The blue birthstone refers to two different gemstones associated with the month of December – turquoise and tanzanite. The exact one that is considered the modern December birthstone varies by organization.
Turquoise
Turquoise has been used in jewelry and ornamentation for thousands of years. The oldest turquoise jewelry discovered dates back to ancient Egypt. This hardy, opaque mineral ranges from sky blue to greenish robin’s egg blue. While fairly abundant, finer turquoise is rare. This prized version has an intense blue color with little or no matrix. Matrix refers to the veining commonly found in turquoise stones.
Tanzanite
Discovered in Tanzania in 1967, tanzanite is a thousand times rarer than diamond. This velvety blue-violet stone is a variety of zoisite. Tiffany & Co named it after its country of origin. Tanzanite quickly became popular after its introduction and is now one of the most coveted gemstones. With just a few mines worldwide able to produce it, tanzanite commands high prices for fine quality gems.
Birthstone History
The idea of birthstones originated with the Breastplate of Aaron mentioned in the Bible. This breastplate was decorated with 12 different gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Ancient Hindus also assigned different gems to people born under each planet. The modern birthstone list first appeared in Poland during the 18th century. It was widely popularized in 1870, when Tiffany & Co published a pamphlet outlining the monthly assignments. The standardized list we use today was adopted by the American National Retail Jewelers Association in 1912.
| Month | Modern Birthstone | Traditional Birthstone |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine | Bloodstone |
| April | Diamond | Diamond |
| May | Emerald | Emerald |
| June | Pearl, Alexandrite | Alexandrite |
| July | Ruby | Ruby |
| August | Peridot | Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline | Opal |
| November | Topaz, Citrine | Topaz |
| December | Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon | Turquoise |
This table compares the modern birthstones accepted by the American Gem Trade Association with the traditional stones largely agreed upon in 1912. As you can see, the modern list includes more options for some months – like pearl and alexandrite added for June. December is the only month with completely different gemstones assigned.
Why Did December’s Birthstone Change?
Prior to 1912, turquoise was the accepted December birthstone. When the standardized list was adopted in 1912, turquoise was dropped in favor of zircon. Some reasons for this change include:
- The discovery of abundant zircon deposits in the late 19th century. This increased availability made zircon more affordable.
- Confusion over exactly which gem turquoise referred to. Many stones were being sold as turquoise at the time that were not true turquoise.
- The color of zircon was thought to be more fitting for December. Its brilliance and flashes of multicolored light evoked the sparkle of the Christmas season.
For several decades, zircon was the official December birthstone. Turquoise lovers still wore the gem, but jewelers focused on promoting zircon. In 1952, the Jewelry Industry Council of America shifted December’s primary gem back to turquoise. But just over a decade later, they added a brand new stone – tanzanite. This violet-blue gem discovered in 1967 captivated jewelers and consumers alike. By 2002, the American Gem Trade Association officially listed tanzanite as an alternative December birthstone alongside turquoise and zircon.
Why Are There Multiple December Birthstones?
The modern December birthstones offer variety so people can choose the stone that resonates most with them. Here are some of the reasons turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite are all appropriate:
- They come in shades of blue which matches the cool winter month of December.
- Blue symbolizes calmness, tranquility, wisdom, and openness – fitting for the spiritual meaning of December.
- These stones complement December’s flower (narcissus) and zodiac signs (Sagittarius, Capricorn).
- Having options allows people to select birthstones based on their color preference, budget, or other personal meaning.
While turquoise and zircon have been known for centuries, tanzanite is relatively new on the scene. The story of its discovery and swift rise to popularity is befitting for a modern December birthstone.
Who Should Wear Each December Birthstone?
No guidelines dictate who should wear a particular December birthstone. It comes down to individual preference based on color, price point, and sentimental meaning. However, some factors that may help select a stone include:
| Birthstone | Best For |
|---|---|
| Turquoise | Those who love blue-green hues. People who want a birthstone with ancient cultural significance. |
| Zircon | Fans of brilliant, colorless or blue-white stones. People who want an affordable clear birthstone. |
| Tanzanite | Those who prefer vivid blue-violet gems. People who appreciate rare and unusual stones. |
These are just general suggestions. Someone may gravitate to tanzanite for its striking color rather than rarity. Another may select turquoise because it’s their favorite stone, regardless of its affordability. There’s no right or wrong – the most meaningful December birthstone is whichever one speaks to an individual.
How are December’s Birthstones Used in Jewelry?
December’s trio of birthstones lend themselves to all types of jewelry for men and women. Here are some of the most popular ways they are set in accessories:
- Turquoise – Stud earrings, pendants, cocktail rings, tennis bracelets, statement necklaces, boho jewelry, tribal jewelry, Southwest jewelry
- Zircon – Solitaire rings, three-stone rings, tennis bracelets, necklaces, stud earrings
- Tanzanite – Pendants, drop earrings, rings, bracelets, brooches
Tanzanite and zircon are primarily used in fine jewelry because of their delicate nature. Turquoise appears in high-end pieces but also mass-market fashion jewelry. Its affordability and wide color range allows endless looks from bohemian to classic.
