Birthstones by month are gemstones associated with each calendar month. You can use a month-by-month list to see which stones are commonly linked with a birthday, though some months have more than one option.[1][2][3]
Think of the list as a reference, not a strict rule: the choices can vary between lists, so you may see different options for the same month.[2][3] That flexibility can be helpful when you are choosing a birthday gift or a keepsake and want to compare the possibilities.
Which stones belong to January through April?
January’s birthstone is garnet, February’s is amethyst, March’s is aquamarine, and April’s is diamond. [2] Use this quick reference to match the first four months of the year with their stones when you’re labeling a calendar, planning a small keepsake, or noting someone’s birth month. You may also find this useful: Birthstone Colors by Month: A Quick Color Chart.
January: Garnet
For a January birthday, the listed stone is garnet. [2] If you’re making a simple month-by-month note, write “January — garnet” to keep the match clear.
February: Amethyst
February is paired with amethyst. [3] You can use that pairing as a straightforward label for a birthday card or a personal list.
March: Aquamarine
March’s listed birthstone is aquamarine. [4] In a calendar or gift note, “March — aquamarine” gives you the month and stone at a glance.
April: Diamond
April’s listed birthstone is diamond. [2] That makes the first four entries easy to record in order: garnet for January, amethyst for February, aquamarine for March, and diamond for April. [2]
Keep these names as a practical reference rather than treating them as rules for what someone should wear or receive. If you’re choosing a keepsake, you can use the birth month as a starting point and let the recipient’s preferences guide the final choice.
What are the birthstones for May through August?
May’s birthstone is emerald, June’s options include pearl and alexandrite, July’s is ruby, and August’s is peridot. [2][3][5][4] If you’re matching a stone to a birthday, this gives you a quick reference for the middle of the year.
May: Emerald
For a May birthday, look for emerald. [2] You might use it as the main stone in a piece of jewelry or as a small accent on a keepsake.
June: Pearl, alexandrite, or moonstone
June is associated with pearl and alexandrite, and some lists also name moonstone. [3][5] If you’re choosing for someone born in June, any of these gives you a month-linked option; you can narrow it down by the look of the piece you have in mind.
July: Ruby
Ruby is July’s birthstone. [4] It can be the focal stone in a gift, or a simple detail on a card or keepsake if you’re not shopping for jewelry.
August: Peridot
Peridot is the birthstone for August. [3] For example, you could choose a small peridot accent for a birthday keepsake, or simply use the stone name when adding a personal touch to a gift.
These month-and-stone pairings can help you start a birthday idea without making the choice for you. Pick the option that feels right for the person and the kind of gift you’re planning.
Which birthstones match September through December?
September through December are linked with sapphire, opal or tourmaline, topaz or citrine, and turquoise, zircon, or tanzanite, respectively. [1] [2] [3]
September
September’s birthstone is sapphire. [1] It gives you one straightforward option to look for when matching a September birthday with a gemstone. [1]
October
October is commonly associated with opal and tourmaline. [2] For example, you might see either stone listed for someone born in October, so check which option appears on the chart you’re using. [2]
November
November’s commonly listed options are topaz and citrine. [2] If you’re comparing birthstone charts for a November birthday, look for both names rather than assuming there is only one choice. [2]
December
December lists commonly include turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. [3] A December reference might show one or several of these stones, so you can use the month as a starting point and then look at the specific list in front of you. [3]
These four months offer different kinds of choices: a single stone for September and multiple listed options for October, November, and December. [1] [2] [3] If you’re marking a birthday, write down the month’s stone or stones before browsing, so you can compare the options without mixing them up.
How can you choose a birthstone gift or keepsake?
Start with the recipient’s birth month, then choose a stone and keepsake that fit their personal taste. A birthstone chart can give you a starting point, but it doesn’t need to dictate what you give. [2]
If the month has more than one listed option, let the recipient’s preferences guide you. For example, if they tend to wear pearl jewelry, a pearl keepsake may feel more personal than another listed stone. [3]
Think about the person’s everyday style before you choose a piece. If they rarely wear jewelry, you might pick a small decorative item instead; if they enjoy simple accessories, a subtle pendant or pair of earrings could suit them. These are practical ways to use the birthstone list, not rules about what a birthstone gift has to be.
For a keepsake, choose a small item that is easy to wear, display, or save. A modest pendant can be worn, a small ornament can sit on a shelf, and a compact keepsake can be tucked away for later. Consider how the recipient might use or keep the gift, then choose a form that feels comfortable for them.
You can also make the gift more personal with a note explaining why you chose that particular stone or item. For instance, mention that it matches their birth month and their preference for understated jewelry. The thought behind the choice can matter more than finding a specific kind of keepsake.
Why might birthstone lists differ?
Traditional and modern birthstone lists can differ, so you may see different stones assigned to the same month. [2][6] The labels describe different list conventions, not a reason to treat one list as the only possible reference.
June is a clear example: one chart names alexandrite, while another lists pearl alongside alexandrite. [2][3] Some lists also include moonstone among June’s options. [5] If you are comparing charts, check whether each one identifies its list as traditional, modern, or simply a general birthstone chart.
That distinction helps explain why a month-by-month reference may not match every chart you encounter. You can use the list that suits your purpose, then choose among the named options rather than getting stuck on which chart is definitive. For example, if one reference names a single June stone and another shows several, treat them as different list versions and use the one that feels most helpful.
The differences are useful context, but you do not need a detailed history to use a birthstone list. When you see more than one name for a month, take it as a sign that lists can follow different conventions, and use the month as a starting point rather than a strict rule.
Common questions about birthstones
Can you choose a birthstone that is not linked to your birth month?
Yes. Treat the monthly list as a personal reference, not a requirement: you can choose a stone because you like its appearance or because it feels right for the person receiving it. For example, if you are picking a keepsake for a friend, you can choose a gemstone they enjoy rather than matching their birth month.
What if your month has more than one stone?
You can choose whichever listed option you prefer, or the one that suits the gift. If you are deciding between two stones, think about the recipient’s taste and how you plan to use the item; you do not need to treat one choice as more correct.
Are birthstones the same as birthstone colors or meanings?
No. A birthstone is the gemstone associated with a month, while colors and meanings are separate ways people describe or discuss those stones. Keep those ideas distinct: a color label is not the stone itself, and symbolism is not a factual property of a gemstone. For more detail, see Birthstone Meanings by Month: Traditional Symbolism.
If a description mentions a stone’s meaning, read it as symbolism rather than a guarantee about the stone or the person born in that month. You can still use colors or symbolic associations as personal inspiration when choosing a gift, but they do not determine which stone you must select.
Use the month as a starting point
Use the monthly list to match a gemstone to someone’s birth month, then choose the stone they’ll enjoy most. Treat the month as a helpful starting point, not the whole decision: a gift feels more personal when it suits the recipient’s taste.
For example, if you’re choosing a keepsake for someone born in a month with more than one listed option, think about which stone they’d be happiest to wear or keep. You can also use the list to narrow your search, then compare the options with the recipient’s favorite colors or jewelry style. The chart gives you a simple way to connect a month with a gemstone. [2]
If you’re unsure, keep the choice straightforward: pick the listed stone that best fits the person, rather than choosing only because it matches a date. A small piece of jewelry, a charm, or a display item can all make the selection feel thoughtful; choose what fits your recipient and the occasion.
The key is to use the birthstone list as a reference, then let the recipient’s preferences guide you. Start with their birth month and choose a gemstone they’ll enjoy.