December Birthstones: Your Complete Guide to Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz & Zircon

on Dec 06 2025
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    December birthstones include four stunning blue gems: turquoise, tanzanite, blue topaz, and zircon. Each stone offers unique beauty, history, and benefits for people born in December or anyone seeking meaningful gemstone jewelry. Unlike most months with one or two birthstones, December offers four distinct options. This variety lets you choose based on your budget, style, and personal preference.


    Quick Comparison: December Birthstones at a Glance

    Stone

    Color

    Price Range

    Hardness

    Best For

    Turquoise

    Sky blue to blue-green

    $50-$500

    5-6 (Mohs)

    Statement jewelry

    Tanzanite

    Blue to violet-blue

    $300-$2,000+

    6-7 (Mohs)

    Special occasions

    Blue Topaz

    Sky, Swiss, London blue

    $50-$300

    8 (Mohs)

    Daily wear

    Zircon

    Bright blue

    $75-$400

    6-7.5 (Mohs)

    Vintage styles

    Turquoise: The Traditional December Birthstone

    Turquoise is the oldest birthstone for December. Ancient civilizations treasured it for over 7,000 years. Egyptians decorated King Tut's funeral mask with turquoise. Native Americans considered it sacred. Persian rulers adorned their palaces with this blue-green gem.

    The name "turquoise" means "Turkish stone," though it originated in Persia (modern-day Iran). Turkish traders brought it to Europe, giving the stone its name.

    December Birthstone Meaning

    Turquoise symbolizes:

    • Protection from harm

    • Good fortune and prosperity

    • Friendship and loyalty

    • Peace and tranquility

    • Health and healing

    In European tradition, giving someone turquoise means "forget me not."

    Colors and Varieties

    A product photography image of seven round turquoise beads arranged on a pure white background. The beads are natural turquoise with a mottled pattern of light blue and white matrix markings. Each bead is approximately 10mm in diameter and has a smooth, polished surface. The beads are scattered in a loose, random pattern across the frame. At the top of the image, there is decorative text "Colors of Turquoise" in a dark teal color with small leaf-like designs on either side. The lighting is bright and even, creating subtle shadows beneath each bead. The image has a clean, professional jewelry photography style with sharp focus on the turquoise stones.

    The most valuable turquoise shows even, intense blue called "robin's egg blue." The stone appears in several shades:

    • Sky Blue: Pure blue without green tones

    • Persian Blue: Deep, saturated blue from Iranian mines

    • Green-Blue: Slightly greenish from copper content

    • Spiderweb Turquoise: Black matrix patterns add character

    Where It's Found

    Top sources include Iran (finest quality), Arizona and Nevada (USA), China (largest producer), Mexico, and Egypt.

    Care Tips

    Turquoise ranks 5-6 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft. Clean with warm, soapy water. Avoid chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged sunlight. Remove before swimming or exercising.

    Tanzanite: The Rare December Birthstone

    Tanzanite exists in only one place on Earth - a small area in Tanzania's Merelani Hills. This makes it 1,000 times rarer than diamonds.

    Discovered in 1967, Tiffany & Co. named this blue-violet gem "tanzanite" and made it famous worldwide. Experts predict mines may run out within decades, making tanzanite increasingly valuable.

    December Birthstone Benefits

    Tanzanite represents:

    • Transformation and new beginnings

    • Spiritual awareness

    • Calm communication

    • Success and prosperity

    • Celebration of uniqueness

    It's also the gemstone for 24th wedding anniversaries.

    Color and Value

    A professional product photography of five tanzanite gemstones arranged in a horizontal line against a light gray background. The gemstones are cushion-cut with brilliant faceting, displaying deep blue to violet-blue coloring. Each stone has a high level of clarity and excellent cut, showing multiple facets that catch and reflect light. The stones cast reflections on the smooth, reflective surface below them. The text "Colors of Tanzanite" appears at the top of the image in a decorative serif font with small blue decorative elements on each side. The stones are photographed from a slightly elevated angle, showing their three-dimensional form and cut details. The lighting is soft and even, highlighting the natural color and brilliance of the tanzanites. The image has a clean, professional jewelry photography aesthetic with sharp focus and high detail resolution.

