December birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon
December has three birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon, all found in shades of blue.
How to read it
Turquoise was the December birthstone on the 1912 list, with lapis lazuli as its alternate. Zircon was added in 1952 and tanzanite in 2002. Turquoise is an opaque blue to green gem, often veined with the rock it formed in; tanzanite is blue to bluish purple.
Also searched as: birthstone for December, Dec birthstone, tanzanite birthstone, turquoise birthstone.
Lists differ for December
GIA lists turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. The International Gem Society's chart also names blue topaz, and lapis lazuli from the 1912 list.
Where this symbol came from
oldsymbols.comDecember birth flowers: narcissus and hollyDecember’s birth flowers are the narcissus, usually the paperwhite, and the holly; some lists give the poinsettia. The Victorian flower dictionaries gave the narcissus egotism or self-love, and the holly foresight. oldsymbols.comTurquoiseTurquoise is a sky-blue to green stone, named “Turkish stone” in medieval French. It is sacred in Navajo (Diné) tradition and was the national stone of Persia, and from the thirteenth century European lapidaries said it saved its wearer from falls.Find a birthstone by date
stringmash.comBirthstones by monthThe birthstone for any month or birth date, in the current US list, the UK list and the older tradition.Read next
- Next in BirthstonesJanuary birthstone: garnetThe January birthstone is garnet, most often a deep red gem but found in almost every colour.
- The same shape in African flagsFlag of the African UnionThe African Union’s flag shows a map of Africa on a green field, surrounded by rays of light and a ring of stars. The African Union says the stars, 55 of them, represent its 55 member states; the Assembly’s 2007 decision asked for a green background to symbolise Africa’s hope.
More birthstones
The same shape elsewhere
Browse symbols drawn with circles or squares and rectangles.
Sources
- December Birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon (GIA), Gemological Institute of America
- Birthstone Chart: Modern and Traditional Birthstones, International Gem Society
- The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, by George Frederick Kunz, 1913, J. B. Lippincott (Project Gutenberg edition)
- JA, AGTA Add Spinel as August Birthstone, National Jeweler, 2 June 2016, National Jeweler
Researched, edited and approved by Rory Hansen before publishing. Last reviewed September 27, 2026. How we research
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