Birthstone Finder: What Is My Birthstone?

What Is a Birthstone?

A birthstone is a gemstone traditionally associated with the month of your birth. The idea stretches back thousands of years — some trace it to the breastplate of Aaron in the Book of Exodus, which held twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel; others to the twelve signs of the zodiac or the twelve months of the calendar. Over centuries, the lists settled into the modern chart most jewelers use today: one (sometimes two or three) stones per month, each carrying its own color, symbolism, and traditional meaning.

Birthstones by Month

The modern birthstone list, recognized by gemological organizations like the American Gem Society and GIA, assigns stones as follows:

• January — Garnet: deep red, traditionally associated with passion, energy, and protection.
• February — Amethyst: violet purple, the stone of calm, clarity, and spiritual awareness.
• March — Aquamarine: ocean blue, linked to courage and clear communication.
• April — Diamond: clear white, symbolizing strength, purity, and eternity.
• May — Emerald: rich green, the stone of love, abundance, and wisdom.
• June — Pearl (also Alexandrite and Moonstone): luminous white, symbolizing purity and integrity.
• July — Ruby: fiery red, the stone of vitality, passion, and leadership.
• August — Peridot: lime green, associated with compassion, joy, and abundance.
• September — Sapphire: royal blue, the stone of wisdom, focus, and truth.
• October — Opal (also Tourmaline): iridescent multi-color, linked to creativity and inspiration.
• November — Citrine (also Topaz): golden yellow, the stone of abundance, confidence, and joy.
• December — Turquoise (also Tanzanite and Zircon): sky blue-green, associated with protection and friendship.

Traditional vs Modern Birthstones

There is more than one birthstone list. The modern list (adopted in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers) is the one most people know today. The traditional list is older and sometimes names different stones — for example, traditional June birthstones include alexandrite and moonstone alongside pearl. Some months also have an alternate stone chosen for mystic or astrological reasons. The tool above uses the modern list as the primary stone, with alternates noted in the FAQ.

How to Wear Your Birthstone

Birthstones are most often worn as jewelry — a bracelet, necklace, or ring — so the stone stays close to the body as a daily reminder. Many people also carry a tumbled birthstone in a pocket, place one on a desk or nightstand, or use it during meditation. There is no single right way: the value is in the personal meaning you attach to the stone and the intention you set with it.

Can You Wear a Birthstone That Isn’t Your Month?

Absolutely. Birthstones are tied to your birth month by tradition, but that tradition is symbolic, not a rule. Many people wear their own birthstone alongside stones chosen for a specific intention — rose quartz for love, citrine for confidence, amethyst for calm. Choose what resonates with you. The birthstone simply gives you a natural starting point connected to your birthday.

Do Birthstones Have Real Meanings?

Birthstone meanings come from centuries of cultural and spiritual tradition — folklore, astrology, and the symbolism different cultures assigned to colors and stones. There is no scientific evidence that a birthstone’s energy treats illness or changes physical reality. What is real is the personal meaning people invest in them: a birthstone can be a powerful symbol, a meditation focus, a gift that marks a birthday, or simply a beautiful stone you feel drawn to. Use the tool above to find yours and explore what it has traditionally represented.