December Birthstone: The Complete Guide to All Four Stones (2026)

December's birthstone isn't just one gem — it's four. Tanzanite, turquoise, blue topaz, and zircon each share the month, and all four come in shades of blue. Whether you're shopping for a December birthday gift or choosing a birthstone that means something personal, this guide covers everything you need: meanings, price ranges, durability ratings, which stone suits everyday wear, and how to spot fakes.

How Many Birthstones Does December Have?

December has four officially recognised birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise, zircon, and blue topaz. Most months have just one. December ended up with four because the birthstone list has been updated several times over the past century, each time adding new options for people who wanted more variety or more affordable choices.

The current official list comes from the Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). Turquoise is the oldest December stone — it's been on the list since the modern birthstone system was formalised in 1912. Zircon and tanzanite were added later. Blue topaz joined in 2002, the most recent addition to any month's birthstone roster.

Here's the short version: all four are your birthstone if you're born in December. Pick the one that suits your style, budget, or the occasion you're buying for.

December Birthstones: Side-by-Side Comparison

Before diving into each stone's full story, here's the overview most guides don't give you — including real price ranges, durability scores, and which jewelry types each stone handles best.

Price per carat shown for gem-quality stones. Finished jewelry cost varies based on setting, metal, and stone size.

Tanzanite — The Rarest December Birthstone

Tanzanite is the most extraordinary gem on this list — not because of its striking violet-blue colour, but because of where it comes from. Every tanzanite in the world was mined from a single 8-kilometre strip of land in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. Nowhere else on Earth produces it. Once that deposit is exhausted, tanzanite is gone.

Geologists believe that deposit will run out within the next 20–30 years. That scarcity is why high-quality tanzanite has appreciated in value and why some buyers treat it as both jewellery and an investment.

Tanzanite's Colour and Pleochroism

Tanzanite is pleochroic — it shows different colours depending on the viewing angle. Rotate it in your hand and it shifts from deep violet-blue to pure blue to a hint of burgundy. The most prized stones show a vivid blue with strong violet undertones when viewed face-up. Stones under 5 carats tend to run lighter in colour; 5 carats and above typically reach that deep, saturated violet-blue that makes tanzanite so distinctive.

Tanzanite Price and Quality Grades

Tanzanite is graded on a scale from A (commercial quality) to AAAA (exceptional). Here's what that means in real numbers:

• A grade (commercial) — light colour, $45–$110 per carat. Common in mass-market jewellery.
• AA grade (good) — medium saturation, $150–$300 per carat. Solid for everyday wear pieces.
• AAA grade (fine) — rich, vivid colour, $350–$600 per carat. The jewellery store standard.
• AAAA grade (exceptional) — the top 1% of stones, $600–$1,200+ per carat. Investment-grade.

Most tanzanite sold in jewellery is heat-treated to enhance the blue-violet colour — this is standard, accepted, and permanent. Always ask your jeweller whether a stone is treated; virtually all tanzanite is, and that's not a red flag.

Tanzanite Care

Tanzanite scores 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale — softer than a sapphire, roughly the same as quartz. Don't clean it in an ultrasonic machine and keep it away from sudden temperature changes. A soft cloth and mild soapy water is all it needs. For daily wear, choose pendants or earrings over rings; a bezel or halo setting protects the stone better than a prong setting if you do wear it in a ring.

Turquoise — The Ancient December Stone

Turquoise is the original December birthstone. It's been on the list since 1912 and has been worn as jewellery for more than 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptians mined it in the Sinai Peninsula from at least 3,000 BCE. King Tutankhamun's burial mask was inlaid with turquoise. The Aztecs used it in ceremonial shields and mosaics. Tibetan and Chinese traditions valued it for protection and healing. No other December stone has this kind of history.

