The birthstones for December are tanzanite, zircon, turquoise, and blue topaz—each known for their stunning blue hues that offer distinct shades and appeals.
What is the birthstone for December?
December is unique in having not one but four birthstones: tanzanite, zircon, turquoise, and blue topaz. Celebrated for their striking color, rich history, and meaning, each of these gemstones offers unique characteristics, providing a variety of options for those born in this winter month.
December Birthstone Color
Tanzanite Birthstone Color
Tanzanite is renowned for its vibrant color, which can appear differently depending on the angle and lighting. It can range from a deep, rich blue to a lighter, more periwinkle shade.
Zircon Birthstone Color
Zircon is most associated with a brilliant blue color, though it can also be found in a variety of hues including green, yellow, brown, and red. Blue Zircon is particularly prized for its bright, sparkling appearance.
Turquoise Birthstone Color
Turquoise is easily recognized by its distinctive robin’s egg blue to greenish-blue color. This opaque gemstone often features unique veining patterns, adding to its allure and individuality.
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. Its clarity and brilliance make it a popular choice for various types of jewelry. Learn more in our Topaz Guide.
December Birthstone History
Tanzanite Birthstone History
Tanzanite was discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. It was named after its country of origin and quickly gained popularity due to its striking color and rarity.
Zircon Birthstone History
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.
Turquoise Birthstone History
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.
Blue Topaz Birthstone History
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 due to advancements in gemstone treatments that enhance its color.
December Birthstone Meaning
Tanzanite Birthstone Meaning
Tanzanite is believed to represent transformation and spiritual healing. Its deep blue color is thought to inspire calmness and a sense of peace.
Zircon Birthstone Meaning
Zircon is said to bring prosperity, honor, and wisdom to its wearer. It is also believed to protect against negative energy and promote restful sleep.
Turquoise Birthstone Meaning
Turquoise is considered a stone of protection and strength. It is believed to bring good fortune, peace, and balance, as well as promote healing and well-being.
Blue Topaz Birthstone Meaning
Blue Topaz is associated with communication and clarity of thought. It is believed to enhance self-expression and creativity, as well as bring calmness and tranquility to the wearer.
Where are the December birthstones found?
Tanzanite Birthstone Origins
Tanzanite is exclusively found in Tanzania. This limited geographical origin adds to its rarity and value.
Zircon Birthstone Origins
Zircon is commonly found in various locations around the world, including Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Australia. Blue Zircon is often sourced from Southeast Asia.
Turquoise Birthstone Origins
Turquoise deposits are commonly found in several regions, including the United States (notably in Arizona and New Mexico), Egypt, and China. The gemstone’s color and quality can vary depending on its origin.
Turquoise Birthstone Origins
Blue Topaz is commonly found in several locations worldwide, including Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and China. The natural blue variety is rare, so most blue Topaz available on the market is heat-treated to achieve its vivid color.
December Birthstone Durability
Tanzanite Birthstone Durability
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, meaning it is relatively durable but still susceptible to scratches and damage if not handled with care.
Zircon Birthstone Durability
Zircon has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. While it is reasonably durable, it can be brittle and prone to chipping if not protected properly.
Turquoise Birthstone Durability
Turquoise is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It requires careful handling to avoid scratches and damage, especially in jewelry.
Blue Topaz Birthstone Durability
Blue Topaz is relatively durable with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. However, it can still be prone to chipping and cracking if subjected to hard knocks or rough handling.
December Birthstone Cleaning & Care
Tanzanite Birthstone Cleaning & 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 Cleaning & Care
Zircon may also be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used with caution, but steam cleaning is not recommended.
Turquoise Birthstone Cleaning & 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.
Blue Topaz Birthstone Cleaning & 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.
December Birthstone Jewelry
December birthstones are popular choices for various types of jewelry, including necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets.
December Birthstone Necklaces
Lilac Necklace
Lustrous diamonds, amethysts, tanzanites, and pink spinels glimmer gracefully along the chain of this unique, asymmetrical necklace.
Floating Solitaire London Blue Topaz Pendant
A beautiful London Blue topaz is set in this elegant pendant style that glides smoothly along a lustrous cable chain.
