Getting to choose your favorite birthstone is not always an option for some, why? Because some months have only one birthstone. Not December babies though, they are lucky enough to have quite a few options! There are three absolutely stunning December birthstones if you were born in this month – Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise.
The December birthstones offer a variety to choose from – from the purple to bluish-purple shades of tanzanite, to the intense green-blue of turquoise to an array of colors of zircon, there is a shade of blue and purple for everyone.
Rarer than diamonds, tanzanites have won our hearts because of their velvety tone of colors! Tanzanite is a new gemstone compared to other colored gemstones.
Zircon gemstone has received its unique name from the Persian word “zargun”, meaning “gold-hued”. This gemstone is found in a rainbow of colors. Yellow, red, and orange zircons are known as hyacinth, a name derived from the flower Hyacinthus.
Turquoise is a unique blue-green gemstone that has been around for more than 3000 years. During such a long time it has made a place in people’s hearts because of its breathtaking hues.
All three December birthstones are unique and have special characteristics. We are here to help all the December babies decide on which to choose.
December Birthstone Tanzanite
What is Tanzanite Gemstone?
The blue and violet variety of the mineral zoisite is the rare gemstone Tanzanite. The December birthstone is believed to symbolize dignity, truth and wisdom. This rare gemstone is also popular for its unique characteristic of pleochroism. It displays different colors when viewed at different angles and in different lighting.
Where is Tanzanite Birthstone Found?
The birthstone for December, tanzanite, comes from only one region of the world – Tanzania! These gemstones are considered rarer than diamonds because neither there is any other source nor they are created in labs.
The purple-hued tanzanite stone is scores 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. While it may not be as hard and durable as sapphires or rubies, it is still durable enough to wear as jewelry, including engagement rings.
Tanzanite matches exceptionally well with white metals such as platinum & white gold. Tanzanite jewelry is unmistakable due to its glamorous appeal. Moreover, the gemstone itself is quite affordable compared to the ‘Big Three’ colored gemstones. GemsNY has the best and finest quality loose tanzanite gemstones as well as jewelry that can be molded as per your requirement.
What are the Top Facts about Tanzanite Stone?
- The discovery of tanzanite was made in 1967 near Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
- The largest faceted tanzanite stone is ‘L’Heure Bleu’ weighing 703.4 carats.
- This gorgeous December birthstone is also the 24th wedding anniversary stone.
How & where to buy the December birthstone tanzanite?
Like any other gemstone, tanzanite stone is also evaluated on the basis of 4Cs- color, clarity, cut and carat weight. When you’re looking at many December birthstones, go for the one with uniform color spread and precise cut. Place the stone on a white paper and hold it against a white light. That way you can see whether it has any inclusion or not.
If you see flashes of red in a tanzanite stone, by holding it against the light source directly and changing the angles, you should feel lucky. You have found a good quality gemstone. The carat weight of your December birthstone depends on your budget and the design of jewelry you want to make.
For buying a tanzanite stone within your budget and in your desired quality & shape, GemsNY is the best place. You’ll find certified high quality stones in their collection of over 50,000 gemstones! And prices are almost two-thirds what you’ll find elsewhere.
December Birthstone Zircon
What is the Zircon Gemstone?
One of the exquisite December birthstones is Zircon. It derives its name from a Persian word, zargun, which means “gold-hued”. Zircon comes in an array of colors – from colorless, to reds, blues, yellows, green etc. Due to the similarity of its name with zirconia, many people mistake zircon for an artificial or man-made gem. However, in reality zircon is a naturally occurring mineral and cubic zirconia is the most famous diamond simulant.
People in the middle ages believed that wearing zircon could bring sound sleep and ward off evil. Another belief associates the stone with wisdom and prosperity.
Since Zircon is a pretty old gemstone, it has its fair share of history. In the late 19th century and during the Victorian era blue zircon was quite popular. Most gem quality zircon available in the market are heat treated. This practice is standard in the jewelry industry as it transforms an otherwise pale-brown stone into mesmerising colors.
Where is the Zircon Birthstone Found?
This extraordinary gemstone can be found all around the world. Countries like Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Australia, etc. are the major producers of zircon. Zircon occurs in a variety of geo-locations from sand and sedimentary deposits to metamorphic rocks and crystallized magma.
Zircon gemstone scores 7.5 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Although it is softer compared to other colored gemstones, this December birthstone is still durable and suitable for everyday accessories. Remember, taking care of softer gemstone jewelry will help in increasing its life. Zircon is also used in different industries. It is used as a refractory material in many casting applications because it is very stable at high temperature.
What are the Top Facts about the December Birthstone Zircon?
- Colorless Zircon looks quite similar to diamonds.. Zircon is said to be denser than diamond, which means that a 1-carat zircon will be smaller in size when compared to diamonds.
- Zircon is believed to enhance innocence, purity and constancy. It is also believed to increase stamina and perseverance, heals injuries and soothes pains.
- Zircon has been on the face of the earth for over 4 billion years, making it the oldest mineral on the planet.
December Birthstone Turquoise
What is Turquoise Stone?
Another gorgeous gemstone used as the birthstone for December is Turquoise. Turquoise bears many different names. The word turquoise, however, comes from the French word ‘turquois’ meaning “turkish” as this gemstone was first brought to Europe from Turkey.
Turquoise is believed to be a holy stone for ages and is known to be a bringer of good fortune. In ancient times in the Persian Empire, people wore it around the neck or wrist for protection against unnatural causes of death.
Where is the Turquoise Birthstone Found?
Though China is the largest producer in the world, other locations include Iran, USA, India and Egypt. In the U.S. the December birthstone Turquoise mostly comes from Arizona, Newada, Colorado and New Mexico. Iranian turquoise sets the benchmark for color and are often called ‘Persian blue’ or ‘sky blue’ or ‘robin’s egg blue’.
Alongside being the Birthstone for December, Turquoise is also the gem of the 11th wedding anniversary. The turquoise stone is so affordable that you will rarely find it in gold or platinum jewelry.
Turquoise is measured 5-6 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it one of the softest gemstones compared to other color gemstones. Turquoise is known for its beautiful blue-green hues. Though softer, turquoise can still be used as a daily adornment but needs to be taken care of to increase its life.
What are the Top Facts about Turquoise Birthstone for December?
- Turquoise is the only gemstone that has a color named after it.
- The Nepalese and Tibetan people call this beautiful blue stone the “sky stone”
- The December birthstone changes its color if kept in bright light for a long time.
December Birthstone Care and Cleaning
All these December birthstones vary in color and hardness. So you need to be a bit cautious while wearing & cleaning your jewelry. Avoid exposing your gemstone to rough conditions and sudden temperature changes. Take your ring or bracelet off while working out in a gym or swimming or gardening or playing any active sport.
To clean your jewelry, use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Then rinse and dry. This method is suitable for all gemstone types. It’s better to avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Better yet visit a professional for periodic cleaning and stone tightening.
Your Destination for December Birthstone
GemsNY is a bespoke jewelry company and we carry more than 50,000 natural gemstones from around the world in various shapes and sizes. Although we do not carry the gorgeous December birthstones – Zircon and Turquoise, we can always source them for you and make the jewelry just like you dreamed. We have different shades of tanzanite gemstone and if you would like own one, there is no better place. Click here to explore more!
Month-wise Zodiac Signs & Birthstone List
