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

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.

Newest Swiss- Blue Engagement Rings

December Birthstone FAQs

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.

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Overview

Turquoise, a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, stands out for its distinctive color range from sky blue to green. Its name is derived from the French word “turquois,” meaning “Turkish,” as the gem was initially brought to Europe through Turkey. Turquoise is relatively soft, ranking 5-6 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes it easier to carve and shape into intricate designs. The stone is often used in jewelry, particularly in rings, necklaces, and bracelets, making it a popular choice for those seeking both elegance and individuality.

Origin

Turquoise forms in arid regions where copper-rich groundwater seeps through rocks over millions of years, leaving behind precious deposits. While turquoise occurs worldwide, certain regions have become synonymous with this gemstone. The southwestern United States, Iran (formerly Persia), China, Egypt, and Mexico all produce distinctive turquoise varieties. Unique geological conditions in each region create subtle differences in color, hardness, and matrix patterns. These variations make the stone’s provenance an important factor for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

History

The history of turquoise is as rich and varied as the cultures that have prized it throughout millennia. From the tombs of ancient Egyptian Pharaohs to the jewelry of Native American chiefs, turquoise has been a silent witness to the rise and fall of civilizations. In ancient Egypt, it adorned the famous burial mask of Tutankhamun. Native American tribes considered it sacred, while in Persia, it graced palace domes and mosque interiors. Chinese artisans incorporated it into art for over three millennia, and in medieval Europe, it gained popularity as a protective amulet. This storied past adds layers of meaning to turquoise’s natural beauty, making each piece a connection to our shared human history.

Benefits and properties

Turquoise is not only admired for its aesthetics; it is also believed to possess various metaphysical properties. Many cultures consider it a healing stone, associated with tranquility and peace. It is thought to enhance communication, foster emotional balance, and promote overall well-being. Additionally, turquoise is said to provide protection against negative energies and enhance spiritual growth. These attributes make it a meaningful gift, especially for those born in December.

In the realm of jewelry, turquoise holds a special place due to its versatility and unique appearance. Its distinctive blue-green hue complements both silver and gold settings, making it a favorite among designers and wearers alike. This enduring popularity and its rich history ensure that turquoise continues to captivate jewelry enthusiasts across generations.

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Protective Travel Properties – Smoky Quartz

As a variety of quartz, smoky quartz is believed to have protective energy while traveling. Firstly, it can help avoid physical harm and protect against the negative energies of being in an unfamiliar environment. Secondly, its calming energy can help alleviate stress and anxiety, making you feel more relaxed and centered. Thirdly, smoky quartz is helpful in mental clarity and focus, allowing you to stay more focused on your goals and objectives. So whether to explore new places or enjoy downtime, this brownish-grey stone will help you with its protective energy. Besides, it is easy for travelers to feel ungrounded or disconnected from their surroundings when traveling. But smoky quartz can help with this by providing grounding energy.

Fresh Travel Properties – Peridot

Known as the birthstone of August, Peridot’s clear and charming color appeals to many people. However, this precious gemstone can also provide a protective shield to travelers from various negative influences, keeping you safe and ensuring a positive travel experience. On the one hand, it has a soothing effect, helping relax and unwind during long journeys. On the other hand, if you feel difficult to make decisions or negatively unfamiliar territories, then Peridot can enhance mental clarity and perception. It can help you see things more clearly and make wise choices based on intuition and experience. Therefore, this stone can be an ideal travel companion if you are prone to travel-related issues.

Fluorite

Referred to as “the most colorful mineral in the world” owing to its variety of brilliant colors, Fluorite is a popular gemstone that also processes excellent travel properties. It can enhance focus, concentration, and mental clarity, making it an ideal aid for travel planning and decision-making. People also believe its grounding effect on the body comes in handy during long flights and hectic traveling schedules. In addition, Fluorite’s calming properties can alleviate stress and anxiety, making it an essential travel companion for those who experience travel-related anxieties. Overall, it can be a must-have gemstone for any traveler seeking mental clarity, grounding, protection, and stress relief.

Turquoise 

Turquoise, one of the birthstones of December, is a valuable gemstone that can offer several travel properties to travelers. Firstly, people believe it can protect travelers, especially when away from home. This is because it can shield against negative energies, accidents, and mishaps during the journey. Secondly, it is very helpful to relieve fatigue and restlessness during the journey, soothing the body and mind. Additionally, Turquoise can help alleviate physical and emotional pain, such as jet lag, altitude sickness, and fatigue. And Turquoise is also said to be a grounding stone that can help travelers stay rooted and connected to the earth. This property is beneficial for those who are traveling to new and unfamiliar places.  

