What’s My Birthstone? Birthstone Meanings and Stone Properties by Month

Paul Wagner

When each of us is born, elements throughout the universe are aligned in uniquely specific formations. Because every aspect of creation is connected, our birth stars and planets are positioned in ways that are meant to impact our lives, both positively and negatively.

Inherent in these constellations and formations is a unique set of influences and energetic attributes. We can choose to move with these constructs, as if being whisked away on mini rollercoasters throughout our lives, or we can challenge them by understanding how they function, then continuously choose to improve our responses to them.

Therein lie two potential responses to our birth influences and the resulting karmic flows: roll with it or rise above it.

What is a Birthstone?

While the stars and planets are working with the energetic aspects within the heavens to bring you to life and then guide you through to your death, there are other players in the game: gemstones. All the stones throughout all the galaxies and universes are born with energetic infusions. This makes each stone unique in its attributes and footprint.

Hinduism tells us that the nine gemstones connected to your specific celestial forces can help you in this life. In Sanskrit, they are known as Navaratna or The Nine Gems. By wearing some of them for specific purposes, you can protect yourself from the negative influences that were found in the heavens at the time and place of your birth month. This is why birthstones can be extremely valuable to us. They can help us break karmic trends, heal ancient wounds, and escape the harshest aspects built into the fabric of our life trajectories.

What is the Origin of Birthstones?

Our birthstones were with us upon our birth, knowing who we are and who we might become. It’s in this way that our birthstones can be lucky for us. They can expedite our experiences of prior life karmas and the timelines that lead to achieving our desires. This can result in having a “lighter load” during this life.

While there is no specific destiny for the specifics of your life, there are certainly destinies related to the attributes and conditions you will attract in this life. By exploring birthstones and other gems, and with an understanding of your Vedic astrology, you can improve upon the conditions related to each category (house) in your chart. Every person’s chart is unique and every stone has a unique impact on each of those houses. Knowing your chart means knowing the details of each of your categories (houses), which also means knowing which aspects are your most palpable influencers.

Popular Jewelry Associations

In The United States and Great Britain, jeweler societies formulated their own lists of birthstones, associating one gemstone to each month. While some of these lists seem to reference the original Vedic and zodiac lists, some of the stones they promote are merely for marketing purposes.

This is why it’s vital to get your Vedic astrology reading from a talented, intuitive professional. Your birthstones may or may not coincide with those promoted by the gemstone industry.

That said, the original lists for Vedic and zodiac gemstones are strong and can provide a good first step toward welcoming gemstones into your life as healing and empowering tools.

What Is My Birthstone?

Here are three outlines noting a variety of birthstones and their meanings, as noted in the original Vedic and zodiac texts. Keep in mind that your best bet for learning how to use gemstones to enhance your life is through a traditional Vedic reading.

The Zodiac

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 18): Garnet
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20): Amethyst
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20): Bloodstone
Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21): Sapphire
Gemini (May 22 – Jun 21): Agate
Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22): Emerald
Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22): Onyx
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22): Carnelian
Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 23): Chrysolite (Peridot) and Aventurine
Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 21): Beryl
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21): Topaz
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 21): Ruby

While there are some similarities with the above list, here is the list according to Vedic astrology, with a few additional suggestions:

Vedic Astrology

January: Garnet, Rose Quartz
February: Amethyst, Onyx
March: Bloodstone, Aquamarine, Red Jesper
April: Diamond, Rock Crystal
May: Agate, Emerald, Green Tourmaline
June: Pearl, Moonstones, White Topaz
July: Ruby, Star Ruby, Carnelian
August: Sapphire, Peridot, Aventurine
September: Moonstone, Iolite, Lapis Lazuli
October: Opal, Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, Moonstone
November: Topaz, Yellow Sapphire, Golden Citrine, Tiger’s eye
December: Ruby, Turquoise, and Blue Zircon

By Planet

When you’re ready for your Vedic reading, you’ll be able to quickly reference your gemstones using this simple list:

