Name Necklace
December Birthstone: Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon Guide
Oct
The December birthstone comes in three choices: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. All three share a cool blue palette that suits the coldest month of the year. Here is what each stone is, its colour and meaning, the December birth flower, and how to turn it into a Christmas or birthday gift.
What Is the Birthstone for December?
December has more birthstones than almost any other month. Turquoise and zircon are the traditional stones, and tanzanite is the modern addition, discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s.
December Birthstone Colour
The classic December birthstone colour is blue. Turquoise ranges from robin’s-egg and sky blue to green, often with fine dark veins. Tanzanite runs from rich blue to violet. Zircon comes in many colours, but blue zircon is the one most linked to December.
Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the oldest gems in use and was believed to bring health, good fortune and protection from falls. An Apache tradition held that it could be found at the end of a rainbow. It is fairly soft, at 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. The finest blue came from Iran; today China is the largest producer, with US turquoise coming mainly from Arizona and Nevada. Turquoise is the gem for an 11th wedding anniversary.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a blue to violet variety of the mineral zoisite, named after Tanzania, where it is mined commercially in only one place: the Merelani Hills. Most tanzanite starts out brownish and is heat-treated to its permanent blue. It rates 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale and suits earrings and pendants better than everyday rings. It is the gem for a 24th wedding anniversary.
Zircon
Zircon comes in red, orange, yellow, brown, green, blue and colourless forms, and much blue zircon is heat-treated. Its name may come from the Arabic zarkun (vermilion) or the Persian zargun (gold-coloured). In the Middle Ages people believed it brought deep sleep and kept evil spirits away. Important sources include Sri Lanka and Australia.
December Birth Flower
The December birth flower is the narcissus, often the white paperwhite, with holly as a second flower. Together they stand for rebirth, hope and protection, a fitting match for the winter holidays.
How to Care for Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon
- Clean all three with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
- Never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners on them.
- Keep turquoise away from perfume, cosmetics and chemicals.
- Protect tanzanite and zircon from knocks and sudden temperature changes.
December Birthstone Gift Ideas for Christmas
A December birthday lands right in gift season, so make it personal. Our birthstone necklace lets you choose a birthstone colour beside each name, and December is a sky-blue shade. For a mom with a December baby, our mom necklace with birthstones holds up to four names, each with its own month. Prefer the wrist? Try a name bracelet with birthstone, or for him, one of our engraved bracelets for men.
Order by December 4 for Christmas. Every piece is made to order, with delivery in under 20 days. Born in November instead? Read our November birthstone guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the birthstone for December?
December has three birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. All three come in shades of blue, which is why blue is the classic December birthstone colour.
What colour is the December birthstone?
Blue. Turquoise runs from sky blue to green, tanzanite from rich blue to violet, and blue zircon is a bright, clear blue.
What is the December birth flower?
The narcissus, often the white paperwhite, with holly as the second December flower. They stand for rebirth, hope and protection.
Is blue topaz a December birthstone?
Some jewellers use blue topaz for December because of its colour, but the traditional December stones are turquoise, tanzanite and zircon.
Which colour do your necklaces use for December?
Our birthstone necklaces use a sky-blue stone for December. It is a coloured stone in that shade, not a natural gemstone.
When should I order for Christmas?
Order by December 4. Every piece is made to order, with delivery in under 20 days, so orders placed by then should arrive before Christmas.
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