Birthstones have travelled through centuries and cultures, yet they remain as captivating today as ever. The origin of birthstones is still wrapped in a bit of mystery, but one thing is certain that they have always been worn with a purpose: to bring luck, shield from negativity, and inspire spiritual growth. And let’s be honest, who can resist the charm of a beautiful gemstone that catches attention with its enchanting shade and sparkle?
Whether you feel drawn to their beauty or their deeper meaning, birthstones carry something special for everyone. They make you look and feel good, and invite a little extra positivity into your life. Curious to find out which stone belongs to your birth month and what its significance is? You are in the right place. Let us walk you through all the monthly birthstones and their meanings, and help you discover which stone to wear by birth month to enjoy its beauty and benefits.
What are Birthstones?
Though a concept rooted in Western astrology, birthstones have caught the attention of spiritual seekers and jewellery enthusiasts alike in recent times. In India, people often wear Navratnas (a set of nine gemstones tied to Vedic astrology), which are selected by analysing birth charts and planetary positions. But birthstones are different. These are linked to your birth month, not directly to your zodiac sign, and can be worn without any strict rules.
Unlike Rashi Ratna, which are typically worn on specific fingers, birthstones are more flexible. They can be worn as pendants, bracelets, earrings, or most commonly, as birthstone rings. Some months even have more than one birthstone to choose from, giving you the freedom to pick the one you resonate the most with.
Birthstone by Month Chart: A Brief History
The custom of wearing birthstones is a few centuries old. Over the years, many religious and commercial bodies have come up with their own list of monthly birthstones, with different names and numbers. To give you a brief history, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) started this trend in the 1560s. With a lot of ambiguity here and there, the National Association of Jewellers from America (now called Jewelers of America) finally adopted a “birthstone by month chart” in 1912. With several modifications from different gemological bodies over time, this list keeps on getting refined, but the primary birthstones by month remain mostly the same.
Why Wear Your Birthstone?
Wearing your birthstone is a small but meaningful way to feel connected to your birth month. It’s more like a subtle reminder of who you are, the energy you carry, and the time of the year that welcomed you into this world.
These stones are not just pretty to look at; they also bring positive energy, protect against negativity, and support your well-being. Think of it as something personal that you carry with you, something that feels like it’s truly yours! A lot of people feel an instant connection when they hold or wear their birthstone for the very first time. And that’s the beauty of it. It just clicks!
Birthstones also make thoughtful gifts. Got your mom’s birthday in June? How about gifting her a pearl necklace? Confused about what to gift your brother, whose birthday is coming up in December? A turquoise bracelet would make a great option.
Monthly Birthstones: A Guide to Your Gemstone By Birth Month
Now it’s time to discover the gemstone for each month with benefits that make them truly special. Let’s explore them month by month..
1. January Birthstone: Garnet (Hessonite)
Garnet is the proud and powerful birthstone of January. This gemstone comes in many colours, but the ones with deep red to brownish tones (Hessonite) are the most popular and considered the best choice. This stone represents passion, energy, and strength; all the qualities that fit well with the fresh start of a new year. If you are looking for a meaningful gift for a January-born person, Hessonite stone is a wonderful option.
Read: Hessonite/Gomed Stone Benefits
2. February Birthstone: Amethyst
Amethyst stone, also known as Jamuniya stone in India, is a calming purple-coloured gem from the Quartz family. It is often chosen as a gentler alternative to Blue Sapphire and is widely loved for its soothing energy. This stone is said to bring clarity and inner peace, and help in overcoming negative habits. A beautiful amethyst bracelet or ring not only looks stylish but is also deeply nurturing for your mind and spirit.
Read: Amethyst Stone Benefits
3. March Birthstone: Aquamarine, Bloodstone
Aquamarine is a light blue gem that reflects the colour and calmness of the sea. Known as Berooj stone in India, it belongs to the Beryl family and is associated with tranquility, courage, and creativity. It is ideal for those looking to bring more calm and flow into their lives. Wearing an aquamarine stone feels like carrying a bit of ocean breeze with you wherever you go.
Bloodstone is another birthstone for the month of March. As the name itself suggests, it's a dark green stone with striking red spots that look like drops of blood. Traditionally known for increasing courage, strength, and vitality, Bloodstone is a fantastic choice if you want something protective and energizing.
Read: Aquamarine Stone Benefits
4. April Birthstone: Diamond
Diamonds don’t need an introduction. Sparkling, timeless, and loved by all, this gemstone represents purity, everlasting love, and inner strength. Whether in engagement rings or daily-wear diamond studs, these never fail to make a statement. For April-born individuals, this gem reflects the clarity and brilliance they carry within.
5. May Birthstone: Emerald
Emeralds have long been adored by royalty and creatives alike. This lush green gemstone is linked to renewal, wisdom, and growth. In Indian tradition also, it is one of the most recommended stones in Vedic astrology. Wearing an emerald stone is said to boost mental clarity and attract new beginnings, and if you are born in May, this gem becomes all the more special for you.
Read: Emerald Stone Benefits
6. June Birthstone: Pearl, Moonstone
June is special because it comes with not one but two pacifying gemstones. Pearl is the most well-known of the two, loved for its soft glow and timeless elegance. Pearls are believed to bring peace, calm, and balance, making them a classic gift for yourself or someone you love.
Moonstone, with its moonlike shimmer, is tied to higher intuition and emotional healing. It is gentle and soothing, often chosen by those who seek serenity.
