You know how December folks always get asked about their birthstone? Honestly, it's kinda confusing because unlike some months with just one gem, December has three official options. Yeah, you heard that right – turquoise, blue topaz, and tanzanite all share the spotlight. So when someone asks "what is the birthstone for december?", the real answer is: which one do you vibe with?
Back in 1912, the National Association of Jewellers standardised the list, but December's always been special with multiple gems. Personally, I think that's cool because it means more choices, but it also makes jewelry shopping trickier. Let me walk you through everything from color secrets to price traps – stuff I've learned the hard way after buying gifts for multiple December-born friends.
Oh, and quick confession: I used to think zircon was still on the list until a jeweller laughed at me last year. Turns out it got replaced decades ago! More on that later.
Breaking Down December's Three Birthstones
Each of December birthstones has its own personality. Turquoise is that earthy hippie friend, blue topaz is the elegant ice queen, and tanzanite's the rare mysterious beauty. Here's what makes them stand out:
| Gemstone | Color Range | Hardness (Mohs) | Key Sources | Price Range (per carat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Sky blue to greenish-blue | 5-6 | USA (Arizona), Iran, China | $1 - $150 |
| Blue Topaz | Swiss blue to London blue | 8 | Brazil, Nigeria, Mexico | $20 - $100 |
| Tanzanite | Violet-blue to deep indigo | 6.5-7 | Tanzania (only) | $200 - $1,200+ |
Last Christmas, I bought my sister a tanzanite pendant. She loved it until she whacked it against a doorframe – boom, chipped corner. Lesson learned: that 6.5 hardness means you can't treat it like a diamond. Now she only wears it on special occasions.
Turquoise: The Ancient Warrior Stone
Turquoise has been cherished for over 7,000 years – Persian warriors tied it to their arms, Native Americans used it in rituals, and Egyptians buried pharaohs with it. That robin's egg blue comes from copper, while greenish hues mean more iron. Real turquoise feels waxy and shows unique spiderweb patterns (matrix).
Watch out for fakes though. Some sellers try passing off howlite (dyed white stone) as turquoise. Real stuff won't have perfect uniform color. My tip? Rub it gently with a cotton swab dipped in acetone – if color comes off, it's fake.
Pro Tip: Sleeping Beauty turquoise from Arizona is the premium stuff – pure sky blue with zero matrix. But good luck finding it under $75/carat these days. Most "Sleeping Beauty" online is actually Chinese material.
Blue Topaz: Affordable Sparkle Machine
Fun fact: natural blue topaz is super rare. Like, museum-piece rare. Nearly all December birthstone jewelry uses colorless topaz treated with radiation to turn blue. Sounds scary but jewelers assure me it's safe. You'll see three shades:
- Sky Blue: Lightest and cheapest ($20-50/carat)
- Swiss Blue: Vivid electric blue ($40-80/carat)
- London Blue: Deep steely blue with green hints ($60-100/carat)
Topaz is tough enough for daily wear (Mohs 8), but cleavage planes make it prone to splitting if hit wrong. That gorgeous sparkle comes from its high refractive index – it outshines turquoise and tanzanite in direct light.
Tanzanite: Blue-Violet Rarity
Discovered in 1967 in Tanzania (hence the name), tanzanite's unique because it shows different colors from different angles – blue, violet, burgundy. The best pieces are velvety blue with minimal brown undertones. Heat treatment removes those brown tones permanently.
Why's it pricey? First, there's only one mine in the world (Merelani Hills). Second, most rough crystals are yellowish-brown before heating – only 5% emerge as top-grade blues. Third, Tiffany & Co. marketed it hard in the 70s as "the gemstone of the 20th century." Smart move.
Warning: Tanzanite looks softer in daylight. For maximum impact, view it under incandescent light or candlelight where blues really pop. Also insist on certificates – I've seen synthetic forsterite sold as tanzanite in Bali markets.
Practical Buying Guide for December Birthstones
So you're sold on getting a december birthstone piece? Hold up. Where and how you buy massively affects value. From my three gem-hunting trips:
- Turquoise: Buy from reputable Native American artists (like on Etsy shops with 500+ reviews) or specialist stores. Avoid "stabilized" stones – they're basically plastic-coated chalk.
- Blue Topaz: Department stores often overcharge. Check BlueNile or James Allen online first. For custom cuts, Thai vendors on eBay offer great deals.
