DECEMBER BIRTHSTONE GUIDE
December birthstone gems shine in cool blues and greens, perfectly capturing the winter spirit. People born this month are gifted with beautiful turquoise, tanzanite, and blue zircon—each carrying rich history and meaningful symbolism. From turquoise representing healing and peace to tanzanite's transformational energy, these stones offer both ancient protection and fresh modern appeal.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW
What is the birthstone of December?
The primary December birthstone is turquoise, a blue-to-green gem loved for its sky-like hues. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), December also claims tanzanite and zircon as official stones. Blue topaz sometimes pops up in lists from places like the American Gem Society. Turquoise has been prized since ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago.
TYPES
Are there multiple birthstones for December?
Yes, December stands out with multiple birthstones, providing choices for those born this month. This variety stems from updates to the modern birthstone chart, which began in 1912 with the American National Retail Jeweler's Association. Tanzanite joined in 2002, courtesy of the American Gem Trade Association, to highlight rare gems and boost options. Unlike single-stone months like January's garnet, December's selection lets you pick based on hue, origin, or meaning, from turquoise's ancient roots to tanzanite's modern exclusivity.
COLOR
What is December's birthstone color?
The December birthstone color palette centers on cool blues, symbolizing winter's serene skies and waters.
- Turquoise ranges from robin’s egg blue to teal green, influenced by copper and iron content.
- Tanzanite displays deep violet-blue with pleochroism, shifting shades based on viewing angle for a dynamic glow.
- Zircon often appears in bright blue or colorless forms, mimicking diamond's fire after heat treatment.
- Blue topaz adds sky blue to intense Swiss blue tones, achieved through irradiation and heating processes.
December Birthstone Tanzanite
What is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a rare variety of zoisite mineral, displaying striking blue-violet hues due to vanadium content. Discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, it's often heat-treated to enhance its color from brownish to vivid pleochroic shades. With a Mohs hardness of 6-7, it's durable for daily wear but sensitive to knocks. As a modern December birthstone, its exclusivity stems from a single mining location, making it a sought-after gem for elegant jewelry.
Where is Tanzanite found?
Tanzanite occurs solely in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania, spanning a mere 4-square-kilometer area. Miners dig shafts up to 1,000 feet deep in this geologically unique zone formed by tectonic activity. Discovered by Maasai herders, it's regulated by the Tanzanian government to control supply. Experts predict reserves may last only 20-30 more years, heightening its rarity, according to recent mining surveys.
SYMBOLIZE
What does the December birthstone symbolize?
December birthstones represent protection, wisdom, and peace. Turquoise wards off negativity, tanzanite aids transformation, and zircon promotes clarity, fostering emotional balance for wearers. Together, these gems foster peace and positive energy, aligning with December's reflective end-of-year spirit.
Turquoise Birthstone December
What is Turquoise?
Turquoise forms as a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum in dry climates near copper sources. This opaque gem shows shades from sky blue to green, often with veiny matrix from the host rock. It has a waxy sheen and Mohs hardness of 5-6, making it suitable for jewelry but requiring careful handling. Valued for centuries, it's a key turquoise birthstone December option for its unique, earthy beauty.
What is the history of Turquoise as a birthstone?
Turquoise has adorned humanity for over 5,000 years, starting with ancient Egyptians who mined it in Sinai for amulets and royal jewelry. Persians used it in domes for its sky-like color, symbolizing heaven. Native American tribes, like the Navajo, crafted it into protective talismans and traded widely. By the 1918 birthstone list from the National Association of Jewelers, it became the official December birthstone, blending tradition with modern appeal.
Where is Turquoise mined?
China dominates production from Hubei Province, supplying much of the global market. The U.S. boasts high-quality sites like Arizona's Sleeping Beauty and Kingman mines, known for pure blue hues, and Nevada's Carico Lake for greenish tones. Iran's Nishapur region yields prized Persian blue, while Mexico's Sonora offers stabilized varieties. Egypt's ancient Sinai mines still produce small amounts, per recent USGS reports on gem mining.
How to identify real Turquoise?
Genuine turquoise feels cool to the touch and has a subtle waxy texture, unlike plastic imitations. Check for natural matrix veins and uneven color distribution; dyed fakes often look too uniform. It shouldn't scratch easily with a copper penny (Mohs 5-6). Professional tests include refractive index (1.61-1.65) or an acetone swab to detect dyes. Always seek GIA certification for assurance on authenticity.
Is Turquoise expensive?
