December Birthstone
Tanzanite, Turquoise & Zircon
The blue trio of wisdom, protection, and prosperity — spanning billions of years of Earth's history
Quick answer: The birthstone for December is Tanzanite, Turquoise & Zircon.
Tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon are all recognized birthstones for December, united by their cool blue hues and valued for their unique beauty, symbolism, and range of price points.
What Is the Birthstone for December?
The December birthstones are tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. This remarkable trio of blue gemstones offers December-born individuals one of the most diverse birthstone collections of any month. From the ancient traditions of turquoise to the modern allure of tanzanite, these stones span thousands of years of human fascination with blue gems.
Tanzanite, discovered in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro, is a violet-blue variety of the mineral zoisite found nowhere else on Earth. Its remarkable trichroism — appearing blue, purple, or burgundy depending on the viewing angle — makes it one of the most visually captivating gemstones in the world. Tiffany & Co. introduced it to the market in 1968, and it was officially added to the December birthstone list in 2002.
Turquoise, one of humanity's oldest gemstones, has adorned civilizations for over 7,000 years. Its name derives from the French pierre turquoise, meaning "Turkish stone," because the gems first reached Europe through Turkish trade routes. Zircon, often confused with synthetic cubic zirconia despite being entirely natural, contains some of the oldest crystals ever found on Earth — over 4.4 billion years old.
December Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
Each of December's three birthstones carries deep symbolic meaning that resonates with those born in this reflective, transformative month.
Wisdom & Insight
All three December stones are linked to enhanced mental clarity. Tanzanite is prized for stimulating spiritual awareness and intuitive understanding.
Protection & Safety
Turquoise has served as a protective talisman for thousands of years. Native American warriors wore it as a shield, and travelers carried it for safe journeys.
Prosperity & Success
Zircon has been associated with prosperity since the Middle Ages, believed to attract wealth and honor while guiding its wearer toward wise decisions.
Spiritual Growth
Tanzanite is considered a stone of transformation, helping its wearer move through major life transitions with grace and heightened awareness.
Communication & Truth
Turquoise is known as the "stone of communication," believed to help its wearer speak with clarity, honesty, and compassion.
Healing & Balance
All three stones are associated with healing — tanzanite for emotional recovery, turquoise for holistic wellness, and zircon for restful sleep and physical vitality.
December Birthstone Colors & Varieties
December's three birthstones offer a captivating range of blues and beyond. Here are the main varieties:
Violet-Blue Tanzanite
Deep Violet-Blue
The most prized tanzanite color — a rich, saturated violet-blue that appears to shift between blue and purple depending on the angle.
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Pure Sky Blue
Named after the Arizona mine that produced it, this variety is valued for its solid, robin's-egg blue with no matrix veining.
Spider-Web Turquoise
Blue with Dark Matrix
A prized variety featuring an intricate web of dark veins running through bright blue stone, creating a distinctive natural pattern.
Blue Zircon
Electric Blue
The classic December zircon — a vivid, brilliant blue created by heat-treating brown zircon, with fire that can rival diamond.
Persian Turquoise
Intense Sky Blue
For centuries the world standard for turquoise quality, Iranian stones are known for their uniform, intense blue color.
Colorless Zircon
Crystal Clear
Used as a diamond alternative for centuries before modern simulants, colorless zircon displays remarkable brilliance and fire.
Tanzanite vs. Turquoise vs. Zircon: How Do They Compare?
December's three birthstones each bring very different qualities to the table.
| Property | Tanzanite | Turquoise | Zircon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Zoisite | Copper aluminum phosphate | Zirconium silicate |
| Hardness | 6 – 7 Mohs | 5 – 6 Mohs | 7.5 Mohs |
| Transparency | Transparent | Opaque | Transparent |
| Price Range | $200 – $600+/ct | $1 – $100+/ct | $50 – $200/ct |
| Rarity | Very rare (single source) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Best For | Special occasion jewelry | Statement & artisan pieces | Everyday brilliance |
Why Are Tanzanite, Turquoise & Zircon the December Birthstones?
December's trio of birthstones reflects both ancient tradition and modern discovery. Turquoise is one of the original birthstones linked to December, a connection that stretches back centuries. Its cool blue color was seen as a mirror of winter skies, and cultures worldwide believed it offered protection during the year's darkest, coldest days.
Zircon joined the December birthstone family on the standardized list published in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers. Its brilliant blue hues and diamond-like sparkle made it a natural complement to turquoise, and its ancient origins — with some crystals dating back 4.4 billion years — gave it a gravitas befitting the year's final month.
Tanzanite became the newest December birthstone in 2002 when the American Gem Trade Association added it to the list. This was the first change to the birthstone calendar in 90 years, driven by tanzanite's extraordinary beauty and its growing popularity since its 1967 discovery. Together, these three stones connect to December's zodiac signs: Sagittarius values their link to wisdom and exploration, while Capricorn appreciates their associations with prosperity, discipline, and endurance.
The History of December's Birthstones
Turquoise boasts one of the longest histories of any gemstone. Artifacts from ancient Egypt date turquoise use to at least 5000 BCE, and the famous burial mask of Tutankhamun was extensively inlaid with turquoise. In Persia (modern-day Iran), turquoise was considered the national gemstone and adorned everything from palace domes to royal thrones. The Persians believed that turquoise changed color to warn its wearer of approaching danger.