If you are born in June, you have a beautiful duo of stones to choose from, each with its own charm.
Read: Benefits of Wearing Pearl (Moti) & Moonstone Benefits
7. July Birthstone: Ruby
Ruby, known as “Ratnaraj” in India, meaning “king of gemstones,” is the birthstone for July. With its deep magenta hue, ruby stone symbolizes love, leadership, and the warmth of the sun. It is believed to energize and empower its wearer. Whether worn as a ruby ring or a pendant, this gemstone adds a touch of royalty and vitality to your presence.
Read: Ruby Stone Benefits
8. August Birthstone: Peridot
Known as “Evening Emerald” for its resemblance to an emerald stone, Peridot is the birthstone for August-born individuals. With a lovely parrot green colour and a pristine sparkle, this gemstone is perfect for peridot rings, pendants, and earrings. With its beautiful colour and healing properties, peridot stone brings prosperity, happiness, and positivity to the life of the wearer. Explore our Peridot collection to see for yourself how stunning this gemstone is.
9. September Birthstone: Sapphire
Sapphire is the gemstone for September and a favourite among both spiritual seekers and jewellery lovers. Available in stunning shades like blue, yellow, and white, sapphires are known for their healing powers and providing clarity of thought. Whether it is the classic blue one that reminds us of Princess Diana’s famous blue sapphire ring or the elegant white sapphire, these gems are truly timeless. For those born in September, sapphire represents loyalty, wisdom, and inner strength.
Read: White Sapphire Stone Benefits & Neelam Stone Benefits
10. October Birthstone: Opal, Tourmaline
October brings two equally enchanting stones with it. Opal is a mystical gemstone known for its vibrant play of colours. Astrologically, it is associated with creativity, passion, and emotional healing. Whether worn as an opal necklace or a simple ring, this gemstone instantly brings a touch of magic to your appearance.
Tourmaline is equally fascinating, especially in its blackish-green form. It is a stone known for warding off negative energy and bringing emotional clarity. Often worn in the form of a black tourmaline bracelet, this gemstone makes a thoughtful gift or a powerful personal accessory for October-borns.
Read: Green Tourmaline Stone Benefits
11. November Birthstone: Citrine
November shines with the warm glow of Citrine, also known as Sunela stone. This golden-hued stone is believed to attract happiness, boost confidence, and invite abundance. For its abilities to draw prosperity and success in business, Citrine is often called the “merchant’s stone” or “money stone”.
It’s name comes from the Latin word citrus, inspired by its bright, lemon-like hue. While Citrine is often seen as a budget-friendly alternative to Yellow Sapphire, it carries a unique charm and uplifting energy of its own.
Read: Citrine Stone Benefits
12. December Birthstone: Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon
December brings the cool and refreshing tones of turquoise, blue zircon, and blue topaz. Turquoise stone, or Firoza, is known for its vibrant colour and calming presence. It is believed to bring protection, especially from negative energy. Many people fancy the very iconic “Salman Khan bracelet” featuring this very stone.
Blue Topaz is a soothing and stabilizing gem. It brings mental clarity and emotional calm, making it a wonderful companion for those navigating life’s ups and downs. A blue topaz ring set in silver or platinum makes for a stunning piece of statement jewellery you won’t want to miss out on.
Blue Zircon is another beautiful December birthstone, symbolizing peace, emotional balance, and creativity. Whether worn as delicate studs or a bold pendant, blue zircon stone adds a touch of sparkle and serenity to your look.
Read: Firoza Stone Benefits
Conclusion
Wearing your birthstone is like carrying a little piece of your own story, with an added touch of luck, strength, and positive energy. Whether it’s their beauty or the meaning behind them, these gemstones remind us of who we are and where we come from.
Now that you know which stone to wear according to your birth month, you might also want to explore our specially curated collection of certified gemstones. So, go ahead and pick the one that speaks to you, and let it be a meaningful part of your life journey.
FAQs
1. What is a birthstone?
A birthstone is nothing but a gemstone by birth month. Basically, each month of the year has one (or sometimes two or three) gems linked to it, as per the Jewelers of America organization. This monthly birthstone list was put together just to boost the commercial reach and demand for gemstones. A person wears birthstones according to month in which they are born.
2. How many birthstones are there?
There are 12 birth stones, one for each month of the year. Garnet stone is linked to January, Amethyst to February, and Aquamarine to March. Diamond belongs to April, Emerald to May, and Pearl to June. July has Ruby, August has Peridot, and September is known for Sapphire. Opal is the stone for October, Topaz for November, and Turquoise for December. However, due to additions by various gemological institutions, some months also have multiple gemstones tied to them. Read our other answers to know which month has multiple birthstones.
3. How to find your birthstone?
Finding your birth stone is pretty easy and straightforward. Every one of them is a gemstone by birth month. Explore our blog to learn more about all the birthstones by month and their significance.
4. Which month has multiple birthstones?
The months of March, June, August, October, November, and December have more than one birth stone tied to them. The birthstones for March are Aquamarine and Bloodstone. June has Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite. August birthstones are Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. October has Opal and Tourmaline. November birthstones are Topaz and Citrine, while December has Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite.
5. Which is the most powerful birthstone?
Birthstones are to be chosen based on the “birthstone by month chart”, which connects each month with a specific set of gemstones. For example, someone born in May would wear an Emerald (Panna stone) as their birth stone. Among all, the September birthstone, Blue Sapphire (Neelam), is often considered the most powerful gemstone for its strong energy and quick results.
