Born in December? You have three beautiful birthstones to choose from: Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon.
Turquoise is admired for its distinctive blue-green colour, Tanzanite is known for its rich blue to violet appearance, and Zircon stands out for its brilliance and wide range of colours.
These December birthstones are meaningful choices for birthday jewellery, personalised gifts, engagement jewellery and pieces that celebrate an important relationship or milestone.
What Are the December Birthstones?
The traditional birthstones for December are Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon.
Each December birthstone has a different appearance and character.
Turquoise is an opaque to semi-translucent gemstone known for its blue to green colour. Tanzanite is the blue to violet variety of the mineral Zoisite, while Zircon is a natural gemstone admired for its brilliance, fire and variety of colours.
Zircon should not be confused with Cubic Zirconia (CZ). Zircon is a naturally occurring mineral, while Cubic Zirconia is a laboratory-created diamond simulant.
This gives December-born jewellery buyers several options, from classic Turquoise jewellery and elegant Tanzanite rings to brilliant blue or colourless Zircon pieces.
December Birthstones at a Glance
| Detail | Turquoise | Tanzanite | Zircon |
| Birth month | December | December | December |
| Best-known colour | Blue to blue-green | Blue to violet-blue | Blue |
| Other colours | Green, yellowish green | Violetish blue, bluish violet | Colourless, yellow, green, red, brown and orange |
| Traditionally represents | Protection, friendship and good fortune | Transformation, wisdom and new beginnings | Wisdom, prosperity and protection |
| Jewellery options | Rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets | Rings, earrings and pendants | Rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets |
What Do December Birthstones Mean?
The three December birthstones carry different traditional meanings.
Turquoise has traditionally been associated with protection, friendship, good fortune, peace and positive energy. Across different cultures, Turquoise has been worn as a symbolic stone and has often represented protection and meaningful relationships. Today, Turquoise jewellery may represent friendship, confidence or a personal connection with tradition.
Tanzanite is commonly associated with transformation, wisdom, individuality, calmness and new beginnings. Its distinctive blue-violet colour has made it a popular choice for jewellery representing change, personal growth and important life milestones.
Zircon has traditionally been associated with wisdom, prosperity, confidence, protection and positive energy. Zircon jewellery may also represent clarity, success or a meaningful new chapter in life.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing December Birthstones?
According to traditional beliefs, each December birthstone is associated with different qualities.
Turquoise is linked with protection, calmness and good fortune, while Tanzanite is traditionally associated with transformation, wisdom and emotional balance. Zircon is often connected with confidence, prosperity, clarity and positive energy.
However, these benefits come from gemstone folklore, astrology and cultural traditions. They are not scientifically or medically proven.
The real benefit of wearing a December birthstone is often personal. It may remind you of your birth month, connect you with someone special or add emotional meaning to a piece of jewellery.
What Colours Are the December Birthstones?
One of the interesting things about December is that all three of its birthstones are known for beautiful shades of blue, while also offering very different appearances.
Turquoise is best known for colours ranging from sky blue and intense blue to blue-green and green. Some Turquoise gemstones contain visible veins or patterns called matrix, which are remnants of the surrounding rock in which the gemstone formed.
Tanzanite is known for its blue, violet-blue and bluish-violet colours. Depending on the gemstone, lighting and viewing direction, its appearance may shift between shades of blue and violet.
Zircon occurs in a wide range of colours, including blue, colourless, yellow, green, red, orange and reddish brown. Blue Zircon is particularly associated with December jewellery. Colourless Zircon can display strong brilliance and flashes of coloured light known as fire.
Popular Types of December Birthstones
December birthstones are available in several colours, qualities and appearances.
Popular appearances of Turquoise include:
- Blue Turquoise: Known for its classic bright blue to sky-blue appearance.
- Blue-Green Turquoise: Displays a mixture of blue and green tones.
- Green Turquoise: Has a stronger green appearance.
- Matrix Turquoise: Contains visible veins or patterns of the surrounding host rock.
- Stabilised Turquoise: Turquoise that has been treated to improve durability or appearance.
- Natural Untreated Turquoise: Turquoise that has not received treatments to improve its colour or durability.
Tanzanite is mainly valued for colours ranging from violetish blue to bluish violet. Most Tanzanite available in the market has been heat treated to develop or enhance its characteristic blue to violet appearance.
Zircon occurs in several colours, including:
- Blue Zircon: One of the most popular colours and strongly associated with December.
- Colourless Zircon: Known for high brilliance and fire.
- Yellow Zircon
- Green Zircon
- Red Zircon
- Brown Zircon
- Orange Zircon
Many blue and colourless Zircons are produced through heat treatment.
Are December Birthstones Good for Everyday Jewellery?
The suitability of a December birthstone for everyday wear depends on the gemstone, jewellery design and how carefully the piece is worn.
Turquoise requires careful handling because it is relatively soft and porous compared with many other jewellery gemstones. It ranks approximately 5 to 6 on the Mohs hardness scale. Turquoise earrings and pendants are generally easier to maintain than rings or bracelets that may experience frequent contact and impact.
Tanzanite ranks approximately 6 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale and can be worn in different types of jewellery with proper care. However, it has cleavage and may break if struck hard. Earrings and pendants are particularly suitable choices. Tanzanite rings should preferably have a protective setting and should be protected from rough wear.