Sun: Ruby, Garnet, Red Spinel, Rhodolite, Rubellite, Red Tourmaline, Rose Quartz
Moon: Pearl, Moonstone, Rutilated Quartz
Mars: Red Coral, Carnelian, Red Jasper
Mercury: Emerald, Peridot, Green Agate, Jade, Green Tourmaline, Aventurine
Jupiter: Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Topaz, Citrine, Yellow Zircon, Yellow Tourmaline, Citrine
Venus: Diamond, White Sapphire, Clear or White Zircon, White Tourmaline, Clear Quartz, Phenakite
Saturn: Blue Sapphire, Blue Zircon, Blue Spinel, Amethyst, Blue Tourmaline, Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite
Rahu: Hessonite (Gomed), Garnet, Spessartite
Ketu: Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye, Tiger’s Eye

The Stones And Their Meanings

Here are some of the primary and most popular gemstones associated with our births. When we understand our personal attributes and negative tendencies, we have a better chance of selecting the most beneficial and supportive gemstones.

January Birthstone: Garnet

Attributes: Aquarius, Protection, Faith, Love, Energizing, Boost, Consistency, Flow, Empowerment, Feeling Alive, Wanting More, Dark Red

Garnets are powerful gemstones that can help us protect ourselves and rise into our personal power. They also prevent nightmares and can provide helpful guidance when we feel as though we are meandering in darkness. The stone can increase power and energy levels, and help nervous folks feel calmer. They can also help to stabilize challenging situations and help travelers feel safer.

February Birthstone: Amethyst

Attributes: Wisdom, Courage, Peacefulness, Relaxation, Royalty, Meditation, Temperance, Serenity, Tuning-in, Violet, Purple

The word amethyst comes from “amethystos,” a Greek word meaning “not drunk.” These beautiful stones can protect us, keep us calm, and guide us when we’re faced with stressful situations and other difficulties. Amethysts can encourage us to have more self-control and be more proactive in our love relationships. They can also help to steady our restless minds and inspire expanded mental and emotional well-being.

Amethysts are worn by healers to help them relax into their talents and serve others. The person being healed might also wear or hold an amethyst to help them receive light, healing, and love. Amethyst crystal clusters are used to remove negative charges from the air and add life-force to a variety of environments.

Amethyst clusters can also be placed in sunny windows which can magnify the healing properties of the stone. heal negativity in the home. You can place Amethyst clusters, points, or several tumbled Amethysts in the moonlight for a sense of home-wide calm.

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

Attributes: Serenity, Strength, Healthy, Youth, Love, Creativity, Courage, Happy, Mental Clarity, Hope, Grounded In Power, Pale Blue, Cyan

Wearing this lovely gemstone is thought to reawaken married love, build courage, and increase happiness. Aquamarine’s soothing blue color is believed to help us reduce negative energy and improve our connection to our personal strength. Aquamarine is a symbol of perception, hope, and self-expression.

Aquamarine can quiet the mind and help us with meditation. While cleaning out our chakras, this powerful stone improves our magnetism. It can also guard mothers and babies against harm. For the rest of us, aquamarine can reduce the effects of sore throats, swollen glands, and thyroid problems. It can help to regulate our hormones, alleviate our allergies, and boost our immune systems.

April Birthstone: Diamond

Attributes: Eternal Love, Romance, Lightning, Divine Power, Endurance, Courage, Purity, Innocence, Amplify, Eternity, Clear

In Sanskrit, the diamond is called “vajra,” which also means lightning; in Hindu mythology, vajra was the weapon of Indra, the king of gods. In ancient times, diamonds were believed to be the tears of the many Gods. The beauty and brilliance of a diamond are unparalleled.

The diamond can amplify our subtler attributes and give us the consistency we need to drive to the finish line. They also enhance the power of other crystals, although they might also increase the aspects found in any item in your home, both positive and negative. Be careful with diamonds!

Diamonds block electromagnetic frequencies that cause stress and feelings of inner-disconnectedness. They can protect against 5G emanations and help us purify and detoxify our bodies. Diamonds can also help us balance our metabolism, improve stamina, and treat chronic conditions. They might also help you with dizziness, vertigo, and healing your brain.

