Gift Guide
December Birthstone: Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon Meaning
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December has more birthstones than any other month. Here is what turquoise, tanzanite, zircon and blue topaz mean, why there are several, and how to choose a December gift.
Birthstone edit
December's birthstones share one thing: every shade of blue.
From opaque sky-blue turquoise to violet-blue tanzanite and bright blue zircon, December gives people born in the month the widest choice of any birthstone chart.
Answer key: December's birthstones are turquoise, tanzanite and zircon, and many modern lists also include blue topaz
This guide covers the stones themselves. North & Pearl birth-month pieces use a color accent inspired by each month rather than natural gemstones, so check each product page for its material. To shop, browse our birthstone jewelry.
Quick Answer: What Is the Birthstone for December?
December has three main birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon, and many modern lists also include blue topaz. Turquoise is the traditional December stone, an opaque sky-blue to green gem linked with protection and good fortune. Zircon, a natural gem not to be confused with cubic zirconia, is known for its brilliance. Tanzanite, a violet-blue stone found only in Tanzania, was added in 2002. All of them share a blue palette.
The traditional December stone, opaque sky-blue.
Brilliant blue zircon and violet-blue tanzanite, added in 2002.
Included on many modern lists as a December option.
Key Takeaways
- December's birthstones are turquoise, tanzanite and zircon, with blue topaz on many lists.
- Turquoise is the oldest and most traditional December stone.
- Natural zircon is a gemstone; cubic zirconia (CZ) is a lab-made material and is not the same thing.
- Tanzanite was discovered in the 1960s, is mined only in Tanzania, and joined the list in 2002.
- Blue is the unifying color, so any blue birth-month accent suits a December birthday.
Turquoise: The Traditional December Birthstone
Turquoise is an opaque mineral ranging from sky blue to greenish blue, often with darker matrix veining. It has been used in jewelry for thousands of years, from ancient Egypt and Persia to Native American traditions in the American Southwest.
It is widely associated with protection, good fortune and friendship. At about 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, turquoise is fairly soft and porous, so it is best kept away from lotions, perfume and harsh cleaners.
Zircon: Not the Same as Cubic Zirconia
Zircon is a natural gemstone and one of the oldest minerals on Earth. It is valued for its brilliance and fire, and blue is the most popular color for December. It was once used as a diamond substitute, which is part of why it is often confused with cubic zirconia.
Cubic zirconia, or CZ, is a lab-created material with a different composition. The names are similar, but the materials are not. Zircon is associated with wisdom, honor and prosperity.
Gifting note
A birthday gift that stands apart from the holidays.
People born in December often have their birthday folded into the season. A blue birth-month piece chosen just for them makes the day feel like its own occasion.
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Tanzanite: The Newest December Birthstone
Tanzanite is a violet-blue variety of the mineral zoisite, discovered in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania in the 1960s. It is still mined commercially only in that small area. The American Gem Trade Association added it to the December list in 2002, making it one of the most recent additions to any birthstone chart.
Tanzanite often shows different shades of blue and violet from different angles. For more on rare stones, see our rarest and most expensive birthstones guide.
December Birthstones at a Glance
| Stone | Color | Common Meanings | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Opaque sky blue to green-blue | Protection, good fortune, friendship | About 5 to 6 |
| Zircon | Brilliant blue (also other colors) | Wisdom, honor, prosperity | About 6 to 7.5 |
| Tanzanite | Violet-blue | Transformation, new beginnings | About 6 to 7 |
| Blue topaz | Sky to deep blue | Calm, clear communication | About 8 |
Why so many? December's list grew as trade organizations added stones in 1952 and 2002 to offer more colors, price points and durability. There is no single true December birthstone; all of these are recognized options.
Choosing a December Birthstone Gift
- Any blue birth-month accent suits a December birthday, from pale sky blue to deep violet-blue.
- For a holiday-season birthday, choose a piece that feels like its own gift rather than part of a holiday present.
- Earrings and pendants avoid ring sizing, which helps when the gift is a surprise.
- Order early: December birthdays fall during the busiest shipping weeks of the year. See our birthstone necklace guide for more styles.
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December birthstone gift ideas
Blue Ombre Teardrop Earrings
Drop earrings in blue tones that suit a December birthday.
$34.00
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Baguette Birthstone Necklace
A minimal baguette pendant; select December before adding to cart.
$69.00
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Heart Birthstone Pendant Necklace
A delicate heart pendant with a birth-month color accent.
$49.00
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Dainty Birthstone Bead Bracelet
A slim beaded bracelet with birth-month color options.
$39.00
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Birth-month pieces use a color accent inspired by each month, not natural turquoise, zircon or tanzanite. Product pages are the source of truth for materials and options.
FAQ
What are the true birthstones for December?
Turquoise, tanzanite and zircon are the most widely recognized December birthstones, and many modern lists also include blue topaz. All are considered official options.
Why does December have four birthstones?
Trade organizations added stones to the December list over time, including zircon and tanzanite, to give more choice of color, price and durability. Blue topaz appears on many lists as a fourth option.
What is the rarest December birthstone?
Tanzanite is generally considered the rarest, since it is mined commercially only in one small area of northern Tanzania.
Is zircon the same as cubic zirconia?
No. Zircon is a natural gemstone, while cubic zirconia is a lab-made material. The names are similar but the materials are different.
What color is the December birthstone?
Blue. December's stones range from opaque sky-blue turquoise to bright blue zircon and violet-blue tanzanite.
Related Guides
- December Birth Flower: Guide and Meanings
- January Birthstone: Garnet
- Birthstone Chart by Month
- The Rarest and Most Expensive Birthstones
- November Birthstone: Topaz and Citrine
- Birthstone Necklace Guide
- Birthday Jewelry Gift Ideas
Shopping for a December birthday?
Shop Birthstone JewelryFinal Buying Note
December has the widest birthstone choice of any month, and every option is blue. Pick the shade the person will love, and order early so the gift arrives before the holiday rush.