Balance Energy Travel Properties – Ametrine

Composed of both Amethyst and Citrine, Ametrine is a rare variety of quartz. Due to its unique combination of these two minerals, Ametrine has several travel properties. Firstly, it can help balance and harmonize the energies of the body, mind, and spirit, making it an ideal stone for travelers who want to maintain balance and stability while on the go. Secondly, Ametrine has a soothing effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce stress and anxiety during travel. Thirdly, it can enhance mental clarity and focus, helping navigate new destinations and deal with travel challenges. Besides, Ametrine is believed to boost self-confidence and promote a positive attitude, which can be beneficial when facing unfamiliar situations and environments.

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December is the last month of our year. What kind of surprises will be happened keeps people curious. I have no idea about it. But if you are deciding on a December birthstone. My advice is helpful. Take this list of magical December birthstones. SHE·SAID·YES will always be here no matter where you are living.

Turquoise

Looking back to the old times, Turquoise had always been a type of jewelry or amulet in many fete ceremonies. Also, it’s a semi-translucent to opaque gem that ranges from blue to green and often has veins of matrix running through it. Furthermore, thanks to its rare color and naturally exquisite patterns inside, it ranked in the list of gemstones and ornamental stones for thousands of years. Finally, not only beautiful indeed, but Turquoise was also believed to possess many beneficial powers, like guaranteeing health and good fortune.

Zircon

Zircon refers to a mineral of the nesosilicate group. As a common natural material, it shows up in many countries around the world. From Cambodia and Brazil to East Africa. Its name comes from the Persian argument, meaning “gold-hued.” The natural color of Zircon varies differently due to its inner impurities, ranging from yellow-golden red, blue, and green etc. Although an amount of the dreamy blue Zircon has been through heat treatment, they’re still the most popular and common color nowadays. Famous for its unique greenish-blue color, Zircon perfectly interprets the beauty of the December Birthstone.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a striking blue-violet gemstone of the mineral zoisite. Belonging to the epidote mineral group, it has appeared in recent decades. Its name was from the source area—northern Tanzania. The magnificent feature of Tanzanite is trichroism, which means it can exhibit three different colors when viewed from three different directions under transmitted light— blue, brown, and violet. Its fascinating violet-blue hue is a kind of result of gemstone heating treatment. The burgundy or brown shade could be easily removed through metamorphic processes or artificial heating. And produce a stronger violet-blue color instead of it. The lovely Tanzanite is the youngest December birthstone, nominated in 2002. 

Blue Topaz

The last December birthstone is blue Topaz. Unlike the previous three gorgeous gemstones known for their stunning blue hue. Topaz attains a wide variety of colors, yellow, red, pink, and blue. And blue Topaz is only one of these vivid-colored gems. Additionally, from plain blue to dark blue, it can divide into three kinds: sky blue, Swiss blue, and London blue through heat and radiation laboratory treatment. Each one could express your beauty and personality perfectly.

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11th Anniversary Gemstone: Turquoise

Turquoise is one of the world’s most ancient gems as an opaque, blue-to-green mineral. The famous Turquoise Jewelry worldwide is the Pharaoh’s iconic burial mask from Tutankhamun’s tomb. The gorgeous Turquoise liberally spread on it artistically to express the distinguished status of the ruler.

Believed to be a ceremonial gem, Turquoise was very popular among Native American tribes in the southwestern US. Also, it was not only an amulet that represented energy and wisdom but also a popular piece of jewelry in the modern age. It received its upsurge in Europe during the excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Turquoise influenced many architecture and artwork at the time and was often cut in cabochon in silver rings or chunky necklaces in the jewelry.

12th Anniversary Gem: Jade

Jade is a mineral of tiny interlocking mineral crystals. The word jade can refer to either of two distinct silicate minerals: nephrite or Jadeite, which have distinctly different compositions.

Jadeite often has various bright and attractive colors like classic shades of green, fancy yellow, reddish-orange, etc. In addition, it can be solid-colored and beautifully patterned with streaked or mottled motifs. However, Nephrites own a softer color than Jadeite, and their color can range from light to dark green, yellow, black, or white. Moreover, its durable and colorful essence makes it a desirable anniversary gemstone.

