Birthstones and Their Meanings

Birthstone jewelry is a stylish way to showcase your individuality with a gemstone that’s uniquely yours. From January’s garnet to December’s turquoise, each stone carries its own vibe and symbolism that adds a cool layer of meaning to any piece.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just want to show someone you care, birthstones offer a meaningful way to connect through color and tradition. Discover the modern meanings behind each month’s stone and why they’re the ultimate choice for gifts that stand out.

Alexandrite  

Alexandrite is known for its unique color-changing properties, often shifting from green or blue-green in daylight to red or purplish-red under incandescent light. This phenomenon is due to the way the stone absorbs light. Discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s, Alexandrite was named after Tsar Alexander II.

Alexandrite is often associated with balance, adaptability, and self-confidence. It is believed to bring joy, enhance intuition, and help its wearer embrace change. Because of its dual-color nature, it symbolizes duality, harmony, and transformation.

Alexandrite is also the birthstone for June and is traditionally given for 55th wedding anniversaries.

Amethyst  

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz, ranging from light lavender to shades of deep violet. It has been admired throughout history for its beauty and supposed protective powers. Amethyst has been used in jewelry since ancient times, particularly in Greek and Roman cultures, where it was believed to prevent intoxication.

Often associated with calm and clarity, it is known as the “Stone of Sobriety,” and is believed to help clear the mind and enhance intuition. Amethyst is also thought to promote emotional balance, protect against negative energy, and aid in meditation. 

Amethyst is the birthstone for February.

Aquamarine  

Aquamarine is a blue to blue-green variety of beryl, known for its stunning ocean-like colors. It is named after the Latin words for "water" and "sea.” Aquamarine has been valued for centuries and was believed to be a treasure of mermaids, offering protection to sailors. The gemstone is primarily sourced from Brazil, though it is also found in Nigeria, Madagascar, and Pakistan.

Aquamarine is associated with calmness, clarity, and communication. It is believed to soothe emotions, enhance courage, and help articulate one’s thoughts clearly. Known as the "Stone of Courage and Protection," aquamarine is thought to promote self-expression and relieve anxiety. 

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March.

Bloodstone  

Bloodstone is a dark green variety of chalcedony with distinctive red specks, which resemble drops of blood, giving the stone its name. These red inclusions are caused by iron oxide, making bloodstone easily recognizable. It has been used since ancient times in jewelry and carvings, particularly in the Middle Ages, where it was believed to have healing and protective powers.

Bloodstone is associated with strength, courage, and vitality. It is often referred to as the "Stone of the Warrior" and is believed to enhance physical endurance, boost resilience, and purify the blood. Bloodstone is also thought to provide protection against negative influences, encourage perseverance, and promote overall well-being. 

Bloodstone is one of the traditional birthstones for March.

Citrine  

Citrine is a bright, sunny yellow gemstone known as the “Merchant’s Stone” for its association with wealth and success. The name comes from the French word “citron,” meaning lemon, reflecting its cheerful color.

Citrine is thought to bring joy, energy, and prosperity, often used to manifest abundance and clear negative thoughts.

Citrine is the birthstone for November.

Diamond  

Diamond is a precious gemstone valued for its unmatched hardness, brilliance, and refractive qualities. Formed under intense heat and pressure, diamonds are primarily mined in Russia, Botswana, and Canada. They have been collected and cut for centuries and are most famously used in engagement rings and fine jewelry.

Diamond is associated with strength, purity, and eternal love. Known as the “King of Gems,” it is believed to bring clarity, courage, and prosperity. 

It is the birthstone for April and is traditionally given for the 60th wedding anniversary.

Emerald  

Emerald is a deep green variety of beryl, valued for its lush color and historical significance. It has been cherished since ancient times by cultures such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Major sources of emerald include Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil, with the finest stones exhibiting rich, vivid green hues.

Emerald is associated with love, wisdom, and prosperity. Known as the “Stone of Successful Love,” it is believed to promote harmony, balance, and patience. Emerald is thought to open the heart, enhance intuition, and attract abundance.

As the birthstone for May, it symbolizes hope, rebirth, and vitality.

Garnet  

Garnet is a group of silicate minerals available in a wide range of colors, most commonly deep red. This versatile gemstone has been used in jewelry since ancient times, favored by the Egyptians and Romans for its beauty and durability. Garnet is primarily sourced from India, Africa, and Sri Lanka.

