December is a month shimmering with celebration, twinkling lights, and festive joy. But for those with a December birthday, the celebration comes with a unique, sparkling dilemma: a choice not between one or two, but four captivating birthstones. From the regal violet-blue of tanzanite to the ancient sky-blue of turquoise, the dazzling fire of zircon, and the serene ice-blue of blue topaz, this month offers a gem for every personality. Why is December so blessed with this abundance of gemological riches, and how do you possibly choose the perfect one? Let’s unravel the story of December’s birthstones and discover the unique charm of each.
Why Does December Have Four Birthstones?
The original modern list, standardized in 1912 by Jewelers of America, officially recognized only turquoise and lapis lazuli for December. Turquoise, with its ancient history, was the primary stone, while lapis was a less common alternative.
So, how did we get to four?
- Zircon’s Rise: Although zircon is an ancient gem, it gained significant popularity in the early 20th century due to its brilliant sparkle and appealing blue hues. Its properties made it a compelling addition, and it was formally promoted from an alternative to a primary December birthstone to offer a more brilliant and durable option than lapis lazuli.
- Blue Topaz’s Accessibility: Natural blue topaz is exceptionally rare. However, with the advancement of gemstone treatment processes in the mid-20th century, jewelers could reliably create stunning and stable blue shades from colorless topaz. The commercial availability and beauty of these stones—especially in popular shades like Sky, Swiss, and London Blue—led to blue topaz being embraced as a modern and affordable December birthstone.
- Tanzanite’s Dramatic Entry: The most recent and decisive change came with the discovery of tanzanite in 1967. Tiffany & Co., recognizing its potential, named it and launched a major marketing campaign, highlighting its singular source in Tanzania and its captivating violet-blue color. Due to its immediate popularity and perfect fit for December’s color theme, it was officially added to the birthstone list by Jewelers of America in 2002, making it the newest gem on any modern birthstone chart.
In essence, December has four birthstones because the list was expanded to honor both tradition (turquoise) and progress, welcoming popular classics (zircon, blue topaz) and a rare, modern discovery (tanzanite) into the fold. This gives those born in December an unparalleled choice of gems, each with a unique story.
The History Behind December’s Birthstones
Each of December’s gems carries a rich history, whispering tales from ancient civilizations to modern-day discoveries.
Turquoise: The Ancient Talisman
Turquoise is one of the world’s oldest known gemstones, revered for millennia. Adorned by Egyptian pharaohs, including King Tut, it was a centerpiece in their royal jewelry. Persian empires valued it for its celestial blue color, often inscribing it with scriptures and using it as currency. Additionally, across the ocean, Native American tribes have long revered it as a sacred stone of protection, skillfully crafting it into powerful amulets and intricate inlay work.
Zircon: The Medieval Brilliance
Zircon is a natural gemstone mined for over 2000 years. The name likely derives from the Persian word zargun, meaning “gold-colored.” During the Victorian era, blue zircon was exceptionally popular in English jewelry for its vibrant hue and exceptional fire—its ability to disperse light into a rainbow of colors. For centuries, it was a popular diamond alternative before the advent of modern simulants.
Blue Topaz: The Modern Classic
Topaz itself has a long history (the ancient Greeks believed it gave them strength), but the beloved blue variety is a more recent story. While some rare natural blue topaz exists, the widespread availability is thanks to a 20th-century innovation: the treatment of colorless topaz with irradiation and heat to produce stable, vibrant shades of blue. This process made this beautiful gem accessible to everyone, cementing its place as a modern classic.
Tanzanite: The Generation’s Gem
In stark contrast to the others, tanzanite’s story began just over 50 years ago. It was discovered in 1967 in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The story goes that a Masai tribesman found a vibrant blue crystal and alerted a prospector. Tiffany & Co. recognized its potential and became its primary distributor, naming it “tanzanite” to highlight its single geographic source. Its recent discovery makes it a thousand times rarer than diamonds.
The Symbolism of December’s Birthstones
Beyond their beauty, each stone carries deep symbolic meaning, making them gifts of profound sentiment.
Tanzanite: The Stone of Transformation
As a 20th-century discovery, tanzanite is seen as a stone of transformation and new beginnings. It symbolizes wisdom, truth, and spiritual awakening, making it a perfect gift for a milestone birthday, a graduation, or anyone embarking on a new chapter in life.
