Ahead, an expert shares the meaning behind each zodiac sign’s various birthstones—and what energy they can bring to your life.

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There’s a reason every astro girlie you know just so happens to travel with a pocketful of moon-charged crystals and a pack of tarot cards. It’s because, typically, your birth chart goes hand-in-hand with other holistic practices—like any thriving ecosystem, they’re interconnected and work together to paint a larger picture about their subject.

What you probably didn’t know, though, is that crystals go far beyond the usual elements found at your local curio shop. In fact, many precious stones—like sapphires, rubies, and even diamonds—fall into the category and each one is believed to have its own beneficial properties. You can’t go wrong buying any type of crystal (an emerald ring is an emerald ring, am I right?), but like similar practices, it’s believed that these totems are more effective when they share a further connection to your star sign. In other words: your birthstone.  

Though typically associated with personalized jewelry and birthstone bears (IYKYK), these elements actually hold much greater power, says Katie Huang, founder of Love by Luna and author of Crystal Zodiac: An Astrological Guide to Enhancing Your Life with Crystals. “Every zodiac sign has certain stones that are naturally linked to it,” she tells InStyle. “Crystals that resonate with your zodiac sign can be particularly powerful for you. These connections are known as correspondences.” 

According to her, a birthstone that shares “symbolic or energetic similarities” with your star sign can enhance the effectiveness of your rituals, manifestations, or intentions—it all comes down to choosing the right one for you. Ahead, Huang shares the meaning behind each zodiac sign’s various birthstones—and what energy they can bring to your life. 

Aquarius: Garnet (January) and Amethyst (February)

Due to its January 20 to February 18 date range, Aquarius has associations with both garnet and amethyst. The latter is one of the most commonly used crystals and, according to Huang, is “a fantastic match” for the air sign, which she calls “one of the most forward-thinking signs.” 

“This crystal is renowned for its calming and intuitive properties, which align perfectly with the Aquarian need for mental clarity and their innovative nature,” she tells InStyle. “Amethyst helps stimulate the mind, enhancing creativity and intuition—both of which are essential for Aquarius, who often engages in big-picture thinking and seeks to pioneer new ideas.” Huang also claims the stone’s “soothing energy” can help to balance “Aquarius's often high-strung and electric energy, helping them to stay calm and focused, particularly in chaotic or stressful situations.”

Pisces: Amethyst (February), Aquamarine (March), Bloodstone (March)

Pisces also considers amethyst a birthstone, in addition to aquamarine and bloodstone, which are both March stones. Huang says the latter can be attributed to “grounding and protective properties. Historically, bloodstone has been used for its healing properties and is often associated with vitality, courage, and strength. The stone is believed to have powerful energies that can help cleanse the blood, improve circulation, and boost overall vitality. This makes it a great stone for promoting physical health and endurance.” 

Beyond its physical benefits, she says bloodstone can also impact a person’s emotions and spirit. “Bloodstone is said to promote selflessness, assisting in acting in the present moment and grounding one in the physical world. It’s also used to calm the mind, reducing irritability, aggressiveness, and impatience,” she continued.

Aries: Aquamarine (March), Bloodstone (March), Diamond (April)

Those born under Aries can also count aquamarine and bloodstone among their birthstones, as well as diamonds. All three of these stones boast qualities that complement the fire sign’s innate attributes. “Aquamarine is all about soothing and calming energies, kind of like being at the seaside. It’s believed to help you speak more clearly and calmly—super handy during stressful times,” she says. “On the other hand, bloodstone is known for its grounding and protective qualities, giving you a boost of courage and guiding you to stay energized and motivated.”

Taurus: Diamond (April) and Emerald (May)

Though most wouldn’t associate diamonds with crystal healing, Huang says the rare jewels—which Aries and Taurus both count among their birthstones—actually hold a meaning of their own. “Diamonds, with their unmatched hardness and clarity, symbolize longevity and reliability—traits highly valued by earth signs,” she explains. “Emeralds, on the other hand, are known for their lush green color, which connects them to the vitality and richness of nature, a core aspect of earth sign personalities. These gems are believed to promote healing and emotional well-being, echoing the nurturing spirit of those born under earth signs.”

Gemini: Emerald (May), Pearl (June), Alexandrite (June), Moonstone (June)

Emeralds, pearls, alexandrite, and moonstone are all among Gemini birthstones and, according to Huang, “each one has interesting meanings that suit Gemini traits.” Emeralds, for example, “are great for enhancing communication skills, which is perfect since Geminis love to chat and learn new things.” 

June-born Geminis, however, should consider the other stones. “Pearls are all about purity and calmness, helping Geminis find peace amidst their busy lives. Then there’s alexandrite, which changes colors depending on the light—it’s as adaptable as Geminis themselves, boosting creativity and intuition,” she continued. “Lastly, moonstone mirrors the introspective side of the moon, helping Geminis to stabilize their emotions and deepen inner growth.”

Cancer: Pearl (June), Alexandrite (June), Moonstone (June), Ruby (July)

Though many would associate the water sign with pearls—especially due to its crab mascot—Huang has a different recommendation for Cancers. “I’d lean towards moonstone, because of its deep connection with the moon, which is Cancer's ruling planet. It's said to enhance feelings of nurturing and protectiveness, which are core to Cancer’s personality. It helps to stabilize emotions and bring calmness—something that can really resonate with the often sensitive Cancer.”  

