What is my birthstone by month and by star sign?

Short answer: Modern birthstones are: January garnet, February amethyst, March aquamarine (or bloodstone), April diamond (or clear quartz), May emerald, June pearl or moonstone, July ruby, August peridot, September sapphire, October opal or tourmaline, November topaz or citrine, December turquoise or tanzanite. Star-sign stones are a separate, looser tradition: for example amethyst for Pisces, rose quartz for Taurus and citrine for Leo.

Where birthstones come from

The idea is often traced to the twelve stones on the breastplate of the High Priest described in the Book of Exodus. Lists varied for centuries until jewellers' associations published standard lists in the twentieth century (the US in 1912, and the UK's National Association of Goldsmiths in 1937). That is why many months have a traditional alternative.

Zodiac crystals in modern tradition

Aries: carnelian, red jasper
Taurus: rose quartz, green aventurine
Gemini: citrine, agate
Cancer: moonstone, selenite
Leo: citrine, tiger's eye
Virgo: moss agate, amazonite
Libra: lapis lazuli, rose quartz
Scorpio: black obsidian, labradorite
Sagittarius: sodalite, turquoise
Capricorn: smoky quartz, black tourmaline
Aquarius: amethyst, labradorite
Pisces: amethyst, aquamarine

Affordable alternatives

Precious birthstones such as diamond, ruby and emerald are costly. Crystal shops often suggest a lookalike or traditional alternative: clear quartz for April, moonstone for June, citrine for November. Our gift finder picks in-stock stones for any month or sign. These are traditional and spiritual associations shared for interest, not health or medical claims.