Garnet is associated with passion, strength, and protection. Known as the “Stone of Commitment,” it is believed to inspire love, boost self-confidence, and promote energy and vitality. Garnet is thought to provide grounding and balance. 

As the birthstone for January, it symbolizes perseverance, friendship, and trust.  

Moonstone

Moonstone is a soft, milky gemstone known for its shimmering light effect called adularescence. Revered in ancient Roman and Indian cultures, it has been used in jewelry and spiritual practices for centuries. Moonstone is primarily found in Sri Lanka, India, and Madagascar.

Moonstone is associated with intuition, balance, and new beginnings. Known as the “Stone of the Moon,” it is believed to soothe emotions, enhance feminine energies, and provide a sense of calm and inspiration.

As a birthstone for June, it symbolizes hope, protection, and love.

Opal

Opal is a unique gemstone known for its vibrant play-of-color, displaying a spectrum of shifting hues. Treasured since ancient times, it was considered a lucky stone by the Romans and a symbol of hope. Opal is primarily mined in Australia, Ethiopia, and Mexico.

Opal is associated with creativity, inspiration, and emotional expression. Known as the “Queen of Gemstones,” it is believed to amplify emotions, boost imagination, and foster spontaneity.

As the birthstone for October, it symbolizes hope, purity, and confidence.

Pearl

Pearls are organic gemstones formed inside mollusks, valued since antiquity for their natural beauty. They have been worn by royalty and used in religious objects for centuries. Pearls are primarily harvested in Japan, China, and the South Sea.

Pearl is associated with purity, wisdom, and integrity. Known as the “Stone of Sincerity,” it is believed to bring calmness, enhance personal integrity, and foster loyalty.

As a birthstone for June, pearls symbolize innocence, faith, and harmony.

Peridot

Peridot is a vibrant green gemstone with a distinct yellowish hue, belonging to the olivine mineral family. Known as one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color, its striking green shade varies from light yellow-green to deep olive, depending on the iron content within the stone. Major sources of peridot include the United States, China, Myanmar, and Pakistan.

Peridot is associated with renewal, growth, and positive energy. Known as the “Stone of Compassion,” it is believed to dispel negative emotions, promote restful sleep, and enhance clarity of thought. Peridot is thought to inspire abundance, protect against anxiety, and encourage healing and transformation. It has been cherished since ancient times, notably by the Egyptians, who referred to it as the “Gem of the Sun.”

As the birthstone for August, peridot symbolizes strength, happiness, and good fortune.

Ruby

Ruby is a precious gemstone renowned for its rich red hue, which ranges from deep crimson to vibrant pinkish-red, depending on the chromium content within the stone. Belonging to the corundum family, rubies are among the hardest gemstones, making them highly durable and perfect for fine jewelry. Major sources of ruby include Myanmar, Thailand, and Mozambique, with Burmese rubies being especially prized for their intense color.

Ruby is associated with passion, protection, and vitality. Known as the “Stone of Kings,” it is believed to inspire courage, enhance motivation, and bring the wearer good fortune. Ruby is thought to protect against negative energies, promote self-confidence, and attract love and success. It has been cherished since ancient times, often symbolizing power and wealth.

As the birthstone for July, ruby symbolizes love, energy, and prosperity.

Sapphire

Sapphire is a precious gemstone known for its stunning blue color, though it can be found in a variety of hues, including pink, yellow, green, and even colorless, depending on the presence of trace elements. The most prized sapphires display a deep, rich blue and are primarily sourced from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Madagascar. Sapphires have been cherished for centuries and were often used by royalty as symbols of wisdom, virtue, and divine favor.

Sapphire is associated with wisdom, integrity, and protection. Known as the “Stone of Wisdom,” it is believed to enhance mental clarity, promote spiritual insight, and protect its wearer from negative energies. Sapphire is thought to foster loyalty, attract abundance, and calm the mind

As the birthstone for September, sapphire symbolizes loyalty, truth, and nobility.

Sardonyx

Sardonyx is a striking variety of onyx characterized by its alternating bands of red, brown, and white, creating a layered appearance. This captivating gemstone has been used since ancient times, especially in Roman and Greek jewelry and carvings, where it was often worn as a protective talisman. Sardonyx is primarily sourced from India, Brazil, and Russia.

