What is the December Birthstone?
- December is one of the few months with several December birthstones to choose from.
- The main December Birthstones ones are turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon, though blue topaz is also often included.
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Turquoise, with its blue and green shades, is seen as a stone of protection and good luck.
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Tanzanite, a rare gem with violet-blue tones, is linked with change and spiritual growth.
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Zircon is bright and sparkly, believed to bring wisdom, prosperity, and clear thinking.
- Blue topaz, found in many shades of blue, is linked with calmness, clarity, and simple beauty. Topaz is often included as the birthstone for December born.
Why Does December Have Three Birthstones?
December has three birthstones:turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite because modern lists were expanded to include both traditional and newly found gems.
This change gave people more options and reflected market trends and demand.
Turquoise is the traditional stone with long historical importance, zircon was added as a more affordable choice, and tanzanite, introduced in the late 20th century, became popular for its deep blue-purple color.
Evolution of Birthstone Lists
- Ancient origin: Linked to the Breastplate of Judgment in the Bible.
- 1800s: Tiffany & Co. promoted birthstones through a Gregorian poem
- 1912: National Association of Jewelers created a standard list, later updated
Reasons for Multiple Stones
- Mix of traditional and modern choices
- Marketing added more affordable options
- New discoveries, like tanzanite in 1967, expanded the list.
Why Does December have 3 birthstones?
- Turquoise: Traditional stone, valued for its blue-green color and history
- Zircon: Bright stone with medieval healing lore, added as an affordable choice
- Tanzanite: Rare blue-violet gem from Tanzania, officially added in 2002
Tanzanite Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
Tanzanite is a rare blue-violet gemstone first found in Tanzania in 1967. As a December birthstone, it stands for transformation, wisdom, and new beginnings.
December Tanzanite Stone Meanings:
- Transformation & Growth – Sign of change and fresh starts.
- Spiritual Awakening – Strengthens intuition and awareness.
- Emotional Healing – Brings calm, peace, and release from past pain.
- Clarity & Wisdom – Supports clear thinking and self-control.
Tanzanite Birthstone Associations
- Birthstone Month: December
- Zodiac Connection: Sagittarius, Capricorn
- Anniversary Gift: 24th Anniversary Gemstone
- Symbolism & Meaning: Transformation, intuition, calmness, spiritual awareness
- Colors: Blue to violet-blue, sometimes with red or purple flashes
- Popular Jewelry: Rings, Pendants, Earrings, Bracelets
- Lore: Known as the “Stone of Transformation”
Varieties and Unique Features of Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, best known for its striking blue-purple color. Found in Tanzania, it is one of the rarest gemstones in the world.
Varieties Of Tanzanite By Color
- Blue & Purple: The classic and most valuable type, ranging from sapphire-like blue to deep purple.
- Fancy Colors: Rare green, pink, yellow, or orange varieties, prized by collectors.
- Peacock/Chameleon: A greenish-yellow type with shifting tones.
- Color-Change: Rare gems that shift from blue in daylight to purple in warm light.
- Unheated: Naturally blue-purple stones, extremely rare since most are heat-treated.
Unique Features
- Trichroism: Shows blue, purple, and brown/yellow tones from different angles. Skilled cutting highlights the best color.
- Rarity: Found only in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
- Color Treatments: Most stones are heat-treated to achieve their vivid hues.
- Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, softer than sapphire, making it better for occasional wear.
- Lighting Effect: Looks bluer in daylight and more purple in warm light.
Healing and Metaphysical Benefits of Tanzanite
Tanzanite is known as a stone of transformation, inner peace, and spiritual growth. It is believed to calm the mind, support emotional healing, and awaken higher awareness.
Metaphysical Properties
- Spiritual Awakening: Supports meditation, higher consciousness, and spiritual purpose.
- Intuition: Strengthens inner guidance and psychic abilities.
- Chakra Activation: Connects with the Third Eye and Crown chakras for insight and awareness.
- New Beginnings: Helps with life changes and personal growth.
Emotional & Mental Benefits
- Inner Peace: Brings calm, balance, and mental clarity.
- Emotional Healing: Aids in releasing past trauma and negative patterns.
- Self-Expression: Builds confidence and clear communication.
Physical Benefits
- Stress Relief Eases tension and anxiety.
- Immune Support – Linked to strengthening the immune system.
- Detoxification – Believed to aid overall cleansing and vitality.
December Birthstone: Turquoise Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
- Healing & Balance: Thought to calm the mind, reduce stress, and support emotional healing.
- Protection: In many traditions, believed to guard against the evil eye and provide safety.
- Hope & Creativity: Inspires ambition, creativity, forgiveness, and kindness.
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Friendship & Love: In Europe, turquoise rings symbolize “forget me not” and are often given as tokens of love or friendship.
Turquoise Birthstone Associations
- Birthstone Month: December
- Zodiac Connection: Sagittarius, Pisces
- Anniversary Gift: 11th Anniversary Gemstone
- Symbolism & Meaning: Protection, wisdom, healing, friendship
- Colors: Sky Blue, Greenish Blue, Teal
- Popular Jewelry: Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets, Cuff Jewelry
- Lore: One of the oldest known gemstones, symbol of luck and protection
Varieties and Origins of Turquoise
Turquoise forms in dry, desert regions around the world, with major sources in the Southwestern U.S., Iran, and Mexico.
