Birthstones that represent your astrological star sign and/or your month of birth have been used throughout history by many cultures, inspiring many myths and legends that still have a bearing on people’s choice of gem today.
A star sign gem, or one of the twelve-month gems, is a great way to celebrate your personal history, however, I would recommend choosing a gem that represents a moment in your life that you are most proud of.
Astrological birthstones
Star signs are associated with certain characteristics and can be complementary to them. Therefore some believe that there is a special significance in choosing a gem for your birth sign to bring luck and ward off negative energies.
Birth month gemstones
The twelve birth month gems have a big cross-over with the astrological birthstones so it is worth looking at both. It is also said that if you wear a particular gem for a specific month, you will be protected by its energy for that period.
Gemstones by colour
In pre-history colour was originally the most important feature of a gemstone, meaning there was no real difference between ruby and garnet. Another historical factor is that some gems have actually changed names over the centuries. For example, Lapis was known as Sapphire, Diamonds would have likely been white sapphire or white topaz.
So frankly, if none of the gems on this page feel right for you, check out crystal gems that appeal to you because of their colour.
See our pages on Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, White and clear crystals.
These can be an equally supportive base for you, as you have an immediate affinity for them which means you like wearing them and they will therefore be complementary to you – it’s a win-win!
It would be a shame to choose a historical gem that you don’t like or admire because you feel it should represent something that you lack.
History | Gemstones by zodiac
In 46 BC birthstones were associated with the Julian calendar introduced by the Romans under the power of Julius Caesar.
However, when the Gregorian calendar was introduced in the 16th century it had to correct the inaccurate measurements due to the leap years that took place over a 1700-year span.
As you can imagine, these alterations meant that the original alignment of birthstones to the zodiac from the ancient calendars were no longer harmoniously in line.
History | Gemstones by month
The original origin of the 12 gems by month is from the book of Exodus, where the high priestess Aaron of the Israelites is described as wearing a breastplate with the gems inset.
The book of Exodus was written sometime between 600 and 400BC from stories that would have been told by previous generations, in the oral tradition of storytelling.
The first academic research of the Breastplate was carried out by a Roman scholar who he compiled the first list of Birthstones based on his findings c.37-100AD.
History | Pre-Roman gemstone mythology
The idea of birthstones goes back way before the Romans, for example, a thousand years ago the Tibetians created the “Mythical Birthstone List”, and there is also an Ayurvedic Birthstone list that traces back to approximately 1500 BC.
Within many of the myths and legends about what birthstones are, invariably it always comes down to which gem will be the most auspicious for the wearer.
Modern-day birthstones
In an effort to organise gems favoured over the centuries a list was created in 1912 by the National Association of Jewellers group, however, the list is ever-growing.
For example, spinel was added to August in 2016, as there is a strong call from jewellers and gem enthusiasts to expand the list of official birthstones, meaning gemstone lovers have a choice that suits their preferences in the modern world.
Quick guide by zodiac sign & month
AQUARIUS Birthstone: AMETHYST
PISCES Birthstone: AQUAMARINE
ARIES Birthstone: DIAMOND
TAURUS Birthstone: EMERALD
GEMINI: Birthstone: PEARL
CANCER Birthstone: RUBY
LEO Birthstone: PERIDOT
VIRGO Birthstone: BLUE SAPPHIRE
LIBRA Birthstone: OPAL
SCORPIO Birthstone: TOPAZ
SAGITTARIUS Birthstone: TURQUOISE
CAPRICORN Birthstone: GARNET
- January Gemstone: GARNET
- February Gemstone: AMETHYST
- March Gemstone: AQUAMARINE
- April Gemstone: DIAMOND
- May Gemstone: EMERALD
- June Gemstone: PEARL / MOONSTONE
- July Gemstone: RUBY
- August Gemstone: PERIDOT / SPINEL / GARNET
- September Gemstone: SAPPHIRE
- October Gemstone: OPAL / TOURMALINE
- November Gemstone: TOPAZ / CITRINE
- December Gemstone: TURQUOISE
Birthstones | zodiac list:
AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18)
Birthstone: AMETHYST
For Aquarius people, if you like to wear gems that are related to the zodiac, you should consider amethyst.
Amethyst is a great choice for the Aquarius zodiac sign as it will help you to relax, in particular, your mind enabling deep meditation.
It is also said that wearing amethyst will help you to get better sleep at night, and on that point, I would have to agree even though I am not an Aquarius!
PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20)
Birthstone: AQUAMARINE
Aquamarine is believed to help Pisceans because it has calming properties. You should wear this stone when you feel anxious or nervous to avoid negative feelings. If you wear Aquamarine regularly, it will help you to stay calm and happy.
Aquamarine helps Pisces people to release negative energy and helps those who have communication issues.
When Pisces people become more aware of their conscious thoughts, aquamarine helps you to express your feelings and thoughts in a way that is comfortable to you.
ARIES (MARCH 21 – APRIL 19)
Birthstone: DIAMOND
If you are born under the zodiac sign of Aries, then you are an extroverted person. People with this sign are known to be confident and lively.
A diamond will enable you to bring out the best in you and to make sure you are doing the right things at the right time.
With confidence as your biggest asset, you have boldness and courage within you and you can use your stone to do daring things!
TAURUS (APRIL 20 – MAY 20)
Birthstone: EMERALD
Taurean is a friendly, social, and generous sign. People with this sign are usually kind and compassionate and these characteristics make Taureans feel very happy and contented.
When wearing an Emerald, Taureans can have feelings of abundance, and they like to share this with others – giving gifts to friends and family.
