Birthstone Calculator
What Are Birthstones?
Birthstones are gemstones traditionally associated with each month of the year. The concept of birthstones has ancient origins, with connections to the twelve stones of Aaron's breastplate described in the Bible, the twelve signs of the zodiac, and the twelve months of the year. Throughout history, wearing your birthstone has been believed to bring good luck, health, and protection.
Today, birthstones are popular in jewelry as meaningful personal adornments. Whether you believe in their mystical properties or simply appreciate their beauty, birthstones offer a personal connection to your birth month and make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations.
How Birthstones Are Determined
The modern birthstone list was standardized by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) in 1912, with updates in 1952 and 2002. The assignment follows a simple pattern:
Each month maps to one or more designated gemstones, determined by historical tradition, cultural significance, and commercial availability. Some months have alternative stones to provide options at different price points.
Complete Birthstone Chart
| Month | Modern Birthstone | Traditional Alternative | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Rose Quartz | Deep Red |
| February | Amethyst | Onyx | Purple |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone | Pale Blue |
| April | Diamond | White Topaz | Clear/White |
| May | Emerald | Chrysoprase | Green |
| June | Pearl/Alexandrite | Moonstone | White/Color-change |
| July | Ruby | Carnelian | Red |
| August | Peridot | Sardonyx, Spinel | Light Green |
| September | Sapphire | Lapis Lazuli | Blue |
| October | Opal/Tourmaline | Pink Tourmaline | Multi-color/Pink |
| November | Topaz/Citrine | Golden Topaz | Yellow/Orange |
| December | Tanzanite/Turquoise | Blue Zircon | Blue |
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your birthdate: Use the date picker to select your date of birth.
- Find your birthstone: Click the button to reveal your birthstone.
- Learn its meaning: Read about the symbolism and properties of your gemstone.
- Explore alternatives: Consider traditional alternatives if they resonate more with you.
- Share or shop: Copy your results or use them to find birthstone jewelry!
Detailed Birthstone Meanings
January - Garnet: The garnet symbolizes constancy, loyalty, and friendship. Ancient travelers carried garnets for protection. Its deep red color represents the heart and life force. Garnet is believed to boost energy and promote positive thinking.
February - Amethyst: Once valued as highly as diamonds, amethyst represents peace, courage, and stability. The ancient Greeks believed it prevented intoxication. Its purple hue has long been associated with royalty and spirituality.
March - Aquamarine: Named for the sea ("aqua marina"), aquamarine symbolizes serenity, clarity, and harmony. Sailors wore it for protection on voyages. Its calming blue color is said to bring peace and reduce stress.
April - Diamond: The hardest natural substance, diamonds represent eternal love, strength, and invincibility. Their brilliance symbolizes the light of the sun. Diamonds are believed to bring clarity of thought and enhance relationships.
May - Emerald: Cleopatra's favorite gem, emerald symbolizes rebirth, love, and wisdom. Its verdant green represents spring and renewal. Emeralds are thought to bring foresight and good fortune.
June - Pearl: The only gemstone created by living creatures, pearls represent purity, innocence, and integrity. They're formed through adversity—an oyster coating an irritant with nacre—making them symbols of transformation and beauty through struggle.
July - Ruby: Called the "king of gems," rubies represent passion, protection, and prosperity. Their fiery red color symbolizes love and courage. Ancient warriors embedded rubies in their skin for invincibility in battle.
August - Peridot: One of few gems occurring in only one color, peridot represents strength and power. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun." Its olive-green hue is believed to ward off nightmares and evil spirits.
September - Sapphire: Associated with royalty and wisdom, sapphire represents truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. Its celestial blue is said to attract divine favor. Sapphires have adorned clergy and royalty for centuries.
October - Opal: With its play of rainbow colors, opal represents hope, creativity, and inspiration. Ancient Romans considered it the most powerful gem because it contained all colors. Opals are believed to enhance imagination.
November - Topaz: Available in many colors, golden topaz represents affection, strength, and intelligence. Ancient cultures believed topaz could cool boiling water and calm anger. It's associated with warmth and positive energy.
December - Turquoise: One of humanity's oldest gems, turquoise represents protection, healing, and good fortune. Native Americans considered it a sacred stone connecting earth and sky. Its distinctive blue-green color is calming and protective.
Hardness and Care
| Birthstone | Mohs Hardness | Durability | Care Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 | Excellent | Easy |
| Ruby/Sapphire | 9 | Excellent | Easy |
| Topaz | 8 | Good | Easy |
| Emerald | 7.5-8 | Fair | Careful |
| Aquamarine | 7.5-8 | Good | Easy |
| Garnet | 6.5-7.5 | Good | Easy |
| Amethyst | 7 | Good | Easy |
| Peridot | 6.5-7 | Fair | Careful |
| Opal | 5.5-6.5 | Fair | Careful |
| Turquoise | 5-6 | Fair | Careful |
| Pearl | 2.5-4.5 | Delicate | Very Careful |
History of Birthstones
The concept of birthstones has evolved over millennia:
- Biblical Origins: The breastplate of Aaron (Exodus 28) contained twelve stones representing Israel's twelve tribes
- Ancient Astrology: Connections between gemstones and zodiac signs developed in antiquity
- Monthly Tradition: In 1st-century Rome, the practice of wearing gems corresponding to calendar months emerged
- 18th Century Poland: Jewish gem traders in Poland standardized monthly birthstones
- 1912 Standardization: American jewelers created the modern official list
- 2002 Update: Tanzanite was added as a December birthstone
- 2016 Update: Spinel was added as an August birthstone
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to wear my birthstone? No! While birthstones are traditional, you're free to wear any gemstone you're drawn to. Some people prefer their zodiac stone or simply a favorite color.
Why do some months have multiple birthstones? Multiple stones provide options at different price points and availability. June, October, November, and December all have official alternatives.
Are birthstone powers real? While many cultures have attributed healing and protective properties to gemstones, there's no scientific evidence for these claims. Enjoy birthstones for their beauty and symbolism!
Can I combine birthstones in jewelry? Absolutely! "Mother's rings" often feature birthstones of all family members. Combining stones is a beautiful way to honor multiple loved ones.
What if my birthstone is too expensive? Each month has alternatives! Traditional birthstones and lab-created versions offer beautiful, affordable options.
Zodiac vs. Monthly Birthstones
Note that zodiac birthstones (based on astrological signs) can differ from monthly birthstones. If your birthday falls near the cusp of two months or signs, you might feel connected to multiple stones. That's perfectly normal—choose what resonates with you!
Limitations and Disclaimer
This birthstone calculator provides information based on the modern standardized birthstone list recognized by major jewelry associations. Different cultures and traditions may have varying birthstone assignments.
The meanings, properties, and historical information provided are based on folklore, tradition, and cultural beliefs. There is no scientific evidence that gemstones have healing or protective powers. This information is provided for entertainment and educational purposes only.
When purchasing gemstone jewelry, always buy from reputable sources. Many gemstones have treatments or enhancements that should be disclosed. Consult a qualified gemologist for authentication of valuable stones.
Your birthstone is a beautiful symbol of your birth month—enjoy it for its beauty, cultural significance, and the personal meaning you assign to it!