Birthstones and gemstones, explained

Find your birthstone, and get to know it.

What each of the 21 modern birthstones is, its colors, where it comes from, how hard it is and how to clean it. Every fact comes from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS), with links.

This month

November birthstones: Topaz and Citrine

Shopping for a November birthday? See the colors, which piece suits each stone, and how to care for it.

November birthstone guide Gift ideas

All 12 months

Birthstones by month

Full birthstone chart →

JanuaryGarnet FebruaryAmethyst MarchAquamarine and Bloodstone AprilDiamond MayEmerald JunePearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone JulyRuby AugustPeridot, Spinel and Sardonyx SeptemberSapphire OctoberOpal and Tourmaline NovemberTopaz and Citrine DecemberTurquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon

Free tools

Look after your gems

How to clean each gemWarm soapy water, ultrasonic or steam? GIA's answer for all 21.Mohs hardness chartWhere every birthstone sits between talc (1) and diamond (10).Everyday wear checkerWhich stones suit a ring you never take off.Printable birthstone chartFree PNG and PDF to print or pin.

Shop by color

Gemstones by color

All colors →

Red6 gems Pink7 gems Orange7 gems Yellow8 gems Green11 gems Blue12 gems Purple6 gems Brown4 gems Black8 gems White and colorless8 gems

Where our facts come from

Hardness, toughness, cleaning and treatment notes come from GIA's care and cleaning guides. What each stone is, its colors, sources, history and name come from the American Gem Society's birthstone guides. Every gem page links to its sources, and anything they do not cover is left out. Last checked October 16, 2026. More about our method.