December Birthstone - Blue Topaz & Tanzanite Jewelry

What color is the December birthstone? There are actually two December birthstones: blue topaz and tanzanite!

Blue topaz is the primary (and more traditional) December birthstone. Topaz can come in many colors, including the infamous orange Imperial topaz named after the Old Russian Czars. However, only the blue variety of this gem is the true December birthstone. This gem is said to encourage fidelity and health from disease, and the cool blue hue matches a December winter quite nicely. Regal in nature, topaz was a favorite of royalty during the middle ages, and remains an accessory staple today.

December has a second birthstone: Tanzanite. This stone is relatively new and was only recently added as a birthstone option for December. It shines a deep, interesting mixture of purple and dark blue, and can only be found in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Some sources also list turquoise and zircon as December birthstones, giving even more options for you to choose from when it comes to celebrating this beautiful birthday month!

Birthstones are gems and other minerals that are associated with a month. This is a tradition that dates back to Biblical times, and through history it was customary to wear the stone associated with the current month during that time, then switch to the next birthstone during the next month. In addition, this was before stones could be identified as precisely as they can be today, so the identities of some of the original stones are unknown. It's only in the last century that the current list has been standard, and since then, it has been more appropriate to wear your birthstone all year 'round.

Learn more about birthstones and gemstone cleaning and care on our Birthstone Guide!

Shop all birthstones: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December.