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December Birthstone: Tanzanite, Zircon, Turquoise and Blue Topaz
by Ivevar Team on Sep 29, 2026
Short answer: December's birthstones are tanzanite, zircon and turquoise, with blue topaz included on many modern lists. Blue is the shared color. For an everyday ring, blue topaz (8 on the Mohs scale) and zircon (6.5 to 7.5) are the most practical. Tanzanite (6 to 6.5) and turquoise (5 to 6) are softer and are best in earrings, pendants or carefully worn rings.
The December birthstones are tanzanite, zircon and turquoise, with blue topaz also included on many modern lists. Every one of them is known for blue tones, from the violet-blue of tanzanite to the sky blue of turquoise, which makes blue the defining color for December birthdays.
Each stone has a very different personality and durability, so this guide walks through colors, sources, traditional meanings, quality, treatments and care for all four. To compare December with the rest of the year, see our birthstones by month guide.
Shown: Blue Oval Moissanite Halo Ring, handcrafted to order by Ivevar.
Tanzanite, Zircon, Turquoise and Blue Topaz at a Glance
| Stone | Color(s) | Mohs hardness | Best jewelry use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzanite | Blue to violet-blue | 6 to 6.5 | Earrings, pendants, protected rings |
| Zircon | Blue, colorless, yellow, green, red, brown | 6.5 to 7.5 | Rings with protected edges, earrings |
| Turquoise | Sky blue to green-blue, often with matrix | 5 to 6 | Pendants, earrings |
| Blue Topaz | Pale sky blue to deep London blue | 8 | Everyday rings, all jewelry |
Meanings and anniversaries
| Stone | Traditional meaning | Anniversary |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzanite | Transformation, new beginnings | 24th |
| Zircon | Wisdom, prosperity, restful sleep | None widely listed |
| Turquoise | Protection, good fortune | 11th |
| Blue Topaz | Calm, clarity | 4th |
What Is the December Birthstone Color?
Blue is the December birthstone color, and it ties all four stones together. The exact shade depends on the stone: tanzanite leans violet-blue, zircon shows a bright, lively blue, turquoise offers an opaque sky blue to greenish blue, and blue topaz ranges from icy pale blue to inky deep blue.
The finish matters as much as the hue. Tanzanite, zircon and blue topaz are transparent and faceted, so they sparkle. Turquoise is opaque and usually cut as a smooth, rounded cabochon, so it gives a soft, solid patch of color rather than flashes of light. Decide which look you want before you compare shades.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite Colors
Tanzanite is the blue to violet variety of the mineral zoisite. It is strongly pleochroic, meaning it can show blue, violet and sometimes burgundy when viewed from different angles. Most tanzanite is heat-treated to remove brownish tones and bring out the blue and violet, a standard and stable treatment.
Where Tanzanite Is Mined
Tanzanite is found in only one place in the world: the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. It was identified there in 1967 and was named after its country of origin when it was introduced to the wider jewelry market.
Tanzanite History and Meaning
Because it was discovered so recently, tanzanite has little ancient folklore. It was added to the American birthstone list in 2002, the first change to that list in decades. In modern tradition, tanzanite is associated with transformation and new beginnings, which is symbolism rather than fact.
Tanzanite Hardness and Durability
At 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, tanzanite is softer than many ring stones and can chip or crack from a hard knock or sudden temperature change. It is best in earrings and pendants, or in rings with protective settings worn with some care.
How to judge tanzanite quality
- Saturation: Deeper, more saturated blue-violet is generally prized over pale lavender. Small stones tend to look lighter, while larger stones show richer color.
- Blue or violet: Some stones lean blue, others violet. Neither is wrong, but look at the stone in both daylight and indoor light, since the balance can shift.
- Clarity: Faceted tanzanite is usually eye clean, so visible inclusions are worth noticing.
Zircon
Zircon Colors
Zircon occurs in blue, colorless, yellow, green, orange, red and brown. Blue is the most popular shade for December and is usually produced by heating brownish zircon. Zircon has strong fire and a bright, almost adamantine luster, which is why colorless zircon was once used as a diamond substitute.
Zircon Is Not Cubic Zirconia
This is a common mix-up. Zircon is a natural mineral, zirconium silicate. Cubic zirconia is a man-made material with a different composition. The names are similar, but the stones are unrelated.
Where Zircon Is Mined
Gem zircon comes mainly from Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Tanzania and Australia. Some zircon crystals from Western Australia are more than four billion years old and are among the oldest known minerals on Earth.
