Purpose of Birthstones
The trend of wearing birthstones according to birth months increased recently. But this trend started almost hundreds of years ago. The colors of birthstones by month is considered as the most important feature however you may explore the minor difference between ruby and garnet.
The names of the birthstones of each month in the past year are not used or we may not hear such names now. It means the name of sapphire in the past was called lapis. However the diamonds are commonly topaz and white sapphire. Birthstone jewelry provides protection, better health and luck. However some astrologists consider gemstones as spiritual stones. Let’s get to know about the list of birthstones for each birthday month and their property.
Traditional and Modern Birthstones
In the US, there is a famous list of ancient birthstones that originated in the 16th and 18th centuries. However, in 1912, the National Association of Jewellers introduced a new list of birthstones. The difference between both these lists is that the modern list has transparent gemstones. So, jewelers can easily make mothers’ rings with these stones to highlight the birthstones of their kids according to modern trends.
However people have the freedom to use ancient as well as modern lists to find the most appealing stone. Commonly ancient stones and colors of the birthstones by month such as turquoise are less costly compared to modern stones so you mute save your money by considering traditional stones as they are also available compared to modern ones. This means that ancient stones are still in demand.
List of Traditional and Modern Birthstones
| Month | Traditional | Modern |
| January | Garnet | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
| March | Bloodstone | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond | Diamond |
| May | Emerald | Emerald |
| June | Pearl | Alexandrite |
| July | Ruby | Ruby |
| August | Sardonyx | Peridot, Spinel |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| October | Opal | Tourmaline |
| November | Golden Topaz | Topaz |
| December | Turquoise | Blue Zircon |
What to Know About These Ancient Birthstones?
All the ancient zodiac birthstones of the months were described in the Israel book of Exodus. Though all the birthstones differ from religious point of view. However Muslims have different views related to all stones. According to some people, the stones don’t have any contribution to luck while some people think the stones affect their lives.
To discuss each stone of the month in detail, as well as their traditional and modern names, read this blog. Our experts in gemstones guide people in choosing the right stone according to their month. So check out the list of birthstones with unique properties that are suitable for each month.
Birthstones by month
There are lists of zodiac birthstones available in the market but choosing the one that matches with your birth month is important, that is why we are here to provide you with the best guidance about each birthstone related to your birth month.
Garnet for January Birth Month
When we talk about the birthstone of January, both traditional and modern birth month colour stones of this month are garnet and are known to protect the person while travelling. As this gem has a close resemblance to the shape and colour of the pomegranate seed, it has earned the name Garnet, which means seed. According to the belief of people, this stone can provide protection from injury, and it is so famous among royalty and warriors. This stone is available in all shades, such as yellow, green, purple, orange and red, so it is considered a complex gem. However, you may find it challenging to explore transparent gems as there are different species and varieties. This stone can be used in bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings.
Read More About : January Birthstone
Amethyst for February Birth Month
The modern as well as ancient birthstone of February is amethyst, which is the derivative of the Greek word amethysts, meaning sober. This stone is useful in communication and is an indication of bravery, so only royals wear this stone. Also, this stone provides protection against the toxic ancient Greeks. The stone has a connection with spiritual powers, mental peace and healing power. The colours of this stone range from light lilac to dark reddish purple. On the rating scale of thickness, it has a thickness of 7 and can resist scratches. Jewellers use this stone in rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, and it is lovely.
Read More About : Feburary Birthstone
Aquamarine as Modern Birthstone for March Birth Month
In the past, people considered drinking water with soaked aquamarine to recover from heart, liver and stomach issues. Aquamarine is the modern stone of the month of March, and it is the Latin word meaning seawater. According to ancient sailors, the people with these birthstones are protected by God from any danger in the ocean. This stone belongs to the Beryl family and is blue-green in colour. According to some people, this stone indicates a happy married life and better intelligence. Though the stone is light in colour, it doesn’t have any dark blue or dark green colour. This stone can be used in rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. This is an affordable and available stone.
Bloodstone as Traditional Birthstone for March Birth Month
The traditional ancient birthstone zodiac sign of March is a bloodstone, which is dark green with scarlet flecks. This stone is believed to enhance power and balance your health. The quality bloodstone gems are solid green in colour with red veins. You may explore different forms and cuts of this stone such as oval, cushion design and emerald. Though the stone doesn’t have the beauty of aquamarine, it is famous for other qualities. The stone can be used in earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets.
Read More About : March Birthstone
Diamond Birthstone for April Birth Month
Diamond is the birthstone of April and is the symbol of courage and love, which is why it is considered a beautiful stone for rings. Though it is costly, its qualities are worth it. Diamond is considered the hardest and most durable stone, so useful in wedding and engagement rings. Commonly, diamonds don’t have any colour, while some have rainbow colours. You may get fancy diamonds depending on the occasion. This stone is not only used in rings but can also be used in necklaces, earrings and bracelets. As diamonds have many qualities, they remain the same in the ancient and modern lists.
Read More About : April Birthstone
Emerald Birthstone for May Birth Month
The ancient and modern stones of May are emeralds, as they are closely linked to love, rebirth, and fertility. Romans in the past linked the stone to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. However, in the modern world, this stone provides wisdom and allows the person to think with patience. According to some people, the stone is good for future prediction and healing. This ancient gemstone is commonly present in deep green shade and is among the four main gemstones: diamond, ruby, and sapphire. This stone has a link to the Beryl family and can be used in necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
Read More About : May Birthstone
Pearl as Traditional Birthstone for Birth Month
The ancient gemstone of June, the Pearl, can be explored in living things such as saltwater and mollusks. However, there are a variety of pearls available in the market that are cultured artificially due to the rarity of natural pearls. This stone requires care and looks beautiful. However, pearls are beautifully coloured green, gold, silver, black and more. Pearls are famous for wisdom, purity, honesty and courage. According to some people, pearls are tears that come from heaven, so people keep these stones in the graves of their loved ones.
