What Is December Birthstone? Meaning, Colour, History and Jewellery Guide
December has three recognised birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Each stone has its own colour, beauty and meaning. Turquoise is known for its bright blue-green colour. Tanzanite shines in blue and violet shades. Zircon is loved for its sparkle and wide range of colours. At Mint By Mera, you can explore the beauty of birthstone jewellery and find inspiration for meaningful birthday gifts.
The December birthstones are linked with ideas such as protection, peace, wisdom and new beginnings. These meanings come from old stories and popular beliefs. You can choose one stone or enjoy all three. The best choice depends on your style, budget and the type of jewellery you want to wear.
What Is December's Birthstone Called?
December's birthstones are called turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Turquoise is a traditional birthstone, while tanzanite and zircon are also recognised on modern birthstone lists. Each gem has a different look.
Turquoise has a smooth, blue-green surface. Tanzanite has a rich blue-violet colour. Zircon can have bright blue shades and strong sparkle. All three stones are used in fine jewellery and make thoughtful birthday gifts.
There is no need to choose only one. If you love bright colours, turquoise may suit you. If you prefer deep blue and violet, tanzanite may be right for you. If you like a shiny stone, zircon is worth exploring.
What Is December Birthstone Color?
The December birthstone colour is often linked with blue, but the three stones have different shades. Turquoise can look sky blue or greenish blue. Tanzanite ranges from blue to violet. Zircon comes in blue, green, yellow, brown and other colours.
December Birthstone Colours at a Glance
| Birthstone | Main colours | How it looks |
|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Sky blue to greenish blue | Smooth and opaque |
| Tanzanite | Blue to violet | Clear and bright |
| Zircon | Blue, green, yellow, brown and more | Sparkly and full of light |
Blue is a popular choice for December jewellery because it looks fresh and elegant. However, you do not have to choose blue. A green zircon or a greenish turquoise can also make a beautiful piece.
What Is December's Birthstone Look Like?
Each December birthstone has a special look. You can often tell them apart by their colour and the way they handle light.
1. Turquoise
Turquoise is usually opaque, which means you cannot see through it. It has a smooth surface. Some stones have dark lines or marks from the rock in which they formed. These marks are called a matrix.
Turquoise looks lovely in silver rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. It is a good choice for people who enjoy natural colours and simple designs.
2. Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a clear gemstone with blue and violet shades. Its colour can look different when viewed from different angles. It is often cut with flat faces to help it shine.
Tanzanite looks elegant in pendants, earrings and special-occasion rings. It is softer than many common jewellery stones, so it needs care to prevent chips and damage.
3. Zircon
Zircon is a natural gemstone that can shine with bright flashes of light. Blue zircon is a popular choice for December, but natural zircon also occurs in other colours.
Do not confuse zircon with cubic zirconia. Natural zircon is a mineral found in nature. Cubic zirconia is a different material made in a laboratory.
What Is December Birthstone Meaning?
The December birthstone meaning depends on the stone you choose. Turquoise is often linked with protection and good luck. Tanzanite is linked with change, growth and new beginnings. Zircon is often linked with wisdom, confidence and prosperity.
These meanings come from tradition, culture and popular gemstone beliefs. They are not proven powers. Still, many people enjoy choosing a birthstone because its meaning feels special to them.
A birthstone can also remind someone of their birthday, family or an important moment in life. This makes it a thoughtful gift for a friend, partner, parent or child born in December.
Turquoise Meaning
Turquoise has a long history in jewellery. Many cultures have used it in ornaments and special objects. It is often linked with peace, protection and good fortune.
Tanzanite Meaning
Tanzanite is often seen as a stone of change and fresh starts. Its blue-violet colour can also remind people of calm evenings and clear skies.
Zircon Meaning
Zircon is often linked with wisdom, balance and success. Its bright sparkle makes it a popular choice for people who want colourful jewellery with a classic feel.
What Is December Birthstone and Flower?
December has three recognised birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Its traditional birth flowers are narcissus and holly.
Narcissus flowers are known for their bright petals and trumpet-shaped centre. They are often linked with hope and new beginnings. Holly has green leaves and red berries. It is strongly linked with winter and holiday decorations.