May Birthstone: Emerald

Attributes: Hope, Fertility, Feminine Power, Devotion, Rebirth, Transformation, Resurrection, Beauty, Wisdom, Personal Growth, Nobility, Patience, Venus, Medium Green, Light Green, Rich Green, Dark Green

The emerald was one of Cleopatra’s favorite gems. The might ruler used emeralds to increase the power of her magnetism and inspire devotion in her subjects. The emerald is truly one of the most enriching gemstones.

Emeralds can help treat disorders of the heart, lungs, spine, and muscular system. They are thought to aid in the recovery from infectious illnesses and can help soothe our sinuses and eyes. These stunningly beautiful stones have a detoxifying effect on the liver and can lessen the effects of diabetes and arthritis.

June Birthstone: Pearl

Attributes: Romantic Love, Old Love, Stability, Modesty, Chastity, Children, Ancestors, Confidence, Self-Esteem, Self-Worth, Joy, White

Pearl is worn to calm a restless mind and to control anger. It is believed that people who wear pearls feel more connected to their creativity and the eternal muse. This glistening stone is also linked with being able to maintain a successful married life.

Pearls can be held to treat digestive disorders and heal the soft organs of the body, including the skin. They can also relieve conditions related to bloating and nausea. Pearls might also help to increase fertility and ease childbirth.

July Birthstone: Ruby

Attributes: Vitality, Harmony, Kingliness, Emotional Intelligence, Empress Power, Passion, Lust, Sexuality, Enthusiasm, Success, Integrity, Loyalty, Red

Traditionally, the ruby has been regarded by ancient Hindus as the “king of gems.” It was believed to protect its wearer from darkness, shadows, and evil. It has been known to inspire the removal of negative energies from our paths. It can help you overcome exhaustion and lethargy. It also imparts potency and vigor.

The ruby detoxifies the body, blood, and lymphatic systems. It treats fevers, infectious diseases, and can improve blood flow. This sparkling gemstone will also stimulate your adrenals, kidneys, reproductive organs, and spleen.

August Birthstone: Peridot

Attributes: Beauty, Mystique, Mystery, Goddess Power, Enchanting, Spells, Improvements, Uplifting, Lightness of Being, Strength, Light Green, Olive Green

Peridot is sometimes called “the evening emerald” for its light green color and resonance with the other realms. It was once believed that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears of the Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanos known as Pele. Tradition says we can ward off evil, enchant our lives, and ease depression when we wear or carry a peridot stone.

The peridot is thought to banish lethargy, apathy, and exhaustion. It strengthens the immune system and metabolism. It aids disorders of the heart, thymus, lungs, gallbladder, spleen, and intestinal tract. Some say that Peridot can also treat ulcers.

September Birthstone: Sapphire

Attributes: Truth, Protection, Talisman, Old Religion, Ancient Rituals, Faith, Energy Cleansing, Dignity, Ancestral Wisdom, Deep Blue

The sapphire is thought to guard against shadows, spells, evil, and poisoning. Legend has it that venomous snakes would die if placed in vessels made from sapphire. Traditionally a favorite stone of kings, queens, priestesses, and priests, the sapphire can access the depth of our souls and natures.

Sapphires might also be beneficial against blood disorders, excessive bleeding, and weak veins. This majestic stone can also be used for cellular disorders, regulating our glands, and calming our anxieties.

October Birthstone: Opal

Attributes: Faithfulness, Confidence, Consistency, Foresight, Visions, Psychic Abilities, Intuition, Empathy, Loyalty, Innocence, Healing, Pink, Green, or Multi-Color

The word opal comes from the Byzantine Greek “opalus,” meaning “precious jewel,” and in Sanskrit, “gem, stone.” Opal necklaces can be worn to inspire a deeper connection to others, expand psychic abilities, open the heart, and repel evil. Opals can also represent hopefulness.