Are December Birthstones Available in Different Cuts?
These blue birthstones can be cut into many shapes. Some of the most popular are:
- Turquoise – Cabochons, rounds, ovals
- Zircon – Rounds, cushions, princess, emerald
- Tanzanite – Emerald, trillion, pear
Most turquoise is cut en cabochon to showcase its opaque, veiny appearance. Transparent stones like tanzanite and zircon are typically faceted for maximum sparkle. Within those methods, jewelers can choose different shapes. Oval and round turquoise cabochons are timeless choices. For tanzanite, emerald and trillion cuts maximally reflect light from the faceting.
How to Take Care of December Birthstones
Here are some tips for keeping December birthstones looking their best:
- Turquoise: Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning. Store pieces carefully to prevent scratches. Rehydrate dried-out turquoise.
- Zircon: No harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaning. Use warm water and mild soap to clean. Store securely to prevent scratches.
- Tanzanite: Clean with warm water only. Store in soft cloth away from other gems. Avoid pressure and heat.
Overall, these stones require gentle care. Turquoise needs the most babying due to porous nature, while tanzanite doesn’t like pressure or excessive heat. Regularly wearing December birthstone jewelry keeps the stones vibrant.
Where are December Birthstones Found and Mined?
The minerals that make up these blue gems form in very different geologic environments:
- Turquoise – Formed in ancient volcanoes. Main sources are the southwestern U.S., Iran, and China.
- Zircon – Crystallizes in granite pegmatites and sedimentary deposits. Major deposits are in Australia, South Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- Tanzanite – Only found in Tanzania near Mount Kilimanjaro. Occurs in a small geographic area.
Tanzanite has the tightest supply, found in just one small Tanzanian mining area. Turquoise is more widespread and also mined in the southwestern United States. Zircon sources are global and abundant. Deposits produce all colors, but blue is the most coveted zircon hue.
Are December Birthstones Ethically Sourced?
Factors like mining conditions, environmental impact, and fair labor practices determine how ethically these gems are sourced:
- Turquoise – Materials and processes typically low impact, but small-scale mines may lack regulations.
- Zircon – Mined worldwide but not associated with major ethical concerns.
- Tanzanite – Partial underfunding and poverty around Tanzanian mines are problems.
Overall, these gems face fewer ethical concerns than the “big four” (diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald). But turquoise and tanzanite have some small-scale and local challenges. Responsible jewelers monitor sources and support fair trade for December birthstones.
What’s the Price Range for December Birthstones?
As a rough estimate, prices ranges are:
- Turquoise – $5 to $100+ per carat
- Zircon – $50 to $500 per carat
- Tanzanite – $300 to $700+ per carat
Factors like carat weight, clarity, color grade, and cut affect value. Fine tanzanite costs the most – from $500 per carat into the thousands. Turquoise is widely available and affordable but best stones still cost $50+. Blue zircon averages $100-300 per carat for decent quality.
What’s the Best Way to Buy December Birthstones?
We recommend purchasing these December birthstones from quality retailers that provide grading and certifications. This helps ensure you get fair pricing and full details on your gem. The top options are:
- Independent appraisers – Get exact quality assessments.
- Large jewelers – Have access to a range of certified stones.
- Online – Can compare pricing and details easily.
- Gem shows – View many stones and speak to exporters directly.
Independent gemological labs like GIA offer the most reliable stone certifications. High-end jewelers work closely with labs to grade their gems. Online retailers also provide certs and detailed info. Individual miners at gem shows may offer bargains but lack formal grading.
Are Synthetic Versions of December Birthstones Available?
There are lab-created options for two December stones:
- Turquoise – Dyed howlite and reconstituted stone simulate turquoise.
- Zircon – Cubic zirconia widely mimics diamond. Synthetic blue zircon is also produced.
- Tanzanite – No lab-created versions available yet.
Simulants offer lower prices but never quite match the properties of natural stones. Synthetic turquoise and zircon have slight differences detectable by experts. Lab-grown options may enter the market over time, especially for the rare tanzanite.
How Can You Tell Simulated from Natural December Stones?
Some characteristics that indicate synthetic vs real are:
| Stone | Natural Indicators | Synthetic Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Natural variations and matrix patterns. | Uniform color, no matrix. |
| Zircon | Natural inclusions under magnification. | Fewer inclusions internally. |
| Tanzanite | Natural flaws like feathers. | N/A – No synthetic versions yet. |
Natural turquoise has one-of-a-kind matrix patterns that synthetic can’t replicate. With magnification, experts can spot the real crystallization and tiny issues in natural zircon. Since no lab-grown tanzanite exists yet, natural inclusions indicate authenticity for now.
Conclusion
December’s modern birthstones offer winter blues for all tastes. The striking azure of tanzanite, oceanic tones of turquoise, and icy brilliance of blue zircon provide options. Their ancient heritage, worldwide sources, and unique properties make them intriguing birthday gems. December’s blue stones span the spectrum from affordable turquoise to rare tanzanite – so choices exist at every budget. Their associations with wisdom, spirituality, and tranquility during the holiday season make them fitting birthstones to conclude the year.
