Birthstone colors by month give you a quick way to connect each month with a familiar gemstone hue. January’s garnet is red, February’s amethyst is purple, March’s aquamarine is pale blue, and April’s diamond is clear or white. [1][2] You may also find this useful: Birthstones by Month: A Simple Guide to All 12.
Use this chart to look up a month at a glance, whether you’re checking your own birthstone or finding a color for a card or keepsake. Some months have more than one listed stone, so the chart includes the commonly associated colors for each option. [3][4] Related reading: Birthstone Meanings by Month: Traditional Symbolism.
Month | Birthstone color |
|---|---|
January | |
February | Amethyst — purple [1] |
March | Aquamarine — pale blue [1] |
April | Diamond — clear or white [2] |
May | Emerald — green [3] |
June | Pearl — white; alexandrite — color-changing; moonstone — often white [3][4] |
July | Ruby — red [3] |
August | Peridot — green [2] |
September | Sapphire — commonly blue [1] |
October | Opal — often multicolored; tourmaline — varied colors [1] |
November | Topaz or citrine — often yellow [1] |
December | Turquoise, tanzanite, or zircon — commonly blue [1] |
Why some months have more than one color
Birthstone colors can vary because charts may use modern or traditional lists, and some stones come in more than one color. For instance, one chart may list June’s alexandrite, while another includes pearl, alexandrite, or moonstone; August lists can include peridot alongside sardonyx or spinel. [1][3]
These different entries reflect the chart’s chosen convention, not a mistake you need to resolve before understanding the colors. A June chart that includes moonstone and one that names alexandrite are both showing different ways to represent the month. [3][4]
A stone may not have just one color
Even when a chart names the same stone, its color may not be fixed. Tourmaline occurs in a range of colors, so the word “tourmaline” alone does not point to one exact shade. [4]
Sapphire is also found in a range of colors, although blue is its best-known association. [4] This means a birthstone chart gives you a helpful shorthand, not a guarantee that every stone for a month will look identical.
When you compare charts, check which stone each one assigns to the month before comparing color labels. A chart featuring June’s pearl will naturally describe a different look from one featuring alexandrite, while August’s peridot, sardonyx, and spinel offer distinct options. [3]
Which birthstone color should you choose?
Choose the birthstone or color the recipient likes best when their month has several options, and use one chart consistently if you want a clear reference. A gift should feel personal, so you can start with what they actually wear or enjoy rather than treating a chart as a rule.
Let the recipient’s taste lead
If you know they tend to wear silver jewelry with cool-toned stones, choose an option that fits that preference. If they usually pick warm, earthy colors, a stone in that palette may feel more like them. You can also choose based on the item: a small accent stone, a pendant, or a card might suit a different color than a larger statement piece.
When you are unsure, look at jewelry or accessories they already use, or ask someone close to them which color they reach for most. You could also offer a choice between two stones rather than guessing. These are practical ways to make the selection feel thoughtful without making the birthstone chart decide for you.
Keep your reference consistent
Birthstone charts may list different options for a month; for example, June listings include pearls, alexandrite, and moonstone in one chart, while another chart gives alexandrite as June’s stone. [1] [3] If you are comparing colors or planning a set of gifts, pick one chart and follow its choices throughout instead of combining entries from different charts.
For example, if you are making a family keepsake with several birth months, use the same chart for every person. That keeps your choices consistent, even if another chart would name a different option for one month. You can still let the recipient’s taste guide the final color or style.
A simple way to use the chart
Use the chart as a quick reference for common birthstone color associations, not as a rule for your personal style. [1] If a color feels meaningful to you, that can be a good reason to choose it, even when you are picking a gift or keepsake. [3]
Think of the chart as a starting point, rather than a strict match you have to follow. You might use a birthstone color as a small accent in a necklace, choose it for a card or gift wrap, or simply use it to narrow down a few ideas. The association can help you begin, but your own taste can guide the final choice.
For example, if you are choosing something for yourself, you could favor a color that reminds you of a favorite place or a person you love. If you are selecting a gift, consider what the recipient enjoys wearing or keeping nearby; a meaningful color can matter more to them than a precise match to a chart. These are personal choices, so there is no need to make them feel like a test.
Keep the chart handy when you want a quick reference, then choose the color that feels right for the person and the occasion. A birthstone association can add a thoughtful touch, while personal meaning is what makes the choice feel like yours.