December Birthstone Guide: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Topaz & Zircon

The three stones also differ in hardness and care requirements. Turquoise is relatively soft and can be damaged by scratches, chemicals, and heat. Blue topaz is harder and can handle regular wear with proper care. Tanzanite is softer than topaz and sapphire, so it should be protected from hard knocks and sudden temperature changes.

This guide covers the December birthstone colors, meanings, hardness, care requirements, and jewelry styles, making it easier to compare turquoise, tanzanite, and blue topaz.

Why Does December Have More Than One Birthstone?

December is related to several birthstones because modern birthstone lists have expanded over time. Turquoise is the traditional December birthstone, while blue zircon, blue topaz, and tanzanite are also included on some modern lists.

The addition of newer stones gave people more choices in terms of color, availability, and jewelry style. Tanzanite is the newest of these stones. It was discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, while turquoise has been used in jewelry and decorative objects for thousands of years.

What Is Turquoise, the Traditional December Birthstone?

Turquoise is an opaque gemstone that ranges from blue to blue green. It has a long history in jewelry and decorative objects, with evidence of its use dating back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians and Persians valued turquoise, and it also holds important cultural significance for many Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest.

The name "turquoise" comes from the French word "turquois," meaning "Turkish." The name is linked to historic trade routes that brought Persian turquoise to Europe through Turkey.

Its color is mainly influenced by copper, while iron and chromium can affect whether the stone appears more blue or green. Turquoise typically has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it softer than many gemstones used in everyday jewelry.

Because turquoise can be porous, it needs careful handling. Perfume, oils, cosmetics, chemicals, prolonged sunlight, and heat can affect its appearance. Keeping turquoise jewelry away from these substances and storing it separately can help protect its color and surface.

What Is Tanzanite, and Why Is It So Rare?

Tanzanite is a blue-to-violet gemstone and one of the newer stones associated with December. It belongs to the zoisite mineral family and is found in a very limited area of northern Tanzania near Mount Kilimanjaro. Its restricted source is the main reason tanzanite is considered rare.

What Is Blue Topaz, and Is It Natural?

Blue topaz is a transparent gemstone known for its bright blue color and clear appearance. It is available in several shades, including Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, and London Blue. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, topaz is relatively durable, although it can still chip or fracture if it receives a strong impact.

Natural blue topaz is very rare. Most blue topaz sold in jewelry begins as colorless or lightly colored topaz and is treated with irradiation and heat to produce its blue color. These treatments are common in the jewelry industry and do not change the stone's basic durability.

Topaz has also been valued throughout history and has been associated with qualities such as strength and protection. Today, blue topaz is a popular choice for December birthstone jewelry because of its color, clarity, and availability.

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What Is Blue Zircon, and How Is It Different From Cubic Zirconia?

Blue zircon is a natural gemstone that is valued for its strong brilliance and colorful flashes of light. It is a completely different mineral from cubic zirconia, which is a lab-created material commonly used as a diamond alternative. Despite their similar names, the two stones are not the same.

Natural zircon can occur in several colors. Blue zircon is often produced by heat treating naturally occurring brownish zircon. It has a hardness of approximately 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, so it can be used in jewelry but requires more care than harder gemstones such as sapphire or topaz.

Blue zircon is less commonly seen in mainstream jewelry than other December birthstones, but its strong sparkle and distinctive appearance make it an option worth considering for anyone looking for a less common December birthstone.

December Birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Topaz & Zircon 

Blue topaz is the clear choice for anyone who wants a December birthstone they can wear daily without much worry; its hardness holds up well to normal wear and tear. Tanzanite and turquoise both reward more careful, occasional wear or a protective setting, while zircon splits the difference: durable enough for regular use, but still worth a little extra care around hard knocks.

Also Read: Is Pearl a Birthstone? Meaning, Significance & Birth Month

Which December Birthstone Should You Choose?

The best December birthstone depends on what you value most in a gemstone. Turquoise is a traditional choice with a long history across different cultures. Tanzanite stands out for its blue and violet tones and its limited geographic source in Tanzania. Blue topaz offers good durability, a clear appearance, and a wide range of blue shades. Blue zircon is known for its strong brilliance and colorful flashes of light.

You can also choose based on the color and appearance you prefer. Although all four gemstones are associated with December, they have different levels of hardness, care requirements, and visual characteristics.

What Does the December Birthstone Symbolize?

December birthstones are commonly associated with themes such as protection, wisdom, clarity, and personal growth. Turquoise has a long history of being used as a protective stone and talisman in different cultures. Tanzanite is often connected with transformation and insight, while blue topaz is traditionally associated with calmness, communication, and clarity. Zircon has also been linked with prosperity, wisdom, and protection in various traditions.

December covers two zodiac signs: Sagittarius, which runs through December 21, and Capricorn, which begins on December 22. Turquoise is sometimes associated with Sagittarius because of its traditional links with protection, travel, and good fortune. These symbolic connections vary by tradition, so they are best viewed as part of the cultural history surrounding each gemstone rather than established properties of the stones.

December Birthstone Jewelry Ideas

December birthstones can be worn in many types of jewelry, depending on your personal style and how often you want to wear the piece.

Necklaces:

A birthstone pendant is a simple way to wear a December gemstone every day. Blue and violet stones can also be paired with a pearl necklace for a layered look that adds texture without taking attention away from the pendant.

Earrings:

Stud earrings are a practical choice for everyday wear, while drop earrings can add more movement for dinners, celebrations, or other special occasions. Both styles work well with the blue tones associated with December birthstones.

Rings:

Birthstone rings are often chosen for birthdays, anniversaries, or other meaningful occasions. When selecting a ring, consider the gemstone's hardness and how frequently you plan to wear it. Softer stones such as turquoise and tanzanite may need more protection from scratches and impact.

Bracelets:

A December birthstone bracelet can be worn on its own or combined with other bracelets. Pearl chain bracelets can also complement the cool blue and violet shades found in several December birthstones.

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How Do You Care for December Birthstone Jewelry?

The four December birthstones have different hardness levels and care requirements, so each one should be handled according to its specific characteristics.

• Turquoise: Keep turquoise away from perfume, lotions, chemicals, and prolonged exposure to water. Its porous surface can absorb liquids and oils, which may affect its color. Clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth and store it separately from harder gemstones to reduce the risk of scratches.
• Tanzanite: Clean tanzanite with lukewarm soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as tanzanite can be vulnerable to damage from heat and strong vibrations. Store it in a padded compartment away from other jewelry.
• Blue Topaz: Blue topaz can generally be cleaned with mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and strong impacts, which can cause the stone to chip or fracture. Store it separately or in a soft pouch when not in use.
• Blue Zircon: Clean blue zircon gently with mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and take care when handling the stone, as zircon can be susceptible to chipping around facet edges. Keeping it separate from harder gemstones can help prevent scratches.

Overview

December is associated with four birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, blue topaz, and zircon. They share a range of blue and bluish violet colors but differ in appearance, hardness, history, and care requirements.

Turquoise is an opaque stone with a long cultural history, while tanzanite is known for its blue to violet color and limited geographic source. Blue topaz is transparent and commonly available in several shades of blue, while blue zircon is valued for its strong brilliance and colorful flashes.

When choosing December birthstone jewelry, consider the gemstone's appearance, durability, care needs, and how you plan to wear it. Pieces worn regularly may need more durable settings and extra protection, while jewelry featuring softer stones may be better suited to occasional wear.

Looking for December-inspired jewelry? Browse Rarete's collection of necklaces, earrings, and rings in blue and violet tones.