December Birthstone Meaning
What is the December birthstone? Discover the meaning, history and symbolism of turquoise, tanzanite and zircon — December's blue birthstones.
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December has three modern birthstones — turquoise, tanzanite and zircon — all known for their cool blue hues. They are said to symbolize good fortune, calm, friendship and protection, making them meaningful gifts for December birthdays.
What Is the December Birthstone?
December is unusual because it has three modern birthstones — turquoise, tanzanite and zircon — and several lists add blue topoz, lapis lazuli and even blue zircon variations. What unites them is color: every December birthstone glows in a shade of blue or blue-green, evoking winter skies, ice and clear water. This gives anyone born in December a wide and beautiful range of stones to choose from, blending ancient tradition with a thoroughly modern gem.
The diversity reflects how birthstone lists evolved. Turquoise is the historic December stone, treasured for thousands of years. Zircon is a natural mineral (not to be confused with synthetic cubic zirconia) long valued for its brilliance. Tanzanite, the newcomer, was added in 2002 and is now hugely popular.
December Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
December’s stones carry rich symbolic meaning rooted in folklore and tradition:
- Turquoise is said to symbolize good fortune, protection and friendship. Many cultures regarded it as a powerful talisman against harm.
- Tanzanite is associated with transformation, intuition and spiritual insight, fitting for its deep violet-blue glow.
- Zircon has long been linked to wisdom, prosperity and honor, and was believed to promote restful sleep.
Together they make December a month of stones tied to luck, calm and renewal as the year draws to a close.
December Birthstones at a Glance
| Stone | Color | Mohs Hardness | Said to Symbolize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Sky blue to green | 5–6 | Luck, protection, friendship |
| Tanzanite | Violet-blue | 6–7 | Transformation, intuition |
| Zircon | Blue (also colorless, brown) | 6–7.5 | Wisdom, prosperity, sleep |
| Blue topaz | Pale to deep blue | 8 | Calm, communication |
| Lapis lazuli | Deep blue with gold flecks | 5–6 | Truth, wisdom |
History of December’s Birthstones
Turquoise is one of humanity’s oldest gemstones. It adorned Egyptian pharaohs, was sacred to Native American and Persian cultures, and was carried by travelers as a protective amulet. Its very name comes from the French pierre turquoise, meaning “Turkish stone,” after the trade routes that brought it to Europe.
Zircon has been used since antiquity and was once confused with diamond because of its fiery brilliance. Colorless and blue varieties were especially popular in Victorian jewelry.
Tanzanite has the shortest history. It was discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania and named by the jeweler Tiffany & Co. Found nowhere else on Earth, it became a December birthstone in 2002 — a rare example of a modern gem joining the ancient birthstone tradition.
Choosing a December Birthstone Gift
With so many options, December birthstone jewelry can be tailored to almost any taste and budget. Turquoise suits earthy, bohemian and Southwestern styles and is widely affordable. Blue topaz offers a brilliant, durable blue at a gentle price, making it ideal for everyday rings. Tanzanite is the luxury choice — its rarity and vivid color make it a prized centerpiece for special gifts, though it is softer and best set in pendants or earrings rather than daily-wear rings.
Whichever stone you choose, a December birthstone carries the month’s themes of good fortune, calm and friendship — a thoughtful way to celebrate a winter birthday with a touch of color and meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the December birthstone?
December has several birthstones. The traditional stone is turquoise, while modern American lists also include tanzanite and blue zircon. Some lists add blue topaz and lapis lazuli, so December offers more birthstone choices than almost any other month.
What does the December birthstone symbolize?
December's blue stones are said to symbolize good fortune, protection, calm and friendship. Turquoise has long been considered a lucky talisman, tanzanite is linked to transformation and intuition, and zircon is associated with wisdom and prosperity.
What color is the December birthstone?
All of December's birthstones are blue or blue-green. Turquoise ranges from sky blue to green, tanzanite is a striking violet-blue, and zircon comes in many colors but is most prized in vivid blue, the shade used as a December birthstone.
Which December birthstone is the most valuable?
Tanzanite is usually the most valuable December birthstone because it is found in only one place on Earth — near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania — making it far rarer than diamonds. Fine blue zircon and high-grade turquoise can also command strong prices.
Is tanzanite a real December birthstone?
Yes. Tanzanite was added as a December birthstone by the American Gem Trade Association in 2002. Though only discovered in 1967, it quickly became popular for its vivid violet-blue color and is now one of three official December stones.