Huang says pearls would be her second choice because they most closely reflect typical Cancer traits. “Like moonstone, pearls are also linked to the water element, reflecting Cancer’s emotional and flowing characteristics. They're thought to carry a soothing effect, which complements Cancer’s need for security and comfort.”

Leo: Ruby (July), Peridot (August), Sardonyx (August), Spinel (August)

Vivacious Leos also hold four different stones within their range: ruby (July), as well as peridot, sardonyx, and spinel (all August). “Peridot is all about positivity. It's often called the stone of compassion. Peridot is believed to bring good health, restful sleep, and peace to relationships, by balancing emotions and mind. This gem is also associated with abundance and prosperity, which might be why people say it attracts wealth and happiness,” she says.

Sardonyx, meanwhile, is “known for being a stone of strength and protection. People often turn to sardonyx for stability, especially in marriages and partnerships, as it's thought to increase confidence and assertiveness. It's also linked to courage, making it a great pick for anyone stepping into a new role or tackling a big project.”

Spinel stones (usually the red and pink varieties) help August-born Leo babies channel “hope, revitalization, and the joy of being alive,” she says. They also release “worry and resistance, letting their wearer move forward in life.” Plus, they’re thought to attract prosperity, promote healing, and reduce stress.

Virgo: Peridot (August), Sardonyx (August), Spinel (August), Sapphire (September)

August and September birthstones “reflect Virgo’s essence through their shared qualities of healing, protection, and clarity,” says Huang. “Sardonyx enhances Virgo’s analytical skills and provides stability, reinforcing their methodical approach. Spinel encourages renewal and helps Virgos embrace change, a sometimes challenging task for this typically cautious sign. Finally, sapphire brings wisdom and mental focus, aligning with Virgo’s pursuit of knowledge and efficiency.”

Between all four stones, however, Huang says she’d “especially recommend peridot for this sign. Peridot acts as a buffer for Virgos, helping to soften their tendency for self-criticism and encouraging a more optimistic outlook. It’s like having a supportive friend who constantly reminds you to focus on the positives and not be too hard on yourself,” she says. “The bright, uplifting energy of peridot can help Virgos balance their practical sides with a lighter, more carefree perspective.”

Libra: Sapphire (September), Opal (October), Tourmaline (October)

Libra babies, born from September 23 to October 23, can choose from sapphire, opal, and tourmaline, which Huang says are all perfect for the breezy air sign. Sapphire, she says, is “known for bringing wisdom and clarity, which really matches up with air signs, which are all about clear thinking and good communication. Then there's opal, which is such a unique gem because it shows so many different colors all at once. This really suits the versatile and adaptable nature of air signs, who are known for their creativity and ability to see things from multiple perspectives.”

Scorpio: Opal (October), Tourmaline (October), Topaz (November), Citrine (November)

Huang says Scorpio’s birthstones—opal, tourmaline, topaz, and citrine—can all “help one live freely and independently,” which is something the water sign craves by nature. According to her, “Opal enhances emotional expression and fosters creativity, encouraging one to embrace their true self and share it with the world.” 

Tourmaline, on the other hand, “offers powerful protection against negative energies and external influences, ”particularly, Huang says, in its black variety. “By shielding one from negativity, it supports a sense of autonomy and safety, enabling an individual to make decisions based on personal conviction.” She says Topaz also supports Scorpio's goals, as a stone that’s “known for its ability to clear the mind and sharpen intellect. This clarity of thought fosters greater self-reliance, as one can more easily see their path. It also boosts confidence, which is essential for anyone striving to live independently.”

“Lastly, citrine is a stone of abundance and positivity,” she continues. “It encourages a bright outlook and attracts success and prosperity, which can provide the financial freedom necessary for independent living. Additionally, citrine's cheerful energy helps dispel doubts that might hinder one’s pursuit of a self-determined life.”

Sagittarius: Topaz (November), Citrine (November), Tanzanite (December), Turquoise (December), Zircon (December)

Sagittarius boasts the most possible birthstones of any star sign, with five in total. November Sags can choose from topaz, citrine, and tanzanite, while December babies will feel drawn to turquoise or zircon. “If I were to pick one that best matches the sunny and adventurous spirit of Sagittarius, I'd lean towards citrine,” Huang says. “This stone embodies positivity and joy, resonating deeply with the optimistic and freedom-loving traits of Sagittarians.” 

“Known as the 'success stone,' citrine can also encourage Sagittarians in their quest for adventure and new experiences, enhancing their natural enthusiasm and helping to attract abundance and prosperity,” she continued. “Its vibrant energy supports Sagittarius’ love of exploration.”

Capricorn: Tanzanite (December), Turquoise (December), Zircon (December), Garnet (January)

Among Capricorn’s birthstones are: tanzanite, turquoise, zircon, and garnet. For December Capricorns, Huang recommends garnet, while January-born Caps might feel more connected to onyx. “For December Capricorns, who often embrace the traditional qualities of their sign such as discipline and practicality, garnet is an excellent choice. This stone resonates with Capricorn's earthy nature but also provides energy and passion, helping to balance their often-serious side out.” 

“January Capricorns might benefit from wearing onyx, a stone known for its abilities to provide strength and stamina,” she continues. “It supports the endurance Capricorns are famous for and helps to ground them, enhancing their natural capabilities for leadership and perseverance through challenging times.”