Turquoise, Tanzanite and Blue Topaz - December Birthstones

December is one of the most generously appointed months in the birthstone calendar — it has three: turquoise, tanzanite, and blue topaz. They share a cool blue character, but each has a distinctly different history, rarity, and meaning. If you're born in December or buying for someone who is, it's worth understanding what makes each stone its own thing before choosing.

Turquoise — the ancient birthstone

Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in recorded human history. It was mined in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula over 5,000 years ago, worn by pharaohs, and carved into the famous funerary mask of Tutankhamun. Persian warriors inscribed their names on it for protection. Native American cultures used it in ceremonial jewellery for centuries. Few stones have been as continuously prized, across as many different civilisations, for as long.

Its colour — that distinctive blue-green, somewhere between sky and sea — is entirely its own. Turquoise is opaque rather than transparent, which gives it a different quality from faceted gemstones: it absorbs light rather than refracting it, with a smooth, waxy lustre that's immediately recognisable. The finest stones are a vivid robin's-egg blue with no visible veining; many have natural brown or black veining patterns, which adds to their individual character.

What does turquoise mean?

Turquoise has been associated with protection, friendship, and good fortune across virtually every culture that has used it. It's often described as a stone that brings calm and prevents negative energy — historically worn as an amulet as much as as jewellery. In modern crystal traditions, it's linked to honest communication, emotional balance, and the throat chakra.

Turquoise is the traditional gemstone for an 11th wedding anniversary. Browse our turquoise jewellery collection for pieces that work as an anniversary gift or a meaningful birthday choice for December.

Tanzanite — the rarest of the three

Tanzanite is genuinely unusual in the gemstone world — it was only discovered in 1967, in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. More importantly, it exists in only one place on earth. All tanzanite comes from a single mining area in northern Tanzania covering roughly eight square kilometres. Some geologists believe the deposit could be exhausted within the next few decades, which makes tanzanite one of the very few gemstones that is becoming rarer in real time.

Its colour is unlike anything else: a deep blue-violet that shifts between blue and purple depending on the light and the angle of viewing. This quality — known as pleochroism — means tanzanite looks different in daylight versus artificial light, and different again when tilted. Under incandescent light it appears more violet; under daylight it reads more blue. This changing quality makes it one of the most visually interesting stones in the birthstone calendar.

What does tanzanite mean?

Tanzanite is associated with new beginnings, transformation, and heightened intuition — which makes sense for a stone discovered so recently and found nowhere else on earth. It's described in crystal traditions as a stone that facilitates significant change and supports moving through transitions with clarity and purpose. Its deep violet-blue is also linked to the third eye and crown chakras.

Tanzanite is the modern gemstone for a 24th wedding anniversary. See our wedding anniversary stones guide for the full list.

Browse our tanzanite jewellery collection for pieces featuring this rare and striking stone.

Blue Topaz — the most accessible December stone

Blue topaz is the most widely available of December's three birthstones, and one of the most popular gemstones in the blue colour range. It occurs naturally in three distinct shades: Sky Blue (pale and clear), Swiss Blue (a brighter, more vivid medium blue), and London Blue (a deep, steely blue with grey undertones). Each has its own character — Sky Blue is delicate and wearable every day; London Blue is dramatic and suited to statement pieces.

Topaz scores an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale — harder than most everyday materials — making it an excellent choice for rings and bracelets as well as necklaces and earrings. It has good clarity and a bright lustre that works beautifully in both silver and gold settings.

What does blue topaz mean?

Blue topaz is associated with calm, clear communication, and emotional honesty. It's described as a stone that supports thoughtful expression — helping the wearer articulate ideas clearly and listen well. In crystal traditions it's linked to the throat chakra, making it a fitting stone for writers, teachers, and anyone in a communicative role.

Blue topaz is the traditional gift for a 4th wedding anniversary. Browse our topaz jewellery collection for pieces in all three shades.

Which December birthstone should you choose?

All three are blue, but they serve different needs and carry different significance:

• Choose turquoise if you want something ancient and meaningful — a stone with thousands of years of history, an opaque character unlike anything else, and a connection to protection and friendship. Best for someone who appreciates something unusual and storied.
• Choose tanzanite if rarity matters — this is genuinely one of the rarest gemstones in the world, and its shifting colour is extraordinary. Best for a significant gift or milestone occasion.
• Choose blue topaz if you want something bright, durable, and versatile in shade — it's the most practical of the three for everyday wear, and its range of blues gives good flexibility to match personal taste.

Caring for December birthstone jewellery

Each stone has slightly different care requirements. Turquoise is porous and sensitive — avoid prolonged water exposure, perfume, and cleaning chemicals; wipe with a dry soft cloth only. Tanzanite is moderately hard (6.5–7) and should be stored carefully away from harder stones; clean gently with warm water and a soft brush, no ultrasonic cleaners. Blue topaz is harder (8) and more resilient — warm soapy water and a soft brush works well; avoid sudden temperature changes which can cause fractures.

Explore more birthstones

December's three stones are part of a full calendar of birthstones, each with its own meaning and character. Our complete birthstone guide covers every month, and our December birthstone jewellery collection brings together pieces in all three stones — all handmade in our Chester studio.