Alternative Birthstones Options

If I asked you what your birthstone is, you could probably tell me.  After all, it’s “your” stone.  You feel a special connection to it.  But what if you just don’t connect with that stone?  Maybe it’s not your color or something else about it just doesn’t appeal to you.  Or maybe, it’s a beautiful stone and you love it, but it’s priced way out of your reach.  The great news is that there are options.  Alternative birthstones are available for each month.

There are in fact, many different birthstone lists.  Some were developed from the traditions of a specific country.  In the first-century, a Jewish historian thought there was a connection between the stones in Aaron’s breastplate and the different months.  The Hebrew birthstone list was developed from that.  Looking for a way to standardize the list, the birthstones that most people think today of were actually adopted in 1912 by the American Nationabirthstonesl Association of Jewelers.  Some of those have been updated over the years.  For example, from the 15th to the 20th century the accepted birthstones for June were cat’s eye, turquoise, and agate.  By 2016, the list of birthstones for June had been changed to pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite.

If you are looking for a piece for yourself or a special gift for someone and want to incorporate a birthstone into it, consider using an alternative birthstone.

Birthstone options per month:

(The first stone listed is considered the traditional birthstone)

  • July: Ruby, Carnelian, Sardonyx, Turquoise, Onyx, Sapphire
  • January: Garnet, Onyx, Jasper
  • February: Amethyst, Jasper, Red Garnet. Pearl, Moonstone, Bloodstone, Hyacinth
  • March: Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Jasper, Jade
  • April: Diamond, Sapphire, Clear Quartz, Opal
  • May: Emerald, Chrysoprase, Agate, Chalcedony, Carnelian, Sapphire
  • June: Pearl, Moonstone, Agate, Alexandrite, Cat’s Eye, Turquoise, Chalcedony, Emerald\
  • August: Peridot, Alexandrite, Carnelian, Sardonyx, Moonstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, Topaz
  • September: Sapphire, Sardonyx, Peridot, Lapis, Moonstone, Agate
  • October: Opal, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, Beryl, Jasper, Coral
  • November: Topaz, Pearl, Cat’s Eye, Citrine
  • December: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Ruby, Lapis, Chrysoprase, Topaz, Bloodstone, Onyx

Learn more about the traditional uses of each stone on our Properties, Legends and Lore blog

Learn more about the health benefits of gemstones and natural metals on Valley Health Alliance

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