List of Birthstones for Each Month of the Year

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What is a Birthstone?

A birthstone is a gemstone made of a precious material that symbolizes the month of birth in the Gregorian calendar. The stones are also referred to as anniversary gemstones and birthday gemstones.

Many countries have their own list of birthstones, so many lists are inconsistent. However, the American National Retail Jewelers Association, American Gem Society, and the National Jewelers Association established an official list of birthstones in 1952. On this list, there are a total of twelve birthstones, one for each month of the year.

List of Birthstones

Following is a list of the twelve birthstones, one for each month of the year:

  • January – Garnet – The word Garnet is derived from the Latin word “granatum”, which means seed (in this case, it refers to the seed of a pomegranate, which is deep red in color).
  • February – Amethyst – Amethyst is purple quartz and is a blend of violet and red colors. Amethyst is derived from the Greek word methustos, meaning “intoxicated.” The Greeks believed that the precious stone could protect a person from becoming drunk.
  • March – Hematite or Aquamarine – 
  • April – Diamond – A diamond is a solid form of carbon element. Its atoms are arranged in a crystal structure.
  • May – Emerald. The emerald gemstone is a variety of the mineral beryl. It gets its green color from chromium and/or vanadium.
  • June – Pearl or Moonstone. A pearl is a complex, glistening object within a mollusk’s soft tissue.
  • July – Ruby. Ruby is a red-colored gemstone that is a variety of the mineral corundum.
  • August – Carnelian or Peridot
  • September – Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a gemstone renowned for its stunning blue hue, although it comes in various colors, except for red, which is classified as a ruby. This precious gem symbolizes loyalty, wisdom, and truth. Admired for its durability, sapphire is a popular choice for jewelry, especially engagement rings, and holds a significant place in various cultures and historical contexts.
  • October – Opal or Tourmaline – Opal, the birthstone for October, is a captivating gemstone known for its unique play of color, which exhibits a mesmerizing array of iridescent hues. The gem can display a spectral range of colors, making each opal distinct and remarkable. Opals are associated with creativity, hope, and love and have been cherished for their mystical and ethereal appearance throughout history. Due to their delicate nature, opals are usually set in protective jewelry settings to preserve their beauty and longevity.
  • November – Topaz or Citrine
  • December – Turquoise or Zircon

In addition to associating a birthstone with each year of the month, some associate a stone with more specific time periods. For example, they may be associated with the year of the anniversary, the day of the week, and the hour of the day.

Questions and Comments

If you have any questions about the list of birthstones, please post a message below. Also, check out our collection of lists of lists.

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