When Taureans wear emeralds they have the power to create abundance, and attract success and yet this will not change their naturally generous and altruistic nature.
GEMINI (MAY 21 – JUNE 21)
Birthstone: PEARL
Pearls are the best gems for a Gemini because they enhance their best qualities.
When you sport the pearl, you will enhance your communication skills and your personality. You will also enhance your ability to communicate with your partner. You may even enhance your social status.
A pearl will bring new opportunities to Gemini people in all aspects of life: Business, relationships, and career.
CANCER (JUNE 22 – JULY 22)
Birthstone: RUBY
Rubies are known to motivate the Cancerian.
They help to increase your sense of spirituality and your awareness of the universe, and this will make you more creative, helping you to focus and concentrate better on projects.
Rubies help Cancerians make wise decisions, so you become more successful in life.
LEO (JULY 23 – AUGUST 22)
Birthstone: PERIDOT
Peridot is a gemstone that will bring you good luck and protection. If you are a Leo, you can wear this gemstone to promote confidence and to protect you from all the negative energies that can affect your life.
Peridot brings happiness, love, and prosperity, and for Leo it can also bring good luck!
VIRGO (AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22)
Birthstone: BLUE SAPPHIRE
Blue sapphire is an amazing stone that is good for the Virgo personality. It can bring courage, honour, loyalty, and sincerity into your life.
It will encourage you to think straight, behave responsibly, and take care of your personal values.
This stone can help you to be honest with yourself, helping you to achieve success and improve your relationships.
LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22)
Birthstone: OPAL
Libra people are natural-born people-pleasers and have a tendency to put the needs of other people first, and their own wants and desires are usually ignored.
If you are a Libra person, you may have trouble saying “no” you should wear an opal pendant.
Opals can help you feel more confident about your choices so that you can lead a more fulfilling life.
SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21)
Birthstone: TOPAZ
Scorpions can have problems maintaining relationships when the lines between loyalty issues and superficial disagreements get crossed. Wearing a Topaz (the more orange the better) helps provide clarity.
Sometimes overly emotional and sensitive Scorpios can use the gem to feel balanced and calm.
Topaz also enhances your natural qualities which include the ability to intensely focus, work creatively, and continuously improve and learn to feed your high intelligence.
SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21)
Birthstone: TURQUOISE
Sagittarius people can use turquoise as it has the power to lift such a spirit to the next level.
When worn, the stone is known for providing mental clarity and increasing Sagittarius people’s focus.
A study has shown that people who have turquoise in their bedrooms can increase their performance in the workplace.
CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19)
Birthstone: GARNET
If you are a Capricorn person, you are steadfast, loyal and trustworthy and you will always be reliable and dependable.
However, if you want to become more approachable, you will need to understand that garnet will help you to achieve that.
Garnet gems can be used to bring more love and friendship into a relationship enabling Capricorns to develop stronger friendships and partnerships with other people.
Birthstones | by month list
January | Garnet
Garnets help the wearer to receive goodwill, peace and prosperity. In ancient times warriors were also known to wear garnets for protection.
Garnet gems can be used to bring more love and friendship into a relationship enabling people to develop stronger friendships and partnerships with other people.
February | Amethyst
You can use amethysts to promote creativity and harmony in your life, as they are the stones of the imagination.
March |Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a stone that is a great protector and is believed to give protection against black magic and negativity.
April | Diamond
Diamonds are said to be used by the Creator to guide people, they promote positivity, self-confidence, and self-love.
May | Emerald
Emeralds are said to have mystical powers and are believed to help us to achieve success in all our endeavours.
June | Pearl & Moonstone
- Pearls support getting pregnant and the safe delivery of children into the world. They are believed to bring luck and good fortune.
- Moonstone is associated with the moon, so as you can imagine it has magical powers which can balance energies and sync with nature’s rhythm.
July | Ruby
Ruby has been a symbol of passion, protection and prosperity since ancient times.
It has been believed to amplify energy, heighten awareness, promote courage and bring success in wealth, love and business.
Some believe that wearing a ruby will make you more successful in all aspects of life.
August | Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx
- Peridot is said to improve mood and give a new outlook on life. It can help protect against negativity and stress and increase self-esteem and confidence.
- Spinel is said to be good for mental clarity and energy. It can be used to remove bad luck and negativity and helps to enhance energy.
- Sardonyx is “the stone of strength and courage. It is said that people who wear sardonyx will be courageous when faced with danger, and it’s believed that sardonyx strengthens the immune system.
September | Sapphire
Sapphires are used to enhance the aura of a person and they are known as the “stone of enlightenment.
They promote higher vibrations and increase the understanding of loyalty, self-discipline, sincerity and integrity.
October | Opal & Tourmaline
- Opal has been used as jewellery for a thousand years. Its strong vibration has been used to heal people and it can also be used to boost energy levels. It can help with memory loss and is believed to have an effect on moods.
- Tourmalines are said to have the power to attract love and happiness. When you hold it, you can gain energy and confidence.
November | Topaz & Citrine
- Topaz is believed to have the power to attract love and happiness. It can help with memory loss and is believed to have an effect on moods. When you hold it, you can gain energy and confidence.
- There is no doubt that Citrine is a stone that brings about positive changes in people. It is believed to bring about positive changes in the mind and the body. Many say that citrine can help with self-confidence, motivation, health, wealth, and energy.
December | Turquoise
There is a legend that says that turquoise is the “stone of wisdom”. It is a beautiful gemstone that has a calming effect on the mind and body. It is known to be a good stone for enhancing your spiritual life.
