Here’s Exactly What Your Month's Birthstone Says About Your Personality
Perhaps you're an avid reader of your daily horoscope. You may know all about your zodiac sign's typical personality traits—a Gemini is a social butterfly. An Aries is likely competitive. In Chinese culture, each year has a zodiac animal—rabbits are witty and vigilant, rats are smart and vigilant, and so on.
But what about your birth month—more specifically, your birthstone? Might that reveal something about you? Spoiler alert: birthstones by month and their corresponding colors have plenty to teach us about ourselves.
Birthstones are often reserved for jewelry and gifts to new parents and grandparents (pro tip: give a first-timer something with the new addition's birthstone or something in the same hue as their birthstone's color, and watch the tears flow). However, they may be associated with distinct personality traits. Read on to see if you can relate to yours—we've got every month's birthstone and color meaning.
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Related: What Are the Zodiac Signs?
Birthstone Meaning
A birthstone is a specific gem that's associated with a month. If you're born during that month, that's your birthstone. For example, February babies are little amethysts, a stunning violet version of quartz. June is the pearl—a classic choice for necklaces and earrings (whether you were born that month or not).
Related: Everything to Know About the 3 Air Zodiac Signs
What's the History of Birthstones?
Birthstones by month are about so much more than jewelry. They have a deep history first discovered in the Bible in the first history, according to the Farmer's Almanac.
Priest, theologian and historian Flavius Josephus discovered birthstones in the book of Exodus. In the Bible, Moses' older brother, the prophet Aaron, used a breastplate with 12 stones to communicate with God. Each could heal and protect in different ways. Though some think the 12 stones were for the 12 tribes of Israel, Josephus went with the 12 months of the year.
Eventually, different powers linked with the stones were thought to be amplified during the month the birthstone was associated with—sort of like zodiac signs and animals.
Hindus had a similar system that likely originated around the 5th century called Ratna Pariksha. It included nine stones that were associated with the days of the week. Some were reserved for royals. But it was thought that rocking a stone most closely linked with your astrological chart would create better alignment with the universe and ward off negative cosmic forces.
Birthstones By Month: What It Reveals About Your Personality
Whether or not you believe in the deeper meaning of birthstones, it's still fun to think about, right? Here are all of the birthstones by month, including what they mean and what birthstone color corresponds to each one—from January to December.
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January Birthstone: Garnet
Known as the "karma stone," some believe the garnet is said to bring good luck (and others believe the opposite). The stone can help someone find courage, especially during challenging times. The garnet is also associated with love, faith, consistency and loyalty. Garnets are true-blue friends. But they may overthink things or put others before themselves.
January Birthstone Color: Dark Red
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February Birthstone: Amethyst
Amethysts are peaceful, mellow and introspective. They may be more spiritual and less confrontational than those associated with other birthstones. Don't overlook an amethyst, though—they tend to be known for business smarts and scoring personal and professional wins. You may just need to ask for their takes (it's worth it).
February Birthstone Color: Violet
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March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Like Aries, many of whom are also March babies, Aquamarines are spirited and adventurous. The stone represents hope and love. Legend has it that if you had aquamarine on a ship, the Greek god Poseidon would calm the waters. Sailers also thought it could also cure sea sickness. So, though aquamarines have an adventurous side, they pick their moments and can be calming, protective forces in a person's life.
March Birthstone Color: Pale Blue
March Birthstone Alternative: Bloodstone
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April Birthstone: Diamond
Push gifts and birthdays may get a little pricey if you love a diamond. But the gemstone often associated with engagement rings is a symbol of everlasting love. Like a durable diamond, April babies are strong and determined and shine bright no matter the situation.
April Birthstone Color: Clear
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May Birthstone: Green Emerald
People who love Wicked, Wizard of Oz and all things St. Patrick's Day may be drawn to the stunning emerald. If you were born in May, you're in luck—it's your birthstone. You also may be in luck literally because the green emerald is linked to good fortune. Emeralds are also whip-smart, known for their ability to think quickly and come up with a witty response on a dime. Honest but welcoming, emeralds are often considered the "glue" of their families and friend groups.
May Birthstone Color: Green
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June Birthstone: Pearl
The pearl, the gem of purity, conveys innocence. Though stunning and classic, a pearl may underestimate itself. But others love them for their loyalty and patience. Pearls speak their minds, but they're willing to agree to disagree.
June Birthstone Color: White
June Birthstone Alternative: Alexandrite
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July Birthstone: Ruby
Rubies are courageous, confident try-hards. If, at first, they don't succeed, expect a ruby to try again. But sometimes, rubies need to remember to zoom out and fully assess a situation. Because of this issue, they can dig deep holes for themselves that are hard to get out of. But mostly, rubies are strong and charismatic—true leaders of the pack or in the workplace.
July Birthstone Color: Red
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August Birthstone: Peridot
Peridots can be misunderstood (and the name (peh·ruh·daat) is often mispronounced. It often gets mistaken for an emerald. But peridots have personalities all their own (and the green stone is actually a product of the galaxy—or meteorites). Peridots are typically happy balls of energy who are kind. They take on tasks with boundless enthusiasm and thrive in situations that require problem-solving.
August Birthstone Color: Green
August Birthstone Alternative: Sardonyx
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September Birthstone: Sapphire
Sapphires are someone you want in a foxhole with you. They're calm and wise people. For these reasons, Sapphires often thrive in leadership roles. Though dignified and willing to give an honest opinion (with kindness), sapphires can often have a challenging time opening up about their own struggles.
September Birthstone Color: Dark Blue
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October Birthstone: Opal
Referred to as the mysterious rainbow jewel, no one knows how opal is formed. People associated with this birthstone are keepers of secrets. The stone is also thought to be linked to "necessary destruction" Opals aren't afraid to start over, engage in self-improvement or set boundaries. But that courage sparks creativity and hope for the future.
October Birthstone Color: Iridescent Colors of the Rainbow
October Birthstone Alternatives: Tourmaline and Aquamarine
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November Birthstone: Topaz
The topaz is known as the "friendship stone." And a topaz often exudes all the qualities you'd want in a bestie: loyalty, strength, friendliness, flexibility and a perpetually even-keeled personality, even in high-stress situations. A topaz can be a true empath but may take too many things to heart.
November Birthstone Color: Orange or Brown
November Birthstone Alternative: Citrine
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December Birthstone: Turquoise
Turquoise are clear-headed and peaceful types. Though the turquoise stone is associated with luck, a turquoise's natural clarity may actually be the reason they generally find themselves in healthy, positive situations. They're supportive and protective but may not forgive and forget so easily.
December Birthstone Color: Bright Blue
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