December Birthstone Explained: Tanzanite, Zircon & More

Q: What is the original birthstone for December?

Turquoise is one of December’s longstanding traditional birthstones, valued for its distinctive blue-green color and rich cultural history.

Q: What is the rarest gemstone for December?

Tanzanite is notable for its geographically limited commercial source. However, rarity depends on a gemstone’s quality, color, and specific variety.

Q: Do all December's birthstones have to be blue?

Not necessarily. While blue is the traditional shade, natural zircon and topaz can occur in other colors like white, yellow, or pink.

Q: What is the most expensive December birthstone?

Fine tanzanite can command substantial prices, but exceptional turquoise or zircon may also be costly. Quality and individual characteristics determine value.

Last updated on October 19, 2026

💡 Quick Guide: Birthstones for December at a Glance

Tanzanite: Rare and elegant, with rich blue and violet tones.
Turquoise: A timeless favorite with vibrant blue-green color and a long cultural history.
Zircon: Naturally brilliant, with rainbow-like flashes and vintage charm.
Blue Topaz: A durable, accessible choice in shades from sky blue to London blue.

Having a birthday in December means sharing the spotlight with the holidays, but your birthstone deserves a moment of its own. And there’s no shortage of beautiful options, each with a different look and story.

Whether you’re shopping for a December birthstone ring, pendant, or earrings, we’ll walk you through the colors, history, symbolism, and wearability of these gemstones so you can find something that feels personal.

What is December's Birthstone? 4 Gems Explain

If you’re wondering what the December birthstone is, the traditional answers are tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon, while blue topaz is often included as a fourth option.

Blue is the birthstone color for the month of December. Each gem captures a different aspect of winter, from icy blue brilliance to rich, vibrant color, offering its own charm and cultural significance.

Comparison Overview with Chart

Want to see how these four birthstones compare? Check out our quick comparison chart below for an easy overview of their unique features.

Gemstone	Signature Color	Mohs Hardness	Characteristic	Perfect For
Tanzanite	Blue-Violet	6–7	Rich, sophisticated color	Statement rings and pendants
Turquoise	Sky Blue to Teal	5–6	Distinctive, natural character	Vintage and bohemian jewelry
Zircon	Vivid Blue / Multicolor	6–7.5	Exceptional sparkle	High-brilliance vintage and solitaire settings
Blue Topaz	Sky, Swiss, London Blue	8	Everyday versatility	Daily and classic stackable rings

📖 Note: Mohs hardness measures a stone’s resistance to scratching, not its overall toughness. Gemstone quality and setting design also affect its overall durability.

1. Tanzanite – The Blue-Violet December Birthstone

Known for its saturated color and captivating blend of blue and violet, tanzanite stands out among December precious stone. Its relative rarity and distinctive beauty appeal to contemporary jewelry enthusiasts who appreciate bold, attention-grabbing designs.

Appearance and Color

Tanzanite, often called the “gemstone of the 21st century,” can be transparent or translucent. Depending on the light and viewing angle, its December birthstone color can range from deep royal blue to delicate violet, sometimes revealing hints of burgundy.

A Remarkably Recent Discovery

First discovered near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in the 1960s, tanzanite was originally called “blue-violet zoisite.” In 1968, Tiffany & Co. introduced the name “tanzanite” to make the gemstone more marketable while honoring its Tanzanian origins. Since tanzanite is sourced from a limited geographic area, availability is an important factor to consider.

What It Symbolizes

As a December birthstone, it embodies truth and the promise of a fresh start, making it especially meaningful for celebrating new chapters and significant life milestones.

Durability and Care

With a hardness of 6-7, tanzanite can be worn regularly, but it benefits from protective settings and extra care to avoid knocks.

Cleaning Tips: Use mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaning, and keep tanzanite away from heat and chemicals.

Price Range

Tanzanite typically costs around $300 to $1,200 or more per carat. High-quality stones command premium prices, especially those with richly saturated blue-violet hues, excellent cuts, and high clarity.

👉🏻 For a closer look at its suitability for bridal jewelry, explore why choose a tanzanite engagement ring.

2. Turquoise – A Traditional Birthstone for December

Turquoise stands apart from other December birthstones with its opaque appearance and natural patterns. Rather than dazzling sparkle, it offers a laid-back, artistic beauty that feels effortlessly unique.

