BIRTHSTONES

Here are the modern (listed first) and traditional birthstones, and in some cases their commonly recognized substitutes. Click on the month name or gemstone name for additional information regarding that birth stone.

January Birthstone Garnet or Rose Quartz

February Birthstone Amethyst or Onyx

March Birthstone Aquamarine or Bloodstone

April Birthstone Diamond or Rock Crystal (Quartz)

May Birthstone Emerald or Chrysoprase

June Birthstone Alexandrite, Moonstone or Pearl

July Birthstone Ruby or Carnelion

August Birthstone Peridot or Sardonyx

September Birthstone Sapphire or Lapis

October Birthstone Opal or Tourmaline

November Birthstone Topaz or Citrine

December Birthstone Tanzanite, Zircon or Turquoise

Birthstones tend to be a very personal choice, even to the point that people who don't like the color of their true birthstone will find any excuse to claim another. For example, the true November birthstone is citrine or golden topaz, yet many people choose blue topaz even though that lovely blue color is the result of treatment of a golden or colorless natural topaz crystal.

Note that blue sapphire is the traditional color for September. But sapphires come in every color of the rainbow (except hues of red which are given the name ruby), as do tourmalines and even diamonds. Garnet, usually thought of as a red birthstone, actually is available in a variety of colors including orange, green, and even the lovely deep purple color of grapes.

Tanzanite became an official December birthstone on October 30, 2002, in the first revision since 1912 to the birthstone list maintained by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).

For the "sign stones" which are based upon the astrological signs (constellations) of the Zodiac, see Zodiac Birthstones. For the "stones of the Bible", see Biblestones. Also see Anniversary Gift Ideas for a list of appropriate stones for any anniversary.