December has three widely recognized birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Blue is the color most closely associated with the month, but the three gems are very different in composition, transparency and appearance.
What Are the December Birthstones?
Turquoise, tanzanite and zircon give December one of the broadest ranges of blue gemstone looks. They should not be confused with one another—or with cubic zirconia, which is a different material from natural zircon.
Turquoise
Turquoise is typically opaque to semi-translucent and ranges from blue to green. Natural stones can show matrix, the remnants of host rock visible as veins or patterns.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is the blue-to-violet variety of the mineral zoisite. Its major commercial source is in northern Tanzania, and the gem can show different colors depending on viewing direction.
Zircon
Zircon is a natural gemstone known for high brilliance and fire. It occurs in many colors. Blue zircon is strongly associated with December, but zircon should not be confused with cubic zirconia, a lab-made diamond simulant.
| December stone | Appearance | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Opaque blue/green, sometimes with matrix | Can be treated or stabilized; disclosure matters. |
| Tanzanite | Transparent blue to violet | Different from sapphire; sourced primarily from Tanzania. |
| Zircon | Transparent, brilliant, many colors | Natural zircon is not cubic zirconia. |
Which December Birthstone Is Best for You?
Choose turquoise for an opaque, historic look; tanzanite for blue-violet color; or zircon for sparkle and fire. The right setting depends on the stone and how often the jewellery will be worn.
December Birthstones in Silver
Silver naturally complements blue and violet tones, making it a popular color pairing for December-inspired jewellery. Always verify the actual stone identity in the product description.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blue zircon the same as cubic zirconia?
No. Zircon is a natural mineral; cubic zirconia is a synthetic material with a different composition.
What color is December's birthstone?
Blue is strongly associated with December, but zircon can occur in other colors and turquoise can range from blue to green.
Is tanzanite only found in Tanzania?
Commercial gem-quality tanzanite is associated with the Merelani area of northern Tanzania.
Shop The Look
