The modern birthstone list is the official list of birthstones in the US. Originally adopted in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers.

The traditional birthstone list is a compilation of birthstones used in different societies dating back to the 15th century. The second stone listed is the traditional ancient Hebrew birthstone. If only one stone is listed, the Hebrew birthstone corresponds to the other traditional stones.

The mystical and Ayurvedic birthstone lists both have roots going back over a thousand years. The mystical list is of Tibetan origin and the Ayurvedic list is taken from Ayurvedic Indian medicine.