobility, truth, sincerity and faithfulness. Blue sapphires decorated the robes of royalty and clergy, and ancient Greeks and Romans believed they protected wearers from envy and harm. While blue is the most famous colour, sapphires appear in nearly every hue except red (which would be ruby). Discover more on our sapphire page.

October – Opal & Tourmaline

Opal: According to ancient Greek lore, opals formed from lightning and were thought to grant prophecy and protection. Europeans later viewed opal as a symbol of purity, hope and truth. Opal is prized for its play‑of‑colour and iridescent beauty.

Tourmaline: The newer October birthstone derives its name from the Sinhalese toramalli (“stone with mixed colours”), reflecting its unparalleled colour palette. Ancient mystics believed tourmaline inspired artistic expression. Rubellite (red), chrome (green), and paraíba (neon blue‑green) are among the most coveted varieties.

November – Topaz & Citrine

Topaz: This gem occurs in colourless, light blue, yellow, orange, pink, violet, brown and rare red hues. The word topaz may derive from Sanskrit tapas (“fire”), and ancient Greeks believed it imbued strength. For centuries, it was thought to dispel anger and magic spells.

Citrine: A transparent yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz, citrine has been used in jewellery for thousands of years. It has often been confused with topaz, and people once attributed topaz’s protective powers to citrine. Most commercial citrine is heat‑treated amethyst, making it an affordable and cheerful gem.

December – Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon

Turquoise: This December birthstone has long been believed to ensure health and good fortune. Starting in the 13th century, people thought turquoise protected riders from falling and would break before disaster. Native American tribes considered turquoise sacred, and Tibetans treasure it for health, good fortune and protection.

Tanzanite: A relative newcomer, tanzanite was identified as blue zoisite in 1962 and later named after Tanzania, its sole source. Tiffany & Co. popularised it in the late 1960s. Tanzanite’s “velvety” colour ranges from rich blue to violet, and it symbolises transformation and new beginnings.

Zircon: The word “zircon” may come from Arabic zarkun (“cinnabar”) or Persian zargun (“gold coloured”). Colourless zircon is prized for its brilliance and fire, often confused with diamond. During the Middle Ages, zircon was thought to induce sleep and scare off evil spirits. In Hindu tradition, zircon is part of the navaratna, a set of nine gems believed to bring wealth, wisdom and health.

Gift Ideas & Shopping Tips

• Jewellery: Celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with rings, pendants or earrings featuring the appropriate birthstone. For example, a rose quartz heart pendant makes a lovely October gift, while amethyst jewellery suits February birthdays.

• Crystal Specimens: Raw or polished stones make thoughtful desk ornaments or meditation tools.

• Commemorative Sets: Consider a birthstone bracelet with charms representing family members’ birth months.

When shopping, pay attention to authenticity. Some birthstones are available in synthetic forms; lab‑grown gems share the same properties as natural stones but originate in a laboratory. Read product descriptions carefully and refer to our How to Identify Real Gemstones guide for tips on spotting treatments and imitations.