December Birthstone
Tanzanite, Turquoise & Zircon
The blue trio of wisdom, protection, and prosperity
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 beauty, symbolism, and range of price points.
What Is the Birthstone for December?
The December birthstones are tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. This trio of blue gemstones gives December-born individuals one of the most varied birthstone collections of any month. From the ancient traditions of turquoise to the modern appeal of tanzanite, these stones span thousands of years of human interest in blue gems.
Tanzanite, discovered in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro, is a violet-blue variety of the mineral zoisite found nowhere else on Earth. It shows trichroism, appearing blue, purple, or burgundy depending on the viewing angle. Tiffany & Co. introduced it to the market in 1968, and it was officially added to the December birthstone list in 2002.
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, used in jewelry for over 7,000 years. Its name comes from the French pierre turquoise, meaning "Turkish stone," because the gems first reached Europe through Turkish trade routes. Zircon is often confused with synthetic cubic zirconia despite being entirely natural, and 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 its own meaning for people born in this month.
Wisdom & Insight
All three December stones are linked to mental clarity. Tanzanite in particular is associated with spiritual awareness and intuition.
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, said to help its wearer move through major life transitions.
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 cover a wide range of blues and beyond. Here are the main varieties:
Violet-Blue Tanzanite
Deep Violet-Blue
The most prized tanzanite color. A saturated violet-blue that shifts 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 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 has strong 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 goes back centuries. Its cool blue color was seen as a mirror of winter skies, and many cultures believed it offered protection during the year's coldest days.
Zircon joined the December birthstones on the standardized list published in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers. Its blue hues and diamond-like sparkle paired naturally with turquoise, and some zircon crystals date back 4.4 billion years.
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 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 has one of the longest histories of any gemstone. Artifacts from ancient Egypt date turquoise use to at least 5000 BCE, and the burial mask of Tutankhamun was heavily inlaid with turquoise. In Persia (modern-day Iran), turquoise was the national gemstone and was used on everything from palace domes to royal thrones. The Persians believed 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 valued 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 bring restful sleep, prosperity, and protection from plague and injury. Blue zircon became fashionable in Victorian-era England and was often used in estate jewelry.
Tanzanite's history is the shortest but most dramatic. In 1967, a Maasai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu found violet-blue crystals near the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. Tiffany & Co. saw the stone's potential, named it "tanzanite" after its country of origin, and ran a campaign calling it the most beautiful blue stone found in over 2,000 years. Its 2002 addition to the birthstone list secured 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 around the world, with each region producing 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 a wide range of options. Each stone suits different styles, occasions, and budgets, making it easy to find a piece you'll wear.
- 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 look best against white gold or platinum. Turquoise is a classic with sterling silver and also looks great 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 connect to tanzanite's visionary energy and the adventurous spirit of Sagittarius season.
December 11–21
Sagittarius
Mid-December connects to turquoise's protective wisdom through the winter solstice transition.
December 22–31
Capricorn
Late December pairs zircon's grounding brilliance with 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 across centuries, holly thrives through winter's harshest conditions.
Explore December's Birth Flowers
