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The meaning of different birthstones has changed over the centuries and varies across cultures. There is a long tradition of ascribing physical and spiritual attributes to a stone based on an individual's date of birth. The American National Association of Jewelers established an official list of standardized birthstones in 1912, though minor modifications to the list have been made as recently as 2019.

Here is a list of each month's modern and traditional birthstones. In months with multiple gems, choose the stone that is best for you based on accessibility or personal taste.

Birthstones For Each Month Of The Year

January - Garnet

Although they are generally found in red, garnets come in almost any color. They were popular among warriors and royalty because they were thought to have protective power.

February - Amethyst

With a hardness of 7 (out of 10), amethyst is a durable gem. With their wide range of stunning purple hues, they were associated with royalty and regality.

March - Aquamarine or Bloodstone

With a name derived from the Latin word for 'seawater,' it is no wonder aquamarines display the range of blue-green seen in the ocean. Indeed, this gem was traditionally worn to protect seafarers on their dangerous journeys.

April - Diamond

The clarity, brilliance, and durability of diamonds make them the most commonly-used gem in rings. Even though they come in a range of delicate colors, the traditional colorless diamond is associated with strength and long-lasting love.

May - Emerald

The striking green of emeralds makes them among the most distinct gems. Historically, wearing emeralds was thought to improve intelligence and clear thinking.

June - Pearl or Alexandrite

Pearls are the only gems that are naturally created in a living organism. However, the majority of pearls nowadays are cultivated or cultured, since they are rare and difficult to harvest from the wild. Due to their milky, opaque surface, pearls are associated with purity, honesty, and wisdom.

Alexandrite is special for the color changes that the stone can seem to undergo, based on the light that the gem is in. It was originally discovered in Russia and believed to enhance luck and intelligence, so it was favored by the Russian royal family.

July - Ruby

Although every ruby is red, this durable stone, which is chemically similar to sapphires, can range in color from pink to orange hues. Since blood-hued rubies were believed to improve strength and stamina, they were popular among warriors.

August - Peridot, Sardonyx, or Spinel

Bright yellow-green peridot is traditional, but there are options with a lot of variation. Since this bright stone can seem to glow at night, it was thought to protect wearers while they slept.

Sardonyx is a striped stone that incorporates sand and onyx in an intricate banded pattern. It is associated with courage and happiness.

September - Sapphire

Sapphires are available in nearly every color, making them a popular option for a colorful, durable stone. They are special because they can refract a six-point star within the stone. Some cultures ascribed medicinal uses to sapphires.

October - Opal or Tourmaline

Opals require care and maintenance, but that is a small price to pay for the diversity they offer. The appearance of inner fire that is characteristic of opals led some cultures to view them with suspicion, while others ascribed magical properties to them.

Although many gems are available in an array of colors, few can boast displaying multiple colors within the same stone. Tourmaline is commonly available in beautiful gradients in essentially any color. They were historically favored by artists and writers, who believed these variegated gems improved their creativity.

November - Citrine or Topaz

Citrine is the name for bright yellow crystalline quartz and is thought to bring happiness and healing to the wearer. Interestingly, many citrines are dull or smoky quartz when found in nature, but they are turned into vibrant yellow-orange gems with heat treatment.

December - Turquoise, Zircon, or Lapis Lazuli

Turquoise rarely emerges from the earth as a traditional vivid blue. Rather, they tend to be pale or colorless and are made vibrant by heat treatment.

Blue zircon is a more recent addition to the birthstone chart, but its brilliance and affordability make it an increasingly popular choice. Not coincidentally, all December birthstones are associated with calmness and perception.

Conclusion

If you still aren't sure which birthstone is most appropriate for yourself or your loved one, feel free to contact your local jewelers, who can answer any of your questions and help choose the best gem for you.