Zircon History and Meaning
The name is often traced to the Persian word "zargun", meaning gold-colored. In the Middle Ages, zircon was traditionally believed to promote restful sleep, bring prosperity and encourage wisdom. These ideas are folklore, not proven effects.
Zircon Hardness and Durability
Zircon rates about 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is reasonably hard but brittle, so facet edges can wear or chip over time. A setting that protects the edges helps in rings.
What to look for in zircon
Zircon is strongly doubly refractive, so when you look through the top of the stone, the back facet edges can appear doubled. This is a normal feature and one way gemologists tell it apart from look-alikes. Look for bright, even blue color and crisp, unworn facet edges, especially on older pieces.
Turquoise
Turquoise Colors
Turquoise is an opaque mineral colored by copper and iron. It ranges from robin's egg blue to green-blue and green, often with dark veins of host rock called matrix. Much turquoise is stabilized with resin to improve durability and color.
Where Turquoise Is Mined
Iran, historically called Persia, is famous for fine, even sky-blue turquoise. The American Southwest, including Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico, is another major source, along with China and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.
Turquoise History and Meaning
Turquoise is one of the oldest gems in human use. It was used in ancient Egyptian jewelry, including the burial mask of Tutankhamun, and has deep cultural significance for many Native American communities. The name comes from the French for Turkish stone, since it reached Europe through Turkish trade routes. According to tradition, turquoise is a protective stone that brings good fortune.
Turquoise Hardness and Durability
At 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, turquoise is soft and porous. It can absorb oils, lotions and perfume, which may change its color, so it suits pendants and earrings better than daily-wear rings.
Natural, stabilized, reconstituted or imitation?
- Natural: Untreated turquoise, usually from harder, denser material. It is the least common form.
- Stabilized: Infused with resin to harden it and lock in color. This is common and acceptable when disclosed.
- Reconstituted: Turquoise powder bonded with resin into blocks, then cut. It costs less than solid turquoise.
- Imitation: Other materials, such as dyed howlite or plastic, made to look like turquoise. These are not turquoise at all.
Tip: When you buy turquoise, ask directly whether it is natural, stabilized or reconstituted. A reliable seller will tell you, and the answer explains much of the price difference you see between pieces.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is included as a modern December alternative on many lists. Almost all blue topaz is colorless topaz treated to turn blue, sold in shades such as sky, Swiss and London blue. At 8 on the Mohs scale it is the hardest December option, though its cleavage means a sharp blow can split it.
- Sky blue: Light and airy, the softest of the three shades.
- Swiss blue: A bright, vivid medium blue that stands out in white metals.
- London blue: A deep, inky blue with a slightly grayish tone, often chosen for a more formal look.
Because blue topaz is widely available and durable, it is a sensible choice for a first December birthstone ring, especially for someone who wears jewelry every day.
Which December Stone Should You Choose?
Start with how the jewelry will be worn. For a ring that will see daily use, blue topaz and zircon are the more practical picks because they are harder. For earrings or a pendant, tanzanite and turquoise are lovely options, since they face fewer knocks away from the hands. Color matters too: choose tanzanite for a rich violet-blue, zircon for sparkle and brightness, turquoise for an earthy, opaque look, and blue topaz for clean, clear blues at a wide range of depths.
Harder blue alternatives
If the stone must survive years of daily wear, consider blue moissanite or a blue lab grown diamond as the center, with or without a December birthstone as an accent. Moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale and has a refractive index of about 2.65, which gives it strong, colorful flashes. Lab grown diamonds rate 10 and are chemically, physically and optically the same as mined diamonds. Explore color options in our fancy color lab diamond rings.
Shop the styles in this guide
Choosing a Setting for Softer December Stones
Three of the four December stones are softer than the gems usually set in engagement rings, so the setting does a lot of the work in keeping them safe.
- Bezel settings: A metal rim around the whole stone is the best protection for tanzanite and turquoise in a ring. It shields the edges from knocks and the girdle from chips.
- Halo settings: A ring of small lab diamonds or moissanite around the center adds sparkle and takes some of the impact before it reaches the softer stone. Browse designs in our lab diamond halo rings.
- Low profile: A stone set close to the finger catches less on clothing, bags and door handles.
- Protected points: Pear, marquise and other pointed shapes should have V-prongs on the tips, especially in zircon, whose facet edges can wear.
- Cabochons for turquoise: Turquoise is almost always cut as a smooth dome, which has no sharp edges to chip and suits bezel settings well.
