If you’re born in December, you’re blessed with not just one, but four magnificent birthstones – turquoise, tanzanite, zircon, and blue topaz. Each of these spiritual stones brings its own unique beauty and significance, making December babies truly special in the world of birthstones.
While most months claim a single birthstone, December’s trio offers a stunning palette of blue hues. From the ancient turquoise, prized for centuries across civilizations, to the relatively modern tanzanite discovered in the 1960s, and the brilliantly sparkling zircon – you’ll find a gemstone that perfectly matches your style and personality.
These stones don’t just serve as beautiful accessories; they’re believed to possess powerful properties that can enhance clarity, intuition, and personal growth.
The Four December Birthstones
December birthstones include turquoise, tanzanite, zircon & blue topaz. Each gemstone features distinctive blue hues that represent the winter month.
Traditional Birthstone: Turquoise
Turquoise stands as the original December birthstone, recognized by the National Association of Jewellers in 1912. This opaque blue-green mineral combines hydrated copper phosphate & aluminum in a triclinic structure.
Ancient civilizations, from Egyptians to Aztecs, prized turquoise for its protective properties. The stone appears in significant historical artifacts, including King Tut’s tomb. Native American cultures connected turquoise to natural elements – the Pueblo linked its color to the sky, while the Hopi associated it with earth-dwelling lizards.
Modern Additions: Tanzanite and Zircon
Tanzanite emerged as a December birthstone after its 1967 discovery in Tanzania. This rare gemstone displays a signature blue-violet color that shifts under different lighting conditions. The stone appears exclusively in one location worldwide, making it a precious modern addition.
Zircon presents distinct optical properties & appears in various colors, though blue remains most popular for December. The gemstone’s high refractive index creates brilliant sparkle & fire. Zircon ranks as one of Earth’s oldest minerals, with specimens dating back 4.4 billion years.
Alternative Stone: Blue Topaz
Blue topaz offers a modern alternative for December, featuring various blue shades from sky to London blue. This gemstone occurs naturally in colorless form & undergoes treatment to achieve its blue coloration.
The stone rates 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable for everyday wear. Blue topaz provides an affordable option compared to other December birthstones while maintaining excellent clarity & brilliance.
History and Symbolism of December Birthstones
December birthstones trace their origins through ancient civilizations with each gem carrying distinct historical significance. The collection spans from turquoise, used by Egyptian pharaohs, to tanzanite, discovered in the 20th century.
Cultural Significance Through Time
Ancient Egyptians incorporated turquoise into King Tutankhamun’s funerary mask over 3,000 years ago. In Tibet, turquoise remains a national treasure, symbolizing protection from evil forces.
Zircon holds the distinction of being one of Earth’s oldest minerals, with specimens dating back 4.4 billion years found in Australia. The name “turquoise” originated from its trade route through Turkey to Europe, where Europeans mistakenly believed it was mined.
- Turquoise promotes mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual protection
- Zircon enhances wisdom, honor, and prosperity
- Blue topaz strengthens communication abilities and emotional expression
- Tanzanite connects to higher consciousness and spiritual awareness These stones appear in traditional healing practices across cultures, from Native American medicine to Tibetan ceremonies. European tradition associates turquoise rings with remembrance, expressing “forget me not” sentiments between loved ones.
Characteristics of December Birthstones
December birthstones display distinct physical properties that set them apart from other gemstones. Each stone exhibits unique characteristics in appearance, durability, and market value.
Colors and Appearance
Tanzanite showcases a color-changing effect, shifting between deep blue and violet-purple hues under different lighting conditions. Turquoise presents an opaque robin’s-egg blue color with occasional matrix patterns of brown or black veining. Natural blue zircon occurs in various blue tones, from bright sky blue to deep ocean blue. Each stone’s color stems from specific mineral compositions:
| Birthstone | Primary Color | Secondary Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzanite | Blue-violet | Purple, burgundy |
| Turquoise | Robin’s egg blue | Green, brown matrix |
| Zircon | Sky blue | Navy, colorless |
Durability and Hardness
The December birthstones vary significantly in their durability ratings on the Mohs scale:
| Birthstone | Mohs Hardness | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzanite | 6.5-7 | Requires careful handling |
| Turquoise | 5-6 | Sensitive to chemicals |
| Zircon | 7.5 | Most durable of the three |
| Birthstone | Value Factors | Market Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzanite | Color intensity, size | Limited |
| Turquoise | Matrix pattern, origin | Moderate |
| Zircon | Clarity, color | Available |
Global Sources and Mining
December birthstones originate from distinct geographical locations across the globe. Each gemstone has specific mining regions that contribute to its unique characteristics and market value.
Turquoise Mining Regions
Iran’s Nishapur district stands as a premium turquoise source for over 1,000 years, producing the benchmark “Persian blue” color. Current major mining operations include:
- Arizona: Home to the Kingman mine, known for intense blue turquoise
- Nevada: Active mining operations across multiple sites
- China: Hubei Province leads global production
- Iran: Historic Nishapur mines remain active
- Egypt: Ancient mining sites continue production
Tanzanite’s Single Source
Tanzanite exists in one location worldwide: the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. The mining area spans:
- 100+ meters (300 feet) deep mining operations
- 14 square kilometers of mineral-rich terrain
- Multiple commercial mining zones
- Mechanized operations employing thousands of workers
- Discovered in 1967 by local prospectors
- Cambodia: Primary source of fine blue zircon
- Sri Lanka: Rich deposits of various colors
- Thailand: Significant mining operations
- Madagascar: Notable gem-quality deposits
- Vietnam: Growing production center
- Australia: Large-scale zircon mining operations
Caring for December Birthstones
Proper care extends the life of December birthstones. Each gemstone requires specific storage conditions and cleaning methods to maintain its beauty and durability.
Storage Guidelines
- Store each birthstone in separate pouches or compartments to prevent scratching between stones
- Keep jewelry boxes in cool dry areas away from direct sunlight
- Place turquoise pieces in anti-tarnish bags to prevent discoloration
- Use soft cloth-lined compartments for tanzanite and zircon
- Remove birthstone jewelry before swimming or exercising
- Place stones flat in storage to avoid pressure points
- Clean turquoise with a soft damp cloth and mild soap only
- Use warm water and gentle dish soap for zircon
- Wipe tanzanite with a microfiber cloth after each wear
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for all December birthstones
- Never use harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions
- Pat dry completely with lint-free cloth after cleaning
- Remove jewelry before applying lotions or perfumes
December Zodiac Signs
December is ruled by two intriguing zodiac signs: Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 – January 19), each bringing their unique energy to the month. Sagittarius, known for its adventurous and optimistic nature, is associated with the vibrant Sagittarius birthstone, turquoise, symbolizing protection and wisdom.
As the month transitions, Capricorn takes the stage with its disciplined and ambitious traits, paired with the grounding Capricorn birthstone, garnet, which represents strength and success. Together, these signs, along with their birthstones, encapsulate December’s blend of curiosity, aspiration, and resilience, making it a month of exploration and planning for future achievements.