Zircon ranges from approximately 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It can be used in different types of jewellery but may be brittle and can become scratched or chipped through rough wear. Zircon rings should therefore be worn carefully and protected from hard impacts.
Is Every December Birthstone Genuine?
No. Appearance alone cannot prove that a gemstone is genuine.
A Turquoise-like gemstone may be natural Turquoise, treated Turquoise, reconstructed material or an imitation made from another material.
A Tanzanite-like gemstone may be natural Tanzanite, another type of Zoisite, synthetic material or an imitation gemstone.
A Zircon-like gemstone may be natural Zircon, Cubic Zirconia, glass or another transparent gemstone.
This is especially important because Zircon and Cubic Zirconia are not the same gemstone. Despite their similar names, Zircon is a naturally occurring mineral, while Cubic Zirconia is a laboratory-created material commonly used as a diamond simulant.
Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon may also receive treatments that affect their appearance, colour or durability.
This is why colour, shine and seller claims alone should not be used to confirm a gemstone’s identity.
Why IDT Certification Matters
When purchasing valuable gemstone jewellery, knowing exactly what you are buying is important.
IDT Gemological Laboratories examines Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon and other gemstones using professional gemological instruments and testing methods.
An IDT Gemstone Identification Report can help provide information about:
- The gemstone’s identity
- Whether it is natural or synthetic, where applicable
- Detectable treatments
- Weight and measurements
Before purchasing valuable Turquoise, Tanzanite or Zircon jewellery, always insist on IDT Certification and verify the report through IDT’s official verification platform.
Independent testing can help you understand whether the gemstone matches the seller’s description.
How to Care for December Birthstone Jewellery
Because Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon have different physical properties, their care requirements are not exactly the same.
As a general rule, keep December birthstone jewellery away from strong chemicals, excessive heat and hard impacts. Store jewellery separately from harder gemstones to help reduce scratching and accidental damage.
For Turquoise, clean the jewellery gently using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid steam cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners. Turquoise may be affected by high heat, cosmetics, chemicals, skin oils and perspiration, so apply perfume, lotions and cosmetics before wearing the jewellery. Some treated Turquoise may also be affected by heat or solvents.
For Tanzanite, clean the jewellery using warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth or soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners. Tanzanite should also be protected from hard impacts, very high temperatures and sudden temperature changes.
For Zircon, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush or cloth for cleaning. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaning. Protect Zircon from hard blows, excessive rubbing and high heat. Store it separately from harder gemstones to help prevent scratching.
Conclusion
Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon are the three main December birthstones, and each offers a completely different appearance and character.
Turquoise is recognised for its distinctive blue-green colour and traditionally represents protection, friendship and good fortune. Tanzanite stands out for its beautiful blue to violet appearance and is commonly associated with transformation and new beginnings. Zircon is admired for its brilliance, fire and wide range of colours and is traditionally linked with wisdom and prosperity.
Whether you choose classic Turquoise, rich blue-violet Tanzanite or brilliant Zircon, make sure you understand what you are buying.
Look beyond colour and appearance, ask about possible treatments and always insist on IDT Certification for valuable gemstone jewellery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the birthstones for December?
Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon are the three main birthstones for December.
What colour is the December birthstone?
December does not have only one birthstone colour.
Turquoise is commonly blue to blue-green, Tanzanite ranges from blue to violet-blue, while Zircon occurs in blue, colourless, yellow, green, red, orange and brown shades.
Blue is particularly associated with all three December birthstones.
What do December birthstones represent?
Turquoise traditionally represents protection, friendship and good fortune.
Tanzanite is commonly associated with transformation, wisdom and new beginnings.
Zircon traditionally represents wisdom, prosperity and protection.
Are the benefits of December birthstones scientifically proven?
No. The benefits associated with Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon come from traditional beliefs, astrology and gemstone folklore. They are not scientifically or medically proven.
Can December birthstones be worn every day?
Yes, but each gemstone requires different levels of care.
Turquoise is relatively soft and should be protected from scratches, chemicals and rough wear.
Tanzanite can be worn regularly with proper care but should be protected from hard impacts.
Zircon can also be used in everyday jewellery, although care should be taken to prevent scratches and chips.
Is Zircon the same as Cubic Zirconia?
No.
Zircon is a natural gemstone, while Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a laboratory-created material commonly used as a diamond simulant.
The similarity in their names often causes confusion, but they are completely different materials.
Is Tanzanite naturally blue?
Tanzanite can naturally display blue and violet colours, but much of the Tanzanite available in the jewellery market is heat treated to develop or enhance its characteristic blue to violet appearance. This heat treatment is routinely used and is generally stable.
Is Turquoise always blue?
No. Turquoise can range from blue and sky blue to blue-green and green. Some pieces also contain visible veins or patterns of matrix.
Is blue Zircon natural?
Zircon is a natural gemstone, but blue Zircon is commonly produced by heat treating suitable natural Zircon material to change its colour.
How can I check whether a December birthstone is genuine?
Ask for an independent gemstone identification report, such as IDT Certification, instead of relying only on the gemstone’s colour, shine, name or appearance.