Appearance and Color

When it comes to turquoise, the color of the birthstone can range from bright sky blue to soothing blue-green and muted green. Each shade has a relaxed, timeless charm. Interestingly, the word “turquoise” itself denotes a distinctive blue hue.

A Gemstone Worn Across Civilizations

Turquoise has been cherished for thousands of years, often held sacred by ancient cultures. Even its name tells a story: the Old French turquois means “Turkish,” referring to the route through which turquoise reached Europe. Today, notable sources include Iran, China, and the southwestern U.S., especially Arizona and Nevada.

What It Symbolizes

For centuries, turquoise has long been a symbol of health, friendship, and good luck. Many ancient cultures also valued it as a protective stone, often wearing it as an amulet for peace and safety.

Durability and Care

Among birthstones for December, turquoise is relatively delicate, with a Mohs hardness of 5–6. It’s also porous, meaning oils, sweat, makeup, and chemicals may affect its color and appearance.

Cleaning Tips: Wipe with a clean, soft cloth; avoid exposure to chemicals or cosmetics.

Price Range

Turquoise prices generally range from $5 to $30 per carat, depending on origin, matrix patterns, stone size, and treatments. (High quality Persian turquoise may cost considerably more.)

3. Zircon – A Brilliant December Gemstone

Love the sparkle of diamonds but want something a little different? Zircon might be your perfect Dec birthstone. Its lively brilliance and colorful flashes lend themselves beautifully to vintage-style gemstone jewelry.

Appearance and Color

As one of December’s most colorful birthstones, zircon comes in blue, red, yellow, green, brown, and colorless varieties. The clear stones offer diamond-like sparkle, while blue zircon is especially popular for its icy, winter-inspired color.

📖 See our moissanite vs diamond vs cz comparison for a closer look at how these colorless gemstones differ.

An Ancient Mineral With a Jewelry Legacy

Dating back over 4 billion years, zircon is among Earth’s oldest known minerals. Ancient people mistakenly confused it with diamonds, yet it has a rich jewelry history, particularly in Victorian designs. Gem-quality zircon is now often found in countries such as Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Australia.

What It Symbolizes

For centuries, zircon has represented prosperity, wisdom, and clear thinking. This birthstone for December was also thought to encourage peaceful sleep and ward off negative energy.

Durability and Care

Zircon ranks 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale, but its brittle nature makes facet edges prone to chipping. Earrings and pendants are great choices, while zircon rings need a little extra care.

Cleaning Tips: Clean with warm water and a soft brush, but do not use ultrasonic cleaners to avoid widening cracks.

How Much Does Zircon Cost?

Zircon is a moderately priced December birthstone, with estimated prices of $75–$200 per carat. Premium natural blue zircon may cost more, depending on its quality.

4. Blue Topaz – The Durable Natural Alternative

Tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon are the three December principal birthstones recognized by GIA and AGS. But blue topaz often makes the list, too, thanks to its beautiful blue shades and understated, modern appeal.

Appearance and Color

Natural blue topaz is rare. Most of the blue stones you see in jewelry actually begin as colorless or pale topaz, then receive treatments to bring out their color. You’ll usually find three hues:

Sky Blue: Pale, airy blue with understated elegance.
Swiss Blue: Bright, vibrant blue with noticeable saturation.
London Blue: Deep, often slightly grayish or greenish blue for a moodier look.

History and Modern Popularity

Topaz has been around since ancient Greek times, but the blue variety didn’t become widely available until much later.

Naturally blue topaz is uncommon, and modern treatments introduced in the 20th century finally made these unique shades accessible to more jewelry buyers.

What It Symbolizes

This December birthstone speaks to sincerity, love, and forgiveness, as well as the importance of honest communication and harmony in relationships.

Durability and Care

Boasting an impressive 8.0 Mohs hardness and high durability, blue topaz is very suitable for use as an engagement ring or everyday jewelry.

Cleaning Tips: Clean them with warm, soapy water is the safest cleaning method.

Is Blue Topaz Expensive?

As noted in many topaz guides, this December gemstone is relatively affordable, with some retail prices ranging from $10 to $50 per carat. Its wide availability keeps costs low, though deeper blue shades may command slightly higher prices.

What is the Primary Color of December's Birthstone?

Blue is the signature December birthstone color, but there’s more variety than you might expect. Each of the four gemstones we’ve covered offers its own range of hues.

