Birthstones by Month
Discover the traditional and modern birthstones for each month. Each birthstone carries unique properties and meanings for those born during that time.
Now in Season
May & June Birthstones
May Birthstone — Emerald
The lush green gem of renewal and unconditional love. Emerald activates the Heart Chakra and has been prized by royalty for millennia.
Emerald birthstone guide →June Birthstones — Pearl, Moonstone & Alexandrite
One of only three months with three birthstones. Pearl for wisdom, Moonstone for intuition, Alexandrite for transformation.
June birthstone guide →January
Traditional:
garnet
Capricorn & Aquarius
February
Traditional:
amethyst
Aquarius & Pisces
March
Traditional:
aquamarine, bloodstone
Pisces & Aries
April
Traditional:
diamond
Aries & Taurus
May
Traditional:
emerald
Taurus & Gemini
June
Traditional:
pearl, alexandrite
Gemini & Cancer
July
Traditional:
ruby
Cancer & Leo
August
Traditional:
peridot, sardonyx
Leo & Virgo
September
Traditional:
sapphire
Virgo & Libra
October
Traditional:
opal, tourmaline
Libra & Scorpio
November
Traditional:
topaz, citrine
Scorpio & Sagittarius
December
Traditional:
turquoise, tanzanite, zircon
Sagittarius & Capricorn
Understanding Birthstones
Birthstones are gemstones traditionally associated with each month of the year. The practice of wearing birthstones dates back thousands of years, with roots in both ancient traditions and biblical references to the twelve stones of the High Priest's breastplate.
Traditional vs Modern Birthstones
Traditional birthstones follow ancient associations that have been passed down through generations. Modern birthstones were officially standardised in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers, with updates made in recent years to add alternative stones for some months.
Benefits of Wearing Your Birthstone
- Personal Connection: A birthstone creates a meaningful link to your birth month
- Protective Properties: Many traditions believe birthstones offer protection to the wearer
- Healing Energy: Each stone carries unique metaphysical properties
- Meaningful Gifts: Birthstone jewellery makes thoughtful, personalised presents
How to Choose Your Birthstone
While traditional and modern lists provide guidance, many people feel drawn to particular stones regardless of their birth month. Trust your intuition - the crystal that calls to you may be exactly what you need, whether it's your birthstone or not.
May & June Birthstone FAQ
What are birthstones?▼
Birthstones are gemstones traditionally associated with each month of the year. The modern birthstone list was standardised in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers. Each birthstone is believed to carry unique healing properties and protective energy for those born in its corresponding month.
What is my birthstone by month?▼
January: Garnet. February: Amethyst. March: Aquamarine. April: Diamond. May: Emerald. June: Pearl, Alexandrite & Moonstone. July: Ruby. August: Peridot. September: Sapphire. October: Opal & Tourmaline. November: Topaz & Citrine. December: Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon.
What is the May birthstone?▼
The May birthstone is Emerald — one of the most prized gemstones in history. Its rich green colour symbolises renewal, love, and wisdom. Emerald activates the Heart Chakra and is deeply resonant with Taurus and Gemini, the two zodiac signs of May.
What does May birthstone Emerald mean?▼
Emerald meaning centres on unconditional love, loyalty, and growth. As the May birthstone, Emerald has been associated with Venus, the goddess of love, for centuries. It promotes emotional balance, compassion, and abundance — making it one of the most meaningful birthstones of the year.
What are the June birthstones?▼
June has three birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone. Pearl is the traditional June birthstone, known for purity and wisdom. Moonstone was added to the modern list and resonates with intuition and lunar energy. Alexandrite is the rarest, famous for changing colour from green to red under different light.
Which birthstone is best for May — Emerald or Green Tourmaline?▼
Emerald is the traditional and modern May birthstone, making it the primary choice for May birthdays. Green Tourmaline is a popular alternative with similar heart-centred energy at a more accessible price. Both carry the green vibration of renewal and growth associated with May.
Quick Reference
| Month | Traditional | Modern | Zodiac |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | garnet | garnet | capricorn, aquarius |
| February | amethyst | amethyst | aquarius, pisces |
| March | aquamarine, bloodstone | aquamarine | pisces, aries |
| April | diamond | diamond, clear quartz | aries, taurus |
| May | emerald | emerald | taurus, gemini |
| June | pearl, alexandrite | pearl, moonstone, alexandrite | gemini, cancer |
| July | ruby | ruby | cancer, leo |
| August | peridot, sardonyx | peridot, spinel | leo, virgo |
| September | sapphire | sapphire, lapis lazuli | virgo, libra |
| October | opal, tourmaline | opal, pink tourmaline | libra, scorpio |
| November | topaz, citrine | topaz, citrine | scorpio, sagittarius |
| December | turquoise, tanzanite, zircon | turquoise, tanzanite, blue topaz | sagittarius, capricorn |