Often people come into Amidon Jewelers to look at all our colored gemstone jewelry.  One of the most common questions we receive is “What are the birthstones for each month?” We all really enjoy sharing the story of each birthstone. In fact, it’s one of my favorite things to do with our customers!

This week we are going to talk about the birthstone for December.  Most months offer more than one option for a birthstone. This holds true with December. Actually for December, there are three alternatives: Blue Zircon, Tanzanite and Turquoise.

Traditionally the birthstone for December is Turquoise. A beautiful gem known for its interesting blue or blue green color accented with dark veining throughout that is called Matrix.  Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is a version of this gem that possesses a soft sky blue with no veining, just a perfect soft blue.

Turquoise is rarely seen faceted, so this gem is seen cut as a cabochon. Turquoise is a 5-6 on the Moh’s hardness scale so his gem should be worn for dress or casual wear only. Turquoise is said to bring protection, and is known as a healing stone for emotional and mental health.

Blue Zircon is another option for a December birthstone and is a beautiful vibrant blue . Zircon can be found in many other colors (orange , gold, greens and yellows and even white) however the blue is what is recognized as the December birthstone. Zircon is often mistaken to be a relation to as a Cubic Zirconia causing some consumers to mistakenlyvturn away from this gorgeous gem. A Zircon is nothing like a Zirconia (which is man made) Zircon is a naturally occurring gem out of the earth.  Zircon is a 6-7.5 on the Moh’s hardness scale. This gem can be worn-with care, daily.

Zircon is said to bring wisdom to its wearer, give abundance and prosperity as well as promote sound sleep.

And lastly, Tanzanite, which is the newest of the December Birthstones was discovered in 1967 in the area of Mount Kilimanjaro , Tanzania.  This is the only place it is found in the world. Tanzanite is a rich periwinkle color and is 6.7-7 on the Moh’s hardness scale. This gem can be worn-with care, daily. Because of its relatively young age there is very little lore surrounding Tanzanite.