Birthstone for December - Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21) Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

December Birthstone:  Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon

ecember is one of the most unique months in the birthstone calendar because it is associated with not one, but three stunning gemstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon. Each of these gems possesses its own distinct beauty, history, symbolism, and cultural significance.

Turquoise: The Ancient December Birthstone

History and Origins

Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones in human history. Archaeological evidence suggests that people have mined and worn Turquoise for over 5,000 years.

Geological Formation

Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate mineral containing copper and aluminum. It forms in arid environments when water rich in minerals interacts with rocks over long periods.

Color Variations

Turquoise is available in several shades:

• Sky blue
• Robin's egg blue
• Greenish blue
• Blue-green
• Green

Sources of Turquoise

Major sources include:

• Iran
• United States
• China
• Egypt
• Mexico
• Tibet

Iranian Turquoise is particularly famous for its rich blue color and exceptional quality.

Tanzanite: The Modern Gemstone Wonder

Discovery

Tanzanite is one of the newest gemstones in the jewelry world. It was discovered in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Geological Characteristics

Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite. It forms under extremely rare geological conditions that occur in only one known location on Earth.

Unique Color

Tanzanite is famous for its extraordinary color-changing properties, known as pleochroism. Depending on the viewing angle, the gemstone may display:

• Blue
• Violet
• Purple
• Burgundy tones

High-quality Tanzanite often exhibits a rich velvety blue comparable to fine sapphires.

Zircon: The Brilliant December Birthstone

The name Zircon may derive from Persian words meaning "gold-colored," reflecting some of the gemstone's early color varieties.

Colors of Zircon

Zircon occurs in numerous colors, including:

• Blue
• White
• Yellow
• Orange
• Brown
• Red
• Green

Blue Zircon is the variety most commonly associated with December birthstones.

Sources of Zircon

Major deposits are found in:

• Cambodia
• Sri Lanka
• Australia
• Thailand
• Myanmar
• Vietnam

Cambodian blue Zircon is especially prized for its vivid color and brilliance.

Comparing December Birthstones

Appearance

Turquoise displays an opaque blue appearance, while Tanzanite and Zircon are transparent gemstones with significant brilliance.

Color

Although all three stones often appear blue, their shades differ:

• Turquoise: Sky blue to blue-green
• Tanzanite: Blue-violet
• Zircon: Bright blue with strong sparkle

Price

Turquoise ranges from affordable to expensive depending on quality.

Zircon offers excellent value and brilliance at moderate prices.

Tanzanite is usually the most expensive due to its rarity and limited supply.