A birthstone is associated with the birth month and is usually given as a present in some form of jewelry. Usually the birthstone becomes the symbol of the wearer and a symbol of love from the giver. Often, this type of jewelry is passed down from generation to generation. Over the centuries, different cultures have created their own lists. Even though there are multiple birthstone charts, since 1912 the Modern Birthstone List is the most recognized in the United States.

When looking at the various birthstones lists from different cultures it is surprising to find so many similarities to the list today. What is most surprising are the similar birthstones used in the same months by different cultures. For example: Garnet, amethyst, sapphire and topaz are used many different cultures for the same months, January, February, April, and November.

Modern Birthstone List

Ayurvedic Birthstones

  • January -- Garnet

  • February -- Amethyst

  • March -- Aquamarine

  • April -- Diamond

  • May -- Emerald

  • June -- Pearl, Alexandrite

  • July -- Ruby

  • August -- Peridot

  • September -- Sapphire

  • October -- Tourmaline, Opal

  • November -- Yellow Topaz, Citrine

  • December -- Blue Topaz, Tanzanite

  • January -- Garnet

  • February -- Amethyst

  • March -- Bloodstone

  • April -- Diamond

  • May -- Agate

  • June -- Pearl

  • July -- Ruby

  • August -- Sapphire

  • September -- Moonstone

  • October -- Opal

  • November -- Topaz

  • December – Ruby

Traditional Birthstone

(dates back to 15th century)

Mystical Birthstones

(Tibetan – dated back 1,000 yrs)

  • January -- Garnet

  • February -- Amethyst

  • March -- Bloodstone

  • April -- Diamond

  • May -- Emerald

  • June -- Alexandrite

  • July -- Ruby

  • August -- Sardonyx

  • September -- Sapphire

  • October -- Tourmaline

  • November -- Citrine

  • December -- Zircon, Lapis Lazuli

  • January -- Emerald

  • February -- Bloodstone

  • March -- Jade

  • April -- Opal

  • May -- Sapphire

  • June -- Moonstone

  • July -- Ruby

  • August -- Diamond

  • September -- Agate

  • October -- Jasper

  • November -- Pearl

  • December -- Onyx

 ArabicHebrewHinduItalianPolishRomanRussian
JanuaryGarnetGarnetSerpent StoneJavinth GarnetGarnetGarnetHyacinth Garnet
FebruaryAmethystAmethystChanrakantaAmethystAmethystAmethystAmethyst
MarchBloodstoneBloodstone JasperThe Gold SivalingaJasperBloodstoneBloodstoneJasper
AprilSapphireSapphireDiamondSapphireDiamondSapphireSapphire
MayEmeraldAgate Chalcedony CharnelianEmeraldAgateEmeraldAgateEmerald
JuneAgate Chalcedony PearlEmeraldPearlEmeraldAgate ChalcedonyEmeraldAgate Chalcedony
JulyCarnelianOnyxSapphireOnyxRubyOnyxRuby Sardonyx
AugustSardonyxCarnelianRubyCarnelianSardonyxCarnelianAlexandrite
SeptemberChrysoliteChrysoliteZirconChrysoliteSardonyxSardonyxChrysolite
OctoberAquamarineAquamarineCoralBerylAquamarineAquamarineBeryl
NovemberTopazTopazCat's EyeTopazTopazTopazTopaz
DecemberRubyRubyTopazRubyTurquoiseRubyTurquoise Chrysoprase