December Birthstones: Turquoise, Zircon & Tanzanite Guide
December is rich in birthstones — and every one is blue. Here's what turquoise, zircon, tanzanite, and blue topaz each mean, why December has so many, and how to choose.
December birthdays are spoiled for choice. The month has three official birthstones — turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite — plus the ever-popular blue topaz, and in a lovely coincidence, every single one is a shade of blue. From an ancient desert stone to a gem found in only one place on Earth, here's the complete guide to December's blue treasures.
December Birthstones at a Glance
- Turquoise: ancient robin's-egg blue — the oldest.
- Zircon: brilliant natural gem, loved in blue (not cubic zirconia!).
- Tanzanite: rare blue-violet — from one place on Earth.
- Blue topaz: the popular, durable fourth (Mohs 8).
- Fun fact: all of December's stones are blue.
December's Birthstones
A trio of blue — plus one.
According to the GIA, December's birthstones are turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Many jewelers also include blue topaz as a popular fourth. Each offers a different shade of blue, a different price point, and a completely different story. Explore them all in our December birthstone collection.
Why Does December Have So Many Birthstones?
They gathered over thousands of years.
Turquoise and zircon are the ancient, traditional December stones, treasured since antiquity. Tanzanite is the modern arrival — chosen as a December birthstone in 2002, the first change to the American birthstone list since 1912. Blue topaz joined many commercial lists thanks to its affordability and durability. The happy result is a whole family of blue gems for December, spanning every budget and taste. Several other months have multiple birthstones too, as our June guide shows.
Turquoise — The Ancient One
One of humanity's oldest gems.
Turquoise is among the very first gemstones ever mined, adored for its robin's-egg blue to green color for over 5,000 years — by ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native American cultures alike. Symbolically it's a stone of protection, good fortune, and friendship. At Mohs 5 to 6 it's relatively soft and porous, so much turquoise is stabilized, and it does best in protective settings away from chemicals and cosmetics. Browse our turquoise jewelry.
December Birthstone Jewelry
Handcrafted, made-to-order tanzanite, topaz, and turquoise pieces — blue gifts for a December birthday.
Shop TanzaniteZircon — The Misunderstood Marvel
And no, it's not cubic zirconia.
Let's clear up the biggest myth first: zircon is a natural mineral, not cubic zirconia. Zircon (zirconium silicate) forms in the earth and is, in fact, one of the oldest materials on the planet — some zircon crystals are over four billion years old. Cubic zirconia, by contrast, is an entirely man-made diamond simulant. December's birthstone is the genuine, natural gem, prized for its exceptional brilliance and fire. Blue zircon is the classic December color. Dive deeper in our blue zircon guide. At about Mohs 6 to 7.5, it's a lively, sparkling choice.
Tanzanite — The Rarest of All
Found in only one place on Earth.
Tanzanite is December's showstopper: a blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, colored by vanadium, that occurs in just one tiny mining area in Tanzania near Mount Kilimanjaro — and nowhere else in the world. Discovered in 1967 and named by Tiffany & Co., it rates Mohs 6.5 and is almost always gently heat-treated to reveal its rich color. Its single, finite source makes it rarer than diamond. Learn its full story in our tanzanite meaning guide, and shop tanzanite engagement rings.
Blue Topaz — The Popular Fourth
Affordable, durable, and brilliantly blue.
Though not on the official GIA list, blue topaz is one of December's most popular stones, and for good reason. It comes in gorgeous shades — from pale Sky Blue to deep London Blue — and at Mohs 8 it's the most durable of December's gems, making it excellent for everyday rings. It's also very affordable, offering big, brilliant blue for a modest price. Explore our topaz jewelry.
December's Birthstones Compared
At a glance.
| Stone | Color | Hardness | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Robin's-egg blue-green | Mohs 5–6 | Ancient; earthy & opaque |
| Zircon | Brilliant blue (also colorless) | Mohs 6–7.5 | Natural; fiery sparkle |
| Tanzanite | Blue-violet | Mohs 6.5 | Rarest; one source on Earth |
| Blue Topaz | Sky to London blue | Mohs 8 | Durable & affordable |
Which December Birthstone Should You Choose?
Rarity, durability, or heritage.
- Choose tanzanite for the rarest, most coveted stone with a gorgeous blue-violet color and a one-of-a-kind origin.
- Choose blue topaz for the most durable and budget-friendly everyday ring in vivid blue.
- Choose zircon for genuine natural fire and brilliance (and to surprise everyone who confuses it with cubic zirconia).
- Choose turquoise for ancient heritage and a warm, earthy, unmistakable look.
December's "color" is unambiguously blue — you simply get to pick your favorite shade. Then keep it beautiful with our care tips below.
Caring for December's Birthstones
Softer stones need a gentle touch.
- Turquoise — the most delicate; wipe with a soft cloth, keep away from water, chemicals, perfume, and cosmetics, which it can absorb.
- Tanzanite & zircon — clean with mild soap and warm water and a soft brush; avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners and sharp knocks; use protective settings for rings.
- Blue topaz — the toughest; warm soapy water is ideal, though it's best to avoid prolonged strong light for some treated colors.
For more, see our ring care guide and how to clean jewelry at home.
December Birthstone FAQ
What are December's birthstones?
Why does December have so many birthstones?
What is the rarest December birthstone?
Is zircon the same as cubic zirconia?
What is the real December birthstone?
Which December birthstone is best for a ring?
Celebrate a December birthday in blue
From rare tanzanite to brilliant blue topaz, every Aquamarise December birthstone piece is handcrafted and made to order, just for you.
Shop December Birthstone Jewelry