Turquoise Colour Range

The finest turquoise is an intense robin's egg blue — the Persian standard. Most turquoise falls somewhere between sky blue and blue-green, depending on where it was mined. American turquoise (Sleeping Beauty mine, Arizona) runs toward pure sky blue. Iranian turquoise tends toward that deep robin's egg tone. Chinese and Tibetan turquoise is often greener.

Turquoise Price

Turquoise is the most affordable December birthstone in raw gem form. Natural, untreated high-quality turquoise costs $5–$150 per carat, but most commercial turquoise in jewellery is stabilised (resin-treated to harden the stone) and costs less. Sleeping Beauty turquoise from Arizona commands a premium because the mine closed in 2012, making supplies finite. Top-grade Persian turquoise is the most expensive.

Turquoise Care

Turquoise is porous and soft (Mohs 5–6). Keep it away from water, perfume, sunscreen, and skin oils — these penetrate the surface and permanently discolour it. Wipe it with a dry soft cloth after wearing. Store separately to prevent scratches from harder gems. Avoid heat, which can cause cracking and colour change.

Blue Topaz — The Best December Birthstone for Everyday Wear

Blue topaz is the practical choice. It scores 8 on the Mohs scale — harder than tanzanite and turquoise, only slightly softer than sapphire — which makes it durable enough for rings and daily wear. It's also the most affordable December birthstone by a wide margin, which means you get a large, brilliant blue stone for a fraction of the cost of tanzanite.

The Three Types of Blue Topaz

Blue topaz comes in three distinct shades that most guides don't explain:

• Sky Blue Topaz — pale, airy blue. The lightest shade. Delicate and feminine. The most affordable of the three.
• Swiss Blue Topaz — vivid, electric medium blue. Often compared to Caribbean water. Bright and eye-catching at any distance.
• London Blue Topaz — deep, inky blue with grey-green undertones. Sometimes described as midnight blue. The darkest and most sought-after variety, typically $10–$30 per carat.

All three shades are produced through a combination of irradiation and heat treatment — this is standard across the industry and completely safe. Natural blue topaz is extremely rare; almost all blue topaz on the market is treated colourless topaz. This doesn't affect value in any negative way — it's how the industry works, and reputable jewellers will tell you upfront.

Blue Topaz Price

Blue topaz is the most affordable December birthstone. Sky Blue runs $5–$15 per carat. Swiss Blue runs $8–$20 per carat. London Blue, the most desirable, runs $10–$30 per carat. For finished jewellery, this means a beautiful blue topaz pendant can cost a fraction of what tanzanite would for the same size stone.

Blue Topaz Care

Blue topaz is durable but has perfect cleavage — meaning it can split cleanly along a crystal plane if struck sharply. Avoid dropping it on hard surfaces and don't store loose stones together where they can knock against each other. Clean with mild soap and warm water. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe but check with your jeweller first.

Zircon — Earth's Oldest Mineral

Don't confuse zircon with cubic zirconia (CZ). They are completely different substances. CZ is a synthetic material made in a lab and used as a diamond simulant. Zircon is a natural mineral that has existed since Earth was young — zircon crystals found in Western Australia have been dated to 4.4 billion years old, making them the oldest known solid material on the planet. That's not a marketing claim; it's a scientific fact confirmed by the American Museum of Natural History.

Zircon's Colour and Brilliance

Blue zircon — the December birthstone variety — has a fire and brilliance that rivals diamond. Its refractive index is very close to diamond's, which gives it exceptional sparkle. The blue is typically a pure, bright blue without the violet undertones of tanzanite. It's a clean, crisp colour that photographs beautifully and stands out in natural light.

Zircon Price

Blue zircon costs $50–$400 per carat for gem-quality stones, with the most vivid, heavily saturated blue specimens commanding the higher prices. It's significantly more affordable than sapphire while offering similar brilliance. Top-grade Cambodian blue zircon, known for its exceptional colour, is the most prized.

