December is one of the few months in the calendar year to be associated with multiple birthstones, making it a particularly vibrant and symbolic time in the world of gemology. Known for their dazzling colors and rich historical significance, the birthstones for December include blue topaz, tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise—with lapis lazuli and blue topaz also recognized in some traditional lists. These stones reflect the icy beauty of winter while also carrying deep cultural and spiritual meanings. From ancient civilizations to modern jewelry trends, December’s birthstones have been cherished for centuries as symbols of protection, wisdom, and emotional clarity.
This article explores the origins, properties, and significance of each of these gemstones, drawing from historical records, geological data, and contemporary practices. Whether you're a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or simply curious about the meaning behind your December birthstone, this guide provides an in-depth look at the stones that define the final month of the year.
History and Lore
The tradition of associating gemstones with specific months and zodiac signs dates back centuries, with roots in ancient civilizations like the Babylonians, Greeks, and Jews. The earliest references to December birthstones are found in biblical texts, such as the High Priest’s Breastplate described in the Book of Exodus, which lists 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. In these early records, ruby was the gemstone assigned to December.
However, as gemology evolved and new stones were discovered or popularized, the December birthstone list expanded. The modern list of December birthstones has undergone several changes:
- 1870 – Turquoise was designated as the December birthstone by Tiffany & Co. in their Gregorian Birthstone Poems pamphlet.
- 1912 – The National Association of Jewellers (now the Jewellers of America) recognized turquoise as the primary December birthstone, with lapis lazuli as an alternative.
- 1952 – Zircon was added to the list by the Jewelry Industry Council of America.
- 2002 – Tanzanite, a newly discovered gemstone from Tanzania, was officially added to the list.
By the early 21st century, December had become one of only two months with three or more recognized birthstones, a testament to the evolving nature of gemstone culture. While turquoise and lapis lazuli have ancient roots, tanzanite, zircon, and blue topaz reflect modern discoveries and the growing diversity of gemstone preferences.
The December birthstone list also intersects with zodiac signs. December straddles two zodiac signs: Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 – January 19). Historically, different stones were associated with these signs, including amethyst, beryl, garnet, and zircon, but these are less commonly tied to December's modern birthstone lineup.
December itself is a month of celebration and change, marked by the Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve. The symbolic weight of the December birthstones—often linked to themes of protection, wisdom, and inner clarity—makes them especially fitting for this period of reflection and renewal.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of the December birthstones is formed under unique geological conditions and mined from specific locations around the world. Understanding their formation and geographic origins provides insight into their rarity, beauty, and value.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is a variety of the mineral topaz, which is composed of aluminum silicate (Al₂SiO₄(OH)₂·nH₂O). Naturally occurring blue topaz is rare; most blue topaz on the market is heat-treated or irradiated colorless topaz to achieve its characteristic sky-blue or London blue hue. Topaz is known for its high hardness (8 on the Mohs scale), making it a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear.
The primary sources of topaz include Brazil, Nigeria, Mexico, and the United States (especially Colorado and California). Blue topaz is often marketed as a modern birthstone due to its affordability and vibrant color, which complements the winter season.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively newly discovered gemstone, first identified in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is a trigonal crystal and a variety of columbite, with the chemical formula CaAl₆(BO₃)₃(SiO₄)₃O₃·H₂O. Tanzanite is prized for its violet-blue color, which is caused by trace amounts of vanadium and is enhanced through heat treatment.
Tanzanite is found only in Tanzania, particularly near the Serengeti National Park, making it a rare and exclusive gemstone. With a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, tanzanite is relatively soft compared to other December birthstones, requiring careful handling to avoid scratches or fractures.
Zircon
Zircon is a metamorphic mineral composed of zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄). It is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some zircon crystals dating back over 4 billion years. Zircon is found in a wide range of colors, including blue, brown, red, and green, but blue zircon is the most commonly recognized as a December birthstone.
Blue zircon is typically heat-treated to develop its vivid color. It has a Mohs hardness of 7.5, making it durable and suitable for jewelry. Major sources of zircon include Madagascar, Zambia, Thailand, and Australia.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral with the chemical formula CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O. It is formed through the weathering of copper deposits and is often found in desert environments. Turquoise has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, which means it is relatively soft and prone to scratches and moisture damage.
