Birthstones

Month Traditional Alternative Other suggestions Relevant colour(s)
January Garnet Rose quartz   Red / pink
February Amethyst Amethyst quartz   Purple
March Aquamarine Bloodstone Malachite Pale blue / deep green
April Diamond Rock crystal Cubic zirconia (CZ) Colourless
May Emerald   Aventurine quartz Mid green
June Moonstone Pearl Mother of Pearl   Soft whites
July Ruby Carnelian   Red / orange
August Peridot (Sardonyx)* Banded Carnelian Lime green / (red/white stripe)*
September Sapphire Lapis lazuli Sodalite Royal blue
October Opal   Paua shell, Abalone** Multicoloured
November Golden topaz Citrine Tiger's eye Golden yellow
December Blue zircon Turquoise Amazonite Pale blue

* Sardonyx is a dyed agate which was very popular in Victorian times but is hardly seen now.
**Paua shell and abalone are now sometimes known as marine or sea opal.