Tanzanite blends blue and purple, turquoise offers calming blue-green shades, and zircon comes in a surprising mix of warm and cool colors. Even blue topaz has several distinct shades. In other words, blue is a tradition, not a limitation.

Why Does December Have Four Birthstones?

December hasn’t always had so many birthstone options. Over the years, traditions, new gemstone discoveries, and changing tastes have shaped the choices we know today:

Ancient Traditions: Turquoise was recognized for centuries as the classical December gemstone.
20th Century Additions: Zircon was adopted to offer brilliant transparent options.
Modern Inclusions: Tanzanite was added in 2002 to reflect contemporary tastes and rare gem discoveries.
Growing Popularity: Blue topaz gained global adoption due to its crystal clarity and everyday durability.

Do Specific December Birthstone Dates Match Different Stones?

There is no widely accepted official system that assigns different birthstones to specific dates, from December 1 through 31.

Although December birthdays fall under Sagittarius or Capricorn, zodiac stones follow their own traditions. You should pick a gem that suits your style, lifestyle, and personal meaning.

How to Choose the Perfect December Birthstone Jewelry

Whether you’re buying jewelry with a December gem for yourself or as a gift, think about personal aesthetic, everyday wear, and how much upkeep the stone requires.

Rings: Beauty Meets Practicality

Rings keep your gemstone in view, making them a deeply personal choice for daily jewelry. Here are a few ideas for selecting December birthstone ring from our jewelry experts:

For a Refined, Romantic Look: Consider tanzanite in an oval or cushion cut, with protective prongs or a surrounding halo.
For Modern Minimalism: A blue topaz solitaire offers clean lines and striking color, though it still needs protection from sharp impacts.
For Vintage Character: Turquoise or zircon can bring individuality to a thoughtfully designed, occasional-wear ring.

Oval Cut Tanzanite Engagement Ring with Moonstone Blossom

Heart Shaped Tanzanite Cluster Engagement Ring with Twisted Band

Oval Cut Tanzanite Engagement Ring In Yellow Gold Anniversary Gift

Princess Cut London Blue Topaz Infinity Promise Ring

Emerald Cut London Blue Topaz Bezel Solitaire Engagement Ring

Necklaces and Earrings: Effortless Elegance

Since necklaces and earrings don’t take as many knocks as rings, they’re a smart choice for these delicate December gemstones.

Tanzanite drops bring a refined touch to evening outfits, while zircon earrings catch the light beautifully.
Turquoise pendants pop against neutral clothing, and blue topaz looks especially lovely in simple white gold or silver settings.

December Gift Ideas: Make It Personal

When choosing December birthstone jewelry as a gift, think about what the recipient would actually enjoy wearing before picking a gemstone ring, necklace, or pair of earrings:

London Blue Topaz: For a refined look with a touch of quiet luxury.
Tanzanite: A thoughtful pick for anniversaries and special occasions.
Turquoise: Ideal for someone who appreciates earthy colors and natural character.
Zircon: A charming option for those who appreciate vintage-inspired sparkle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the original birthstone for December?

Turquoise is one of December’s longstanding traditional birthstones, valued for its distinctive blue-green color and rich cultural history.

Is blue topaz more suitable as the December birthstone or the November?

While topaz traditionally belongs to November, blue topaz’s blue hues align with December’s wintry, icy vibe. Culturally, it’s widely promoted and recognized as a December gem.

What is the rarest gemstone for December?

Tanzanite is notable for its geographically limited commercial source. However, rarity depends on a gemstone’s quality, color, and specific variety.

Do all December's birthstones have to be blue?

Not necessarily. While blue is the traditional shade, natural zircon and topaz can occur in other colors like white, yellow, or pink.

Which December gemstone is best for everyday wear?

Blue topaz offers greater scratch resistance, but no gemstone is impact-proof. Setting design, lifestyle, and proper care matter just as much.

What is the most expensive December birthstone?

Fine tanzanite can command substantial prices, but exceptional turquoise or zircon may also be costly. Quality and individual characteristics determine value.

Embrace the Winter Gems that Are Worth Making Your Own

There’s no single “perfect” December birthstone—and that’s exactly what makes this month so special. Regardless of you love rich blue-violet hues, calming blue-green tones, vintage sparkle, or clean, modern blues, December offers a gemstone that feels uniquely yours.

Ready to find your favorite? Browse the December birthstone jewelry collection at MollyJewelryUS and find a piece you’ll treasure well beyond the holiday season now!