Opals strengthen memory and the will to live. They can treat infections and fevers, cleanse the blood and kidneys, and regulate insulin. This stone eases childbirth and can alleviate the body during stressful experiences, like PMS.

November Birthstone: Topaz

Attributes: Joy, Affection, Physical Connection, Sexual Expression, Strength, Intellect, Mental Strength, Serenity, Integrated Power, Dark Yellow

Yellow topaz stones are associated with strengthening the mind, heart, and overall body. They offer protection to travelers and support good mental health.

Topaz is also linked to wisdom, strength, and courage. It can soothe physical pain, promote peace, and reduce our attachment to expressing our emotions with abandon. Topaz also promotes forgiveness.

Topaz aids digestion and combats eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. It fortifies the nerves and stimulates metabolism.

December Birthstone: Turquoise

Attributes: Friendship, Love Charm, Magic, Angels, Protection, Pursuits, Achievements, Good Fortune, Positivity, Happy Life, Divine Light, Light Blue, Turquoise

Turquoise attracts success on both the physical and spiritual planes. It is believed to relax the mind and protect its wearer from harm. Ancient practitioners believed that turquoise would actually change color when the wearer was ill or in danger.

The turquoise stone aids in the absorption of nutrients enhances the immune system, stimulates the regeneration of tissue, and heals the whole body. It contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects and can alleviate cramps and pain. Turquoise purifies lungs, soothes and clears sore throats, and heals the eyes, including cataracts. This precious stone can also neutralize acidity, benefit stomach problems, and help to heal viral infections.

Which Birthstones Stand Out?

The most expensive birthstones: Blue Diamond, Musgravite, Jadeite, Alexandrite, Red Beryl
The rarest birthstones: Tanzanite, Black Opal, Larimar, Paraiba Tourmaline, Grandidierite, Alexandrite
The most powerful birthstones: Ruby, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Red Coral
The luckiest birthstones: Peridot, Pyrite, Amethyst, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Agate
The most peaceful birthstone: Angelite, Amethyst, Celestite/Celestine, Fluorite, Black Tourmaline, Lepidolite, Larimar
The most healing birthstone: Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Iron Pyrite, Raw Emerald, Hematite
The loveliest birthstone: Rose Quartz, Chrysocolla Cabochon, Apple Green Chrysoprase, Moonstone, Kunzite, Lapis, Rhodonite, Sapphire
The most enlightening birthstone: Labradorite, Blue Lace Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Blue Sapphire

Commonly Asked Questions

Are birthstones lucky?

Birthstones are lucky if they are aligned with your Vedic or zodiac chart. They might also be lucky if you feel a momentary connection to a specific stone. While the latter might be fleeting, it’s important to pay attention to the stones that you feel are aligned with you.

What happens if you wear the wrong birthstone?

There are no wrong gemstones. One stone might help you feel more peaceful, while another might help you experience expedited karma or a lightning-fast shift in consciousness. Even if there’s pain involved, your evolution might be worth it. That said, some stones can have negative impacts on us. Be careful to select the stones that are aligned with your astrological charts. Also, pay attention to how you feel when touching or wearing specific stones. Even though your chart or heart might point to a positive experience with a specific stone, it doesn’t mean you’ll have a positive experience with it.

Why do some months have two birthstones?

Some gemstones are connected to other stones. Also, there are primary birthstones for a given month or house, and there are secondary, third, and fourth stones. By being aware of your chart, you can improve the value that gemstones have in your life.

Use Your Birthstones To Help You!

Gemstones are powerful little amplifiers that can assist us in every area of our lives. When a gemstone is our birthstone, we receive even more power and presence from it. You might see your birthstone as your guardian angel. By inviting them into our lives, we can reap helpful benefits that we may have otherwise missed.

I see all living Beings as a manifestation of the divine. I talk to my house plants, vegetables in my garden, and the gemstones on my shelves and body. While they might be tiny, they are connected to the All-That-Is, as are you. Say hello to all the elements in your house. There is no “other.” There is only everything.