Calling all December borns! Learn everything about your December birthstone, from history and symbolism to the meaning of the December birthstone color.
Birthstones are one or more stones representing your birth month. Thus, each month has one or more stones associated with it.
Because each stone has different qualities, it’s important to learn about your December birthstone. In addition, wearing this stone attracts positive energies that benefit you in many aspects.
In today’s article, we’ll discuss the December birthstone, its history, symbolism, how it relates to your personality, and what the December birthstone color means to you.
December Birthstone
If you were born in December, you’re lucky to have a choice of three birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and blue zircon.
Turquoise Birthstone
Turquoise, the traditional birthstone for December, is one of the most cherished gemstones for its lovely turquoise color. It’s so appreciated that it gave birth to the gorgeous color of the same name.
Turquoise is a mineral that ranges in color from blue to green and is opaque or semi-translucent. Actually, it’s a blue-to-green aluminum and copper-hydrated phosphate.
According to the Mohs scale, turquoise is softer than diamond, corundum, topaz, or quartz, scoring between 5 and 6. This soft gemstone can therefore discolor when exposed to intense heat.
Turquoise was first used about 3000 BC in ancient Egypt. Thus, ancient Egyptian tombs have been found engraved with this stone. They also used turquoise in jewelry, amulets, or burial ceremonies.
The oldest mine is also found in Egypt, more precisely in the Sinai Peninsula. The name of this gemstone in ancient Egyptian was “mefkat” and meant “joy.” So that’s what this birthstone symbolized to them.
The ancient Persians were so attached to turquoise that they covered their palace domes. Because it was close to the sky color, turquoise was associated with heaven.
Since it was not known that turquoise’s color changes when exposed to heat, they believed it warned of the coming of death.
Moreover, the name of this gem in their language is “pirouzeh,” which means “victory.” For a long time, people used turquoise as a symbol of protection.
In Europe, turquoise was introduced by Turkish traders in the 13th century. As a result, they strongly influenced the origin of this name.
Turquoise originates from the French “pierre tourques,” which means “Turkish stone.” But the Turkish only brought this Persian blue gemstone to Europe via the Silk Road.
Native American tribes considered turquoise a symbol of power, protection, and wisdom. For example, the Aztecs, a Mesoamerican culture, prized the stone as having protective powers.
In Tibetan culture, it was believed to have healing properties and was associated with the element of water. In addition, the Chinese associated turquoise with protection or even immortality.
Aside from that, turquoise is a lovely December birthstone, representing protection and healing. In addition, it symbolizes serenity, emotional balance, freshness, and feminity.
Today, the largest producer of turquoise is China, especially the province of Hubei.
Tanzanite Birthstone
The modern December birthstones are tanzanite and blue zircon.
The American Gem Trade Association designated tanzanite as a December birthstone in 2002.
Tanzanite is a deep blue to purple variety of the mineral zoisite, which is only found in one country.
Its name comes from the source country of this mineral, Tanzania.
Tanzanite is a relatively new stone, one of the most exciting gemstone discoveries of the 20th century. The most popular gems come in soft shades of blue with purple undertones.
Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone, ranking between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale.
As a relatively new stone, tanzanite may enjoy less symbolism than turquoise. However, it is said to help reveal the true self, facilitating a higher consciousness.
Tanzanite can also strengthen intuition and bring calm to the wearer.
This gemstone is also given to those celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary.
Blue Zircon Birthstone
Blue zircon is one of the modern birthstones for December. Moreover, it is the oldest mineral on earth, dating back more than 4.3 billion years. [1]
This shows what a strong chemical composition it has. It’s a symbol of endurance. Thus, it can be found in crystallized magma, metamorphic rocks, or sedimentary deposits.
On the Mohs scale, zircon has a ranking between 6 and 7.5. However, it is softer than sapphire or topaz.
This naturally occurring gem, also known as the zirconium silicate mineral, can be found in various colors, including green, yellow, orange, red, brown, and colorless.
However, blue zircon is the most popular variety. This type is the result of heat treatment.
The origin of the zircon’s name is widely debated. While some believe it comes from the Arabic word “zarkun,” meaning “cinnabar,” others attribute it to the Persian word “zargun,” meaning “gold-colored.”
The blue zircon is seen as a symbol of loyalty and trust. This gem is said to strengthen relationships and self-confidence. Moreover, the blue zircon is also offered as a gift for those celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary.
