Birthstone Colors by Month and Their Meanings

Collection of isolated birthstone gemstones by month

Birthstones: Who, What, When, Where and Why?

Dating back to 1400 B.C., Assyrians are credited with giving meaning to birthstones. These findings were later documented in both the Old and New Testament. The Book of Exodus details stories of priests wearing breastplates that contained these 12 gems. It was believed that these gems were linked to the tribes in Israel. It wasn’t until later when astrologers made the connection between gemstones and a person’s month of birth.

Symbolism of Birthstone Colors

Following this startling revelation, historians began digging deeper into these fascinating jewels. This phenomenon held global appeal, with Germany and Poland being among the first countries to dissect the symbolism behind these colored stones. By 1912, these discoveries became widely accepted. Notable names like Tiffany & Co. and the NAJ endorsed these uncoverings by publishing documentation on the legitimacy of birthstones and their colors.

Birthstones by Month and Their Meanings

Below, you’ll find an overview of each month’s colored birthstone and what they symbolize.

January – Garnet

Rough uncut red garnet gemstone

Touted as a diverse and multifaceted gem, garnet represents faith, courage, and love. Rich with red hues and deep shades, this precious stone exudes beauty. Applauded for its ability to bolster self-confidence and boost energy levels, garnet possesses many powers.

  • Month: January
  • Birthstone: Garnet
  • Color: Deep Red
  • Meanings: Faith, Courage, Love

Read more: January Birthstone – Garnet

February – Amethyst

Purple amethyst gemstone on grey table

Renowned for its unmatched protection, amethyst safeguards against sickness and danger. This gem boasts such strong healing capabilities that Pope Francis wears amethyst-infused jewelry. Complete with light purple and violet tones, amethyst oozes with elegance.

  • Month: February
  • Birthstone: Amethyst
  • Color: Purple
  • Meanings: Protection, Elegance

Read more: February Birthstone – Amethyst

March – Aquamarine

Collection of blue uncut aquamarine gemstones

Symbolic of hope, bravery, and creativity, aquamarine holds profound meaning. Most prominently known for its fresh watery hues, aquamarine offers subtle charm. Researchers maintain that this gemstone promotes love, health, and happiness.

  • Month: March
  • Birthstone: Aquamarine
  • Color: Light Blue
  • Meanings: Hope, Bravery, Creativity

Read more: March Birthstone – Aquamarine

April – Diamond

Diamond with pieces of coal surrounding it

Associated with peace and everlasting love, diamond is synonymous with positivity. With its tranquil presence, diamond wards off evil. From romance to fearlessness, April’s birthstone has many interpretations.

  • Month: April
  • Birthstone: Diamond
  • Color: Clear/White
  • Meanings: Peace, Romance

Read more: April Birthstone – Diamond

May – Emerald

Collection of rough green emerald gemstones on black stone slate

Health, fertility, and faithfulness are all related to emerald. This dazzling green gem is thought to have otherworldly abilities. In fact, many believe that emerald can cure illnesses and ease anxiety.

  • Month: May
  • Birthstone: Emerald
  • Color: Green
  • Meanings: Health, Fertility, Faithfulness

Read more: May Birthstone – Emerald

June – Pearl/Alexandrite

Oyster with pearl inside near coastline

Pearls are delicate gems that can quiet a busy mind. In other words, they diminish nervousness. In addition to their calming capabilities, they also foster self-love. Alexandrite is known to bring luck, good fortune and love.

  • Month: June
  • Birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite
  • Color: White/Light Purple
  • Meanings: Calm, Luck, Self-Love

Read more: June Birthstones – Pearl and Alexandrite

July – Ruby

Polished red ruby in focus with blurred background

Similar to January’s garnet, rubies are red and represent strength. Where rubies are near, so too is good fortune. Most notably, rubies can improve emotional and physical well-being.

  • Month: July
  • Birthstone: Ruby
  • Color: Red
  • Meanings: Strength, Good Fortune

Read more: July Birthstone – Ruby

August – Peridot/Spinel

Green peridot gemstones on old wooden table

A birthstone unlike any other, Peridot is a lovely olivine gem. Peridot’s green and yellow tones reduce stress and anger. Best of all, peridot is known to thwart evil forces. Spinel is the stone of hope and revitalization.

  • Month: August
  • Birthstones: Peridot, Spinel
  • Color: Light Green
  • Meanings: Relaxation, Revitalization

Read more: August Birthstones – Peridot and Spinel

September – Sapphire

Collection of rough uncut blue sapphire gemstones on black stone background

Hallmarked for its striking blue color, sapphire is indicative of wisdom and modesty. Much like other birthstones, sapphire is a natural healer. If physical discomfort is present, sapphire serves as a suitable remedy.

  • Month: September
  • Birthstone: Sapphire
  • Color: Deep Blue
  • Meanings: Wisdom, Modesty

Read more: September Birthstone – Sapphire

October – Opal/Tourmaline

Two blue green opal gemstones on stone background

October has two birthstones. Opal and tourmaline are two powerful gems that inspire hope and creativity. What’s more, they can restore health and enhance wellness.

  • Month: October
  • Birthstones: Opal, Tourmaline
  • Color: Pink
  • Meanings: Balance, Restoration

Read more: October Birthstones – Opal and Tourmaline

November – Topaz/Citrine

Yellow topaz on textured cloth background

Topaz and citrine are the two birthstones associated with November. Both are mighty and protective, and they go to great lengths to keep negativity at bay. It’s for this reason why November is such a happy-go-lucky month.

  • Month: November
  • Birthstones: Topaz, Citrine
  • Color: Orange
  • Meanings: Energy, Joy

Read more: November Birthstones – Topaz and Citrine

December – Turquoise/Zircon/Tanzanite

Polished turquoise gemstone on dark background

Regarded as the powerhouse of birth months, December has three birthstones. Turquoise, zircon and tanzanite are linked to optimal health, which is why many don these gems to prevent sickness. Together, these stones are so strong that wickedness doesn’t stand a chance in their presence.

  • Month: December
  • Birthstones: Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite
  • Color: Blue
  • Meanings: Growth, Healing

Read more: December Birthstones – Turquoise, Zircon and Tanzanite

Birthstone Chart

Here’s a birthstone chart that shows all birthstones by month with their associated colors and meanings.

MonthBirthstonesColorsMeanings
JanuaryGarnetDeep RedFaith, Courage, Love
FebruaryAmethystPurpleProtection, Elegance
MarchAquamarineLight BlueHope, Bravery, Creativity
AprilDiamondClear/WhitePeace, Romance
MayEmeraldGreenHealth, Fertility, Faithfulness
JunePearl, AlexandriteWhite/Light PurpleCalm, Luck, Self-Love
JulyRubyRedStrength, Good Fortune
AugustPeridot, SpinelLight GreenRelaxation, Revitalization
SeptemberSapphireDeep BlueWisdom, Modesty
OctoberOpal, TourmalinePinkBalance, Restoration
NovemberTopaz, CitrineOrangeEnergy, Joy
DecemberTurquoise, Zircon, TanzaniteBlueGrowth, Healing