Crystals and gemstones are having quite a moment now, and for good reason. They are precious gifts from mother earth. These mineral formations are revered for their beauty as well as their energetic qualities. You can wear your birthstone or include it in your home decor to improve your feng shui.
The tradition of connecting a stone to your birth information is found in different cultures around the world. Similarly, we can find modern and ancient examples of relating all sorts of systems with crystals such as the chakras, numbers, astrological signs, and more. Birthstones are especially popular because it’s a personal way to receive, reflect upon, and understand the qualities of the stone and how they relate to you.
Finding Your Birthstone
Typically you will see birthstones connected to the months of the year. For example, January is garnet, February is amethyst, and so forth. However, there is also a gemstone connected to each day of the week, as well as to your Western zodiac sign. Humans love to create categories and connections!
We can also bring together the idea of the birthstone with each Chinese zodiac sign. You may already be familiar with this Asian system of astrology from Chinese New Year celebrations. In this system, there are twelve zodiac animals that shift from year to year on Chinese New Year. In feng shui, Chinese astrology is used to gather information and insight on the energetics of a person and their home. One of the most well known feng shui tools include the feng shui bagua map and the five element system. These principles are interconnected with the Chinese zodiac signs.
Birthstones by Chinese Zodiac Sign
Here are the birthstones associated with a person's Chinese zodiac sign based on the birth year as well as the month. Yes, there is also a Chinese zodiac animal that corresponds to your month of birth. It's up to you to choose to go by your year, or your month. Or you can even use both together!
Birthstones by Chinese Zodiac Sign Chart | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Zodiac Animal Sign | Chinese Name | Birth Year * | Birth Month ** | Birthstone |
Rat | Zi 子 | 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 | Dec 6 to Jan 5 | Garnet or Obsidian |
Ox | Chou 丑 | 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1895, 1997, 2009 | Jan 6 to Feb 3 | Aquamarine or Lapiz Lazuli |
Tiger | Yin 寅 | 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 | Feb 4 to Mar 5 | Sapphire or Jade |
Rabbit | Mao 卯 | 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 | Mar 6 to Apr 5 | Pearl or Turquoise |
Dragon | Chen 辰 | 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 | Apr 6 to May 5 | Amethyst or Citrine |
Snake | Si 巳 | 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 | May 6 to June 5 | Opal or Auralite |
Horse | Wu 午 | 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 | June 6 to July 5 | Topaz or Carnelian |
Ram (Goat or Sheep) | Wei 未 | 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 | July 6 to Aug 5 | Emerald or Rose Quartz |
Monkey | Shen 申 | 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 | Aug 6 to Sept 5 | Peridot or Pink Halite |
Rooster | You 酉 | 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 | Sept 6 to Oct 5 | Citrine or Clear Quartz |
Dog | Xu 戌 | 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 | Oct 6 to Nov 5 | Diamond or Smoky Quartz |
Pig (or Boar) | Hai 亥 | 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 | Nov 6 to Dec 5 | Ruby or Hematite |
* If you are referring to your birth year, those born between January 1 and February 2 should use the zodiac sign of the year prior. If you are born on or around February 3, 4, or 5, we recommend that you refer to a Chinese Almanac with your birthdate to figure out what sign you belong to.
** If you are referring to your birth month, these days also vary a bit year to year. If you are born on the cusp, please refer to a Chinese Almanac with your birthdate to figure out what sign you belong to.