December Birthstones and Birth Flowers
| Name | Type | Common meaning or association |
|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Gemstone | Protection and good fortune |
| Tanzanite | Gemstone | Change and new beginnings |
| Zircon | Gemstone | Wisdom and prosperity |
| Narcissus | Birth flower | Hope and renewal |
| Holly | Birth flower | Winter, joy and goodwill |
Birthstones and birth flowers are two different traditions. You can combine them in a birthday gift, such as a gemstone necklace with a flower design. A December birthday card can also feature blue gemstones, narcissus flowers or holly leaves.
Turquoise vs Tanzanite vs Zircon: What Is the Difference?
Although these stones share the same birth month, they are not the same. They differ in hardness, colour, sparkle and care needs.
Compare the Three December Birthstones
| Feature | Turquoise | Tanzanite | Zircon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Opaque and smooth | Clear, blue-violet | Sparkly and often faceted |
| Mohs hardness | 5–6 | 6–7 | About 6–7.5 |
| Main appeal | Natural colour and patterns | Rich blue-violet shades | Bright sparkle |
| Best jewellery choices | Pendants and earrings | Earrings and pendants | Earrings and pendants |
| Care level | High care needed | Gentle care needed | Gentle care needed |
Mohs hardness measures how well a mineral resists scratches. It does not measure how easily a stone can break or chip.
Which December Birthstone Is the Best?
There is no single best stone for everyone.
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Choose turquoise if you like a natural blue-green look.
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Choose tanzanite if you love deep blue and violet shades.
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Choose zircon if you want a natural gemstone with bright sparkle.
Think about how often you will wear the jewellery. A ring may face more knocks than a pendant or pair of earrings. This is important when choosing a softer gemstone.
What Is December's Birthstone Jewellery?
December birthstone jewellery includes rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets made with turquoise, tanzanite or zircon. Each stone suits different designs. Mint By Mera believes that jewellery can be a lovely way to celebrate birthdays, special moments and personal style.
Turquoise Jewellery
Turquoise looks beautiful in silver jewellery, simple pendants and colourful bracelets. It can also be set in gold for a warm, rich look. Since turquoise is soft and can be affected by chemicals, it is best to protect it from hard knocks and rough daily use.
Tanzanite Jewellery
Tanzanite is popular in elegant earrings, necklaces and special rings. Its blue-violet colour looks lovely with white gold, yellow gold and silver-coloured metals. Choose a protected setting if you want a tanzanite ring.
Zircon Jewellery
Blue zircon is a good option for people who enjoy sparkle. It can look beautiful in earrings, pendants and rings. Ask the seller whether the stone has been treated, as some zircon colours are improved by heat.
How to Choose December Birthstone Jewellery
Before buying, consider these points:
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Colour: Pick a shade that you enjoy wearing.
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Design: Choose jewellery that suits your everyday style.
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Budget: Prices depend on size, colour, quality, origin and treatment.
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Durability: Think about how often you will wear the piece.
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Seller details: Ask whether the gemstone is natural, treated or imitation.
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Care: Follow the cleaning advice for the exact stone you buy.
How to Care for December Birthstones
Each December birthstone needs proper care. Gentle cleaning can help your jewellery stay beautiful for longer.
Caring for Turquoise
Turquoise can be porous and may react to chemicals. Keep it away from perfume, cleaning products, cosmetics and long periods in water. Clean it gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Do not use harsh cleaners or ultrasonic cleaning machines.
Caring for Tanzanite
Tanzanite can chip if it receives a hard knock. Remove tanzanite jewellery before sports, heavy work or other activities that may cause damage. Clean it with mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft cloth, following the jeweller's advice.
Caring for Zircon
Clean zircon gently with mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft brush if the jeweller confirms this is suitable. Avoid hard knocks and sudden temperature changes. Do not assume that steam or ultrasonic cleaning is safe for every stone or setting.
Store all three gemstones separately from harder jewellery to reduce scratches. When in doubt, ask a qualified jeweller to clean the piece.
December Birthstone Buying Guide
The right December birthstone should match your needs, not just its colour. Check the quality of the stone, its setting and the seller's information before making a purchase.
Mint By Mera recommends choosing jewellery that matches your favourite colours, everyday style and budget. Always ask whether a gemstone is natural, treated or imitation before buying.
