Birthstone Chart with Modern and Traditional Stones
The National Association of Jewelers released a list of modern birthstones in 1912 which differed slightly from the original traditional list that had been in use before that time. The new list mostly featured transparent gems among other additions.
To this day, the modern birthstone chart is still getting more options added to it, and people can draw freely from both the old and new lists to pick stones that appeal to them the most. In this article, we’ll look at the most popular birthstones and the month they represent. However, keep in mind that there are different options for each month, just pick the birthstones you like the most.
Birthstone Chart,What are the birthstones for each month?
Month |
Morden |
Tradtional |
| January | Garnet | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond | Diamond |
| May | Emerald | Emerald |
| June | Moonstone,Alexandrite | Pearl |
| July | Ruby | Ruby |
| August | Peridot/Spinel | Peridot/Spinel |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| October | Opal | Tourmaline |
| November | Citrine | Topaz |
| December | Tanzanite | Turquoise |
What do birthstones mean?
Birthstones are a collection of precious gems that correlate to one's birth month. Traditionally, each gem holds a different meaning thought to hold true to its wearer. There are a few months where multiple birthstones symbolize various characteristics, giving its wearer multiple choices in the gem they choose
Meaning:A symbol of chastity, faith, love, true
Garnet is the modern and traditional birthstone for January. Although red is the color of garnet, these gemstones can be found in many other colors are make great choices for all types of jewelry. That’s good news if you are interested in January birthstones. One of the most complex gems in the world belongs to the garnet family. While it’s not a single species, it consists of many species and varieties.
Meaning:honesty and peace
The well-known February birthstone, Amethyst has crystalline quartz color and has a color range that crosses from pale lilac to deep reddish purple. It has a high hardness that is about 7, which means it is very resistant to scratch. The birthstone of February makes for a fine gem for any kind of jewelry.
Meaning:Composure, brave, smart
Named according to the color of seawater, aquamarine, the March birthstone is the blue to blue-green member of the beryl family. With a hardness of 7.5 - 8, the March birthstone is an excellent stone for jewelry that is moderately priced and readily available. While aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March, the traditional option is the bloodstone.
Meaning:Pure and flawless
Diamond is both the modern and traditional birthstone for April. The most popular ring stone choice in the world, people prize these gems for their classic beauty and clarity and diamonds have developed a cult status symbol among some of the wealthiest people in the society. Diamond is the hardest stone in the world at 10 on the Mohs scale of gemstone rating.
Meaning:Lucky, happy
This green hued gemstones known since ancient times is the birthstone for May. A fine emerald is truly breathtaking, and this member of the beryl family deservedly belongs to the group of traditional “Big Four” gems, which include diamond, ruby, and sapphire.
June – Pearl,Moonstone,Alexandrite
Meaning:Health, longevity, wealth
The only gems that are found in living creatures, pearl is one of the birthstones for June, along with alexandrite. Most pearls in the market today have been cultivated or cultured, due to their extreme rarity in nature. While special care is necessary in taking care of pearl because of their delicateness, they are very appealing for jewelry with their lustrous sheen.
Meaning:Passion, kindness, dignity
The gemstone of love, this red gem is one of the most popular traditional jewelry stones and the birthstone for July. Its red color can reach high saturation levels. Some of the most expensive gemstones are fine-quality rubies, with prices recorded at over $1,000,000 per carat.
Meaning:Happiness and contentment
The modern birthstone for August is peridot and has been one of the most prized jewelry stone since ancient times. The gemstone comes in the color green but has other considerable variations. The shade of a peridot depends on its source. Another modern birthstone for August is spinel, but the traditional august birthstone is Sardonyx.
Meaning:Kindness, honesty, and respect
There are not a lot of gems that have drawn the attention of the world like sapphire. It has pure blue colors and is highly durable, which makes it a standout gemstone. However, this September birthstone comes in other color shades apart from blue, which include green, yellow, orange, pink and many more.
Meaning:Luck, hope, purity
Opals belong to a class of their own. As a species, opal has a uniquely distinctive pattern that has its own descriptive vocabulary. Compared to other gems, opals have a distinct individuality about them. Opals are one of the most delicate but elegant gemstones commonly worn today. Because they are delicate and easy to scratch or break, they require special care and attention. While Opal is the traditional birthstone for October, Tourmaline is the modern birthstone.
Meaning:Friendship,hope, whiteness
The yellow to red-orange crystalline quartz, Citrine is the birthstone for November. This ‘earth tone’ fashion item has become quite popular due to clever marketing, and the durable gem is now readily available from most jewelers making it one of the popular modern birthstones lately.
December – Blue Zircon,Tanzanite,Turquoise
Meaning:Victory, good luck, success
Don’t let the name confuse you. Zircon is not cubic zirconia, but is a natural and magnificent gem that has been worn and treasured since ancient times. You can find them in many different colors, but the most highly prized color is blue. The modern birthstone for December is blue zircon, and other modern options are topaz and tanzanite. The traditional birthstones, on the other hand, are turquoise and lapis lazuli.
