- Zircon is sometimes used in place of the December birthstone, blue topaz.
- The majority of blue topaz is colorless topaz that has been dyed blue.
- According to the Mohs Scale of Hardness, blue topaz is harder than tanzanite (8 on the scale).
- The three more popularly marketed kinds of blue topaz are sky blue, swiss blue, and London blue.
- Parts of the US, China, Mexico, and Russia are where topaz is mined and made.
In This Article...
What Does December Birthstone Mean?
The birthstone for December has a variety of profound meanings. Early on in human history, blue topaz served as a symbol of protection, but its significance in modern times has changed and evolved. At this time, blue topaz is a symbol of affection and is frequently presented as a gift. The ideal anniversary gift for couples who have been married for four or 19 years is a blue topaz stone. The Greek word topazion, which means fire, is whence the word topaz gets its phonetic meaning. The Egyptian island of Topazos, today known as St. Johns, is another location where many think the term topaz may have originated.
How Many Birthstones are there for December
One of the highest numbers of birthstones designated for December (three in total). Even though each stone is unique, they all have the same color of blue. The three gems are tanzanite, blue topaz, and turquoise. The availability, cost, and enduring appeal of the stone are the varying factors that account for December’s several stones.
Is Tanzanite a December Birthstone?
Since being discovered in 1967 on the slopes of the massive Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, East Africa, and given that country’s name by Tiffany & Co., tanzanite has gained enormous popularity and is currently the second-fastest selling colored gemstone after sapphire. The first stone to be included on the official birthstone list since 1912, it was designated as the birthstone for December in 2002.
What is the Birthstone for December?
The blue topaz, which is the birthstone for December, has long been a favorite and popular birthstone choice among people. The topaz was a symbol of many ancient civilizations because it was thought to bring protection. There was a common understanding that this stone was absolutely remarkable that was known in every part of the world, from the Aztecs to the ancient Egyptians. Visit Joseph’s Jewelry to shop our favorite pieces of jewelry that showcase this stunning stone.
What Color is December Birthstone?
In today’s jewelry market, blue topaz is the most popular color. It can be purchased in a wide array of blue hues, from a light, pale blue with a light tone and saturation to a dark, rich blue with a moderate to deep tone and saturation. Two types of processed blue topaz have taken the lead. The terms “Swiss Blue” and “London Blue topaz” refer to them. Swiss Blue is a light-toned, light-to-moderately saturated, vivid blue topaz. Dark blue topaz with a medium to dark tone and saturation is called London Blue.
What birthstone actually belongs to December?
Blue to green in color, turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that frequently has matrix veins (remains of the rock it formed in) running through it. For millennia, people have treasured the birthstone for December. It was used to embellish the pharaohs and other ancient Egyptian kings. It was sculpted by Chinese artists more than 3,000 years ago.
The birthstone of turquoise was believed to have numerous positive properties, such as ensuring health and fortune. It was thought, starting in the 13th century, that it would shatter into numerous pieces as tragedy approached and would shield the wearer from falling (particularly off horses). According to Hindu mystics, seeing a turquoise after viewing the new moon guaranteed incredible fortune.
Native Americans also placed a high value on this birthstone of turquoise. The Apache believed that by traveling to the end of a rainbow, one may find turquoise. Additionally, they thought that securing the birthstone for December to a bow or gun improved one’s marksmanship. The Hopi believed that lizards crawling across the earth generated the jewel, whereas the Pueblo insisted that turquoise’s color came from the sky.
Which three stones are December’s birthstones?
Due to its alluring bluish colour, many individuals adore birthstones for the month of December. Turquoise, blue zircon, and tanzanite are the three gemstones for December, and they all feature lovely blue sparkles instead of the conventional Christmas colors of red and green.
What is the name of the birthstone for December?
Turquoise is opaque as opposed to translucent, unlike many other gems. Its blue-green hue can range from pale green or greenish gray to sky blue or greenish blue.
Zircon or topaz is the birthstone for December.
The Mohs hardness scale ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 for zircon.
It can have fire that is comparable to diamonds and a high dispersion rate.
While blue zircon is typically the birthstone for December, other shades of zircon are very stunning. Although blue zircon is frequently used in jewelry, other colors like red, yellow, green, and even colorless variations are also available. The majority of zircon is natural, but a lot of blue zircon has been heat-treated to give it the much-loved blue tint.
Are there two birthstones for December?
Zircon, Tanzanite, and turquoise are the three gemstones that are associated with December birthdays. These gemstones all have distinctive blue tones, making them ideal December birthstones for Minnesota’s chilly winters. Zircon comes in a range of hues, but blue is by far the most popular.
Exactly what birthstone is topaz?
Topaz and citrine are two lovely birthstones that can be worn by people born in November. Citrine is appreciated for its lovely yellow and orange tones whereas topaz comes in a variety of colors. Both birthstones for November are thought to provide relaxing qualities that also bring luck and warmth to the bearer. Since high-quality gems like topaz and citrine are not as scarce as for many of their contemporaries, these birthstones are often priced reasonably. As a result, people who were born in November have a wide range of alternatives. Choosing one will be your biggest issue.
What color is the month of December?
Topaz, the birthstone for December. Blue is the birthstone for December. The traditional birthstone for December is the blue zircon, but there are a number of gemstones that are also said to be symbolic of the month, such as turquoise, blue topaz, and tanzanite.
Is topaz pricey?
Like every stone, the quality of topaz affects its price. Nevertheless, a few generalizations are possible. The most popular type of topaz used in jewelry today, blue topaz, has been produced in such large numbers that it is now typically sold for $25 per carat at retail for ring sizes. Larger sizes could cost a little extra. Even though treated blue topaz is widely produced, the price of natural blue topaz has practically decreased to match that of the treated stone.
Blue topaz is created (by irradiation and heat) from colorless topaz, which is offered in sizes up to 100 ct and higher and costs less than $8/ct. Similar prices are paid for brown topaz.
Contrarily, valuable topaz, often known as “imperial” topaz, can sell for more than $1000 per carat (ct) in big (10 ct+) proportions. Richly colored topaz with a pink or red hue is the most expensive; its retail price can approach $3500/ct. Above 5 ct, these are uncommon.