Sardonyx is associated with strength, protection, and communication. Known as the “Stone of Virtue,” it is believed to enhance courage, foster stability, and encourage clear communication. Sardonyx is thought to attract happiness, promote harmonious relationships, and provide protection from negativity.

As a traditional birthstone for August, sardonyx symbolizes courage, integrity, and happiness.

Spinel

Spinel is a vibrant gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, blue, and black, often mistaken for more well-known gems like ruby or sapphire due to its brilliance and clarity. Spinel has been valued for centuries, especially in Asia, where it was prized by royalty. Major sources of spinel include Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

Spinel is associated with revitalization, endurance, and hope. Known as the “Stone of Immortality,” it is believed to boost energy, inspire passion, and protect against physical and emotional stress. Spinel is thought to bring renewal, encourage positivity, and provide a calming influence during times of crisis.

As a birthstone for August, spinel symbolizes energy, joy, and restoration.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a rare blue-violet gemstone discovered only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in the 1960s. This mesmerizing gem is a variety of zoisite and is prized for its unique trichroic nature, displaying different colors—blue, violet, and burgundy—depending on the viewing angle. Due to its relatively recent discovery and limited availability, tanzanite is considered one of the world’s most sought-after gemstones.

Tanzanite is associated with transformation, insight, and spiritual growth. Known as the “Stone of Transformation,” it is believed to enhance intuition, promote inner harmony, and stimulate the mind’s creative and spiritual aspects. Tanzanite is thought to help its wearer connect with higher consciousness, relieve stress, and encourage self-expression and communication.

As a birthstone for December, tanzanite symbolizes guidance, prosperity, and enlightenment.

Topaz

Topaz is a gemstone renowned for its wide range of colors, including blue, yellow, pink, and the rare imperial topaz, which displays a golden-orange hue. Known for its brilliance and clarity, topaz has been cherished for centuries as a symbol of love and affection. Major sources of topaz include Brazil, Russia, and Sri Lanka.

Topaz is associated with love, courage, and healing. Known as the “Stone of Strength,” it is believed to bring joy, enhance mental clarity, and protect against envy and illness. Topaz is thought to help its wearer find their true purpose, inspire confidence, and attract success and good health.

As the birthstone for November, topaz symbolizes friendship, hope, and prosperity.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a versatile gemstone found in a stunning array of colors, including pink, green, blue, and multicolored varieties, making it one of the most colorful gemstones available. The most prized types include watermelon tourmaline, which displays a combination of pink and green. Tourmaline is primarily sourced from Brazil, Afghanistan, and Africa.

Tourmaline is associated with healing, balance, and protection. Known as the “Stone of Reconciliation,” it is believed to dispel negative energy, enhance creativity, and promote compassion. Tourmaline is thought to help balance emotions, improve self-confidence, and attract inspiration and abundance.

As the birthstone for October, tourmaline symbolizes love, balance, and healing.

Turquoise

Turquoise is a captivating blue-green gemstone with veins of brown or black matrix, often prized for its distinctive color and cultural significance. It has been used in jewelry and talismans for thousands of years, particularly by Native American tribes, Egyptians, and Persians. Major sources of turquoise include the United States, Iran, and China. 

Turquoise is associated with protection, healing, and communication. Known as the “Stone of Friendship,” it is believed to protect against negative energies, foster honest communication, and promote overall well-being. Turquoise is thought to bring peace, encourage creative expression, and support emotional balance.

As the birthstone for December, turquoise symbolizes good fortune, wisdom, and tranquility.

Zircon

Zircon is a brilliant gemstone available in a wide spectrum of colors, including blue, green, red, and clear varieties that often resemble diamonds due to their exceptional sparkle. Zircon has been used in jewelry since ancient times and is one of the oldest minerals on Earth. Major sources of zircon include Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Australia.

Zircon is associated with wisdom, prosperity, and protection. Known as the “Stone of Virtue,” it is believed to clear the mind, promote restful sleep, and protect against negative energy. Zircon is thought to bring prosperity, enhance self-confidence, and encourage a sense of balance and harmony.

As a birthstone for December, zircon symbolizes integrity, healing, and renewal.

Summary

Let these birthstones inspire your next jewelry choice and connect with the unique qualities they represent.

Are you looking for more information on stones and gems? Check out this blog.

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