December
December has the most birthstones — turquoise, tanzanite (added 2002) and zircon, all blue, symbols of protection, wisdom and serenity.
December has the most birthstones — turquoise, tanzanite (added 2002) and zircon, all blue, symbols of protection, wisdom and serenity; the traditional list adds lapis lazuli. A whole month of blue, a calm for the year’s end.
About the December Birthstone
December has the most birthstones of any month. The modern list holds turquoise, tanzanite and zircon; the traditional list adds lapis lazuli. They share one thing — all blue. Turquoise is one of humanity’s oldest ornamental gems; tanzanite comes only from Tanzania; lapis was the ancient source of the pigment ultramarine.
The Meaning of This Month
Turquoise symbolises protection, wisdom and communication; tanzanite, its blue-violet like dusk, symbolises transformation and renewal; zircon symbolises steadiness. To give one to someone born in December is to wish “may you be protected, and calm as a winter night sky”.
History & Culture
The birthstone tradition traces to the twelve gems of the Breastplate of Aaron, matched to the months and zodiac, and standardised into the modern list by the American jewellers’ association in 1912. Turquoise spans ancient Egypt, Persia and the Americas, revered everywhere as a talisman; tanzanite was found only in 1967 in Tanzania and joined the December list in 2002 — the youngest of all birthstones.
The Lists
| List | December birthstone |
|---|---|
| Modern (1912 · US, tanzanite 2002) | Turquoise · Tanzanite · Zircon |
| Traditional | Turquoise · Lapis Lazuli |
| Zodiac | Sagittarius (to 12/21) · Capricorn (from 12/22) |
Explore this month's stones
FAQ
How many birthstones does December have?
The most: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon, with lapis lazuli on the traditional list. What they share — all blue.
When did tanzanite become a birthstone?
In 2002, added to December by the jewellers' association — the youngest of all birthstones.
What does turquoise symbolise?
Protection, wisdom and communication, across ancient Egypt, Persia and the Americas.
Can I wear a tanzanite ring every day?
Not advisable. At only 6–7 with cleavage, it suits pendants and earrings; a ring should be worn occasionally and clear of knocks.
Which zodiac signs go with December?
Sagittarius (to December 21) and Capricorn (from December 22).