Which December Birthstone Should You Choose?
| Your preference | Suggested stone | Why it may suit you |
|---|---|---|
| Natural blue-green colour | Turquoise | Has a unique, earthy look |
| Rich blue and violet | Tanzanite | Offers a deep, elegant colour |
| Bright sparkle | Zircon | Reflects light beautifully |
| Birthday gift | Any of the three | Each is linked with December |
| Jewellery for regular wear | Depends on the design | A protected setting and proper care matter |
Ask the seller about treatments, gemstone origin if known, return rules and any certificate supplied. A certificate or report should come from a suitable gem laboratory if independent confirmation is important to you.
Also remember that zircon and cubic zirconia are different. If you want a natural gemstone, make sure the product description clearly says natural zircon.
Conclusion: What Is December Birthstone?
December has three recognised birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Turquoise is known for its blue-green colour, tanzanite for its blue-violet shades, and zircon for its bright sparkle.
Each stone has its own beauty, history and traditional meaning. Turquoise is often linked with protection, tanzanite with change, and zircon with wisdom. Their meanings are part of gemstone tradition rather than proven effects.
When choosing December birthstone jewellery, think about your favourite colour, budget, style and care needs. Mint By Mera encourages you to select jewellery that reflects your style and makes your special moments memorable. Whether you choose a turquoise pendant, a tanzanite ring or blue zircon earrings, a December birthstone can be a personal and meaningful gift.
Frequently Asked Questions About December Birthstones
1. What is December's birthstone?
December has three recognised birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Turquoise has a blue-green colour, tanzanite is blue to violet, and zircon comes in several colours. Each stone has its own look and history. You can choose one based on your favourite colour, jewellery style, budget and how you plan to wear it.
2. What is December's birthstone colour?
December's birthstones are best known for their blue shades, but they are not all the same colour. Turquoise ranges from blue to greenish blue. Tanzanite shows blue and violet shades. Zircon can be blue, green, yellow, brown or colourless. Blue is a popular choice, but you can choose any natural colour you prefer.
3. What is December birthstone meaning?
The meaning of a December birthstone depends on the gemstone. Turquoise is often linked with protection and good luck. Tanzanite is linked with change and new beginnings. Zircon is often linked with wisdom and prosperity. These ideas come from traditions and popular beliefs. They are not proven powers, but they can make a birthday gift feel personal.
4. Why does December have three birthstones?
December has three recognised birthstones because birthstone lists changed over time. Turquoise was included in the modern American list in 1912. Zircon joined the list in 1952, and tanzanite was added in 2002. These changes gave December three choices instead of one. Today, people can choose the stone that best suits their taste and budget.
5. Is December birthstone turquoise or tanzanite?
Both turquoise and tanzanite are recognised December birthstones. Zircon is the third. Turquoise is opaque and usually blue-green, while tanzanite is a clear gemstone with blue and violet shades. The right choice depends on your style. Turquoise suits people who like natural patterns, while tanzanite is a lovely option for elegant, colourful jewellery.
6. Is zircon the same as cubic zirconia?
No, natural zircon and cubic zirconia are different materials. Zircon is a natural mineral found in the Earth. Cubic zirconia is a man-made material often used as a diamond look-alike. Their names sound similar, which can cause confusion when shopping. Always read the product description and ask the seller which material is used in the jewellery.
7. Which December birthstone is best for everyday wear?
The best stone depends on the jewellery design and your daily routine. Turquoise is soft and can be damaged by chemicals. Tanzanite can chip if knocked hard. Zircon can also chip or suffer damage. Earrings and pendants often face fewer knocks than rings. Choose a secure setting, remove jewellery during rough activities and follow the seller's care advice.
8. Is December birthstone jewellery a good gift?
Yes, December birthstone jewellery can be a thoughtful birthday gift. You can choose a turquoise pendant, tanzanite earrings or a blue zircon ring. Think about the person's favourite colour, metal and jewellery style. A birthstone gift can also mark a special event or family memory. Check the return policy and gemstone details before buying.
9. How should I clean December birthstones?
Clean December birthstones with care because each stone has different needs. Turquoise usually needs a soft, slightly damp cloth and protection from chemicals. Tanzanite can be cleaned gently with mild soap and water when suitable. Zircon also needs careful handling. Avoid harsh cleaners and do not use steam or ultrasonic machines unless a qualified jeweller confirms they are safe.
10. What is December's birthstone and flower?
December has three recognised birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Its traditional birth flowers are narcissus and holly. Narcissus is known for its bright flowers, while holly has green leaves and red berries. These flowers are linked with winter and new beginnings. You can combine birthstone jewellery with a flower-themed card for a special December birthday gift.