December Birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon and Blue Topaz

December is the month with the most birthstones, and also the month when people shop hardest for gifts. If you were born in December, you can choose from turquoise, tanzanite, zircon and blue topaz, and they range from soft and earthy to deep and glowing.

Here is a plain guide to all four, what people have long associated with them, and what to know before you buy.

Why December Has So Many Birthstones

Turquoise is the traditional December stone, and zircon is also an old choice. Tanzanite was added to the modern list much later, after its discovery in the twentieth century, and blue topaz is often listed alongside them because of its popularity. If you want the full history, our guide to birthstones by month covers it.

Turquoise: The Classic Choice

Turquoise is a soft, opaque stone that ranges from sky blue to blue green, often crossed with fine veins of brown or black called matrix. It has been used in jewelry and ceremonial objects for thousands of years.

What turquoise is traditionally associated with

Across many traditions, turquoise has been linked with protection, good fortune and calm communication. These are traditions and personal meaning, not promises.

What to know before you buy turquoise

Turquoise is porous and relatively soft, so natural stones are often stabilized with a clear resin to make them hard enough for jewelry. Some turquoise is also dyed, and some pieces sold under the name are actually dyed howlite or reconstituted material. Stabilized turquoise is common and acceptable when it is disclosed. Dyed or reconstituted stone sold as natural is not. Our post on the questions to ask before you buy any crystal explains what to ask.

Caring for turquoise

Keep it away from perfume, lotion, oils and long soaks in water, all of which can dull the surface or change the color. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth.

Tanzanite: The Newest December Stone

Tanzanite is a blue to violet gemstone found in only one place on Earth, a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It was discovered in the 1960s, which makes it very young compared with the other stones on this list.

Tanzanite shows blue from one angle and violet from another. Almost all of it is heated to bring out the blue, and that treatment is standard and stable. It is softer than sapphire, so it suits earrings and pendants better than an everyday ring. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes.

Zircon: Older Than It Sounds

Natural zircon is a gemstone in its own right, not to be confused with cubic zirconia, which is man made. Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, and some tiny crystals have been dated to more than four billion years old.

Zircon is known for its brilliant sparkle and occurs in many colors, including colorless, yellow, brown and the blue most popular for December. Blue zircon is usually produced by heating brown stones. It is hard but brittle, so the edges can chip. Clean it with a soft cloth and warm soapy water.

Blue Topaz: Bright and Affordable

Blue topaz is easy to find in many shades, from pale sky to deep London blue. Almost all of it is treated, because natural blue topaz is pale and rare. The treatment is stable and widely accepted, and it keeps the stone affordable.

Topaz is very hard, but it can split along an internal plane if it takes a sharp knock. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth are all it needs.

Which December Stone Should You Choose?

	Look	Feel and durability	Best for
Turquoise	Opaque sky blue to blue green	Soft, needs gentle care	Pendants, beads and bracelets
Tanzanite	Blue to violet, glowing	Softer than most gems	Earrings and pendants
Zircon	Brilliant, many colors	Hard but brittle edges	Pendants and earrings
Blue topaz	Clear, bright blue	Very hard, can split if struck	Rings and everyday wear

If you want an earthy, handmade look, turquoise is hard to beat. If you want a stone that sparkles, blue topaz and zircon do that best. Tanzanite sits in between, with a depth of color that is hard to find elsewhere.

Buying December Birthstones With Confidence

Most of the stones on this list are treated in some way, and that is normal. What matters is that the seller tells you. Ask whether the color is natural, whether the stone has been heated, dyed or stabilized, and where it came from. Every piece in our shop is hand selected, and we are always happy to tell you what we know about a stone. Our post on how to tell if a crystal is real covers simple checks you can do yourself.

For a gift, a single stone on a simple chain is a lovely, low risk choice. To see how the previous month compares, read our post on November birthstones.

Looking for more birthstone ideas? Read our full guide to birthstones by month.