Stone library / monthly tradition
Find your birthstone by month.
A birthstone is a gemstone assigned to a birth month, following the modern list standardized by jewelers and trade associations. It is a retail and cultural tradition, not a mineral property. Use the month list or the birthday lookup below, then open the individual guide for identity, treatment disclosure, durability, and care.
January
Garnet
February
Amethyst
March
Aquamarine
April
Diamond
May
Emerald
June
Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone
July
Ruby
August
Peridot or Spinel
September
Sapphire
October
Opal or Tourmaline
November
Topaz or Citrine
December
Turquoise, Tanzanite, or Zircon
Birthstone questions
How do I find my birthstone?
Match your birth month to the modern birthstone above. For example, January is garnet, April is diamond, July is ruby, and September is sapphire. Several months list more than one accepted stone, so you can choose the option you prefer.
Are birthstones the same as zodiac stones?
No. A birthstone is tied to a calendar month, while a zodiac stone is tied to an astrological sign that spans parts of two months. The two systems often list different stones, so one person can have both a month birthstone and a separate zodiac stone.
What is the difference between modern and traditional birthstones?
The modern list was standardized by the jewelry trade in the twentieth century and is the one most retailers use today. Traditional and ancient lists differ by region and era, which is why some months show more than one stone. This page follows the widely used modern list.
Can I wear a birthstone that is not my own month?
Yes. Birthstones are a cultural and retail tradition, not a rule. Choose a stone by the color, durability, and care that suit how it will be worn, and treat the birth-month link as personal symbolism rather than a requirement.