Historically, turquoise was mined in the Middle East, China, and Persia, but today, the most famous sources include Nevada and Arizona in the United States, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan. Known for its blue-green hues, turquoise has been used for jewelry, decorative objects, and spiritual talismans for thousands of years.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of lazurite, with smaller amounts of pyrite, calcite, and sodalite. Its deep blue color comes from the sulfur in lazurite, and the golden flecks of pyrite add to its visual appeal.
Lapis lazuli has been mined for centuries in Afghanistan, which remains the primary source of high-quality material. Other sources include Russia, Egypt, and Chile. With a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, lapis lazuli is relatively soft and porous, requiring special care to avoid scratches and chemical exposure.
Gemological Properties
To better understand the characteristics and suitability of December birthstones for jewelry and personal use, it's essential to examine their gemological properties, including hardness, color, clarity, and luster.
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Color | Luster | Transparency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Topaz | Al₂SiO₄(OH)₂·nH₂O | 8 | Sky Blue to London Blue | Vitreous | Transparent to Translucent |
| Tanzanite | CaAl₆(BO₃)₃(SiO₄)₃O₃·H₂O | 6–7 | Violet-Blue | Vitreous | Transparent |
| Zircon | ZrSiO₄ | 7.5 | Blue, Brown, Red | Vitreous | Transparent to Translucent |
| Turquoise | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O | 5–6 | Blue-Green | Waxy to Greasy | Opaque to Translucent |
| Lapis Lazuli | Lazurite + Pyrite + Calcite | 5–6 | Deep Blue with Gold Pyrite | Waxy | Opaque |
Blue Topaz
- Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a very durable gemstone.
- Color: Naturally blue topaz is rare; most blue topaz is heat-treated or irradiated to achieve its sky-blue to deep London blue hues.
- Luster: Vitreous (glass-like), giving it a bright, clear appearance.
- Clarity: Typically transparent to translucent, with minimal inclusions.
- Best Uses: Ideal for rings, pendants, and earrings due to its durability and vibrant color.
Tanzanite
- Hardness: 6–7 on the Mohs scale, softer than blue topaz, requiring careful handling.
- Color: Violet-blue, caused by vanadium traces and enhanced by heat treatment.
- Luster: Vitreous, similar to topaz.
- Clarity: Generally transparent, though may contain minor inclusions.
- Best Uses: Suitable for statement jewelry, but not recommended for daily wear due to its relative softness.
Zircon
- Hardness: 7.5 on the Mohs scale, quite durable.
- Color: Available in blue, brown, red, and green, but blue zircon is most commonly associated with December.
- Luster: Vitreous, with a sparkling appearance often mistaken for diamond.
- Clarity: Transparent to translucent, with minimal inclusions.
- Best Uses: Ideal for engagement rings, womens’ rings, and pendants.
Turquoise
- Hardness: 5–6 on the Mohs scale, relatively soft.
- Color: Blue-green, with variations depending on copper content.
- Luster: Waxy to greasy, giving it a matte or semi-matte finish.
- Clarity: Opaque to translucent, with visible inclusions and matrix patterns.
- Best Uses: Often used in cufflinks, pendants, and earrings, but requires careful handling and cleaning.
Lapis Lazuli
- Hardness: 5–6 on the Mohs scale, very soft and porous.
- Color: Deep blue with golden flecks of pyrite.
- Luster: Waxy, with a soft, smooth appearance.
- Clarity: Opaque, with visible inclusions and pyrite flecks.
- Best Uses: Best suited for pendants and earrings, not for rings or everyday wear.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, December birthstones have been imbued with spiritual and metaphysical significance, reflecting the cultural and symbolic meanings attributed to them.
Blue Topaz
- Symbolism: Calmness, love, and clarity.
- Historical Meaning: The word “topaz” is believed to derive from the Sanskrit word “tapas”, meaning fire, suggesting an early association with strength and protection.
- Modern Meaning: Blue topaz is considered a stone of love and fidelity, making it a popular choice for romantic jewelry.