Lilac Bouquet Pendant
A glittering gemstone cluster of an amethyst, pink spinel, tanzanite, and a diamond gather together for a truly unique look.
December Birthstone Rings
Soiree London Blue Topaz and Lab Alexandrite Cocktail Ring
A rare London Blue topaz takes center stage in this cocktail ring while two lab alexandrite accents at either side create a striking three stone design.
Luxe Lilac Ombre Ring
Shimmering lab sapphires, iolites, morganites, tanzanites and amethysts create an eye-catching ombre effect that wraps half of the way around this chic, whimsical ring.
Eternity London Blue Topaz Cocktail Ring
December Birthstone Earrings
Zuri Marina Huggie Earrings
A sparkling row of diamonds, aquamarines, topazes and sapphires adorn each split hoop of precious metal.
Teardrop London Blue Topaz Earrings
Siren Huggie Earrings
These glamorous huggie hoop earrings feature a row of dazzling prong-set diamonds, freshwater cultured pearls, London Blue topaz stones, and aquamarines set in lustrous gold.
December Birthstone Bracelets
Lilac Bracelet
Lustrous diamonds, amethysts, tanzanites, and pink spinels glimmer gracefully along the chain of this unique bracelet.
Kendall London Blue Topaz Chain Bracelet
Lilac Bouquet Cuff Bracelet
December Birthstone FAQs
How many birthstones does December have?
December has four recognized birthstones: tanzanite, zircon, turquoise, and blue topaz.
Why does December have four birthstones?
Birthstone associations evolve over time, and certain months, like December, have multiple gemstones as they all have unique properties and meanings.
What is the traditional December birthstone?
Turquoise is considered the traditional birthstone for December.
What month is the tanzanite birthstone?
December is the month associated with tanzanite.
What month is the zircon birthstone?
December is the month associated with zircon.
What month is the turquoise birthstone?
December is the month associated with turquoise.
What month is the blue topaz birthstone?
December is the month associated with blue topaz.
Still interested in learning more about birthstones? Check out our other birthstone guides: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
I have a collection of Sleeping Beauty turquoise… Absolutely exquisite!!!
My birthday is in December these are beautiful can they be layaway
Beautiful content.
I love rings, I’ve had numerous stones, my favorite is the heart ring. I sometime say I wish I had more fingers to wear them all.
I do have a December Baby , they are all so BEAUTIFUL.
The examples that were shown above are beautiful. I really like The Bates ring.
What is December 5th birth stone
I LOVE BIRTH STONES…..
My birth stone is April
I’ve always loved turquoise jewellery. Something about that vibrant blue has always caught my eye. I even wear some of my clothes in this color. Love it.
<3
What is the November, April, August, and September birthstone for boys?
Where is my birthstone. RUBY
my birthday is feb 15th i want to about my stone
It’s a very beautiful month
beautiful
good
I am 5th December born. Please suggest me the stone.
i want to get some information
I always thought Blue Topaz is Dec. birthstone.
Elegant and electrifying can’t afford love looking at it all
Simply beautiful
I’d be honoured and proud to wear a hat of your gorgeous jewelry.
I love the pictures of your stones, I am a December baby and have rings etc. with all these types of stones, enjoyed looking and reading about each of these types of stones.
Beautiful love the rings and settings so pretty but not over the top danty. At least not all of them a nice mix …. like the mx of diamonds & stones also .
beautiful stones
wow have fun reading and deciding
Me encantan están hermosos.
Cool swag
My birthday is December 23, my biggest regret selling my birthstone class ring which was a blue Zircon. I wish I had kept it four to have shown my children.
Hope I Win one if none
My Dad bought me a beautiful turquoise ring for my 7th birthday in 1947. That spring while playing in a sand pile behind my house, I lost it. I recently visited the old neighborhood on Locust Avenue in Burlington and that old sand pile was still there. It wasn’t much of a sand pile after all these years. I wanted to get a metal detector and see if it was still there. I never forgot that ring. December babies are special and turquoise stones are perfect for this month.
Hi Wr, the December birthstones for boys are the same as the December birthstones for girls.
What is the December birthstone of Boys