January – Garnet
February – Amethyst
March – Aquamarine
April – Diamond
May – Emerald
June – Pearl or Alexandrite
July – Ruby
August – Peridot
September – Sapphire
October – Tourmaline or Opal
November – Topaz or Citrine
December – Tanzanite, Zircon or Turquoise
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Some believe Birthstones have a biblical source tracing back to the book of Exodus in the Bible. History holds that a Jewish historian, Titus Flavius Josephus, proclaimed that on the breastplate of Aaron were 12 gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These twelve precious stones were inlaid on the sacred breastplate which Moses gave to his brother, the high priest Aaron. Aaron was selected to be the first high priest of God’s people. Inlaid on Aaron’s breastplate were the following gems: emerald, sapphire, diamond, topaz, sardius, agate, ligure, amethyst, onyx, jasper, and beryl.
“There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.” (Exodus 8:17-20)
The 12 gemstones on Aaron’s breastplate were believed to have held a special connection to the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac. From this, it is believed that these breastplate gems came to signify the birthstones that we all know today. Initially, a single person was to own all 12 birthstones and wear each gem on the corresponding month of that year. However, over the passing of time each gemstone was assigned to represent a particular month of the year with its relevance to the 12 signs of the zodiac. Thus, giving us the birthstone charts we follow today.