Alexandrite as Modern Birthstone for June Birth Month
This is one of the energetic zodiac birthstones available in two types. One type is Sauer Alexandrite and the other type is Whitney Alexandrite which has green blue hue in day time while raspberry hue in night time. This modern gem is famous as it can be helpful in love change. This stone can enhance growth, mental peace and emotions. Also it is famous for good luck, calming effects, healing and blood flow.
Read More About : June Birthstone
Ruby Birthstone for July Birth Month
Ruby is the ancient, costly and durable gemstone with red color that showcases love and passion. However this stone is also available in pink and orange colors and is called the king of gems because it provides protection from evils. Also this gemstone is known to provide physical strength and stamina so it can decrease your anger. So it is suitable for July people to wear this stone.
Read More About : July Birthstone
Peridot as Modern Birthstone for August Birth Month
The modern August birthstone is Peridot, which is available in green color, but the colours may vary based on the source of origin. This stone also has a yellow tone and sometimes, it is brown in colour. This stone is available in volcanic ashes and people consider it as the protection from evil in the dark. You can even find this stone in light colours but they are rare to find.
Sardonyx as Traditional Birthstone for August Birth Month
The ancient birthstone of August for starting days is Sardonyx, which is a red stone with white bands. The stone is made with alternating layers of onyx and sard which are the two varieties of chalcedony. This stone was first used in ancient times by the soldiers in the battle. Now this stone is famous for bravery, joy and happy married life. That is rare to get but expensive because of the specs and qualities these stones hold.
Read More About : August Birthstone
Sapphire Birthstone for September Birth Month
This unique birthstone is known for its vibrant blue colour and durability. However, it is not necessarily that each sapphire is blue in colour because the birthstone of September has different colours. Commonly, this stone is available in rainbow shades but not red. This stone is famous as it provides protection from physical injury and medical issues. Also, the stone provides spirituality and is the symbol of wisdom and purity.
Read More About : September Birthstone
Tourmaline as Modern Birthstone for October Birth Month
The modern birthstone for the month of October is Tourmaline because it has a frequent presence in different colours. The name was derived from the Sinhalese Toramalli meaning stone with mixed shades. This worthy stone is the symbol of speech, creativity, understanding and knowledge. However the blue color of this stone is known for stability and calmness.
Opal as Traditional Birthstone for October Birth Month
The ancient birthstone of October is Opal as it has unique and various properties so it requires much care. The stone comes with inside patterns which make it different from other stones. The stone is famous for light, magic and good fortune. However some people think it is useful to heal different parts such as eyes.
Read More About : October Birthstone
Citrine as Modern Birthstone for November Birth Month
The modern gemstone of November is Citrine with yellow and red orange hue. It is considered as the durable and easy to access stone that is famous nowadays. The stone has a link with happiness and healing and is considered to protect stomach aches and decrease stress.
Topaz as Traditional Birthstone for November Birth Month
The ancient birthstone of November is Topaz with an infinite colour spectrum. This stone provides calming effects, warmth and better fortune.
Read More About : November Birthstone
Blue Topaz as Modern Birthstone for December Birth Month
The modern name of December gemstone is Blue topaz with pale blue and earth colourless tone. The stones are processed in the lab and converted to vibrant green blue colour. The stones are appealing as well as costly. However the stone is known to increase wealth. For those who are born between 1 -15 can wear blue topaz that is suitable for them.
Turquoise as Traditional Birthstone for December Birth Month
The traditional ancient birthstone for December is Turquoise. This stone was the earliest mind and has been used for appealing shade. The stone has the connection with strength, creativity, honesty, joy and religious power. But those who were born after 15 in December should wear turquoise as a traditional birthstone for December people.
Read More About : December Birthstone
Conclusion:
As we have concluded that birthstones hold special significance and meaning for individuals born in each specific month. Every birthstones of each month has unique properties. The tradition of wearing birthstones is deeply rooted in history and has continued to captivate people around the world. Whether as a symbol of luck, protection, or personal connection, birthstones continue to be cherished and treasured. Their beauty and individuality make them a popular choice for jewellery and personalised gifts.
Understanding the unique qualities and history behind each birthstone adds a layer of appreciation for these timeless gemstones. Ultimately, birthstones serve as a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate one’s birth month and personal identity. Till now, you have an idea about all the ancient and modern birthstones. So now you can choose the one that fits your mouth. Both modern and traditional stones offer benefits and are useful, so no one can deny them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the primary purpose of birthstones?
Ans: Birthstone jewellery is the way to protect, provide better health and luck. So astrologists in the past considered gemstones as having spiritual values.
Q. Is there any difference between the traditional and modern list of birthstones?
Ans: In 1912, the National Association of jewellers derived the modern birthstone list which indicates the difference as this list has only transparent gems compared to the ancient list.
Q. What is the traditional and modern birthstone of March?
Ans: The ancient birthstone of March is a bloodstone, while the modern one is an aquamarine.
Q. The traditional birthstones of June and August are Pearl and Sardonyx, respectively. What are their modern birthstones?
Ans: When it comes to the modern names of June and August, these are Alexandrite and Peridot, accordingly. You can even choose other stones as per your birth month.
Q. What is the similarity between citrine and topaz?
Ans: The modern stone of November provides the calming effects, warmth and is good for luck. But in appearance they both look the same and have the same properties. However the preferences of a person might vary depending on who need one of them.
