December's birthstones are turquoise, tanzanite and zircon, and some lists add blue topaz. All are blue: turquoise an opaque sky blue, tanzanite a deep violet-blue, zircon and blue topaz bright and transparent. Turquoise is among the oldest gems in use and tanzanite one of the newest, discovered in 1967. None is very hard, so December stones need some care.
What is the birthstone for December?
It depends on whose list you read, and they do not agree.
| List | December stones |
|---|---|
| American Gem Society, GIA | Turquoise, tanzanite, zircon |
| Jewelers of America | Turquoise, tanzanite, blue topaz |
| National Association of Jewellers (UK) | Tanzanite; blue topaz as the alternative |
Turquoise is the traditional stone. Zircon joined the American list in 1952 and tanzanite in 2002, according to the trade journal National Jeweler. Blue topaz is used by many jewelers as a fourth option. In Britain the National Association of Jewellers puts tanzanite first and blue topaz second.
Checking a birthday close to the turn of the year? Put the date in below for its stones, flower and zodiac sign.
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December's birthstones at a glance
| Turquoise | Tanzanite | Zircon | Blue topaz | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Opaque blue to green, often veined | Transparent blue to violet | Transparent; blue, colorless and other colors | Transparent blue |
| Mohs hardness | 5 to 6 | 6 to 7 | 6 to 7.5 | 8, but can chip |
| Usual treatment | Dye or resin | Heat | Heat | Irradiation and heat |
| Everyday ring | No | No | With care | With care |
Turquoise: the traditional December birthstone
Turquoise is a hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate, opaque to semitranslucent, in colors from sky blue to green. The dark veins that run through many stones are matrix, remnants of the rock in which it formed.
It is one of the oldest gems in use. Egyptian pharaohs wore it, it is set in Tutankhamun's funerary mask, and Chinese artisans were carving it more than 3,000 years ago. In the United States it is closely tied to the jewelry of Native American peoples such as the Pueblo, Hopi, Zuni and Navajo.
Iran's Nishapur district has been mined for over 1,000 years and gave the trade the term "Persian blue." Today China is the largest producer, and in the United States Arizona and Nevada lead.
Much turquoise is treated: porous stones are dyed or filled with resin to improve color and hardness. Ask what has been done to the stone you are buying.
Tanzanite: the newcomer
Tanzanite is the blue to violet variety of the mineral zoisite. It was identified as zoisite in 1962; the main deposit, in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, was located in 1967, and that small area is still the only place where it is mined commercially. The gem was named for its country, and Tiffany & Co. launched it with an advertising campaign in 1968.
Most tanzanite starts out brownish and is heated to bring out the blue and violet. The color is permanent, and the treatment is standard for this gem.
Zircon and blue topaz
Zircon is a natural mineral, not to be confused with cubic zirconia, the synthetic diamond imitation. It comes in blue, colorless, yellow, orange, red, brown and green, and colorless zircon has so much brilliance and fire that it was mistaken for diamond for centuries. Blue zircon, a Victorian favorite, is usually produced by heating. Sri Lanka and Australia are among the sources.
Blue topaz is topaz, the November stone, in its most popular modern color. The blue is almost always the result of irradiating and heating colorless topaz. It is the hardest of the December choices and usually the most affordable.
What do the December birthstones mean?
Turquoise carries most of the folklore. From the 13th century Europeans believed it protected riders from falls and would break into pieces at the approach of disaster. Apache tradition held that turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end. In European custom the gift of a turquoise ring means "forget me not."
Zircon, in the Middle Ages, was said to bring deep sleep and drive off evil spirits. Tanzanite is too young to have ancient lore.
These beliefs are heritage rather than fact. No stone prevents accidents or helps anyone sleep, but the stories make a gift more personal.
How to care for December's birthstones
- Turquoise. Clean with warm, soapy water; never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Cosmetics, skin oils, perspiration and acids can discolor it, so put it on last and wipe it after wearing.
- Tanzanite. Warm, soapy water only. It scratches easily and may crack with sudden temperature change, so it is best in earrings and pendants or in a ring kept for special occasions.
- Zircon. Use a soft brush and mild soap in warm water. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended. Its facet edges wear down, so take it off for gardening, sport and dishwashing.
- Blue topaz. Warm, soapy water; no steam or ultrasonic cleaning. Protect it from sharp knocks.
Gift ideas for a December birthday
- Turquoise in silver, as a pendant, cuff or earrings, is the classic and affordable choice.
- Tanzanite earrings or a pendant suit a milestone birthday and keep the stone safe.
- A blue zircon offers exceptional sparkle for someone who likes a lesser-known gem.
- A blue topaz ring is the practical option for frequent wear and a small budget.
- Price levels. Blue topaz and most turquoise are modest, zircon sits in the middle, and fine tanzanite costs the most.
Turquoise is the gem of the 11th wedding anniversary and tanzanite of the 24th; every year is listed in our guide to gifts for every wedding anniversary.
December birth flowers: narcissus and holly
December's birth flowers are the narcissus and holly. The narcissus meant here is the paperwhite, a winter-blooming relative of the daffodil that is grown indoors for the holidays; in the traditional language of flowers it stands for hope, purity and good wishes. Holly, with its glossy leaves and red berries, stands for protection, good luck and goodwill. White paperwhites beside a blue stone make a wintry pairing. The meanings come down from folklore and carry no obligation. Find the rest of the year in our guide to birth flowers by month.
The calendar wraps around here: topaz and citrine for November, then garnet for January. All twelve months are in birthstones by month.