Birthstones, Meaning and Significance

Birthstones are gemstones that accompany a birth month, each having a unique meaning and historical significance. The popularity of birthstones date back to ancient times when civilizations believed that gemstones had incredible powers such as luck, health and prosperity.

Below is a list of birthstones by month, colour and places they can be found.

Several months have more than one birthstone.

January

Garnet is the birthstone for January, known as The Gem of Life and mined in Chez Republic, China, Malaysia and USA

February

Amethyst is the birthstone for February, known as The Gem of Peace and Tranquility, mined in Brazil, Africa, Korea and USA

March

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March, known as The Gem of Happiness and Truth, mined in India, Australia, Afghanistan and USA

April

White Topaz is the birthstone for April, known as The Gem of Clarity and Strength, mined in Angola, Australia, Tanzania and India

May

Emerald is the birthstone for May, known as The Gem of Love and Light, mined in Brazil, Austria, Cambodia, China and USA

June

Alexandrite is the birthstone for June, known as The Gem of Luck and Fortune, mined in Burma, Madagascar, Russia and Brazil.

Alternate Stones: Moonstone and Pearls

July

Ruby is the birthstone for July, known as The Gem of Passion and Desire, mined in Africa, South East Asia, Brazil and USA

August

Peridot is the birthstone for August, known as The Gem of Spirit and Expression, mined in Myanmar, Norway and USA

Alternate Stones: Moonstone, Carnelian and Topaz

September

Sapphire is the birthstone for September, known as The Gem of Sincerity and Trust, mined in Kashmir, Tanzania,Nigeria and USA

October

Opal is the birthstone for October, known as the Gem of Brilliance and Mystery, mined in Mexico, Australia, Columbia and USA

Alternate Stones: Tourmaline and Aquamarine

November

Citrine is the birthstone of November, known as the Gem of Optimism and Renewal, mined in Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Brazil

December

Blue Topaz is the birthstone of December, known as the Gem of Clarity and Strength, mined in Egypt, Iran, Tanzania, and South Africa

Alternate Stones: Turquoise, Zircon and Tanzanite