Birthstone Chart by Month and Zodiac Sign

What Are Birthstones?

Birthstones, which are usually gemstones, are rocks and minerals associated with the month someone was born. Although many different Birthstone Charts are in circulation around the world, the most popular are the Modern, Traditional, Mystical, and Ayurvedic.

Mystical birthstones are believed to have originated in Tibet, while Ayurvedic has its roots in Indian medicine and Vedic astrology.

The Modern Birthstone Chart is the most recent list of birthstones. Changes are made as and when different gemstones grow in popularity.

An example of a recent change on the Modern Birthstone Chart is the addition of spinel, which was added to peridot as one of the birthstones for August. The Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association made the change.

Birthstones on the Traditional Birthstone Chart vary widely from one country and culture to the next. For this reason, the Modern Birthstone Chart was compiled to create a common list of the most popular stones.

In his book The Curious Lore of Precious Gemstones, published in 1913, George Frederick Kunz says:

"As it might seem appropriate that one born in the United States should wear a gem from among those which our country furnishes, the following list was some time since prepared by the writer, not in any sense as a substitute for the real birth-stones, but as possible accessory gems which might be worn as a spirit of patriotism.

Of course where the stone in question is really that traditionally recommended, the fact that it is at the same time an American gem-stone is an added argument in its favor."   

The mineral kunzite was named after Kunz by the American jeweller Tiffany & Co. Frederick Kunz was their chief gemmologist from 1879 until his death in 1932.

Throughout history, different cultures and civilizations have attributed hidden meanings and powers to rocks, minerals, and gemstones. Today, birthstones don't necessarily imply a belief that a stone has healing properties, but that said, they're widely associated with luck, good health, and prosperity.

A ring featuring garnet and pearl was given to Kate Middleton by Prince William early in their relationship.  Garnet is Kate's birthstone, whilst William's is pearl.

The History of Birthstones

The earliest idea of a gemstone being used as a birthstone is believed to come from the writings Roman Jewish historian Josephus (Yosef Ben Matityahu) and Saint Jerome.

Josephus lived in the first century AD, and Saint Jerome, who's known for translating the Bible into Latin, lived in the fifth century AD.

Their proclamations, made some 300 years apart, connected the twelve gemstones in the biblical high priest breastplate to the twelve months of the year and twelve signs of the zodiac.

It wasn't until the eighteenth century in Poland that birthstones started being worn and used.

Each stone in the High Priest Breastplate was assigned a month of the year and a sign from the zodiac. Stones were placed in the order in which they appeared in the Book of Revelation.

Many centuries later, when birthstones started being used for their healing properties, the order in which they appeared and even some varieties had changed.

The use of gemstones to represent the month someone was born is believed to have been introduced by rabbis, Jewish gem traders, and other influential members of society in Poland.

Many had a keen interest in the stones from the Breastplate of the High Priest. Those who could afford to would carry a selection as talismans.

As Bible texts were repeatedly re-written, the stones and order in which they appeared continually changed.

Today, there's a great deal of debate over the exact stones that were used. This is not only because of inaccurate translations but also because many of the names have changed. This is why so many variations of the Birthstone Chart are in circulation. It's also the reason why there are so many different stones.

Some varieties, such as tourmaline and possibly diamond, would not even have been known during biblical times.

As an example of why there's so much confusion over names, 'sappheiros', once believed to be sapphire, is now known to have been lapis lazuli.

Garnet was part of a group of stones known as 'carbuncle', while peridot is believed to have been known as topazos.  Today, 'sardius' is known as carnelian.

Some argue the correct way to assign birthstones is according to astrological or zodiac signs and not by month of birth.

The zodiac was first introduced sometime between 409 and 398 BC. The word 'zodiac' comes from ancient Greek meaning, 'cycle (or circle) of little animals.'

Birthstones by Zodiac Sign

Birthstones by Month

Reference

George Frederick Kunz | The Curious Lore of Precious Gemstones. Published 1913.

Article Photos

The carnelian stone in our article is from our collection.

Pop-up photos: Peridot, Kunzite, Tourmaline (Elbaite), Garnets - Courtesy of Stan Celestian. Garnet tumbled stones - From our Collection. 

Lapis lazuli - Courtesy of James St. John.