December babies are the luckiest-whether sparkling brilliance, deep blues, or ancient meaning is your thing, few months can boast such a vibrant and eclectic assortment of birthstones. Modern options include Blue Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise, but perhaps the most deeply meaningful of all traditional birthstones is Lapis Lazuli, which remains a classic.
Throughout this article, we’re going to be taking a deep dive into what a birthstone is, its history, the different color varieties available for each birthstone of December, and a few tips regarding their care. Whether you are buying jewelry or learning about your birthstone, or you’re simply fascinated with the lore of gems, this article has got you covered with all you need to know.
Why Does December Have Multiple Birthstones?
Most months are allocated one or two birthstones, but December has four. That’s because the Jewelry Industry Council and American Gem Trade Association revised the list of ‘official’ birthstones over time to reflect changes in the availability of certain gems and consumer demand for a greater range of styles and price points. Tanzanite and Blue Zircon were added due to these changes.
The result is that December has become one of the most colorful, versatile birthstone months of them all.
1. Blue Zircon: December’s Most Brilliant Birthstone
History & Meaning
Blue Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth; some specimens date over 4.4 billion years. Long associated, through the ages, with clarity, wisdom, and spiritual protection, this mineral was thought to induce a restful sleep and to protect travelers from harm during the Middle Ages.
Color & Appearance
Of all the colors of zircon, the blue variety is still the front-runner for December. Hailed as being particularly brilliant and fiery, the Blue Zircon can stand on its own against diamonds in terms of sparkle. Colors range from an icy sky blue to a very vibrant Caribbean blue.
Durability & Care
Zircon rates 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale and is considered somewhat delicate. To keep your piece of Blue Zircon jewelry looking its best:
- Avoid strong impacts
- Store separately from harder gemstones
- Clean gently with warm, soapy water.
Why Choose Blue Zircon?
Its unmatched sparkle and striking blue tones make Blue Zircon perfect for rings, pendants, or statement earrings. If you love brilliance and vintage-style glamour, this gemstone is an excellent choice.
2. Tanzanite: A Rare Gem with a Modern Story
History & Meaning
Tanzanite is one of the newest varieties of gemstones, discovered in 1967 around Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Because tanzanite is found nowhere else, it has come to symbolize transformation, intuition, and new beginnings, making it a popular gift for milestone events.
Color & Appearance
It is prized for the attractive hues of blue-violet, but perhaps the most distinctive feature of all is its outstanding pleochroism, meaning that in one stone, different colors appear when viewed from different directions: blue, violet, and even shades of red.
Durability & Care
Special care is necessary because Tanzanite has a hardness of 6–7:
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners
- Avoid wearing jewelry when doing heavy work.
- Store in a soft pouch.
Why Choose Tanzanite?
Rareness aside, the color change is so fascinating that Tanzanite is well-suited to be one of these special-occasion jewelry pieces. And being sourced from a single location, many consider Tanzanite a future heirloom gemstone.
3. Turquoise: The Ancient Stone of Luck & Protection
History & Meaning
Turquoise is one of the most ancient stones known to man and has been highly valued throughout history by various ancient cultures, from Egypt to the Native American tribes. It symbolizes good luck, healing, friendship, and protection.
Color & Appearance
Turquoise is instantly recognizable for its soothing blue-green tone. Colors can vary quite a bit from mine to mine; some are an extremely bright robin’s egg blue, while others have deeper green tones in them. Many pieces also bear characteristic matrix patterns that add to their natural beauty.
Durability & Care
Turquoise is softer than the other December birthstones and possesses a Mohs hardness of 5-6. Owing to its porosity:
- Avoid chemical exposure, perfumes, and lotions
- Avoid intense heat or sunlight.
- Clean only with a soft, dry cloth
Why Choose Turquoise?
Turquoise goes well with bohemian, southwestern, and artisan styles. When well taken care of, turquoise is perfect for everyday wear because it has plenty of historical significance and a calm energy to it.
4. Lapis Lazuli: The Traditional December Birthstone
History & Meaning
Although lapis lazuli is not included in the list of modern birthstones, this stone has been valued for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations also used it not only for jewelry and mosaics but for ultramarine pigment, too. It symbolizes the truth, inner power, and royalty.
Color & Appearance
For thousands of years, lapis has been famous for a beautiful, deep royal blue color, speckled with gold-colored pyrite and cloudy veins of white calcite. The natural inclusions bring individual characteristics to a stone, and no two stones are exactly alike in appearance.
Durability & Care
Being hard at 5–6, lapis is resistant, but sensitive to chemicals and heat; to preserve its beauty:
- Clean only with a damp cloth
- Never use steam and ultrasonic jewelry cleaners
- Store away from harder gemstones
Why Choose Lapis Lazuli?
For lovers of bold, opaque stones steeped in history, lapis is a choice of stunning beauty. In its royal blue and gold shimmer, it lends itself particularly to statement rings, beads, and talismanic jewelry.
Which December Birthstone Should You Choose?
But every birthstone of December has its own special allure:
- Blue Zircon: For brilliance, sparkle, and icy blue tones
- Tanzanite: For rarity, luxury, and color-shifting vibrance
- Turquoise: For earthy charm, history, and protective symbolism
- Lapis Lazuli: For bold color, cultural significance, and artistic style
Whether you’re selecting a birthstone gift or treating yourself, December offers an impressive range of beautiful gems to match any aesthetic.
Final Thoughts
December’s birthstones, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Lapis Lazuli, showcase some of the most mesmerizing blues in the gemstone world. Rich in history, symbolism, and natural beauty, each stone brings its own unique story and energy. With proper care, these gems can be cherished for generations.
At GEM Boutique, we celebrate the timeless beauty of December birthstones by offering high-quality, ethically sourced gemstone jewelry designed to last a lifetime. Whether you’re searching for a meaningful birthday gift or treating yourself to something special, GEM Boutique helps you discover pieces that blend elegance, craftsmanship, and personal significance.
Celebrate the final month of the year with gemstones that shine as brightly as the season itsel,f beautifully curated and expertly crafted at GEM Boutique.