Two lists, not one
There is no single official birthstone list. The tool shows two:
- The modern list, as kept by the American Gem Society. Its roots are in a list adopted in the United States in 1912, which has been added to since, for example with alexandrite, spinel, tanzanite and citrine.
- The traditional United Kingdom list, published by the National Association of Goldsmiths in 1937 (now the National Association of Jewellers). It keeps older stones such as rock crystal, chrysoprase, carnelian and lapis lazuli.
Other traditions, including the Vedic tradition of nine gemstones for the nine planets, use different systems. Those are covered on the Vedic site and are not the same thing as a birthstone.
Where the idea comes from
The link between twelve stones and twelve months is often traced to the first-century writer Josephus, who connected the twelve stones of the High Priest’s breastplate with the months and the signs of the zodiac. Lists of birthstones as we know them are much more recent, and were partly created by the jewellery trade to standardise what was sold.
What this page does and does not say
Birthstones are a cultural tradition. We describe what each stone is and where the custom comes from. We do not claim that any stone affects health, mood or luck, and nothing on this site is medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
↳ Which list should I use?
Whichever you prefer. The modern list offers more choice and often more affordable stones; the traditional list has the older associations. Many people simply choose the stone they like best.
↳ Are these the same as zodiac stones?
No. Birthstones follow the calendar month. Zodiac stones follow the Sun sign, and lists of those vary even more between sources.