Birthstones by Month and Zodiac Sign
Birthstones are more than just pretty gems—they’re steeped in history, symbolism, and even astrology. Each month has a corresponding gemstone (or a few), and many of these align with zodiac signs, giving you double the meaning if you’re into both gemmology and the stars. In this guide, we explore each month’s birthstone, detailing its origins, properties, where it’s found, and how it connects to your zodiac sign.
January — Garnet
History and Symbolism
Garnet derives its name from the Latin granatus, meaning “seed,” referencing its resemblance to pomegranate seeds. Ancient Egyptians prized garnets as early as 3100 BCE, using them in jewellery and burial items. In medieval times, garnet symbolised protection and was worn by travellers as a talisman against misfortune.
Specifications
Garnets are a group of silicate minerals with similar physical properties but different chemical compositions. The most common variety is almandine, deep red in hue, although garnets come in a spectrum from green (tsavorite) to orange (spessartine).
Hardness: 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale
Crystal system: Isometric
Refractive index: 1.72–1.94
Where Found
Major sources include India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique. High-quality tsavorite garnets are primarily sourced from Kenya and Tanzania.
Value and Rarity
While red garnets are abundant and relatively affordable, rarer varieties like tsavorite and demantoid are highly valuable, especially if eye-clean and well-cut.
Zodiac Signs
Capricorn ♑ (Dec 22–Jan 19), Aquarius ♒ (Jan 20–Feb 18).
February — Amethyst
History and Symbolism
The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated,” as ancient Greeks believed it could ward off drunkenness. It was once as prized as rubies and sapphires until large deposits were found in Brazil.
Specifications
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz, coloured by iron and natural radiation.
Hardness: 7
Crystal system: Trigonal
Refractive index: 1.54–1.55
Where Found
Significant deposits exist in Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Russia. Zambian amethysts are particularly valued for their rich, deep purple hue.
Value and Rarity
Amethyst remains one of the more affordable gemstones, though deep-coloured, saturated stones are more prized. Synthetic amethyst is common, so certification may be required for high-end purchases.
Zodiac Signs
Aquarius ♒ (Jan 20–Feb 18), Pisces ♓ (Feb 19–Mar 20).
March — Aquamarine
History and Symbolism
Aquamarine, derived from the Latin for “sea water,” was believed by sailors to ensure safe voyages and was historically associated with the mermaid mythos..
Specifications
A member of the beryl family, aquamarine owes its blue-green colour to iron content.
Hardness: 7.5–8
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Refractive index: 1.57–1.58
Where Found
Major sources include Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Madagascar. The Santa Maria aquamarine from Brazil is especially valued for its intense blue colour.
Value and Rarity
Value is determined by clarity, size, and colour. Deeper blue aquamarines are more desirable, although most stones undergo heat treatment to remove greenish tones.
Zodiac Signs
Zodiac Signs: Pisces ♓ (February 19 – March 20), Aries ♈ (Mar 21–Apr 19).
April — Diamond
History and Symbolism
Diamonds have been adored for millennia, revered in ancient India as lightning incarnate and later embraced in Europe as symbols of invincibility and eternal love..
Specifications
Diamonds are a crystalline form of carbon, formed under immense pressure and heat deep within the Earth’s mantle.
Hardness: 10 (hardest natural material)
Crystal system: Cubic
Refractive index: 2.42
Where Found
Natural diamonds are mined in Russia, Botswana, Canada, and South Africa. Lab-grown diamonds, indistinguishable in structure, are also popular.
Value and Rarity
Graded by the Four Cs—Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat—diamonds vary widely in price. Colourless diamonds are highly prized, but fancy-coloured diamonds (blue, pink, yellow) can be more valuable per carat.
Zodiac Signs
Aries ♈ (March 21 – April 19), Taurus ♉ (Apr 20–May 20).
May — Emerald
History and Symbolism
Beloved by Cleopatra, emeralds were associated with fertility and rebirth. In mediaeval Europe, they were believed to reveal truth and protect against evil.
Specifications
A green variety of beryl, emeralds owe their colour to trace amounts of chromium or vanadium.
