What is a Birthstone or Birth Stone?
A birthstone is a gemstone made of precious material that symbolizes the month of birth in the Gregorian calendar. It is sometimes also called birthday stone.
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. There are a total of twelve birth stones, 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
- February – Amethyst
- March – Hematite or Aquamarine
- April – Diamond
- May – Emerald
- June – Pearl or Moonstone
- July – Ruby
- August – Carnelian or Peridot
- September – Sapphire
- October – Opal or Tourmaline
- November – Topaz or Citrine
- December – Turquoise or Zircon
