What’s My Birthstone? Birthstone Meanings and Stone Properties by Month
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.
About the Author
7 ailments that healing crystals can treat
Crystals are more than just an aesthetic decoration. These gems are believed to bring healing in a variety of ways, for all sorts of ailments. You can use crystals for mental clarity, focus, concentration, and just about any other general ailment.
But how exactly does one use crystals for healing? Practitioners advise placing them on specific points of the body to bring relief, sweeping a crystal pendulum or wand over the body in a healing technique, and carrying or wearing a crystal that resonates with a specific physical condition.
All of these are suggestions to go about healing. Because everyone’s bodies are different, you can try what works best for yourself and your loved ones to gently improve the condition.
The kinds of crystals to use for each ailment are listed below; be sure to care for the stones properly!
Crystals for Mental Clarity
Quartz is the crystal you’re looking for if concentration is what you’re aiming to improve, as it’s properties are thought to be ideal for mental clarity. Carnelian which also belongs to the quartz family, is a great alternative as it’s thought to enhance concentration, while clearing lethargic energy and extraneous thought.
Other crystals can do wonders for the mind. For example, citrine and amber are believed to stimulate memory, Lapis lazuli is a powerful amplifier of thoughts, and Amethyst can promote mental clarity, helping you to focus on realistic goals and visualize clearly. It’s also believed to sooth the nervous system and aid neural transmission. Fluorite is also believed to balance the functioning of the brain hemispheres, and deep blue stones like Sodalite can aid communication, allowing others around you to better understand your ideas.
Sodalite – stone of the throat chakra
Crystals for Focus and Concentration
Is your energy flagging throughout the day? You’ll want to search out some red, orange, and yellow crystals to increase energy. The most stimulating and dynamic crystals are those with radiant, strong colors. Look for deep red garnet, golden amber, or golden-yellow topaz.
If it’s motivation you’re looking for, use deeper tones like Tiger’s Eye, Dark Citrine, and Jasper.
For the crystal equivalent of an energy drink, hold a clear Quartz crystal, pointed upward in each hand, and place a Citrine on the solar plexus chakra just above your diaphragm. You’ll quickly feel a sharp boost of energy to the whole system, perfect for those long work days!
Crystals for Anxiety
In this day and age there are so many stressors in our lives that can lead to worry and anxiety. Anxiety about the future, society, family, and friends. And while there are plenty of ways to mitigate that anxiety, there’s nothing better than a natural solution.
Rose quartz is a great crystal for quelling that anxiety when you find it coming on in your day-to-day. Rose quartz is thought to attract love, compassion, kindness, and harmony. Accordingly, you should wear it near the heart chakra.
Rose Quartz
If you feel like you’re experiencing a significant amount of negative energy around you that’s contributing to your anxiety, Black Tourmaline is another great stone to keep around as it’s believed to block electromagnetic frequencies (EMF), which could unknowingly be causing your anxiety. Wearing the stone or placing it around your home can provide a clear aura wherever you go.
Crystals for Depression
If you’re feeling depressed, we recommend seeing a doctor before trying to implement crystals as a solution. However, crystals can certainly supplement other forms of treatment for depression and serve as a reminder to yourself that you are actively working on forms of self-help and happiness.
Orange crystals are typically recommended for dealing with sadness and depression, as their believed to bring joy, happiness, and friendship into your life. Carnelian is one that falls into this category and also serves as an energy booster, because sadness and depression can sap your energy.
Orange Spessartine, sometimes referred to as the Garnet of the Sun is a mood booster and will promote happiness and joy. It strengthens the heart and mind encouraging an overall sense of wellbeing.
Chakra Healing
It’s thought that specifically-colored crystals can be used for chakra healing, corresponding to different chakras of the body. Place them accordingly on the body according to Dr. Divi Chandna’s chakra layout found here.
Stomach, Liver and Throat Issues
Acquire some Aquamarine for any of these problems. It’s held to help you get in touch with your spiritual being, and also used in deep meditations. Aquamarine is often associated with the thymus gland, as well as the throat chakra. You can wear it as a necklace to keep it close to these areas. It’s a solution that has been used for centuries, as the Romans used Aquamarine for diseases of the stomach, and believed it could cure liver and throat troubles.
Headaches
Crystals can help alleviate headaches, but first you must figure out what is causing the headache in the first place in order to properly address the issue.
For a tension headache, place Amethyst, Amber, or Turquoise on or around the head.
For a migraine headache, use Lapis lazuli in the same way; it’s been used for centuries to help treat debilitating headaches. Amethyst can also be placed in a healing layout on and around the head to help relieve symptoms.
Amethyst
For headaches caused by an imbalance between head energy and the solar plexus chakra, use solar plexus-balancing stones like Citrine or Moonstones. It’s important to note that these headaches are usually brought about by stress or unsuitable food, so to prevent the issue from becoming a repeating one, eat and relax accordingly.
Sleep Issues
This is a particular issue that may vary from person to person, as one crystal isn’t a treat all for everyone. Feel free to experiment and try again and again, as everyone’s sleeplessness roots vary.
If your sleeplessness could be because of tension and worry, Chrysoprase, Rose quartz, Citrine or amethyst placed by the bed or under the pillow are great tools to calm and sooth. Let your thoughts drift away as the crystals do their work.
Have digestive issues? Iron pyrite or Moonstone can be used to calm the stomach.
Even nightmares are strong contenders for sleep-deprivation! Combat them with protective stones such as Tourmaline or Smoky quartz. These gems can promote peaceful sleep; place them at the foot of the bed. You can also try labradorite, as it has a reputation for chasing away any unwelcome feelings and thoughts.
Black Tourmaline
Mind Healing
Have you noticed you experience blockages to emotional expression if you don’t take care of it? Luckily, special crystals can help — wear them or keep them close to you. You can also use them in a healing session by placing them in a specific layout.
Find stones that are green; green is a common healing color, and many green crystals can be used to help reduce mental and nervous stress. In the East, Jade is prized for its ability to calm the nervous system and to focus the mind.
Other stones to use include Rose quartz and Blue Lace Agate; you can use both for cleansing and detoxifying emotions. Opal promotes emotional balance and stability, and Amethyst works on hormone production, balancing emotional highs and lows, and to help you feel less ‘scattered’ and more in control. Amethyst can also relieve stress by reducing mental burdens and help focus on realistic goals. Amber can be used to neutralize a negative state of mind and to balance any underlying emotional and endocrine imbalance.
Is everything crystal clear? You can check out this article for more crystal information!
Want to learn more about our biological connection with crystals? Check out this video on Magnetite – the crystal in our brain:
