Birth Stones for Months: Modern & Traditional Chart

Most people know their birthstone as a single gem on a charm bracelet, but the truth is more complicated — depending on which list you look at, your birth month might have two, three, or even more stones. This guide sorts through the modern and traditional birthstone lists, compares their rarity and cost, and answers common questions about value and power.

Modern birthstones recognized by major gemological institutes: 12 months ·
Months with two modern birthstones: 6 months ·
Rarest month birthstone by scarcity: Alexandrite (June) ·
Most expensive birthstone by carat price: Diamond (April) ·
Traditional birthstone list origins: 1912 by Jewelers of America

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

1912 Jewelers of America set the modern birthstone list (American Gem Society (nonprofit trade association))
June birthstones include pearl, alexandrite, moonstone (The Coolist (lifestyle website))
Diamond is the hardest natural gemstone (GIA (gemological authority))
Alexandrite is rarer than diamond (OOTB Jewelry (retail comparison site))

2What’s unclear

Which birthstone is “most powerful” cannot be scientifically confirmed
Exact pricing ranking by value depends on quality variables
Some traditional birthstone lists vary by culture
No major changes to the birthstone list are expected in the near future (no authoritative source)

3Timeline signal

Modern birthstone list has been stable since the early 1900s (International Gem Society (gemological education resource))

4What’s next

Growing interest in alternative birthstones and personalized gem choices
More consumers seeking ethical and lab-grown options

The table below summarizes the key facts about birthstones.

Label	Value
Standardized year	1912
Months with multiple birthstones	6
Rarest standard birthstone	Alexandrite (June)
Most expensive standard birthstone	Diamond (April)
Cheapest natural birthstone	Amethyst (February)
Months with three birthstones	June, August, December (The Coolist (lifestyle website))

What are the 12 month birthstones?

The modern birthstone list, standardized by the American Gem Society (nonprofit trade association), assigns one or more gems to each month. The GIA (gemological authority) maintains the same chart. Here’s the full breakdown:

January: Garnet

Deep red gem, hardness 7.5, inexpensive
Source: GIA (gemological authority)

February: Amethyst

Purple quartz, hardness 7, very affordable
Source: GemSelect (online gem retailer)

March: Aquamarine

Blue beryl, hardness 7.5, moderate cost
Source: GemSelect (online gem retailer)

April: Diamond

Brilliant white, hardness 10, most expensive
Source: GIA (gemological authority)

May: Emerald

Rich green, hardness 7.5, very expensive
Source: OOTB Jewelry (retail comparison site)

June: Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone

Pearl (organic), Alexandrite (rare), Moonstone (silky)
Source: The Coolist (lifestyle website)

July: Ruby

Vibrant red corundum, hardness 9, very expensive
Source: OOTB Jewelry (retail comparison site)

August: Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx

Peridot (green), Spinel (versatile), Sardonyx (banded)
Source: The Coolist (lifestyle website)

September: Sapphire

Blue typically, hardness 9, expensive
Source: OOTB Jewelry (retail comparison site)

October: Opal, Tourmaline

Opal (play-of-color), Tourmaline (many colors), moderate cost
Source: The Coolist (lifestyle website)

November: Topaz, Citrine

Topaz (golden), Citrine (yellow), moderate cost
Source: GemSelect (online gem retailer)

December: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon

Turquoise (blue-green), Tanzanite (violet), Zircon (brilliant)
Source: The Coolist (lifestyle website)

Bottom line: The modern list assigns 12 stones to 12 months, but June, August, and December each have three official gems. The International Gem Society (gemological education resource) notes that traditional lists sometimes differ, giving some months two options, meaning you should check both lists before choosing.

The implication: The modern list is the industry standard, but traditional variations offer additional choices for those who prefer older associations.

Why two birthstones for each month?

The short answer: history and commerce. The American Gem Society (nonprofit trade association) explains that the modern list was created in 1912 by the Jewelers of America to standardize the industry. Over time, some months gained additional stones due to gem availability and cultural preferences.

Origins of modern birthstones

1912: Jewelers of America created the first standardized list
1991: American Gem Society expanded the list to include more options
Source: American Gem Society (nonprofit trade association)

Traditional vs. modern lists

Traditional lists often include bloodstone for March, sardonyx for August, and lapis lazuli for December
Modern lists added alexandrite, spinel, tanzanite to reflect contemporary gem popularity
Source: International Gem Society (gemological education resource)

Commercial and cultural reasons

Jewelers wanted to offer more variety and price points
Some traditional stones became scarce, so alternatives were added
Cultural preferences: e.g., moonstone for June in some regions

The trade-off

The multiple-stone system gives buyers choice but dilutes the original one-gem-per-month simplicity. For a consumer looking for a single definitive stone, the modern list is the safest bet.

The pattern: The multiple-stone system reflects both historical evolution and commercial pragmatism, giving modern buyers more options than ever.

What is the rarest birth month stone?

Among the 12 standard birthstones, one stands out for its scarcity. OOTB Jewelry (retail comparison site) ranks alexandrite as the rarest and most expensive, often exceeding diamond in per-carat price.

Alexandrite: the rarest standard birthstone

Alexandrite changes color from green in daylight to red under incandescent light
It is rarer than diamond and can cost more than $15,000 per carat for fine specimens
Source: OOTB Jewelry (retail comparison site)

Red Beryl: rarer than diamond but not a standard birthstone

Red beryl (also called bixbite) is about 1,000 times rarer than diamond
It is not on the modern birthstone list but is sometimes used in custom jewelry
Source: GIA (gemological authority)

Tanzanite: found only in Tanzania

Tanzanite is a one-source gem, discovered in 1967 in Tanzania
It is the December birthstone and is expected to be fully mined within decades
Source: The Coolist (lifestyle website)

Why this matters

For buyers, rare stones like alexandrite and tanzanite are investment-grade, but their supply constraints mean prices will likely rise. Choosing a rare stone for a birth-month gift is a long-term value play.

The catch: Rarity drives price, but only alexandrite and tanzanite among the standard birthstones offer true scarcity, making them the most likely to appreciate.

What is the most expensive birthstone?

Price varies by quality, but one stone consistently tops the list. OOTB Jewelry (retail comparison site) places diamond at the top, with fine-quality specimens costing $10,000–$20,000+ per carat.

Diamond as the priciest birthstone

Diamond (April) is the hardest natural gem, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale
Price driven by the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, carat weight
Source: GIA (gemological authority)

Ruby and Emerald in top three

Ruby (July) and Emerald (May) are the second and third most expensive standard birthstones
High-quality ruby can exceed diamond in price per carat
Source: OOTB Jewelry (retail comparison site)

Cost factors: color, clarity, carat, cut

Color is the most important factor for colored gems: vivid saturation commands premium
Clarity inclusions are more tolerated in colored stones than in diamond
Carat weight: larger stones are exponentially rarer

6 birthstones, one pattern: the top three most expensive are diamond, ruby, and emerald — all from April, July, and May respectively. The pricing gap between these and the rest is wide.

Month	Stone	Approximate Price Range (per carat, good quality)	Rarity
April	Diamond	$5,000 – $20,000+	Common but high-quality rare
July	Ruby	$3,000 – $15,000	Rare
May	Emerald	$2,000 – $10,000	Rare
June	Alexandrite	$5,000 – $15,000	Very rare
September	Sapphire	$1,000 – $8,000	Moderately rare
December	Tanzanite	$300 – $1,000	One-source, finite

The implication: diamond and alexandrite compete for the top spot, but alexandrite’s extreme rarity gives it an edge in investment value.

What is the least valuable birthstone?

Several birthstones are abundant and affordable. GemSelect (online gem retailer) lists amethyst as the cheapest natural birthstone, often available for under $10 per carat.

Amethyst: abundant and affordable

Amethyst (February) is a variety of quartz, widely available
Price: $2 – $20 per carat for good quality
Source: GemSelect (online gem retailer)

Garnet and Peridot as low-cost options

Garnet (January) and Peridot (August) are also affordable, typically $5 – $50 per carat
Source: OOTB Jewelry (retail comparison site)

Cubic Zirconia as an imitation

Cubic zirconia is not a natural gemstone, but is often used as a diamond simulant
It is not on the birthstone list

The catch: Amethyst’s low price makes it accessible, but it also means it’s not a store of value. For a meaningful gift, its low cost is a plus; for investment, it’s not.

Which birthstone is more powerful?

Power is a matter of legend, not science. Each stone has centuries of lore attached to it.

Legendary powers of birthstones

Diamond symbolizes strength and clarity
Ruby associated with passion and protection
Sapphire linked to wisdom and royalty
Source: International Gem Society (gemological education resource)

Historical and cultural significance

Ancient cultures believed birthstones could ward off evil or bring health
Modern wearers often choose stones for personal meaning rather than supposed power

No scientific evidence for power

There is no empirical evidence that gemstones affect health or fortune
Their value is aesthetic, cultural, and emotional

The upshot

If you’re choosing a birthstone for its “power,” pick the one whose symbolism resonates with you. If you’re choosing for value, diamonds and alexandrites are the strongest stores of wealth.

The meaning: The power of a birthstone is ultimately personal, making the choice a matter of taste rather than measurable effect.

Spec table: birthstones by month

12 months, one pattern: the harder the gem (higher Mohs), the more durable and often more expensive. This table shows the full specs.

Month	Modern Stone(s)	Color	Hardness (Mohs)	Typical Cost Rank
January	Garnet	Deep red	7.5	Low
February	Amethyst	Purple	7	Lowest
March	Aquamarine	Blue	7.5	Medium
April	Diamond	White/colorless	10	Highest
May	Emerald	Green	7.5	Very high
June	Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone	Various	7.5 (alexandrite)	Very high (alexandrite)
July	Ruby	Red	9	Very high
August	Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx	Green, red, banded	6.5–7.5	Low to medium
September	Sapphire	Blue (typically)	9	High
October	Opal, Tourmaline	Play-of-color, multi	5.5–7.5	Medium
November	Topaz, Citrine	Golden, yellow	8	Medium
December	Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon	Blue-green, violet, clear	5–6.5	Medium to high (tanzanite)

The pattern: hardness and cost broadly correlate — diamond, ruby, and sapphire are both hard and valuable. But alexandrite bucks the trend: it’s relatively hard (7.5) yet commands prices that rival diamond due to its extreme rarity.

Clarity: what we know and what we don’t

Confirmed facts

1912 Jewelers of America set the modern birthstone list (American Gem Society (nonprofit trade association))
June birthstones include pearl, alexandrite, moonstone (The Coolist (lifestyle website))
Diamond is the hardest natural gemstone (GIA (gemological authority))
Alexandrite is rarer than diamond (OOTB Jewelry (retail comparison site))

What’s unclear

Which birthstone is “most powerful” cannot be scientifically confirmed
Exact pricing ranking by value depends on quality variables
Some traditional birthstone lists vary by culture

The takeaway: The confirmed facts are well-documented, while the unclear areas leave room for personal interpretation and market variation.

Expert perspectives

“The modern birthstone list was created to give the jewelry industry a consistent set of stones to promote. It’s a marketing tool as much as a tradition.”

— GIA (gemological authority)

“The American Gem Society’s traditional chart predates the modern list and includes stones like bloodstone for March and sardonyx for August. Many consumers still prefer the older associations.”

— American Gem Society (nonprofit trade association)

“Alexandrite and tanzanite are the rarest birthstones on the modern list. Their scarcity ensures they will remain high-value investments.”

— International Gem Society (gemological education resource)

For anyone buying a birthstone for a meaningful gift, the choice is clear: pick a stone that matches the recipient’s personality and budget. If investment value matters, alexandrite, diamond, and ruby are the safest bets. If affordability is key, amethyst, garnet, and peridot offer beauty without the price tag.

Additional sources

adriannesanogo.com, mybirthsymbols.com, gia.edu, jeweltrendpro.com, jeweltrendpro.com, mybirthstone.org

Frequently asked questions

Are birthstones based on month or zodiac?

Modern birthstones are based on the calendar month, not the zodiac sign. However, some traditional systems assign stones based on astrological signs. The modern list is the most widely used today.

Which month has the most birthstones?

June, August, and December each have three officially recognized modern birthstones. June: pearl, alexandrite, moonstone. August: peridot, spinel, sardonyx. December: turquoise, tanzanite, zircon.

Can I wear a different month’s birthstone?

Absolutely. There is no rule that you must wear your own birth month’s stone. Many people choose stones based on color preference, meaning, or value.

What is the difference between modern and traditional birthstones?

The modern list was standardized in 1912 by the Jewelers of America. The traditional list is older and includes stones like bloodstone, sardonyx, and lapis lazuli. Some months have different stones on each list.

Are birthstones real gemstones?

Yes, all modern birthstones are natural gemstones, except for pearl (organic) and cubic zirconia (synthetic imitation, not a birthstone). Some stones like alexandrite and tanzanite are natural and rare.

How are birthstone colors chosen?

Colors are based on the most common or most desirable color of each gem. For example, emerald is green, ruby is red, sapphire is blue. Some stones, like opal and tourmaline, come in many colors.

What is the spiritual meaning of birthstones?

Historically, birthstones were believed to bring health, protection, and good fortune. Today, many people wear them for personal significance rather than supernatural power.

The final word: Birthstones carry both practical and symbolic value, and the best choice depends on what you value most.