Hardness: 7.5–8 (though sometimes brittle due to inclusions)
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Refractive index: 1.57–1.58
Where Found
Primary sources include Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil. Colombian emeralds are especially prized for their deep green hue.
Value and Rarity
Top-quality emeralds can rival diamonds in price. Clarity is a major factor; inclusions are expected and often referred to as the stone’s “jardin” (garden). Untreated emeralds with vivid colour are rare and exceptionally valuable.
Zodiac Signs
Taurus ♉ (Apr 20–May 20), Gemini ♊ (May 21–Jun 20).
June — Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
Pearl
History and Symbolism
Once considered the “Queen of Gems,” pearls have symbolised purity and wisdom across cultures. Ancient Chinese mythology held that pearls fell from the sky during dragons’ fights.
Specifications
Organic gemstones formed within molluscs, pearls are composed of calcium carbonate layers.
Hardness: 2.5–4.5
Lustre: Nacreous
Types: Natural, cultured, freshwater, saltwater
Where Found
Cultured pearls are primarily harvested in China (freshwater) and Japan/French Polynesia (saltwater – Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls).
Value and Rarity
Natural pearls are extremely rare and command high prices. South Sea and Tahitian pearls are among the most valuable cultured varieties.
Alexandrite
History and Symbolism
Discovered in Russia in the 1830s, it was named after Tsar Alexander II. Celebrated for its colour change—green in daylight, red under incandescent light—it became a symbol of duality.
Specifications
Hardness: 8.5
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Refractive index: 1.74–1.75
Where Found
Found in Russia, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Tanzania. Russian specimens are rare and highly sought after.
Value and Rarity
Fine alexandrite is one of the most expensive coloured gemstones, especially if the colour shift is dramatic and the stone is free from inclusions.
Moonstone
History and Symbolism
Moonstone was sacred to many cultures, linked to lunar deities and believed to bring good fortune.
Specifications
Hardness: 6–6.5
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Optical effect: Adularescence (milky glow)
Where Found
Notable sources include Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar.
Value and Rarity
Valued for its visual effect and clarity. Blue adularescence on a colourless background is most prized.
Zodiac Signs
Gemini ♊ (May 21–Jun 20), Cancer ♋ (Jun 21–Jul 22).
July — Ruby
History and Symbolism
Rubies have symbolised passion, power, and vitality. In ancient Burma, warriors believed rubies made them invincible.
Specifications
Rubies are the red variety of corundum, coloured by chromium.
Hardness: 9
Crystal system: Trigonal
Refractive index: 1.76–1.77
Where Found
Major sources include Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Mozambique, and Sri Lanka. Burmese rubies, especially those with a “pigeon blood” hue, are extremely valuable.
Value and Rarity
Fine rubies can be more expensive per carat than diamonds. Clarity and colour intensity are critical value factors. Heat treatment is common to enhance colour.
Zodiac Signs
Cancer ♋ (Jun 21–Jul 22), Leo ♌ (Jul 23–Aug 22).
August — Peridot
History and Symbolism
Known in ancient Egypt as the “gem of the sun,” peridot was mined on the Red Sea’s St. John’s Island. It was believed to protect against nightmares and evil spirits.
Specifications
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine.
Hardness: 6.5–7
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Refractive index: 1.65–1.69
Where Found
Key sources include Arizona (USA), Myanmar, Pakistan, and China. The finest peridots come from the Kohistan region of Pakistan.
Value and Rarity
Although relatively abundant, high-quality peridots above 10 carats with intense green colour are rare and command higher prices.
Zodiac Signs
Leo ♌ (Jul 23–Aug 22), Virgo ♍ (Aug 23–Sep 22).
September — Sapphire
History and Symbolism
Associated with wisdom and royalty, sapphires were worn by clergy and kings to attract divine favour. The name comes from the Greek sappheiros, likely referring to lapis lazuli.
Specifications
Sapphire is the non-red variety of corundum.
Hardness: 9
Crystal system: Trigonal
Refractive index: 1.76–1.77
Where Found
Sapphires are sourced from Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Myanmar, Madagascar, and Australia. Kashmir sapphires, with their velvety blue hue, are extremely rare.