Turquoise pricing depends on quality, color, and origin. High-end natural pieces from Sleeping Beauty mine can fetch $100-$500 per carat for robin’s egg blue without treatment. Stabilized or composite varieties are more affordable, starting at $5-$20 per carat. Rare Persian blue commands premiums up to $1,000 per carat. Overall, it's accessible compared to gems like sapphire, with jewelry pieces ranging widely based on size and setting.
PROPERTIES
What are the healing properties of December birthstones?
December birthstones are believed to offer significant healing benefits. Turquoise promotes peace, emotional balance, and physical healing, supporting the immune system and easing pain. Tanzanite aids in spiritual growth, stress relief, and emotional healing by encouraging transformation and intuition. Blue Zircon helps enhance mental clarity, relieve anxiety, and support restful sleep, making these stones powerful tools for overall well-being and balance.
| Birthstone | Healing Property | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Purification | Detoxifies, reduces cramps |
| Tanzanite | Transformation | Spiritual awareness |
| Zircon | Clarity | Mental focus |
| Blue Topaz | Calming | Aids digestion |
Zircon December Birthstone
What is Zircon?
Zircon is one of Earth's oldest minerals, dating back 4.4 billion years, composed of zirconium silicate. It appears in colors like blue, red, or colorless, with high refractive index giving diamond-like brilliance and fire. Heat treatment enhances blues, and its Mohs hardness of 6-7.5 suits jewelry. Not to confuse with cubic zirconia, natural zircon is a traditional zircon December birthstone, prized for clarity and sparkle in various cuts
DIFFERENCE
How do Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon differ?
Turquoise stands out as an opaque gem with a signature matrix of veins from its host rock, giving it a unique, earthy look often in blue-green shades. Tanzanite, on the other hand, is transparent and exhibits pleochroism, meaning it shows different colors like blue, violet, or burgundy depending on the viewing angle. Zircon is known for its high brilliance and fire, similar to diamonds, and comes in various colors but often heat-treated to blue. In terms of durability, turquoise ranks 5-6 on the Mohs scale, making it softer and more prone to scratches, while tanzanite and zircon range from 6-7.5. Sourcing differs too: turquoise comes from global mines like those in the US and China, tanzanite is exclusive to Tanzania, and zircon is found worldwide, including Australia and Cambodia.
ALTERNATE
What are alternatives to Turquoise, Tanzanite, or Zircon?
Blue topaz mimics sky hues at a lower cost. Other blue gems like aquamarine or sapphire work too, offering similar cool tones but different sparkle for December birthstone jewelry.
FEATURES
What famous jewelry features December birthstones?
Ancient artifacts like King Tutankhamun's burial mask from 1323 BCE incorporate turquoise inlays for protection in the afterlife, showcasing its historical significance. In the 20th century, the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, wore a stunning Cartier necklace blending turquoise with amethyst, symbolizing elegance and romance. Modern celebrities like Cate Blanchett have donned tanzanite earrings on red carpets, highlighting its velvety blue hues. Zircon appears in antique Victorian pieces, often set in gold for its fiery sparkle. These iconic items demonstrate how December birthstones blend timeless tradition with contemporary glamour.
ZODIAC
What about December birthstone and zodiac signs?
- Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) connects to turquoise for luck, optimism, and adventure-seeking traits while providing protective energy during travels.
- Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) ties to zircon for grounding, discipline, and ambition, helping to clear mental blocks for better focus.
Both benefit from the calming energy of blue stones to promote emotional balance and inner peace.
CARING AND STORAGE
How to care for December birthstone jewelry?
To keep your December birthstone jewelry sparkling:
- Clean Gently: Gently clean with lukewarm soapy water and a soft brush, then pat dry with a microfiber cloth. Steer clear of harsh chemicals, extreme heat, or ultrasonic cleaners, as turquoise's porous nature can absorb liquids and cause discoloration.
- Store Separately: Tanzanite is prone to scratching, so store it separately in a padded box away from harder gems.
- Inspect Regularly: Regular professional inspections ensure settings stay secure, preserving the stones' natural beauty for years.
- Preserve Carefully: Zircon handles daily wear well, but avoid knocks to prevent chipping.
COLLECTION
Where to buy December birthstone jewelry?
Shop LC excels as the premier destination for authentic, affordable December birthstone jewelry, featuring a wide array of turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon in expertly crafted rings, necklaces, and earrings. Our certified selections guarantee quality, and you can snag incredible deals through jewelry auctions, where bidding starts low on unique pieces. With a focus on ethical sourcing and customer satisfaction, we make it easy to find the perfect gem that fits your budget and style.