Birthstones are associated with each of the twelve months of the year. Each stone has particular properties and meaning. Traditionally, wearing your birthstone (as chips, a tumbled stone, bracelet, mojo,...) brings good luck, protection, and a deeper connection with your birth month. What are these birthstones? Find the answer below.
1. A Brief History of Birthstones
The first known reference to birthstones dates back to biblical times, more specifically to the Book of Exodus. It mentions that the breastplate of Aaron, the high priest of the Israelites, was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones were arranged in four rows of three stones, each with a specific meaning.
However, associating gemstones with each month of the year is a more recent development, often attributed to European folk traditions and the influence of jewelers in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was during this period that birthstone lists were formalized, varying somewhat according to regions and cultures.
In 1912, the Jewellers of America (the association of American jewelers) established an official list of birthstones, which is still widely used today. This standardization helped popularize birthstones and their incorporation into contemporary jewelry.
2. Complete list of birthstones
Below, find the list of birthstones for each month, along with their attributes.
| January | Garnet | Protection, regeneration | Brings courage, energy, and protection |
| February | Amethyst | Wisdom, sobriety | Promotes inner peace and mental clarity |
| March | Aquamarine | Serenity, clarity | Helps calm the mind and strengthen courage |
| April | Diamond | Purity, invincibility | Symbolizes eternal love and strengthens relationships |
| May | Emerald | Renewal, love | Encourages growth, patience, and loyalty |
| June | Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone | Purity, integrity | Promotes faithfulness, integrity, and clarity of mind |
| July | Ruby | Vitality, passion | Stimulates passion, strength, and dynamism |
| August | Peridot, Spinel | Protection, growth | Attracts prosperity and protects against negative energies |
| September | Sapphire | Wisdom, nobility | Encourages wisdom, virtue, and prosperity |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline | Hope, purity | Stimulates creativity and protects against negative energies |
| November | Topaz, Citrine | Friendship, loyalty | Brings joy, generosity, and good health |
| December | Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Zircon | Luck, protection | Promotes communication and protects against negative energies |
You can thus treat yourself to your birthstone in our Minerals & Stones section and enjoy its special aura around you!
Par Olivier of Aeternum
Passionate about esoteric traditions and the history of the occult from the earliest civilizations to the 18th century, I share some articles on these topics. I am also co-creator of the online esoteric shop Aeternum.