    The most valuable tanzanite displays vivid blue with violet flashes. Deep color saturation without brown or gray tones commands higher prices. Nearly all tanzanite undergoes heat treatment to enhance its natural brownish color into stunning blues and violets. Large, clear stones are a hallmark of tanzanite, making it ideal for statement jewelry.

    Care Requirements

    Tanzanite ranks 6-7 on the Mohs scale. It works best in earrings and pendants. Clean with warm, soapy water only. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or expose them to sudden temperature changes. Store separately from harder gems.

    Blue Topaz: The Modern December Birthstone

    Added to the official birthstone list in 1952, blue topaz is the most popular December birthstone. It offers beauty, durability, and affordability - perfect for everyday jewelry. Blue topaz ranks 8 on the Mohs scale, making it hard enough for rings, bracelets, and all jewelry types.

    Three Shades of Blue Topaz

    Several blue topaz with different colors arranged in circle

    Sky Blue Topaz: Light, pastel blue ($50-$150)

    • Delicate and classic look

    Swiss Blue Topaz: Vivid, bright blue ($100-$250)

    • Most popular shade

    • Bold and eye-catching

    London Blue Topaz: Deep blue with gray undertones ($150-$300)

    • Sophisticated and dramatic

    December Birthstone Use

    Blue topaz symbolizes:

    • Clear communication

    • Peaceful energy

    • Creativity and inspiration

    • Loyalty and lasting love

    • Wisdom and learning

    It's also the 4th wedding anniversary gemstone.

    Natural vs. Treated

    Natural blue topaz is extremely rare. Most blue topaz starts as colorless topaz, then undergoes safe irradiation and heat treatment. This creates permanent, stable color at affordable prices. The process is standard and accepted throughout the jewelry industry.

    Care Instructions

    Blue topaz is easy to care for. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe. Store separately to avoid scratching softer gems. The stone is durable enough for daily wear but avoids hard impacts.

    Zircon: The Misunderstood December Birthstone

    Zircon is NOT cubic zirconia. This natural gemstone is one of Earth's oldest minerals, dating back 4.4 billion years. Cubic zirconia is a synthetic diamond simulant created in labs since 1976. Natural zircon displays brilliant fire that rivals diamonds. Victorian jewelers loved blue zircon because it sparkled like colored diamonds.

    Colors and Characteristics

    Several blue zircon with different colors

    While blue zircon is December's birthstone, zircon naturally occurs in red, orange, yellow, brown, green, and colorless varieties. Most blue zircon results from heat-treating brown zircon - a stable, permanent process used for centuries. The stone shows exceptional brilliance with rainbow flashes of light.

    December Birthstone Price

    Zircon prices range from $75-$400, depending on quality:

    • Commercial quality: $50-$150 per carat

    • Fine quality: $150-$300 per carat

    • Premium specimens: $300-$500+ per carat

    Despite being rarer than many "precious" gems, zircon remains affordable due to name confusion with cubic zirconia.

    Symbolism

    Zircon represents:

    • Prosperity and success

    • Honor and wisdom

    • Protection from harm

    • Spiritual grounding

    • Confidence and self-esteem

    Care Guidelines

    Zircon ranks 6-7.5 on the Mohs scale. Clean with warm, soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Store separately as it can scratch easily. Best suited for earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings.

    How to Choose Your December Birthstone

    Consider Your Budget

    • Under $150: Blue topaz, smaller turquoise, zircon

    • $150-$500: Premium blue topaz, quality turquoise, entry-level tanzanite

    • $500-$1,000: Fine turquoise, quality tanzanite under 1 carat

    • $1,000+: Large tanzanite, investment-grade Persian turquoise

    Consider Your Lifestyle

    • Daily Wear: Blue topaz (most durable)

    • Moderate Wear: Blue topaz, zircon, turquoise

    • Special Occasions: Tanzanite (delicate but dramatic)

    • Casual Style: Turquoise (unique and statement-making)

    Consider Personal Meaning

    • Traditional: Turquoise (oldest December birthstone)

    • Rare: Tanzanite (single source, limited supply)

    • Modern: Blue topaz (contemporary classic)

