Birthstones by Zodiac Sign: Your Stone and What It Means
Birthstones are one of the oldest and most charming traditions in jewellery. For centuries, people have linked particular gemstones to the month or the zodiac sign of their birth, choosing them for rings, necklaces and gifts that feel personal and meaningful. Whether you are choosing a gift for someone you love or simply curious about your own stone, the tradition is a lovely way to connect a beautiful object with a story.
This guide lists the traditional birthstone for each zodiac sign, explains the folklore attached to each stone, and shows how zodiac birthstones relate to the better-known birthstones by month. Everything about the meaning of the stones is traditional folklore and entertainment, not fact: stones do not have proven powers, and they certainly cannot heal illness or predict the future. Their real value is beauty, history and the personal meaning we give them.
What Is a Birthstone?
A birthstone is a gemstone traditionally associated with a particular month or zodiac sign. The idea is very old, and different cultures have kept different lists, but the most widely used modern list links one stone to each month of the year, from garnet in January to turquoise in December. Alongside that list, astrology has its own tradition linking a stone to each zodiac sign, and the two lists do not always match.
The zodiac birthstones are chosen partly for their colour and symbolism and partly for the planet that rules each sign. Aries, for example, is ruled by Mars and linked to the diamond, while Taurus, ruled by Venus, is linked to the emerald. In this guide we follow the standard traditional zodiac list, and we also give the month list so you can compare the two. Many people enjoy wearing either stone, or both, and there is no rule that says you must stick to just one.
Birthstones for Fire Signs: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius
Aries, from 21 March to 19 April, has the diamond as its traditional birthstone. The diamond is the hardest natural gemstone, and its brilliance and strength have long made it a symbol of courage, clarity and enduring love. In folklore it was said to bring strength and protection to its wearer, which suits the bold and energetic character traditionally associated with Aries. A diamond is also the birthstone for the month of April.
Leo, from 23 July to 22 August, has the peridot as its traditional birthstone. Peridot is a warm, olive-green stone that has been treasured since ancient times, and in folklore it was associated with warmth, light and good cheer. That suits the sunny, generous character traditionally linked to Leo, a sign ruled by the Sun. Peridot is also the birthstone for the month of August, so many Leos find that both their sign stone and their month stone are the same.
Sagittarius, from 22 November to 21 December, has turquoise as its traditional birthstone. Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones used in jewellery, valued for its soft blue-green colour and its long history in many cultures. In folklore it was considered a stone of protection and good fortune for travellers, which fits the adventurous, freedom-loving character traditionally associated with Sagittarius. Turquoise is also the birthstone for the month of December.
Birthstones for Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn
Taurus, from 20 April to 20 May, has the emerald as its traditional birthstone. The emerald's rich green colour has long been associated with spring, growth and renewal, and in folklore it was said to represent love, loyalty and wisdom. That suits Taurus, a sign ruled by Venus and traditionally linked to beauty, comfort and devotion. Emerald is also the birthstone for the month of May.
Virgo, from 23 August to 22 September, has the sapphire as its traditional birthstone. Sapphires are best known in deep blue, although they occur in many colours, and in folklore the blue sapphire was associated with wisdom, honesty and clear thinking. That fits the thoughtful, observant character traditionally linked to Virgo. Sapphire is also the birthstone for the month of September.
Capricorn, from 22 December to 19 January, has the garnet as its traditional birthstone. Garnets are usually a deep, warm red, and in folklore they were associated with strength, loyalty and safe travel. That suits the steady, patient and dependable character traditionally linked to Capricorn. Garnet is also the birthstone for the month of January, so many Capricorns born in January share the same stone by sign and by month.
Birthstones for Air Signs: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
Gemini, from 21 May to 20 June, has the pearl as its traditional birthstone. Pearls are unique among gemstones because they are formed inside a living creature, the oyster, and they have long been associated with purity, wisdom and calm. In folklore they were said to bring balance and gentle good fortune, which suits the curious, adaptable and sociable character traditionally linked to Gemini. Pearl is also the birthstone for the month of June.