Value and Rarity
While blue is the most well-known, sapphires also appear in pink, yellow, green, and even colourless. Padparadscha sapphires (pink-orange) are among the rarest and most valuable.
Zodiac Signs
Virgo ♍ (Aug 23–Sep 22), Libra ♎ (Sep 23–Oct 22).
October — Opal and Tourmaline
Opal
History and Symbolism
Romans called opal the “queen of gems,” believing it held the essence of all other stones. It has been linked with hope and creativity.
Specifications
Opal is a hydrated silica with unique play-of-colour due to internal structure.
Hardness: 5.5–6.5
Refractive index: 1.37–1.52
Where Found
Australia is the leading source, especially of black and white opals. Other sources include Ethiopia and Mexico.
Value and Rarity
Black opals with strong play-of-colour are the most valuable. Stability, brightness, and pattern affect price.
Tourmaline
History and Symbolism
Tourmaline’s name comes from the Sinhalese word turmali, meaning “mixed gems.” Known for its wide colour range, it is associated with inspiration and balance.
Specifications
Hardness: 7–7.5
Crystal system: Trigonal
Refractive index: 1.61–1.64
Where Found
Found in Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Paraíba tourmalines are a rare neon-blue variety highly prized by collectors.
Value and Rarity
Prices vary significantly. Paraíba and vivid pink or green tourmalines can be very costly, especially when untreated.
Zodiac Signs
Libra ♎ (Sep 23–Oct 22), Scorpio ♏ (Oct 23–Nov 21).
November — Topaz and Citrine
Topaz
History and Symbolism
The name may derive from Topazios, a Red Sea island. Ancient cultures thought it could protect from poison and improve mental clarity.
Specifications
Hardness: 8
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Refractive index: 1.61–1.62
Where Found
Mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Russia.
Value and Rarity
Imperial topaz, with its orange-pink hue, is the most valuable. Blue topaz is common due to treatment.
Citrine
History and Symbolism
Historically confused with topaz, citrine was believed to hold the sun’s energy, bringing happiness and prosperity.
Specifications
Hardness: 7
Crystal system: Trigonal
Refractive index: 1.54–1.55
Where Found
Primarily from Brazil and Spain. Often heat-treated from amethyst.
Value and Rarity
Citrine is affordable and widely available. Madeira citrine (deep orange) is the most valued.
Zodiac Signs
Scorpio ♏ (Oct 23–Nov 21), Sagittarius ♐ (Nov 22–Dec 21).
December — Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon
Turquoise
History and Symbolism
Used by ancient Egyptians and Native Americans, turquoise symbolises protection and good fortune.
Specifications
Hardness: 5–6
Crystal system: Triclinic
Refractive index: 1.61–1.65
Where Found
Key sources include Iran, China, Egypt, and the south-western United States.
Value and Rarity
Sky-blue “Persian” turquoise is highly prized. Matrix patterns can reduce or enhance value depending on aesthetics.
Tanzanite
History and Symbolism
Discovered only in 1967 in Tanzania, tanzanite was named and popularised by Tiffany & Co. It’s associated with transformation and insight.
Specifications
Hardness: 6–7
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Refractive index: 1.69–1.70
Where Found
Exclusively in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro, making it a one-location gemstone.
Value and Rarity
Tanzanite’s deep blue-violet hues command high prices. It is rarer than diamonds but softer, requiring care.
Zircon
History and Symbolism
Often confused with cubic zirconia, zircon is a natural gem known since antiquity. It symbolises wisdom and protection.
Specifications
Hardness: 6–7.5
Refractive index: 1.81–2.02
Where Found
Mined in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Australia.
Value and Rarity
High-lustre blue zircon is most valued. Heat-treated to achieve vibrant colour.
Zodiac Signs
Sagittarius ♐ (Nov 22–Dec 21), Capricorn ♑ (Dec 22–Jan 19).
Each birthstone offers a rich blend of cultural heritage, beauty, and personal meaning. Whether worn for tradition, aesthetics, or symbolism, these gemstones connect us to both history and the natural world.