Your Ultimate Guide to December Birthstones

By Crystals.comNovember 28, 2024

Your Ultimate Guide to December Birthstones: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise

December is a magical month, with crisp winter air, festive celebrations, and not one but two official birthstones: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise. These stunning gems captivate with their unique colors and meanings, offering a special connection to those born under the final month of the year. Let’s dive into the beauty, symbolism, and significance of each December birthstone and answer all your burning questions about these timeless treasures.

What is December's Birthstone?

December’s birthstones are Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise. Each of these gemstones reflects a unique quality, from spiritual insight to protection and prosperity. The variety of gems makes December a month of rich options, ensuring there’s a stone for everyone born during this time.

1. Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel

Discovered in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzanite is a relatively new addition to the world of gemstones. Known for its breathtaking hues that range from blue to violet, Tanzanite is a standout for its rarity and spiritual significance.

Tanzanite Meaning and Benefits:

Represents transformation and enlightenment
Strengthens intuition and spiritual growth
Enhances communication and clarity

Tanzanite December Birthstone Color: The mesmerizing blue-violet tones of Tanzanite align with the mystical beauty of winter skies.

Why Tanzanite?

Tanzanite is ideal for anyone seeking a modern, luxurious twist on the birthstone for December. Its rarity and captivating color make it one of the most coveted gems in the world.

2. Zircon: The Stone of Balance

Often mistaken for diamonds due to its brilliance, Zircon has a deep history as one of the oldest minerals on Earth. It is a versatile gemstone with a range of colors, but blue Zircon is the most iconic for December babies.

Zircon Meaning and Benefits:

Brings prosperity and balance
Promotes wisdom and mental clarity
Protects against negativity

December Birthstone Color - Zircon: The vibrant, icy blue of Zircon mirrors the cool tones of December, making it a perfect fit for winter birthdays.

Why Choose Zircon?

If you’re looking for a gem that symbolizes protection and wisdom, Zircon is a timeless choice. It’s also one of the answers to “What crystal is the birth month December?”

3. Turquoise: The Ancient Protector

As one of the world’s oldest gemstones, Turquoise holds a revered place in history. Known for its vibrant blue-green hue, it is celebrated for its protective and healing properties.

Turquoise Meaning and Benefits:

Offers protection and grounding
Symbolizes friendship and love
Promotes overall well-being

December Birthstone Color - Turquoise: The bright, refreshing blue-green shades of Turquoise evoke serenity and warmth, making it a perfect counterbalance to winter’s chill.

Why Turquoise?

Turquoise is a beloved option for those drawn to earthy, vibrant gems that have stood the test of time.

What is the Birthstone for Sagittarius?

Sagittarius, the zodiac sign spanning late November to late December, is closely associated with the gemstone Turquoise. This vibrant blue-green stone resonates with the adventurous and free-spirited nature of Sagittarians, offering grounding energy to balance their wanderlust. Turquoise is also a stone of protection, aligning perfectly with Sagittarius’ bold, optimistic personality as they explore new horizons. For those born in December under this sign, Turquoise serves as both a birthstone and a zodiac stone, enhancing communication, self-expression, and spiritual growth. It’s an excellent gem for meditation and staying connected to one's inner truth during life's many adventures.

Why Does December Have Two (or More) Birthstones?

December’s three birthstones—Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise—reflect both tradition and modernity. The addition of multiple options was made to cater to diverse tastes and budgets, ensuring everyone born in December could enjoy a gem that suits their style.

What is the Most Expensive Birthstone for December?
Tanzanite takes the crown as the most valuable December birthstone due to its rarity and the fact that it can only be mined in one location on Earth. Its deep, vibrant hues and limited availability make it a prized possession.

How to Wear December Birthstones

1. Birthstone Jewelry
December birthstones shine beautifully in jewelry. Whether it’s a Tanzanite necklace, a Zircon ring, or a Turquoise bracelet, each gem brings a unique energy and elegance to your style.

2. Birthstone Meaning and Meditation
Using December birthstones in meditation can deepen your connection to their energies. Hold a piece of Tanzanite to enhance your intuition, or use Turquoise for protection during meditation sessions.

3. Gifting December Birthstones
December birthstones make thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Their vibrant colors and symbolic meanings offer a deeply personal touch, perfect for the holiday season.

Where to Buy Authentic December Birthstones

When buying December birthstones, it’s essential to ensure you’re getting authentic crystals. Look for reputable sellers who source ethically and provide certification for their gemstones.

FAQ: December Birthstones

Q: What is the birthstone for December?
A: December’s birthstones are Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise.

Q: Why does December have two (or more) birthstones?
A: December’s variety of birthstones allows for diverse styles, budgets, and personal preferences.

Q: What is December’s birthstone color?
A: The main colors for December birthstones are blue, violet, and blue-green, reflecting the cool tones of winter.

Q: What crystal is the birth month December?
A: The crystals associated with December are Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise.

Q: What is the most expensive birthstone for December?
A: Tanzanite is the most expensive December birthstone due to its rarity and stunning color.

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The Geology of December's Blue Stones

December is unique in having three official birthstones, and all three lean toward the blue end of the spectrum. Tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon each achieve their blue coloration through entirely different geological mechanisms, making them a fascinating trio from a mineralogical perspective.

Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite (a calcium aluminum silicate) that was discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. It is found nowhere else on Earth, making it approximately one thousand times rarer than diamond in terms of geographic occurrence. Tanzanite's blue-to-violet color is caused by trace vanadium, and most specimens undergo gentle heat treatment to shift their natural brownish-purple tone to the prized blue-violet. Turquoise, by contrast, is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum that forms in arid regions where copper-rich groundwater percolates through aluminum-bearing rock. Its sky-blue to green color comes from copper content, with greener specimens containing more iron. Zircon is a zirconium silicate that comes in many colors, but blue zircon (typically heat-treated from brownish material) is the variety associated with December.

Collecting December Birthstone Specimens

For collectors and gift-givers, each December birthstone offers different collecting opportunities. Tanzanite in rough crystal form is available as transparent prismatic crystals, often with trichroic color (showing blue, purple, and burgundy depending on viewing angle). These rough crystals make exceptional collector specimens and educational display pieces. Turquoise in natural, untreated form is increasingly rare. Most commercial turquoise has been stabilized (injected with resin to harden it), so finding genuine, high-grade, untreated turquoise in vivid blue with minimal matrix is a collector's pursuit. The finest untreated turquoise comes from the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona (now closed) and from deposits in Iran (historically called Persian turquoise).

Alternative December Stones

Beyond the official three, several other blue stones make meaningful December birthstone alternatives. Lapis lazuli, a deep blue metamorphic rock composed primarily of lazurite with calcite and pyrite inclusions, has been treasured since ancient Egyptian times and offers a rich, opaque blue that works beautifully in both jewelry and display specimens. Blue fluorite provides a transparent blue with fascinating internal color zoning. Blue lace agate, with its delicate pale blue banding, offers a gentler alternative for those who prefer softer tones. For a comprehensive look at all twelve months, explore our birthstone guide by month and zodiac sign.

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