December Birthstones
The official December birthstones are tanzanite, zircon, turquoise, and blue topaz. December is unique in having four distinct birthstones, each showcasing beautiful blue hues that evoke the cool tones of winter.
Turquoise is considered the traditional December birthstone, with cultural significance that spans continents and centuries, while tanzanite is the most recent addition, discovered in 1967 in Tanzania. Together, these gemstones give those born in December a variety of options that symbolize wisdom, protection, and new beginnings.
December Birthstone | Description | History | Meaning & Symbolism | Color | Hardness | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tanzanite | Modern December birthstone; a rare blue-to-violet variety of the mineral zoisite found only in Tanzania. | Discovered in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro; a relatively recent gemstone that quickly gained popularity for its striking color and rarity. | Transformation and insight; associated with spiritual healing, calmness, and new beginnings. | Deep blue to violet-blue, sometimes with purple undertones; the finest stones show rich, saturated blue with purple flashes. | 6.5–7 Mohs; relatively durable but susceptible to scratching, so handle with care. | Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners and harsh chemicals. |
Zircon | Modern December birthstone; one of the oldest minerals on Earth, prized for its brilliance. | Used in jewelry for centuries and valued in the Middle Ages for its supposed healing properties. | Prosperity and clarity; symbolizes clarity of mind and purpose, confidence, and foresight. | Most associated with brilliant blue, from pale sky blue to deep sea blue; also occurs in green, yellow, brown, red, and colorless. | 6–7.5 Mohs; reasonably durable but can be brittle and prone to chipping if unprotected. | Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners may be used with caution; avoid steam cleaning. |
Blue Topaz | Modern December birthstone; prized for its vivid, icy blue hues and excellent clarity. | Name derived from the Sanskrit "tapas," meaning fire; the blue variety gained popularity in the 20th century thanks to color-enhancing treatments. | Communication and calm; represents peace, tranquility, clarity of thought, and emotional balance. | Pale sky blue to vibrant Swiss blue and slightly darker London blue, with excellent clarity and brilliance. | 8 Mohs; relatively durable but can chip or crack under hard knocks. | Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners and protect from sharp impacts. |
Turquoise | Traditional December birthstone; an opaque blue-to-green stone with one of the longest histories of any gem. | Cherished for thousands of years by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Persians, who used it in jewelry, amulets, and decoration. | Healing and protection; associated with good fortune, strength, and balance. | Robin's egg blue to greenish-blue, opaque with a waxy to subvitreous luster and unique veining. | 5–6 Mohs; relatively soft and requires careful handling to avoid scratches. | Clean only with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, and high heat. |
Popular December Birthstone Jewelry
Tanzanite Birthstone
Tanzanite is a modern December birthstone. It is the exquisite blue-purple variety of the mineral zoisite, found in only one location worldwide. Discovered relatively recently, it quickly became prized for its striking color and rarity.
History of the Tanzanite Birthstone
Tanzanite was discovered in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. As one of the most recently discovered gemstones, it rapidly gained popularity thanks to its vivid color and its scarcity. Because it comes from a single source on Earth, tanzanite carries a sense of rarity that few other stones can match.
Tanzanite Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
For those born in December, tanzanite represents transformation and insight. It is believed to symbolize spiritual healing and self-discovery, making it a particularly meaningful stone for anyone seeking calmness and clarity during the contemplative winter season. Its shifting blue and purple tones are often seen to reflect depth, change, and personal growth.
Tanzanite Birthstone Color
Tanzanite's primary color ranges from deep blue to violet-blue, sometimes with purple undertones. The most valuable tanzanite exhibits a rich, saturated blue with subtle purple flashes.
Tanzanite Birthstone Hardness
Tanzanite ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it relatively durable but still susceptible to scratching and damage if it is not handled with care. Because it comes from only one place on Earth, its limited origin also adds to its rarity and value.
Tanzanite Birthstone Care
To clean tanzanite, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as well as harsh chemicals that could damage the stone.
Zircon Birthstone
Zircon is a modern December birthstone. It is one of the oldest minerals on Earth and is celebrated for its exceptional brilliance. Though most closely associated with blue, zircon occurs naturally in a wide spectrum of colors.
History of the Zircon Birthstone
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with a history dating back over 4 billion years. It has been used in jewelry for centuries and was highly valued in the Middle Ages for its supposed healing properties.
Zircon Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
For those born in December, zircon symbolizes prosperity and clarity. It is associated with clarity of mind and purpose and is believed to help the wearer navigate life's challenges with confidence and foresight.
Zircon Birthstone Color
While zircon is most associated with brilliant blue, it naturally occurs in a spectrum of hues including green, yellow, brown, red, and colorless. Blue zircon can span a range of blue tones, from pale sky blue to deep sea blue, and is particularly prized for its bright, sparkling appearance.
Zircon Birthstone Hardness
Zircon ranks 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. While it is reasonably durable, it can be brittle and prone to chipping if it is not protected properly.
Zircon Birthstone Care
Zircon may be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used with caution, but steam cleaning is not recommended.
Blue Topaz Birthstone
Blue topaz is a modern December birthstone. It is prized for its vivid, icy blue color and excellent clarity, which give it significant sparkle and light performance.
History of the Blue Topaz Birthstone
Blue topaz has a long history, with the name "topaz" thought to be derived from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning fire. Historically, topaz was found in various colors, but the blue variety gained popularity in the 20th century thanks to advancements in gemstone treatments that enhance its color.
Blue Topaz Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
For people born in December, blue topaz represents calm, peace, and tranquility. It is associated with communication and clarity of thought, helping to encourage authentic expression and emotional balance during the busy holiday season.
Blue Topaz Birthstone Color
Blue topaz ranges in color from a pale sky blue to a deep, vibrant Swiss blue and a slightly darker London blue. All blue topaz varieties exhibit excellent clarity and brilliance that create significant sparkle and light performance.
Blue Topaz Birthstone Hardness
Blue topaz is relatively durable, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. However, it can still be prone to chipping and cracking if subjected to hard knocks or rough handling.
Blue Topaz Birthstone Care
Blue topaz can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners and protect the stone from sharp impacts to prevent chipping.
Turquoise Birthstone
Turquoise is the traditional December birthstone. Easily recognized by its distinctive color and veining, it has one of the longest cultural histories of any gemstone, cherished across many civilizations for thousands of years.
History of the Turquoise Birthstone
Turquoise has been cherished for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Persians valuing this gemstone. It has been used in jewelry, amulets, and as a decorative stone throughout history.
Turquoise Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
For people with December birthdays, turquoise symbolizes protection and good fortune. It is believed to promote healing, strength, and balance, aligning with the reflective nature of the winter season, when personal growth is often emphasized.
Turquoise Birthstone Color
Turquoise is easily recognized by its distinctive robin's egg blue to greenish-blue color. It has an opaque quality with a waxy to subvitreous luster, often featuring unique veining patterns that give it a distinctive appearance among gemstones.
Turquoise Birthstone Hardness
Turquoise is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs hardness scale. It requires careful handling to avoid scratches and damage, especially in jewelry.
Turquoise Birthstone Care
Turquoise should be cleaned only with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners and keep the stone away from harsh chemicals and high heat.
*Brilliant Earth does not carry Turquoise.