Zircon Symbolism and History

Zircon has been prized since antiquity. Medieval Europeans believed it promoted sleep, warded off evil spirits, and brought wisdom to the wearer. In Hindu texts, zircon is listed as one of the gems of the Kalpa Tree, a legendary wish-fulfilling tree described in ancient Sanskrit writings. Its meaning has stayed consistent across cultures: clarity of mind, prosperity, and protection.

Zircon Care

Zircon scores 7.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it harder than tanzanite and turquoise but softer than topaz. Its main vulnerability is brittleness — sharp impacts can chip faceted edges. Store it separately and avoid ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the surface over time. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth is the best cleaning method.

Which December Birthstone Should You Choose?

The right stone depends on who it's for and how it'll be worn. Here's the breakdown:

December Birthstone Gift Ideas

A December birthstone necklace is the safest choice for a gift — pendants and necklaces work for all four stones regardless of Mohs hardness, because they aren't exposed to the friction and impact that rings face. A sterling silver pendant with a blue topaz is an excellent everyday piece that will last years. A tanzanite pendant in sterling silver or 14K gold makes a genuinely special gift for a milestone birthday or anniversary.

If you want to shop December birthstone jewellery, explore our necklace collection at AJLuxe — we carry sterling silver pieces with blue topaz and other birthstone options that make thoughtful, lasting gifts.

A few practical gift tips:

• For a December birthday ring, choose blue topaz — it's the only December stone hard enough for daily ring wear without extra caution.
• For a pendant or necklace, all four stones work beautifully. Tanzanite and blue topaz photograph best.
• For earrings, tanzanite earrings are a smart choice — they showcase the colour while protecting the stone from impact.
• Budget under $100? Blue topaz in sterling silver delivers great impact at low cost.
• Budget over $300? Tanzanite in 14K gold or 925 sterling silver is genuinely special.

How to Spot Fake December Birthstones

Every December birthstone has a common fake to watch out for:

• Tanzanite fakes — coated glass or synthetic forsterite can mimic tanzanite's colour. Buy from a reputable jeweller with a GIA certificate for stones over 1 carat.
• Turquoise fakes — dyed howlite and plastic imitations are common in low-cost jewellery. Real turquoise feels cool to the touch and heavier than plastic. Avoid unrealistically low prices.
• Blue topaz fakes — blue glass is the most common substitute. Real topaz is heavier than glass and has distinct facet edges. Buy from a reputable source.
• Zircon fakes — this is the most misunderstood stone. Many people assume they're buying cubic zirconia (a lab-made diamond simulant) when they see "zircon" — they're not. Real zircon is a natural mineral; CZ is not. They are unrelated compounds. If a seller calls natural blue zircon "CZ" or vice versa, walk away.

What Does the December Birthstone Mean?

December's four birthstones all share a loose family of meanings built around protection, clarity, and wisdom — themes that feel right for the last month of the year, a time associated with reflection and new beginnings.

Tanzanite symbolises transformation and spiritual awareness. Its colour — found nowhere else in the world — makes it a stone people associate with the unique and the rare. It's often given to mark significant life transitions: graduations, milestone birthdays, new chapters.

Turquoise is a protection stone across almost every culture that has used it. Ancient Persians believed it would change colour to warn the wearer of danger. Native American traditions connected it to the sky and the divine. Egyptians placed it in tombs to guide the dead safely. Universally, it represents good fortune and safe passage.

Blue Topaz is called the "clarity stone." It's associated with honest communication, clear thinking, and stress relief. Some traditions believe it supports the throat chakra — communication, truth, and self-expression. It's the birthstone most associated with calm and mental clarity.

Zircon is one of the oldest known minerals on Earth, and its meaning reflects that age: wisdom, prosperity, and grounded confidence. Medieval Europeans wore it to promote restful sleep and ward off evil. Today, it's seen as a stone of integrity and clear purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the birthstone for December? December has four birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise, blue topaz, and zircon. All four are officially recognised by the Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association. Turquoise is the oldest, dating to the original 1912 list. Blue topaz was the most recent addition, joining in 2002.