Native American tribes of the American Southwest have worked turquoise for over 1,000 years, considering it a sacred stone that connects the sky and the earth. Navajo, Zuni, and Pueblo artisans developed the distinctive silver-and-turquoise jewelry styles that remain iconic today. Apache warriors believed turquoise attached to a bow improved a hunter's accuracy.
Zircon has been treasured for more than 2,000 years. Hindu mythology references zircon in texts from the 6th century, and the gem appears in ancient Indian jewelry and religious artifacts. During the Middle Ages, European scholars believed zircon could induce restful sleep, bring prosperity, and protect travelers from plague and injury. Blue zircon became fashionable in Victorian-era England, where it was prominently featured in estate jewelry.
Tanzanite's history is the shortest but most dramatic. In 1967, a Maasai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu discovered violet-blue crystals near the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. Tiffany & Co. recognized the stone's extraordinary potential, named it "tanzanite" after its country of origin, and launched a campaign declaring it the most beautiful blue stone found in over 2,000 years. Its 2002 addition to the birthstone list cemented its place alongside turquoise and zircon.
December Birthstone Properties
⚗️Physical Properties
- Mineral (Tanzanite)
- Zoisite — Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)
- Mineral (Turquoise)
- Hydrated copper aluminum phosphate
- Mineral (Zircon)
- Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄)
- Hardness
- Tanzanite: 6-7 / Turquoise: 5-6 / Zircon: 7.5 on Mohs scale
- Crystal System
- Tanzanite: Orthorhombic / Turquoise: Triclinic / Zircon: Tetragonal
- Refractive Index
- Tanzanite: 1.691-1.700 / Turquoise: 1.61-1.65 / Zircon: 1.925-1.984
🌍Where December's Birthstones Are Found
December's gemstones are sourced from across the globe, with each region yielding stones of distinct character:
How to Care for December Birthstone Jewelry
Each December birthstone requires slightly different care. Follow these guidelines to keep all three looking their best:
Tanzanite: Clean with warm, soapy water and soft brush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners
Turquoise: Clean with soft, slightly damp cloth only—never soak or use chemicals
Zircon: Clean with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush
All: Avoid exposure to chemicals, including perfumes, lotions, and hairspray
All: Avoid sudden temperature changes and prolonged heat exposure
Turquoise: Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading
Tanzanite & Turquoise: Remove before activities that might subject them to impacts
All: Store separately to prevent scratching other gemstones or being scratched
How to Choose December Birthstone Jewelry
With three birthstones to choose from, December-born individuals have an extraordinary range of options. Each stone suits different styles, occasions, and budgets, making it easy to find the perfect piece.
- 1. Pick your stone: Tanzanite for luxury and rarity, turquoise for bold artisan style, zircon for diamond-like sparkle at a fraction of the cost.
- 2. Consider durability: Zircon (7.5 Mohs) handles daily ring wear best. Tanzanite suits earrings and pendants. Turquoise is ideal in protective bezel settings.
- 3. Metal pairing: Tanzanite and zircon shine against white gold or platinum. Turquoise is a classic with sterling silver and also stunning in yellow gold.
- 4. Color intensity: For tanzanite, deeper violet-blue commands the highest value. For turquoise, even sky-blue with minimal matrix is most prized. For zircon, vivid saturated blue is preferred.
Fascinating Facts About December's Birthstones
Tanzanite is found in only one place on Earth—a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Experts estimate that the chance of finding tanzanite anywhere else is one in a million, making it approximately 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. Some geologists predict the supply may be depleted within the next 20-30 years.
The distinctive blue color of turquoise comes from copper in its chemical structure. When iron replaces some of the copper, the color shifts toward green. This is why turquoise found near iron deposits often has a greener hue. The distinctive matrix (veining) in turquoise is actually the host rock in which the turquoise formed.
Zircon crystals are among the oldest minerals on Earth, with some specimens dated to over 4.4 billion years old—almost as old as the planet itself. These ancient zircons provide scientists with valuable information about the early Earth's conditions and have been crucial in understanding our planet's geological history.
Turquoise is a highly porous gemstone that can absorb oils and liquids from its environment, including those from the wearer's skin. This is why vintage turquoise jewelry often darkens over time—it has absorbed oils from years of wear. Some cultures believe this absorption creates a special bond between the stone and its owner.
December Birthstone by Date
No matter which day in December you were born, tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon are your birthstones. Here is how each part of the month connects to their energy:
December 1–10
Sagittarius
Early December births channel tanzanite's visionary energy and the adventurous spirit of Sagittarius season.
December 11–21
Sagittarius
Mid-December connects to turquoise's protective wisdom, guiding you through the winter solstice transition.
December 22–31
Capricorn
Late December harnesses zircon's grounding brilliance and Capricorn's disciplined drive into the new year.
View All December Dates
December Birth Flower: Narcissus & Holly
December's birth flowers — the narcissus and holly — share themes of hope, resilience, and renewal with December's blue gemstones. Just as turquoise and zircon endure through the ages, holly thrives through winter's harshest conditions.
Explore December's Birth Flowers