For earrings and pendants, standard prong settings are usually fine, since these pieces take far fewer knocks than rings.
Buying December Birthstones: A Quick Checklist
- Confirm the stone name: Make sure the listing names the actual mineral, such as tanzanite or zircon, not just "blue stone" or a trade name.
- Ask about treatments: Heat treatment is standard for tanzanite and blue zircon, irradiation for blue topaz and stabilization for turquoise. These are normal but should be disclosed.
- Check color in different light: Blue and violet stones can look different in daylight and warm indoor light.
- Match the stone to the wearer: Choose harder stones for rings worn daily and softer ones for earrings and pendants.
- Review the setting: Look for secure prongs or a bezel and a smooth, well-finished underside.
- Know the return policy: Especially for gifts, check how returns work before you order.
How to Care for Your December Birthstone Jewelry
- Tanzanite: Warm soapy water and a soft brush only. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners and sudden temperature changes.
- Zircon: Warm soapy water. Avoid heat and store it apart from harder stones that could chip its edges.
- Turquoise: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Keep it away from chemicals, cosmetics, perfume and ultrasonic or steam cleaners, and put it on after lotions.
- Blue topaz: Warm soapy water. Skip ultrasonic and steam cleaning and avoid hard knocks.
- Everyday habits: Remove rings for the gym, cleaning, gardening and swimming, and store each piece in its own pouch.
More general guidance is on our jewelry care page.
December Birthstone Gift Ideas
Ivevar handcrafts jewelry to order in 925 sterling silver and 10K, 14K and 18K gold. Our core stones are lab grown diamonds and moissanite, so here are honest ways to mark a December birthday:
- Look for a blue tone: Browse fancy color moissanite rings and ask which blue shades are available for your chosen design.
- Frame the birthstone with sparkle: A tanzanite, zircon or blue topaz center with a lab diamond or moissanite halo adds brilliance and protects softer edges.
- Pick a pendant for softer stones: Turquoise and tanzanite are safest away from the hands. Our lab diamond pendants are a good starting point for a layered look or a custom birthstone addition.
- Ask about a custom piece: If you want one of the December stones as the centerpiece, ask us about a custom order.
- Match metal to shade: White gold makes icy blues and violet-blues look crisp, while yellow gold warms up turquoise and deep London blue topaz.
Tip: December birthdays fall close to the holidays. If you are ordering a made-to-order piece, order early so there is time for production and worldwide shipping.
For more ideas, see our guide to fine jewelry gifts for her, or browse our lab grown diamond birthday gifts and moissanite birthday gifts. Every order ships worldwide with free shipping and 30-day easy returns.
Shop December Birthstone Colors at Ivevar
These blue pieces are handcrafted to order in 925 sterling silver or 10K, 14K or 18K gold. Choose your metal and size on the product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the December birthstone color?
Blue is the shared color. Tanzanite, zircon, turquoise and blue topaz are all best known in blue shades, from violet-blue to sky blue.
Why does December have so many birthstones?
Birthstone lists have been revised over time. Turquoise is the traditional stone, zircon was added in the twentieth century, tanzanite joined in 2002, and many modern lists also include blue topaz.
Is zircon the same as cubic zirconia?
No. Zircon is a natural mineral, while cubic zirconia is a laboratory-made material with a different chemical composition.
Where does tanzanite come from?
Only from the Merelani Hills in northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. No other commercial source is known.
Is tanzanite good for an engagement ring?
It can be, with care. Tanzanite is softer than diamond or moissanite, so a protective setting and removing the ring during hands-on tasks help it last.
Which December stone is the most durable?
Blue topaz, at 8 on the Mohs scale. Zircon follows, while tanzanite and turquoise are softer and need more care.
Is my turquoise real?
Much turquoise on the market is stabilized, and some is reconstituted or imitation. Ask the seller to state which type it is before you buy.
Why does turquoise change color?
Turquoise is porous and can absorb skin oils, lotions and perfume, which may shift its color over time. Wear it after cosmetics and wipe it clean after use.
Is blue topaz natural?
The topaz is natural, but nearly all of its blue color comes from treatment of colorless topaz. The color is stable for normal wear.
Conclusion
The December birthstone lineup gives you four shades of blue, each with its own story and care needs. Choose blue topaz or zircon for rings that see daily wear, and tanzanite or turquoise for earrings and pendants. Pair your favorite with lab diamond or moissanite accents, or ask us about a custom piece designed around it.