Does December have more than one birthstone? Yes — December has four, more than any other month. The list expanded over time to give people more variety and price options. Turquoise (traditional), zircon, and tanzanite are on the Jewelers of America list. Blue topaz was added in 2002 by the AGTA and is now widely accepted as a fourth December stone.

What colour is the December birthstone? All four December birthstones are shades of blue. Tanzanite is violet-blue to pure blue. Turquoise is robin's egg blue to blue-green. Blue topaz ranges from pale sky blue to deep London blue. Zircon is a bright, clear blue. December is the only month where every birthstone option falls within the same colour family.

Is tanzanite or blue topaz the December birthstone? Both are official December birthstones. Tanzanite is rarer and more expensive ($200–$1,200 per carat) with a deep violet-blue colour and rich symbolism. Blue topaz is more affordable ($5–$30 per carat), more durable (Mohs 8 vs 6.5–7), and comes in three distinct shades. Tanzanite makes a more luxurious gift; blue topaz is better for everyday wear.

Which December birthstone is best for everyday wear? Blue topaz is the best choice for everyday wear, especially in rings. It scores 8 on the Mohs hardness scale — the hardest of all four December stones — making it resistant to scratches and capable of handling daily contact. Tanzanite and turquoise are softer and more suited to pendants and earrings for regular wear.

How much does a December birthstone necklace cost? It depends on the stone. A sterling silver blue topaz pendant typically costs $40–$150 at retail. A turquoise sterling silver necklace runs similarly. A tanzanite pendant in sterling silver or 14K gold ranges from $150 to $500+ depending on stone quality. Zircon pendants fall between $80 and $300. Sterling silver settings with smaller stones are the most accessible entry point for all four.

Is zircon the same as cubic zirconia? No — zircon and cubic zirconia are completely different. Zircon is a natural mineral found in nature; some zircon crystals from Western Australia are 4.4 billion years old. Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic compound made in a laboratory and used as a diamond substitute. They share no geological relationship. Blue zircon is a genuine December birthstone; CZ is not a birthstone at all.

Why does December have so many birthstones? The modern birthstone list was standardised in 1912, but it has been updated several times since then. Each update added alternative options — often to include more affordable or more widely available stones. Tanzanite was added in 2002 because the American Gem Trade Association wanted to include newly discovered gems of exceptional beauty. Having four stones gives December-born people genuine choice.

What does the December birthstone symbolize? Each December birthstone carries its own meaning. Tanzanite symbolises transformation and new beginnings. Turquoise represents protection and good fortune — it's been used as a protective talisman for over 5,000 years across multiple cultures. Blue topaz symbolises clarity and honest communication. Zircon is associated with wisdom, prosperity, and grounded confidence. All four reflect themes of insight and protection.

Can I wear a December birthstone ring every day? Blue topaz and zircon are the safest choices for daily ring wear. Blue topaz (Mohs 8) is hard enough to handle everyday contact without scratching easily. Zircon (Mohs 7.5) is durable but can chip if struck sharply, so it's best set in a protective bezel. Tanzanite (Mohs 6.5–7) and turquoise (Mohs 5–6) are better suited for pendants or earrings if you want daily wear — or saved for special occasions if worn in a ring.

The Right December Birthstone Is the One You'll Wear

All four December birthstones are beautiful. They all mean something. But the best one is the one that suits your life — whether that's a durable blue topaz you don't have to think twice about, a rare tanzanite you bring out for special moments, a turquoise piece with 5,000 years of history behind it, or a zircon that carries the age of the Earth itself.

If you're buying a December birthday gift, a sterling silver necklace with a blue topaz or tanzanite pendant is a thoughtful choice that suits almost anyone. Browse our December birthstone necklaces at AJLuxe — handcrafted in 925 sterling silver with stones chosen for colour and clarity.

Written by the AJLuxe team — specialists in personalised sterling silver jewellery. Last updated: April 2026.