Why Birthstone Meanings Don't Mean Much: A Crystal Lover’s Guide

At The Empress & Wolf, one of the most common questions we get is “What’s my birthstone?”

While the idea of birthstones is fun and has certainly become popular, the truth is that they’re not as ancient or universal as most people think. In fact, the modern birthstone list is more of a marketing invention than a mystical tradition.

A Short History of Birthstones

The earliest link between gemstones and time of birth comes from biblical references in the Book of Exodus, where the high priest Aaron wore a breastplate with twelve stones, each thought to correspond to one of the tribes of Israel. Later, these stones became loosely connected with the twelve zodiac signs, based on planetary resonance and symbolic qualities.

Fast forward to modern times, and in 1912 the Jeweler’s of America organisation created the first standardised list of “birthstones.” Why? To sell more jewellery! It was a brilliant marketing move that made people feel emotionally connected to certain stones based on their month of birth. Later, major companies like Tiffany & Co. helped shape the list further by famously adding tanzanite as a December birthstone in the 20th century.

The problem is that the modern birthstones system oversimplifies the deep connections between astrology, energy, and crystals. 

The Problem with Birthstone Meanings

Each month has two zodiac signs yet the birthstone of the month typically only aligns with one of them. For example June’s traditional birthstone is Pearl. Pearl is a perfect match for Cancer energy (later in June), with its nurturing, watery, moonlit qualities. But it doesn’t really resonate with Gemini energy (the first half of June), which is airy, intellectual, and fast-moving.

So while the idea of a birthstone is appealing, it’s often a mismatch depending on your actual zodiac sign.

A Better Way: Crystals for Your Zodiac Sign (and Beyond)

At The Empress & Wolf, we encourage people to choose stones that align with their personal astrology placements like your sun, moon, rising, or other significant planets. Or by simply choosing the stones that intuitively call to you. Crystals are deeply personal, and the best ones are those that feel alive in your hand and resonate with your current journey.

Here’s a more accurate guide to crystals for each zodiac sign:

• Aries ♈ Tiger’s Eye, Carnelian, Pyrite, Pietersite, Rhodonite, Bloodstone

• Taurus ♉ Emerald, Rose Quartz, Dragon’s Blood, Howlite, Green Calcite, Jade

• Gemini ♊ Apatite, Agate, Kyanite, Tourmalated Quartz, Fluorite, Tanzanite

• Cancer ♋ Moonstone, Pearl, Larimar, Merlinite, Blue Calcite, Shungite

• Leo ♌ Citrine, Amber, Peridot, Golden Rutile, Ruby, Clear Quartz, Sunstone

• Virgo ♍ Shattuckite, Garnet, Amazonite, Charoite, Sapphire, Lepidolite

• Libra ♎ Morganite, Chalcedony, Pink Tourmaline, Chrysoprase, Apophyllite

• Scorpio ♏ Black Obsidian, Opal, Moldavite, Green Tourmaline, Labradorite

• Sagittarius ♐ Blue Topaz, Lapis Lazuli, Herkimer Diamond, Sugilite, Dioptase

• Capricorn ♑ Smokey Quartz, Malachite, Black Tourmaline, Prehnite, Hematite

• Aquarius ♒ Turquoise, Angelite, Sodalite, Celestite, Chrysocolla

• Pisces ♓ Aquamarine, Blue Lace Agate, Aqua Aura, Jade, Amethyst
  
  

Follow Your Intuition

So are we saying birthstones are bad? Not at all but they’re just not the full story. If you’ve always felt drawn to your official birthstone, that’s great. But if it doesn’t resonate, don’t worry because it wasn’t meant to define you.

Instead trust your intuition, your astrology placements, and your lived experience. Working with crystals is about forming a personal, sacred connection with the stones that help you grow, heal, and connect.