The modern birthstones for December are Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, and Tanzanite. Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise are also considered traditional December birthstones.
December Birthstones Explained
Here's a breakdown of each December birthstone:
-
Blue Zircon: This gemstone is known for its brilliance and vibrant blue hue. Although often confused with cubic zirconia (a synthetic diamond simulant), zircon is a natural gemstone with a long history.
-
Blue Topaz: Another popular blue gemstone, blue topaz is often more affordable than blue zircon. Its color ranges from light sky blue to a deeper London blue.
-
Tanzanite: A relatively recent addition to the birthstone list (discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s), tanzanite is a vibrant violet-blue stone known for its pleochroism (displaying different colors from different angles).
-
Lapis Lazuli: This opaque, deep blue stone with golden pyrite flecks has been prized for centuries. It was a popular gemstone in ancient Egypt.
-
Turquoise: This opaque, blue-green mineral has also been valued for its beauty and spiritual significance for centuries, especially by Native American cultures.
Table of December Birthstones
| Birthstone | Color(s) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Zircon | Blue | Brilliance, natural gemstone. |
| Blue Topaz | Blue | Affordable, ranges in shades of blue. |
| Tanzanite | Violet-Blue | Pleochroism, relatively new discovery. |
| Lapis Lazuli | Deep Blue | Opaque, golden pyrite flecks, historically significant. |
| Turquoise | Blue-Green | Opaque, valued for beauty and spiritual significance. |
The variety of December birthstones allows for a wide range of personal preferences and budgets. Each gemstone offers unique beauty and significance for those born in December.
