1. The Modern Birthstone Chart
This is the current US list as maintained by the jewelry trade, including the 2016 addition of spinel. Where a month has several stones, they are equally “official”; pick the one you like.
| Month | Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine, Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz, Citrine |
| December | Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite |
Other countries and older traditions use their own lists, so a birthstone you were given abroad may differ from this chart without being “wrong.”
Months with several birthstones are not a mistake; the list has been expanded over time, and every listed stone counts.
2. Where the List Came From
Ancient roots
Writers often trace the idea to the twelve stones of the high priest’s breastplate described in the Book of Exodus, later linked to months and zodiac signs.
1912
The (American) National Association of Jewelers, now Jewelers of America, met in Kansas City and adopted a standard list.
1952
A revision added alexandrite, citrine, tourmaline and zircon.
2002
Tanzanite was added to December.
2016
Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association added spinel to August.
The 2016 change was announced by Jewelers of America and the AGTA. Knowing this history helps you read birthstone lore with some perspective: the month assignments are a modern trade convention, while many of the stories attached to each gem are much older.
3. Birthstone Lore, Kept in Proportion
Many birthstones carry folklore. Amethyst's name comes from the Ancient Greek amethystos, “not drunk,” reflecting an old belief that it guarded against intoxication. Garnet's name is usually traced to the Latin for pomegranate, after the deep red seeds. In the crystal community, people also give birthstones intention meanings, such as amethyst for calm or garnet for commitment.
These are cultural stories, not proven effects. A birthstone works well as a personal symbol: something to wear on a birthday, give as a gift, or hold while setting an intention. If you use crystals that way, our beginner's guide covers how.
Enjoy birthstone lore as heritage and symbolism; it is not a substitute for medical or financial advice.
4. Care for the Delicate Birthstones
Some birthstones are much softer or more fragile than diamond, sapphire or ruby. The notes below come from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) care guides; follow the link for each stone.
Pearl (June)
Never use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Cosmetics, hairspray and perfume can damage the surface, so put pearls on last.
Opal (October)
Warm, soapy water is the only safe cleaning method. Heat and sudden temperature changes can crack opal or dull its play-of-color.
Emerald (May)
Most emeralds have filled fractures. Ultrasonic vibration can weaken them and steam can draw out the filler; use warm soapy water and gentle scrubbing.
Turquoise (December)
Porous: chemicals, cosmetics and even skin oils can discolor it, and high heat can damage the surface.
Store pearls in a soft cloth or breathable pouch rather than a plastic bag, and keep harder stones from scratching softer ones by storing pieces separately. For symbolic “cleansing” rituals, use a no-contact method; our crystal care guide explains the difference between cleansing and cleaning.
When in doubt, warm soapy water and a soft cloth are the safe default; ultrasonic and steam cleaning are not.
5. Common Birthstone Mistakes
- Assuming one stone per month: March, June, August, October, November and December each have more than one.
- Confusing birthstones with zodiac stones: zodiac stone lists follow sign dates, not calendar months, and vary widely between sources.
- Assuming every stone is natural: lab-created and treated stones are common and legitimate, but sellers should disclose them.
- Cleaning everything the same way: what is fine for sapphire can ruin opal, pearl or emerald.
6. Use AI for Gift Ideas, Not Gem Identification
You can ask Prism's AI reader for help shaping an intention or a gift message, for example: “My sister was born in October. How could I present an opal as a symbol of a fresh start?”
The AI cannot identify a stone, judge whether it is natural or treated, or value it. For that, ask a qualified gemologist or a reputable jeweler.
7. Sources and Further Reading
- Jewelers of America, Birthstones: the organization behind the US list.
- National Jeweler, JA and AGTA Add Spinel as August Birthstone: the 2016 update.
- GIA, Birthstones: gem-by-gem background and care guides.