- Tanzanite: NEVER buy without AGL or GIA certification. Period. Also, smaller stones show more color change than big ones.
| Setting Type | Best for Turquoise | Best for Blue Topaz | Best for Tanzanite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rings | Bezel (protects soft edges) | Prong or halo | Low-profile bezel or V-prong |
| Necklaces/Pendants | Wire-wrapped or cabochon | Open-back for light play | Protective basket setting |
| Daily Wear Durability | Poor (scratches easily) | Excellent | Fair (avoid knocks) |
Care and Maintenance Secrets
Gemstones are like pets – neglect them and they'll look awful. Here's how to keep your december birthstone shining:
Turquoise Care
Turquoise hates... everything. Seriously. Perfume, sweat, soap, sunlight – all can fade color or create white spots. Clean only with dry microfiber cloth. Store separately because even dust can scratch it. If it gets dull? Some folks rub it with mineral oil, but I've had mixed results.
True Story: My aunt soaked her turquoise ring in water to "cleanse energy" – it turned chalky overnight. $200 down the drain. Don't be like Aunt Linda.
Blue Topaz Care
Topaz is low-maintenance. Ultrasonic cleaners are fine. Occasionally soak in warm soapy water. But avoid sudden temperature changes (like hot tubs to cold air) – thermal shock can fracture it. Also, that beautiful blue can fade in direct sunlight over years.
Tanzanite Care
Use only lukewarm water and mild soap. Never ultrasonic or steam clean! Due to cleavage, even dropping it on tile can split the stone. Have prongs checked every 6 months. Oh, and store it wrapped in soft cloth – rubbing against diamonds will scratch it.
What Happened to Zircon?
Old gemology books list zircon as a december birthstone. So what gives? Well, blue zircon exists naturally but is rare. Most was heat-treated brown zircon. Problem is, it easily chips and gets cloudy over time. Plus, synthetic cubic zirconia (CZ) confused consumers. By the 1950s, jewelers phased it out for more durable options. Still, some vintage pieces are gorgeous if you can find them.
December Birthstone FAQs
Q: Can I wear all three december birthstones together?
A: Absolutely! Turquoise and tanzanite complement each other beautifully. Layer a turquoise necklace with blue topaz earrings for that icy-warm contrast.
Q: Is turquoise too feminine for men?
A: Not at all. Look at Native American squash blossom necklaces or bold silver cufflinks with turquoise inlays. Matte finishes work better than polished for masculine styles.
Q: Why are some tanzanites so cheap online?
A: Probably synthetic spinel or glass. Real tanzanite under 1 carat starts around $200/carat. Anything labeled "tanzanite" under $50 is almost certainly fake.
Q: Can I shower with my december birthstone ring?
A: Depends. Blue topaz? Fine. Turquoise? Hell no – water damages its porosity. Tanzanite? Risky due to soap residue buildup in settings.
Q: What's the best december birthstone for engagement rings?
A: Blue topaz wins for durability. Tanzanite is too soft, turquoise is a disaster waiting to happen. Swiss blue topaz in a protective bezel setting looks stunning.
Beyond Jewelry: Modern Uses
Birthstones aren't just for rings anymore. Designers now use them in:
- Watch dials (tanzanite looks incredible on midnight-blue faces)
- Cufflinks and tie pins (matte turquoise pairs well with sterling silver)
- Phone cases and tech accessories (resin-encrusted turquoise is trending)
- Home décor (geode bookends with blue topaz clusters)
I recently saw turquoise inlaid guitars at a craft fair. Point is, if you're gifting for December, think beyond traditional jewelry. A tanzanite-encrusted bottle opener? Why not.
Symbolism and Meaning
Ever wonder why december birthstones are all blue? It symbolizes winter skies and ice. But each stone carries unique energy:
| Gemstone | Traditional Meaning | Metaphysical Properties | Modern Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Protection, wisdom | Promotes spiritual grounding | Encourages authentic communication |
| Blue Topaz | Loyalty, emotional clarity | Calms overactive minds | Focus enhancer for digital detox |
| Tanzanite | Transformation, intuition | Stimulates third eye chakra | Inspires bold life changes |
Personally, I think the metaphysical stuff is fun but not scientific. Still, my December-born friend swears her turquoise necklace helps during presentations. Placebo? Maybe. But if it works...
Final Thoughts on December's Treasures
When people ask what is the birthstone for december, they're really asking about identity. Do you connect with turquoise's earthy history? Topaz's brilliant accessibility? Or tanzanite's exclusive allure? All three answer the question "what is the birthstone for december" correctly – it's about finding your personal blue.
Just remember: turquoise needs babying, topaz forgives clumsiness, and tanzanite demands respect. Choose accordingly. And if you're still stuck? Get a stacking ring with all three. Problem solved.