Notable Varieties
- Sleeping Beauty (Arizona): Known for its clear, pure sky-blue color.
- Persian (Iran): Highly valued for its bright blue tones and historical importance.
- Carico Lake (Nevada): Noted for green shades, sometimes with golden hues.
- Royston (Nevada/Arizona): Shows blue-green mixes with fine “spiderweb” patterns.
Healing and Metaphysical Benefits of Turquoise
Healing Properties ( Emotional and Mental)
- Brings emotional balance and calm
- Supports mental clarity and focus
- Helps release stress and encourages forgiveness
Metaphysical Benefits
- Protects against negative energies
- Connected to the Throat chakra for clear communication
- Strengthens self-expression and creativity
December Birthstone: Zircon Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
Symbolism of Zircon
- Wisdom & Prosperity: Brings wealth, success, and knowledge.
- Spiritual Growth: Deepens insight and supports the spiritual path.
- Confidence & Clarity: Builds courage and clear thinking.
- Protection: Keeps away negativity and misfortune.
- Honesty & Purity: Stands for truth and sincerity.
Zircon Birthstone Associations
- Birthstone Month: December
- Zodiac Connection: Sagittarius
- Anniversary Gift: 10th Anniversary Gemstone
- Symbolism & Meaning: Wisdom, prosperity, confidence, spiritual grounding
- Colors: Blue (most popular for December), Yellow, Green, Red, Clear
- Popular Jewelry: Earrings, Rings, Pendants
- Lore: Known for brilliance and fire, often mistaken for diamond
Types and Varieties of Zircon
Zircon Types by Color
- Blue: Most popular, often made by heating brown stones.
- Colorless (Matura Diamond) – Very bright, once used instead of diamond.
- Brown – Common and low-cost, often heated to change color.
- Yellow & Orange – Warm colors, more affordable.
- Red & Pink – Rare and valuable.
- Green – Very rare, sometimes natural, sometimes from heating.
Zircon Types by Structure
- High-Type – Strong and clear crystal, used in most jewelry.
- Intermediate-Type – Partly changed by radiation, with mixed traits.
- Low-Type (Metamict) – Heavily changed by radiation, weak or broken crystal form.
Healing and Metaphysical Benefits of Zircon
- Healing (Emotional, Mental & Physical)
- Brings calm and emotional balance
- Clears the mind and improves focus
- Helps release stress and negative thoughts
- Believed to support sleep and ease pain in some traditions.
Metaphysical (Spiritual & Energetic)
- Linked with wisdom, truth, and spiritual growth
- Strengthens confidence and self-expression
- Protects against negativity and misfortune
- Connected to purity, honesty, and clear communication
Best December Birthstone Jewelry Gift Ideas
- Tanzanite pendant – beautiful and timeless.
- Turquoise cuff bracelet – Bold and casual.
- Blue zircon stud earrings – Bright and sparkling.
- Stackable birthstone ring – Personal and versatile.
- Halo ring – Stone surrounded by smaller gems.
- Turquoise bead necklace – Colorful statement piece.
- Zircon drop earrings – Classic evening style.
Tips:
- Tanzanite & turquoise are softer, best in pendants or earrings.
- Match the metal (gold, silver, platinum) to their style.
- Deeper colors = higher value.
- Turquoise is budget-friendly; tanzanite & zircon are pricier.
Shop December Birthstone Collection with Folkmarket
How to Order:
- Browse our December Collection – Discover Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Blue Zircon jewelry and loose stones.
- Pick your favorite piece – Add it to your cart.
- Checkout securely – Enter your shipping details.
- Choose payment method – Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Bank Transfer, or PayPal (on request).
- Receive with care – Get your gem safely shipped with tracking.
- Celebrate December with a gift of authentic beauty and timeless meaning from Folkmarket Gems.
FAQs about December Birthstones
What is the official December birthstone?
- Turquoise – the traditional and oldest recognized December stone.
- Tanzanite – added in 2002 by the American Gem Trade Association.
- Blue Zircon – also widely recognized as a December birthstone.
Why does December have three birthstones?
December is unique because it has three birthstones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Turquoise is the oldest and most traditional, zircon adds sparkle with its bright blue shades, and tanzanite, discovered more recently, brings a rare and modern touch. Together, they give December a wide choice of beauty and meaning.
What color is the December birthstone?
The December birthstones come in shades of blue:
- Turquoise – sky blue to greenish blue.
- Zircon – bright blue, sometimes with a hint of green.
- Tanzanite – deep blue with touches of purple.
Is tanzanite more valuable than turquoise or zircon?
Tanzanite is usually the most valuable of the December birthstones because it is rare and found only in Tanzania. Zircon is bright and beautiful but usually costs less, while turquoise is the most affordable, though high-quality pieces can still be worth more.
Can December birthstones be used in engagement rings?
Yes, December birthstones can be used in engagement rings. Tanzanite is beautiful but needs care, turquoise is softer and best for occasional wear, while zircon is harder and a good option for daily use.
Conclusion: Choosing Between Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
Each December birthstone is special. Tanzanite is rare and rich in color, turquoise is historic and known for its sky-blue shades, and zircon is bright and sparkling. Your choice depends on whether you want rarity, tradition, or brilliance — all are perfect picks for December.
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