    • Unique: Zircon (brilliant and underrated)

    December Birthstone Jewelry Styles

    All four December birthstones work beautifully in various jewelry styles:

    Necklaces: Turquoise statement pieces, tanzanite solitaire pendants, blue topaz everyday wear, zircon vintage designs

    Rings: Blue topaz for daily wear and engagement rings, tanzanite in protective settings, turquoise cocktail rings, zircon vintage styles

    Earrings: All stones work perfectly in earrings (safest setting for delicate stones)

    Bracelets: Blue topaz tennis bracelets, turquoise cuff bracelets, delicate tanzanite chains

    Explore Diagaa's blue stone jewelry collection for December birthstone options.

    Caring for December Birthstone Jewelry

    General Care Rules

    • Remove jewelry before sleeping, showering, or exercising

    • Apply cosmetics before putting on jewelry

    • Wipe stones with a soft cloth after wearing

    • Store each piece separately in soft pouches

    • Clean regularly with warm, soapy water

    Avoid These

    • Harsh chemicals (bleach, chlorine)

    • Extreme temperature changes

    • Prolonged sun exposure

    • Hard impacts and rough wear

    Professional Maintenance

    Have your December birthstone jewelry inspected annually. Jewelers will check prongs, clean professionally, and ensure stones are secure.

    December Birthstone Shopping Tips

    What to Look For

    Turquoise: Even color, interesting matrix patterns, proper origin documentation

    Tanzanite: Vivid blue-violet color, good clarity, certificate of authenticity from Tanzania

    Blue Topaz: Good color saturation, excellent clarity, well-cut with symmetry

    Zircon: High brilliance, good color saturation, confirmation that it's natural

    Certification

    For valuable pieces, request certificates from reputable labs:

    • GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

    • AGS (American Gem Society)

    Understanding Treatments

    Standard treatments (disclosed and accepted):

    • Heat treatment for tanzanite, blue topaz, and zircon

    • Stabilization for turquoise (improves durability)

    Always ask sellers about treatments. Reputable jewelers provide full disclosure.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the birthstone for December?

    December has four official birthstones: turquoise (traditional), tanzanite, blue topaz, and zircon. All share beautiful blue tones, offering options for every budget and style preference.

    Which December birthstone is most valuable?

    Tanzanite is typically the most valuable December birthstone, especially in larger sizes with deep blue-violet color. Fine tanzanite over 2 carats costs $1,000-$2,500+ per carat. High-quality Persian turquoise also commands premium prices.

    What is the most durable December birthstone?

    Blue topaz is the most durable December birthstone, ranking 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it suitable for everyday wear in all jewelry types, including rings and bracelets.

    What do December birthstones mean?

    December birthstones share meanings of peace, prosperity, and protection. Turquoise symbolizes friendship and healing. Tanzanite represents transformation. Blue topaz means clear communication. Zircon brings wisdom and success.

    Can I wear December birthstones together?

    Yes! Since all December birthstones share blue tones, they coordinate beautifully. Layer turquoise necklaces with blue topaz earrings, or stack rings featuring different December stones for a cohesive, appealing look.

    How much do December birthstones cost?

    December birthstone prices vary widely. Blue topaz costs $50-$300 (most affordable). Turquoise and zircon range from $75-$500. Tanzanite is investment-level at $300-$2,000+. This variety means there's a December birthstone for every budget.

    Which December birthstone is best for engagement rings?

    Blue topaz is best for engagement rings due to its hardness (8 on the Mohs scale), durability, and affordability. Many couples choose London blue topaz as a meaningful, budget-friendly alternative to sapphires. Tanzanite works with protective settings and careful wear.

    Conclusion: Choose Your Perfect December Birthstone

    December birthstones offer a remarkable variety - from ancient turquoise to rare tanzanite, durable blue topaz to brilliant zircon. Each stone brings unique beauty, history, and meaning.

    Whether shopping for yourself or someone special, December birthstone jewelry makes a meaningful gift. Choose based on your budget, lifestyle, and personal style. All four stones share the serene blue palette of winter while offering distinct characteristics.

    What December birthstone speaks to you? Share your favorite in the comments below!

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