When you ask someone “what’s your birthstone?”, most people know the answer. A lot like your zodiac, your birthstone is just something you learned about yourself at some point during your life. For many people, it may even have been the first crystal you were aware of. Maybe as a kid, you were gifted a piece of jewelry with your month’s birthstone, or maybe as a teen, you picked up a necklace or ring with your month’s crystal. 

However you first found out about birthstones, they are a great way to start working with crystals or to deepen your bond to a crystal that you are innately connected with.

Wearing your birthstone is thought to bring wellness and good fortune, but do you know what else your birthstone can do for you? Let’s take a look at the history of birthstones and break down each one and how it can benefit you!

How did we get birthstones?

The origin of birthstones isn’t exactly widely known—but it is extremely interesting! 

They came about in the 5th century when Christian scholars linked the 12 crystals in the Breastplate of Aaron to the 12 months of the year. They thought that each crystal was connected to a month of the year and that they would be able to tap into those healing powers by wearing each crystal during its coordinating month. 

Eventually, the practice was adapted to what we know today—a person would wear the crystal that was linked to their birth month for the entire year. 

There wasn’t always a consensus on which crystal was attributed to each month. But in 1912, an “official” list was published and that was what was used for many years. That list has undergone some slight modifications over the years, but mostly the crystals remain the same. 

1. January’s birthstone — Garnet

A Root Chakra crystal, Garnet is a great stone for bringing balance and stability to your life. It has a very passionate energy that promotes creativity in anyone who works with it. Garnet is also a crystal with a strong love connection. As a stone of commitment, Garnet helps to foster strong and lasting relationships while also helping you understand the importance of independence and self-confidence.

2. February’s birthstone — Amethyst

Amethyst is by far one of the most popular crystals… and with good reason! Amethyst is an amazing crystal to help you meditate—it works to slow your mind down and clear it of distracting thoughts so you can properly focus on your meditation practice. Beyond meditation, Amethyst is a wonderful crystal for bringing calming energy to your mind, body, and spirit. 

3. March’s birthstone — Aquamarine 

A real blue beauty, Aquamarine is as soothing as the ocean waves it’s named after. It has a gentle calming energy that can help assuage any feelings of anxiety and stress. Aquamarine is also the cheerleader you never knew you needed—its energy also enhances your inner strength and self-confidence!

4. April’s birthstone — Diamond (Herkimer Diamond)

While April’s birthstone is the Diamond, I wanted to talk about a more affordable and more energetically powerful alternative—Herkimer Diamonds. These stunning crystals are extremely high-vibrational and have very uplifting energy. They are great crystals to keep your energy field free of impurities and also work to develop your intuition.

5. May’s birthstone — Emerald

Emerald is a wonderful gemstone to work with when you are trying to heal emotional wounds. It helps you to embrace your vulnerability and act with compassion and overwhelming caring nature. Emerald helps you put your trust in the Divine and develop deep gratitude for all that the universe provides.  

6. June’s birthstone — Alexandrite

Ready for a little joy? Then you are ready for Alexandrite! This purple crystal has an extremely joyful energy that helps you see the best in every situation. Alexandrite helps you connect with the frequencies of Divine Love and Divine Knowledge—it teaches you how to trust your intuition and connects you with the Divine within you. 

7. July's birthstone — Ruby

July brings a burst of vitality with its birthstone, Ruby. This fiery red crystal is full of passion and is amazing for increasing energy. If you are feeling lethargic, Ruby can help you find the motivation to move forward and the enthusiasm to sustain your motivation. It’s also a great stone for attracting love, good fortune, and prosperity of all kinds. 

8. August’s birthstone — Peridot

A delicate green stone, Peridot has an amazing ability to bring a sense of calm and safety no matter whatever else is going on in your world. It can help you stabilize your mood and keep negative emotions at bay. Peridot also helps you establish a deep focus making it a great crystal for when you need to study or have a looming deadline at work. 

9. September’s birthstone — Sapphire

Sapphire is the perfect crystal to support you—it helps you become more secure in your opinions while also allowing you to not be easily swayed by the opinions of others. It is also a crystal that brings clarity of mind and focus. If you are working towards a goal, Sapphire gives you the mental discipline you need to reach that goal.

10. October’s birthstone — Opal

Opal can bestow joy in our lives. It draws our attention to the more colorful sides of life and awakens the desire for exploration and adventure. Opal is extremely useful in infusing the aura with high-vibe energy, helping you to connect with higher-dimensional beings, such as your angels and guides.

11. November’s birthstone — Citrine

It’s time for a bit of sunshine! Citrine brings warm and fuzzy energy that you can’t help but feel happy about. It is a wonderful crystal to attract joy, creativity, and prosperity. Citrine keeps negative energy at bay and helps to keep the positive energy flowing.

12. December’s birthstone — Tanzanite

Tanzanite, a wonderful Throat and Third Eye Chakra crystal, increases communication with the spiritual world and facilitates access to ancestral knowledge. If you are looking to dive deeper into understanding your soul and soul’s purpose, Tanzanite is the perfect crystal for this. 

Wearing your birthstone is an amazing way to connect with its energy—but it isn’t the only way! Consider keeping your birthstone somewhere in your home or office, or even carrying a small tumble or palm stone with you throughout the day. 

Keep Shining, Crystal Lovers!