What's Your Birthstone?
Wearing or carrying your birthstone is said to bring good luck and protection. There are several different charts of birthstones, including traditional and modern.
The modern list differs somewhat from the traditional, most notably by including only transparent gems. In the United States today, people draw freely from both lists and pick the stones that appeal to them. Some traditional gems are also less expensive (like turquoise) or more readily available (like cultivated pearls) than their modern counterparts. Thus, some traditional stones remain popular.
January
Traditional: Garnet
Modern: Garnet
February
Traditional: Amethyst
Modern: Amethyst
March
Traditional: Bloodstone
Modern: Aquamarine
April
Traditional: Diamond
Modern: Diamond, White Zircon, White Sapphire or Clear Quartz
May
Traditional: Emerald
Modern: Emerald
June
Traditional: Pearl
Modern: Alexandrite or Moonstone
July
Traditional: Ruby
Modern: Ruby
August
Traditional: Sardonyx
Modern: Peridot or Spinel
September
Traditional: Blue Sapphire
Modern: Blue Sapphire
October
Traditional: Opal
Modern: Tourmaline or Pink Sapphire
November
Traditional: Golden Topaz
Modern: Citrine or Yellow Sapphire
December
Traditional: Turquoise or Lapis Lazuli
Modern: Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Iolite or Tanzanite