Hindus associated the blue zircon with the planet Saturn, representing balance and stability. Moreover, it was said to provide mental clarity and spiritual awareness.
Zircon has been thought to help people sleep soundly since the Middle Ages. It was also a symbol of prosperity and wisdom. In addition, it was said to keep evil at bay.
Popular in the Victorian period, blue zircon was even used to adorn English furniture.
In Europe, this gem was associated with protection. It also was believed to ward off evil spirits. Moreover, travelers used it to protect them from the dangers of the plague.
Today, zircon symbolizes wisdom, confidence, and prosperity. It is also believed to increase intuition and aid sleep.
Regardless of preference, the three birthstones of December have numerous benefits for those born in November.
December Personality
Those born before December 21 are Sagittarians, whereas those born after December 22 are Capricorns.
Sagittarians are known for their optimism, fairness, honesty, intellect, and sense of humor. Capricorns, on the other hand, are determined, disciplined, and self-controlled masters.
However, both zodiac signs share quite similar qualities.
December-borns have a strong will and are highly ambitious in everything they do. They also have a creative mind and a strong ability to express themselves. In addition, they value freedom and autonomy more than anyone.
Kindness and loyalty are two of the best qualities of those born in December.
With a positive outlook, those born in December are able to find solutions to any problem.
Capricorns have a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to succeed through hard work and perseverance. In contrast, Sagittarians enjoy adventure and want to explore new places and experiences.
However, those born in December tend to be logical, organized, responsible, and outgoing. They enjoy staying grounded but can become impatient at times.
December Birthstone Color Meaning
The December birthstone color is blue. That’s because December-borns have three birthstones: turquoise (blue to green), tanzanite (blue to purple), and blue zircon. Thus, all of them share different shades of blue.
Blue, the color of the ocean and sky, represents the serenity and calm associated with them.
The December birthstone color, blue, represents trust, loyalty, wisdom, sincerity, honesty, and confidence. It is the color of communication and self-expression.
Thus, the birthstone color of December is said to promote stability, intelligence, trust, and loyalty.
It also symbolizes relaxation, calmness, and peace, all beneficial to those born in December.
Also, blue is associated with the throat chakra, our core responsible for the ability to communicate and use creative energy effectively. Even the turquoise gemstone is related to this chakra.
Turquoise, on the other hand, is a mix of blue and green. Basically, it evokes the calmness of blue and the growth of green. It is said to help the wearer think more clearly.
Furthermore, the color of this December gemstone promotes concentration and balance. It has a calming and stabilizing effect.
Ways to Boost the December Birthstone Color Energies
The birthstone color for December varies between light blue, blue-green, and deep blue. Whichever December birthstone you choose, these jewels will look great.
Turquoise, the traditional December birthstone, symbolizes freshness, femininity, serenity, peace, intuition, creativity, emotional balance, and loyalty.
Choose the turquoise gem if you need mental energy, improved concentration, and clarity of thought. In addition to its color qualities, this gemstone is said to help promote good health and attract wealth.
You can rely on the blue of tanzanite or zircon to bring calm, relaxation, and peace. This color represents trust, loyalty, honesty, and self-assurance.
Tanzanite is said to aid in revealing one’s true self, fostering a higher consciousness, enhancing intuition, and promoting tranquility.
On the other hand, wearing a zircon can boost confidence and attract prosperity. This gemstone is also said to improve intuition and aid sleep.
So, these lucky stones have powerful qualities in addition to the strong symbolism of the December birthstone color. Wearing any of them can boost your personality traits.
Other Birthstone Colors
Learn more about the other birthstone colors and their meanings.
- January birthstone color and gemstone: red (garnet)
- February birthstone color and gemstone: purple (amethyst)
- March birthstone color and gemstone: blue (aquamarine)
- April birthstone color and gemstone: white (colorless diamond)
- May birthstone color and gemstone: green (emerald)
- June birthstone color and gemstone: white (pearl, moonstone) and color-changing alexandrite
- July birthstone color and gemstone: red (ruby)
- August birthstone color and gemstone: green (peridot)
- September birthstone color and gemstone: blue (sapphire)
- October birthstone color and gemstone: pink (tourmaline) and white (opal)
- November birthstone color and gemstone: orange (citrine) and yellow (topaz)
Did you like this article about December birthstones? Help us spread the word and share it with your November-born friends who might like it too.