Libra, from 23 September to 22 October, has the opal as its traditional birthstone. Opals are famous for their shifting play of colour, with flashes of green, blue, pink and gold appearing as the stone moves in the light. In folklore the opal was associated with hope, creativity and inspiration, which fits the artistic and harmony-loving character traditionally linked to Libra. Opal is also the birthstone for the month of October.
Aquarius, from 20 January to 18 February, has the amethyst as its traditional birthstone. Amethyst is a beautiful purple variety of quartz, and in folklore it was associated with calm, clarity and clear thinking. That suits the thoughtful, original and independent character traditionally linked to Aquarius. Amethyst is also the birthstone for the month of February, so many Aquarians born in February share the same stone by sign and by month.
Birthstones for Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
Cancer, from 21 June to 22 July, has the ruby as its traditional birthstone. The ruby is a vivid red stone that has long been associated with passion, courage and deep feeling, and in folklore it was considered a stone of love and protection. That suits the warm, loyal and deeply emotional character traditionally linked to Cancer. Ruby is also the birthstone for the month of July.
Scorpio, from 23 October to 21 November, has the topaz as its traditional birthstone. Topaz occurs in many colours, from golden yellow to soft blue, and in folklore it was associated with strength, warmth and good fortune. That fits the intense, loyal and determined character traditionally linked to Scorpio. Topaz is also the birthstone for the month of November.
Pisces, from 19 February to 20 March, has the aquamarine as its traditional birthstone. Aquamarine is a pale, clear blue-green stone whose name means sea water, and in folklore it was associated with calm, clarity and safe journeys across the sea. That suits the gentle, imaginative and compassionate character traditionally linked to Pisces. Aquamarine is also the birthstone for the month of March.
How to Choose and Wear Your Birthstone
Choosing a birthstone is a personal decision, and there is no need to follow the lists strictly. Some people love their zodiac stone, others prefer their month stone, and many simply choose the stone whose colour they love most. If you are buying a gift, a birthstone is a thoughtful choice because it shows you have thought about the person, but the most important thing is that the wearer likes the piece and will enjoy wearing it.
When you wear a birthstone, think about practical matters as well as beauty. Some stones, like diamonds and sapphires, are very hard and suit everyday rings, while softer stones like opals, pearls and turquoise need a little more care and are often better in necklaces, earrings or brooches. Keep jewellery clean with warm water and mild soap, store pieces separately so they do not scratch each other, and ask a jeweller for advice if you are unsure about a particular stone.
Birthstones by Month at a Glance
The traditional birthstones by month are: January garnet, February amethyst, March aquamarine, April diamond, May emerald, June pearl, July ruby, August peridot, September sapphire, October opal, November topaz and December turquoise. If you compare this list with the zodiac list, you will notice that many signs share a stone with one of the months that fall inside their dates, because the two traditions developed side by side and influenced each other.
That overlap is part of the charm of the tradition. An Aries born in April, for example, has diamond by both sign and month, while a Gemini born in May has pearl by sign and emerald by month, and can happily enjoy either or both. Whichever stone you choose, the tradition is best enjoyed as a piece of history and a personal symbol, a small, beautiful reminder of the season and the sign under which you were born.
Frequently asked questions
What is my birthstone by zodiac sign?
The traditional zodiac birthstones are: Aries diamond, Taurus emerald, Gemini pearl, Cancer ruby, Leo peridot, Virgo sapphire, Libra opal, Scorpio topaz, Sagittarius turquoise, Capricorn garnet, Aquarius amethyst and Pisces aquamarine.
Can I wear a different birthstone?
Yes, absolutely. There is no rule that says you must wear only your own birthstone. Many people wear a partner's or a child's birthstone, or simply choose a stone because they love its colour. The tradition is meant to be enjoyed, not to limit you.
What is the difference between a zodiac birthstone and a month birthstone?
A zodiac birthstone is linked to your star sign, while a month birthstone is linked to the month you were born in. The two lists overlap a great deal, and for some people both stones are the same, while for others they are different. You can wear either, or both.
Do birthstones have real powers?
No, there is no scientific evidence that birthstones have healing powers, bring good luck, or affect your life in any way. The meanings attached to them are traditional folklore and entertainment. Their real value is their beauty, history and personal meaning, and they should never replace medical advice or treatment.