Turquoise: The Talisman of Protection
Universally recognized as a stone of protection, friendship, and good fortune. People believed it could absorb negative energy and promote serenity and well-being. A gift of turquoise is a wish for a happy, healthy, and protected life.
Zircon: The Guardian of Virtue
Known as a stone of virtue, zircon is associated with honor, wisdom, and self-confidence. In the Middle Ages, people believed it could induce sound sleep, ward off evil spirits, and promote prosperity throughout one’s journey.
Blue Topaz: The Soothing Stone of Clarity
The serene blue color of this stone symbolizes calmness, communication, and emotional balance. It is the perfect antidote to the hectic holiday season, promoting clarity of thought and peaceful expression. It makes an ideal gift for a communicator, a friend in need of tranquility, or to celebrate a lasting relationship.
A Side-by-Side Comparison of December’s Birthstones
| Feature | Tanzanite | Turquoise | Zircon | Blue Topaz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Violet-blue, exhibits trichroism | Opaque sky-blue to green, often with a matrix | Blue (most common), also white, yellow, etc. | Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, London Blue |
| Durability (Mohs Scale) | 6.5 – 7 | 5 – 6 | 6.5 – 7.5 | 8 |
| Key Trait | Extreme Rarity & Single Source | Ancient Talisman & Organic Beauty | High Brilliance & Fire | Superior Durability & Serene Clarity |
| Best For | Unique statement jewelry, pendants, earrings | Bohemian and vintage-style rings, necklaces, bracelets | Brilliant, diamond-alternative earrings and cocktail rings | Everyday-wear rings, elegant studs, versatile gifts, engagement rings |
How to Choose Between Tanzanite, Turquoise, Zircon, and Blue Topaz
With four stunning options, your choice can be a beautiful reflection of personal style and meaning.
- Choose Tanzanite if… you are drawn to the rare and unique. It’s for the person who loves a conversation piece, values profound symbolism, and prefers jewelry for special occasions or pieces like pendants and earrings that are less prone to knocks.
- Choose Turquoise if… your heart beats for history and earthy, one-of-a-kind beauty. It’s the ultimate choice for the free spirit, the artist, or anyone with a bohemian flair. It’s also a meaningful gift of friendship and protection.
- Choose Zircon if… you are a connoisseur of classic sparkle. If you love the brilliance of a diamond but want a colorful and historically rich alternative, zircon is your gem. It’s perfect for someone who appreciates vintage styles and exceptional fire.
- Choose Blue Topaz if… you need a gem for daily wear and timeless elegance. Its excellent durability makes it ideal for an engagement ring or a ring worn every day. It’s a versatile, serene, and universally flattering choice for any occasion.
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December Birthstone FAQs
A: Absolutely not! This is the most common misconception about zircon. Zircon (ZrSiO₄) is a beautiful natural gemstone formed in the earth over millions of years, prized for its brilliance. Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a lab-created diamond simulant (ZrO₂) with a different chemical structure. Natural zircon has a rich history, while CZ is a modern, mass-produced product.
A: For a ring destined for daily wear, Blue Topaz is the most durable choice with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. While tanzanite and zircon are gorgeous, their softer nature means they require a more protective setting (like a bezel) and careful wear. Turquoise is generally not recommended for daily-wear rings due to its softness and porosity.
A: Tanzanite was added to the official birthstone list in 2002 because its captivating blue-violet color perfectly aligns with the traditional December palette. Its incredible rarity and rapidly growing popularity following its 1967 discovery made it a compelling and exciting addition to modern birthstone traditions.
A: We strongly advise against it. Turquoise is a porous gemstone and is relatively soft. Exposure to water, soaps, lotions, and chemicals can alter its color, damage its structure, and cause it to become brittle. Always put your turquoise jewelry on after applying cosmetics and perfumes.
Conclusion
From the rare violet-blue of tanzanite to the ancient charm of turquoise, the brilliant fire of zircon, and the serene shades of blue topaz, December’s birthstones present a unique range of options for every taste. Each stone carries its own history and characteristics, offering meaningful ways to celebrate a December connection. This variety reflects both natural geological diversity and evolving human appreciation for gemstones, making the month particularly rich for those who value fine jewelry.
