December Birthstones: Tanzanite and Turquoise Explained
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Time to read 10 min
December babies are spoilt for choice when it comes to birthstones. Tanzanite, turquoise and zircon are all recognised December birthstones, each offering its own colour, character and history.
Of these, tanzanite and turquoise are often compared because both are known for their beautiful blue tones. Look a little closer, however, and they could hardly be more different:
- Tanzanite is transparent, faceted and luminous, with flashes of violet and blue.
- Turquoise is opaque, earthy and naturally distinctive, often displaying its own unique colour variations and matrix patterns.
When choosing between tanzanite and turquoise, there is no universally better stone. The right December birthstone is the one that suits the wearer’s style, daily routine and preferred type of jewellery.
Table of contents
What are the December birthstones? Tanzanite vs turquoise at a glance How tanzanite looks and why people choose it How turquoise looks and why people choose it Which December birthstone is rarer? Which is better for everyday jewelry? How to care for tanzanite and turquoise Tanzanite care Turquoise care How to choose between tanzanite and turquoise FAQ Is turquoise a real December birthstone? Is tanzanite a real December birthstone? Why does December have more than one birthstone? What color are December birthstones?
What are the December birthstones?
Modern birthstone lists recognise tanzanite, turquoise and zircon as December birthstones. While they share an association with December, each gemstone has a completely different appearance and story:
- Tanzanite is a transparent blue-to-violet variety of the mineral zoisite. It is found in a small area of Tanzania and is loved for its rich colour and ability to show different tones as it moves through the light.
- Turquoise is an opaque blue-to-green gemstone with a history stretching back thousands of years. Some turquoise has a smooth, even colour, while other pieces contain natural veining known as matrix. These individual markings are part of what makes turquoise jewellery feel so beautifully organic.
- Zircon is the third recognised December birthstone. It can occur in several colours, although blue zircon is most closely associated with December.
This guide focuses on tanzanite and turquoise because they offer the clearest contrast between a sparkling faceted gemstone and an opaque natural stone.
Tanzanite vs turquoise at a glance
The most obvious difference between tanzanite and turquoise is how they respond to light:
- Tanzanite has transparency, depth and sparkle
- Turquoise is admired for its solid colour and natural surface character.
| Feature | Tanzanite | Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Transparent to translucent and usually faceted | Opaque and commonly polished as a cabochon |
| Typical colour | Blue, violet-blue or bluish violet | Sky blue, blue-green or greenish blue |
| Visual character | Luminous, refined and light-catching | Earthy, organic and naturally distinctive |
| Mohs hardness | Approximately 6 to 7 | Approximately 5 to 6 |
| Origin | Found in a limited area of Tanzania | Found in several regions around the world |
| Best suited to | Necklaces, earrings and carefully worn rings | Necklaces, earrings and protected ring designs |
| Care level | Requires protection from knocks and sudden temperature changes | Requires protection from moisture, cosmetics and chemicals |
The beauty of tanzanite
Tanzanite is loved for its beautiful blue and violet colour. Depending on the stone and lighting, its tones can move between soft lavender-blue, violet and deeper blue-purple shades.
Every piece in the Indie and Harper tanzanite birthstone jewellery collection features a smooth cabochon stone rather than a faceted gemstone. A cabochon has a softly rounded, polished surface that allows the colour and natural character of the tanzanite to remain the focus.
Instead of sharp, brilliant sparkle, a tanzanite cabochon has a gentler glow. Smaller stones create a delicate touch of violet-blue colour, while stones with deeper saturation have a richer and more noticeable presence.
This smooth finish makes tanzanite especially beautiful in refined, everyday designs. It suits someone who loves dainty gemstone jewellery, cool-toned colour and jewellery that feels personal without appearing overly formal.
Within our birthstone jewellery collection, tanzanite offers a meaningful and beautifully understated way to celebrate a December birthday.
The natural character of turquoise
Turquoise has a completely different kind of beauty. Rather than transparency or light reflection, it is admired for its rich colour, smooth surface and natural individuality.
Turquoise can range from clear sky blue to deeper blue-green shades. Some stones have an even colour, while others display natural brown, grey or black veining known as matrix.
These natural patterns are not necessarily imperfections. For many turquoise lovers, the variation is exactly what makes each piece feel special. No two naturally patterned turquoise stones will ever look completely identical.
Turquoise jewellery has been worn and treasured for thousands of years. Its unmistakable colour continues to work beautifully in relaxed, bohemian and artisan-inspired designs.
If you are drawn to gemstones with earthy colour and organic variation, turquoise sits beautifully alongside other pieces in a gemstone jewellery collection.
Which December birthstone is rarer?
Tanzanite is generally considered the rarer gemstone because it is found in one limited mining area in northern Tanzania. This highly concentrated geographic source is a central part of the gemstone’s story.
Turquoise is found in several regions around the world, although high-quality natural turquoise can still be scarce. Its colour, stability, matrix, origin and any treatment applied can all affect the appearance and value of an individual stone.
