Birthstone Charts
Birthstones are thought to have first became popular in the country of Poland during the 15th or 16th century. It is thought that originally, because the powers of a birthstone are heightened during it's corresponding month, that they were originally worn by everyone each month.
Month |
Modern Birthstones |
Traditional Birthstones |
January |
Garnet |
Garnet |
February |
Amethyst |
Amethyst |
March |
Aquamarine |
Bloodstone, Jasper |
April |
Diamond |
Diamond, Sapphire |
May |
Emerald |
Emerald, Agate |
June |
Pearl, Moonstone |
Alexandrite, Emerald |
July |
Ruby |
Ruby, Onyx |
August |
Peridot |
Sardonyx, Carnelian |
September |
Sapphire |
Sapphire, Peridot |
October |
Opal, Tourmaline |
Tourmaline, Aquamarine |
November |
Topaz, Citrine |
Citrine, Topaz |
December |
Turquoise, Blue Topaz |
Zircon, Ruby |
The Modern Birthstone list is the official list of birthstones in the US. Originally adopted in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers, it is the accepted list of the Jewelers of America.
The Traditional Birthstone list is a compilation of birthstones used in different societies dating back to the 15th century. The second stone listed is the traditional ancient Hebrew birthstone. If only one stone is listed, the Hebrew birthstone corresponds to the other traditional stones.
Month |
Mystical Birthstones |
Ayurvedic Birthstones |
Birthstones by Zodiac |
January |
Emerald |
Garnet |
Capricorn Ruby |
February |
Bloodstone |
Amethyst |
Aquarius Garnet |
March |
Jade |
Bloodstone |
Pisces Amethyst |
April |
Opal |
Diamond |
Aries Bloodstone |
May |
Sapphire |
Agate |
Taurus Sapphire |
June |
Moonstone |
Pearl |
Gemini Agate |
July |
Ruby |
Ruby |
Cancer Emerald |
August |
Diamond |
Sappire |
Leo Onyx |
September |
Agate |
Moonstone |
Virgo Carnelian |
October |
Jasper |
Opal |
Libra Peridot |
November |
Pearl |
Topaz |
Scorpio Beryl |
December |
Onyx |
Ruby |
Sagittarius Topaz |
The Mystical and Ayurvedic Birthstone lists both have roots dating back over a thousand years. The Mystical list is of Tibetan origin and the Ayurvedic list is taken from Ayurvedic Indian Medicine.
The Zodiac Birthstone list corresponds to one's Sun Sign based on the Zodiac charts.
SOURCES
If you are interested in more information about the history of birthstones and powers associated with gemstones, check out The Curious Lore of Precious Stones by George Frederick Kunz.
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