13th Anniversary Gem: Citrine

The 13th-anniversary gemstone citrine is a transparent variety of quartz. Thanks to the submicroscopic distribution of colloidal ferric hydroxide impurities, it can attain this charming and vivid yellow-to-orange color. Citrine was also considered Greece’s first golden-yellow gemstone between 300 and 150 BC.
Additionally, it is still popular among younger until now. Its bright color, high transparency, durability, and economical price make it the most frequently purchased yellow-to-orange gem. Finally associated with positivity and optimism, stunning citrine is one of the ideal anniversary gemstones.

14th Anniversary Gemstone: Opal

Compared with other brilliant anniversary gemstones, opals look more unique and magical. It’s a hydrated amorphous form of silica and is one of the most elegant and regal-colored gemstones, loved by royalty for years. Its name originated from the Sanskrit word Upala, which means ‘jewel,’ and later the Greek derivative opállios, which means seeing a color change. Some precious opals could present an iridescence, a pseudo-chromatic optical effect resulting in flashes of colored light from certain minerals. Its fancifully changing colors will light up your marriage and your passion for life.

15th Anniversary: Ruby

The 15th wedding anniversary is quite a significant year that deserves commemoration. The gorgeous and fascinating ruby is the best to interpret this special day. Firstly, it’s a pinkish-red to blood-red colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum. Its name was from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red”— the color of love and passion. The attractive red shade results from the chromium trace element, the more chromium, the stronger the red color.

With the popularity of diamond alternatives, rubies have become increasingly popular in recent years. Ruby rings, pendants, and earrings are gradually appearing in every woman’s jewelry box not only because of their pink hue but also for their hardness, durability, brilliance, and rarity.

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Sapphire

The first is fancy blue sapphire, deriving from the Latin “saphirus” and the Greek “sapheiros,” which has been one of the most renowned blue gemstones for centuries. It belongs to the corundum family. And its dreamy blue color results from a few hundredth of a percent of the iron and titanium trace element hidden inside. So the more these trace elements, the darker the blue.

Traditionally, sapphire owns a long history and reflects nobility, truth, and integrity. Even in ancient Greek and Rome, kings and queens believed it could protect them away from evil and harm. It’s also an essential and ornate embellishment for people with high social status. More recently, in 1981, Britain’s Prince Charles gifted a gorgeous blue sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer. It further reinforced the famous reputation of the fancy blue sapphire.

Aquamarine

Secondly, aquamarine is the green-blue to variety blue mineral beryl typically. The raw aquamarine gemstone always presents a highly pale blue color. And within a little greenish hue and various inclusions. Same as the sapphire, its romantic blue color is from the trace ferrous iron. Moreover, the beautiful transparent blue aquamarine, popular in the jewelry market, often receives a subtly heating treatment. Also, the heating could completely reduce the natural greenish color of the raw aquamarine gemstone.

Named after the Latin for seawater, the ancient mariners long believed aquamarine could calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. And, like many beryls, aquamarine forms large crystals suitable for sizable fashioned gems and carvings. For that, it was often cut and sculptured with elegant patterns to showcase artistic aesthetics a

Blue Topaz

For the third one, Topaz is a fluorine and aluminum silicate mineral. It ranges in many colors, from yellow and red to pink. But Blue has become the most popular color for topazes on the market today. However, in nature, most raw Topaz minerals are colorless and not completely transparent. Like many other gemstones, blue Topaz is the same. Different trace elements and enhancements would cause different colors. Heat treatment is a safe and widespread way to enhance the bluish of the Topaz. This reliable method gives gemstones a striking and darker color.

Many jewelry fans know that blue Topaz is a relatively inexpensive blue gemstone compared to aquamarine. Therefore, it’s popular in the jewelry market. Also, blue Topaz is the primary material for making jewelry or other adornments because of its cutting and polished form.

Turquoise

Unlike other clear and brilliant blue gemstones, the last bluish gemstone is Turquoise, an opaque, blue-to-green mineral with unique inclusions. Ranging from striking sky blue to blue-green colors, various cultures worldwide have preferred the beautiful Turquoise for thousands of years. As early as 3,000 BCE, the Ancient Egyptians had discovered the mystical charm of the Turquoise. They made it into beautiful jewelry and ceremonial objects and decorated their gorgeous palace with it.

The distinctive beauty of the Turquoise is laid in its multiple inclusions. Diverse inclusions will depict various beautiful patterns on the gemstones. Like spiderweb turquoise, it presents a black matrix on the surface that looks like crocheted lace, which is quite popular.

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