Gemstone & Jewelry 101 October 13, 2025

Complete List of December Birthstones — Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz & Zircon

by PattiRing 0 comments

For December birthdays, you aren’t limited to a single gemstone — instead, you get four beautiful options: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, and Zircon. Each one carries its own history, color palette, and symbolism, making “what is December’s birthstone” a more exciting question than for many other months.

Whether you’re shopping for December birthstone jewelry, curious about December birthstone color, or wondering what is the birthstone for December, here’s your ultimate guide.

A Brief History & Why December Has Multiple Birthstones

Traditionally, December’s recognized birthstones were Turquoise and Zircon. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) still lists Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon as December’s birthstones, noting their varied blue-to-green and violet hues. Over time, the list expanded: Blue Topaz gained more popularity in modern times and is now frequently treated as a mainstream December birthstone.

The expansion offers consumers more flexibility — in price, durability, and style. So when someone asks “birthstone for December”, don’t be surprised if you hear different answers from different jewelers.

December Birthstones at a Glance

Here’s a summary table that compares the four stones:

Gemstone	Color & Varieties	Mohs Hardness	Symbolism / Meaning	Typical Uses in Jewelry
Turquoise	Blue to green (often opaque, sometimes with matrix)	5 – 6	Protection, healing, friendship	Necklaces, pendants, statement pieces
Tanzanite	Violet-blue to deep blue (pleochroic)	6 – 7	Transformation, intuition, spiritual growth	Earrings, pendants, occasional rings
Blue Topaz	Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, London Blue	8	Clarity, communication, calmness	Rings, necklaces, daily wear pieces
Zircon	Brilliant blue (also multi-color)	6.5 – 7.5	Wisdom, prosperity, good fortune	Earrings, halo rings, accent stones

This table helps with things like “December birthstone ring” or “December birthstone necklace” decisions: you can see durability, color, meaning at a glance.

Deep Dive into Each December Birthstone

Turquoise

One of the oldest known gemstones, turquoise has been cherished for millennia. It’s often associated with protection, friendship, and healing energies. Because turquoise is relatively soft (Mohs 5–6) and sometimes porous, it must be worn with care — avoid chemicals, high heat, and ultrasonic cleaners. In jewelry, turquoise is excellent in necklaces, pendants, or pieces that aren’t exposed to daily knocks.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite was discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania and later added to December’s list. It’s prized for its striking violet-blue color and its pleochroism (shows different colors from different viewing angles). Its symbolism leans into spiritual growth and transformation. Because it’s more delicate (Mohs 6–7), protective settings are recommended.

Blue Topaz

Blue Topaz has become very popular as a December birthstone, especially in the U.S. market. It comes in three main shades: Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, and London Blue. It’s durable (Mohs 8), making it suitable for everyday wear. Its meaning revolves around clarity, communication, and calmness. Many go-to pieces are December birthstone rings or pendants using blue topaz.

Zircon

Blue Zircon is often included in modern December birthstone lists. Zircon is distinct from cubic zirconia — it’s a natural gemstone with excellent brilliance and fire. Because of its high refractive index, a well-cut zircon can rival diamonds in sparkle. Its hardness is moderate (6.5–7.5), but it can be brittle. In jewelry, zircon often shines in earrings or halo ring settings where edges are protected.

How to Choose the Right December Birthstone for You

Durability / Wearability: If you want something for everyday wear (e.g., a ring), go for Blue Topaz or Zircon.
Color preferences: Turquoise offers a greenish blue shade, Tanzanite features violet tones, and Topaz spans from pale sky blue to deep London blue.
Budget: Turquoise and treated blue topaz are more affordable; Tanzanite is often the premium choice due to rarity.
Meaning: If you connect with protective, healing, or spiritual energies, your preference might lean toward turquoise or tanzanite.
Jewelry style: For December birthstone bracelet, necklace, or earrings, all four are great. For rings, prioritize the harder stones (Topaz, Zircon) or protected settings.

Popular December Birthstones

Pattiring Floral Round Cut Aquamarine Vintage December Birthstone

Pattiring Pear Shaped Tanzanite Yellow Gold December Birthstone

Pattiring White Gold London Blue Topaz and Sapphire Curved December Birthstone

Pattiring Pear Cut London Blue Topaz December Birthstone

Caring for Your December Birthstone Jewelry

Because these stones differ in hardness and stability, care will vary:

Use mild soapy water and a soft cloth for cleaning.
Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners, especially for turquoise and tanzanite.
Store stones separately to prevent scratching, especially for softer gems.
Avoid chemicals, high heat, and sudden temperature changes — turquoise is especially sensitive to these.
Inspect your settings regularly to make sure prongs, bezels, or protective edges remain intact.

Final Thoughts: The Beauty of December Birthstones

December is truly a month of brilliance — few others boast such a colorful array of gemstones. From the timeless charm of Turquoise, to the rare violet glow of Tanzanite, the crisp sparkle of Blue Topaz, and the radiant fire of Zircon, each December birthstone tells its own story of beauty and meaning.

Whether you’re drawn to Turquoise jewelry for its soothing, earthy tone, or the elegance of a Blue Topaz engagement ring, there’s a perfect piece waiting for you. These stones not only celebrate December birthdays but also symbolize wisdom, protection, transformation, and clarity — qualities worth carrying into every new year.

When choosing your December birthstone jewelry, think about what resonates most with you:

For durability and daily wear, choose Blue Topaz or Zircon.
For symbolism and rarity, opt for Tanzanite.
For vintage charm and cultural heritage, Turquoise never fails to impress.

Each of these gems brings a touch of winter’s magic — a reflection of frosty skies, shimmering ice, and calm blue seas. Whether you’re gifting a loved one or treating yourself, a December birthstone ring, pendant, or bracelet captures both beauty and personal meaning.

Explore Pattiring curated December birthstone jewelry collection today and choose a piece that reflects your meaning, your journey, and your personal style.So this December, let your birthstone shine — a symbol of your individuality, your story, and your connection to the vibrant hues of the season.

FAQs

What is December’s birthstone?

December has four widely recognized birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, and Zircon.

What color(s) do December birthstones come in?

Most December birthstones are in shades of blue—from light sky blue, to greenish-blue, to deep bluish violet. For example:

Turquoise often shows a robin’s-egg blue to greenish blue.
Tanzanite leans toward violet-blue tones (shows color shift).
Blue Topaz ranges from pale “Sky Blue” to deeper “London Blue.”
Zircon in the blue variety has brilliant, bright blue hues.

Which December birthstone is best as an engagement ring?

For engagement use and daily wear, durability is key:

Blue Topaz is a top pick due to its hardness and color stability.
Zircon can work if set with protective settings (halo, bezel) to guard edges.
Tanzanite and Turquoise are less ideal for rings due to vulnerability to scratches/fracture. If used, they require very protective mounting.

Many jewelry brands in the U.S. specifically recommend Blue Topaz engagement rings among December birthstone ring options.

Why do December birthstone prices vary so much?

The price depends on factors like:

Rarity & demand: Tanzanite, being found only in Tanzania, commands premium pricing.
Color saturation and clarity: richer, more vivid blues typically cost more.
Treatment and quality: untreated or high-quality stones (fewer flaws) cost more.
Cut, carat, and setting: well-cut gems and elaborate settings raise the final price.

Many U.S. buyers ask for “best value December birthstone jewelry” — meaning that for mid-budget ranges, Blue Topaz or well-cut Zircon often give strong visual impact for price.