- Metaphysical Properties: In New Age and crystal healing, blue topaz is said to promote emotional balance, mental clarity, and serenity.
Tanzanite
- Symbolism: Transformation, intuition, and emotional healing.
- Historical Meaning: As a recently discovered gemstone, tanzanite lacks ancient lore, but it quickly became associated with spiritual awakening and inner truth.
- Modern Meaning: Tanzanite is often used in spiritual practices to enhance inner vision, intuition, and emotional release.
- Metaphysical Properties: In crystal healing, tanzanite is believed to open the heart and throat chakras, promoting emotional healing and self-expression.
Zircon
- Symbolism: Wisdom, protection, and clarity.
- Historical Meaning: Zircon has been used in ancient cultures for protection and spiritual insight. In Persian and Indian traditions, it was believed to ward off negative energies.
- Modern Meaning: Blue zircon is associated with mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual awakening.
- Metaphysical Properties: In crystal healing, zircon is said to enhance memory, focus, and psychic abilities.
Turquoise
- Symbolism: Protection, good fortune, and spiritual connection.
- Historical Meaning: Turquoise has been used in ancient Egypt, China, and Native American cultures as a protective talisman and symbol of good luck.
- Modern Meaning: Turquoise is believed to promote inner peace, emotional stability, and spiritual growth.
- Metaphysical Properties: In New Age beliefs, turquoise is associated with the third eye and throat chakras, enhancing self-expression and intuition.
Lapis Lazuli
- Symbolism: Wisdom, truth, and spiritual enlightenment.
- Historical Meaning: Lapis lazuli has been used by ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Greeks as a stone of wisdom and divine knowledge.
- Modern Meaning: Lapis lazuli is associated with intellectual clarity, spiritual insight, and emotional balance.
- Metaphysical Properties: In crystal healing, lapis lazuli is believed to stimulate the mind, enhance self-awareness, and promote spiritual growth.
Care and Cleaning
Each December birthstone requires specific care and cleaning practices to maintain its beauty and longevity. The following guidelines are based on their hardness, luster, and sensitivity to heat and chemicals.
Blue Topaz
- Cleaning: Can be cleaned with warm, soapy water using a soft brush.
- Avoid: Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, which can damage inclusions or cause internal fractures.
- Storage: Store in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
Tanzanite
- Cleaning: Use warm, soapy water with a soft cloth or brush.
- Avoid: Ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which can damage the gemstone or cause fractures.
- Storage: Keep tanzanite away from direct sunlight, as it can faintly fade its color over time.
Zircon
- Cleaning: Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush.
- Avoid: Ultrasonic cleaners, which may dislodge inclusions or cause internal fractures.
- Storage: Store zircon in a soft pouch to prevent scratches.
Turquoise
- Cleaning: Use a soft cloth with warm, soapy water.
- Avoid: Ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which can damage the stone or strip its color.
- Avoid Moisture: Turquoise is porous and sensitive to moisture, so avoid exposure to water and humidity.
- Storage: Store turquoise in a dry, cool place, away from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Lapis Lazuli
- Cleaning: Use a soft cloth with warm, soapy water.
- Avoid: Ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which can damage the stone’s luster.
- Avoid Chemicals: Lapis lazuli is sensitive to harsh chemicals, so avoid exposure to perfumes, lotions, and cleaning agents.
- Storage: Keep lapis lazuli in a soft-lined jewelry box to prevent scratches and damage.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones—blue topaz, tanzanite, zircon, turquoise, and lapis lazuli—offer a rich blend of beauty, symbolism, and history. Each gemstone carries its own unique geological and cultural significance, making them meaningful choices for jewelry, gifts, and spiritual practices. From the sparkling blue topaz and vibrant tanzanite to the ancient turquoise and royal lapis lazuli, these stones reflect the drama and magic of the winter season.
Whether you were born in December or simply drawn to the allure of these gems, understanding their history, properties, and care requirements can deepen your appreciation for their beauty and meaning. As December symbolizes change, renewal, and celebration, its birthstones serve as powerful reminders of the richness of the natural world and human heritage.