Rarity should not be the only deciding factor. A rarer gemstone is not automatically the best choice for every wearer. Personal style, preferred colour, jewellery design and how often the piece will be worn are usually more important.
Which is better for everyday jewellery?
Both tanzanite and turquoise can be enjoyed regularly, but both December birthstones require thoughtful care.
Tanzanite measures approximately 6 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. However, hardness only describes resistance to scratching. Tanzanite can still be vulnerable to hard knocks, pressure and sudden temperature changes.
The smooth cabochon stones used throughout our tanzanite collection sit lower and have no sharp facets or pointed edges. This can make them feel comfortable and less likely to catch, although the gemstone still needs protection from impact.
Turquoise measures approximately 5 to 6 on the Mohs hardness scale and is more porous than tanzanite. This means oils, cosmetics, chemicals and prolonged moisture exposure may affect its colour or surface over time.
For frequent wear, a birthstone necklace or pair of stud earrings will generally expose either gemstone to fewer knocks than a ring worn on the hand.
If you choose a tanzanite or turquoise ring, remove it before exercising, cleaning, swimming, gardening or completing hands-on work.
How to care for tanzanite and turquoise
Gentle gemstone care will help tanzanite and turquoise retain their colour and polished finish. Store each piece separately to prevent harder jewellery from scratching the stones, and always follow the care instructions supplied with the individual design.
How to care for tanzanite
- Clean gently using lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
- Protect the gemstone from hard impacts and sudden temperature changes.
- Remove tanzanite rings before exercise, cleaning and hands-on work.
- Store separately from harder gemstones and jewellery with sharp edges.
How to care for turquoise
- Clean gently using lukewarm soapy water and dry the piece thoroughly.
- Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
- Avoid perfume, sunscreen, hairspray, lotions and harsh cleaning products.
- Remove turquoise jewellery before swimming, showering or prolonged water exposure.
- Store separately in a dry pouch or lined jewellery box to reduce scratching.
Turquoise generally needs greater protection from cosmetics, oils and moisture, while tanzanite requires particular care around knocks and sudden temperature changes.
Neither gemstone should be cleaned with toothpaste, abrasive powders, harsh chemicals or household cleaning products.
How to choose between tanzanite and turquoise
Choosing between tanzanite and turquoise jewellery begins with the appearance you naturally prefer and the way you intend to wear the piece.
Choose tanzanite jewellery if you love:
- Smooth, polished cabochon gemstones
- Blue, violet and soft purple tones
- A gentle glow rather than sharp sparkle
- Refined, dainty and easy-to-wear jewellery
- A gemstone with a rare, single-region origin
Choose turquoise jewellery if you love:
- Opaque gemstones with strong natural colour
- Sky blue and blue-green tones
- Individual matrix patterns and organic variation
- Relaxed, earthy or bohemian jewellery
- A gemstone with a long and fascinating history
Tanzanite works beautifully with delicate silver, gold and rose gold finishes, while turquoise brings natural contrast to both polished silver and warm gold tones.
Turquoise also feels especially at home within boho jewellery and artisan-inspired designs.
For a December birthday gift, look at the jewellery the recipient already wears. Someone who loves soft colour and delicate cabochon stones may naturally prefer tanzanite, while someone drawn to stronger colour and organic variation may treasure turquoise.
Our approach to December birthstone jewellery
At Indie and Harper, we believe birthstone jewellery should feel personal and easy to wear. The meaning of the birth month matters, but so do comfort, colour and how naturally the piece fits into someone’s everyday style.
Every tanzanite birthstone design in our collection uses a smooth cabochon stone. This cut allows the gemstone’s soft violet-blue colour and polished surface to remain the focus, creating jewellery that feels refined, elegant and beautifully understated.
Turquoise offers a different expression of December. Its colour is stronger, its natural variation is more visible and its long history gives it an unmistakable sense of character.
There is no need to choose a gemstone simply because one list presents it first. The best December birthstone is the one the wearer will genuinely love and reach for.
Tanzanite or turquoise: the final choice
Tanzanite and turquoise may share December and a beautiful blue colour palette, but they offer two very different looks.
Tanzanite cabochons are smooth, softly luminous and refined, with blue and violet tones that can change gently under different lighting.
Turquoise cabochons are opaque, expressive and naturally individual, with colours ranging from clear sky blue to greenish blue.
Choose tanzanite for a delicate glow and polished finish. Choose turquoise for earthy colour and organic character. Whichever stone you select, thoughtful care and a design suited to the wearer’s routine will make the jewellery more enjoyable over time.
Frequently asked questions about December birthstones
What are the three birthstones for December?
The three modern December birthstones are tanzanite, turquoise and zircon. Tanzanite is known for its violet-blue colour, turquoise for its opaque blue-to-green appearance and zircon for its clarity and brilliance.
Is tanzanite a genuine December birthstone?
Yes. Tanzanite is a recognised December birthstone. It is a blue-to-violet variety of zoisite found in a limited area of Tanzania.
Is turquoise a genuine December birthstone?
Yes. Turquoise is a traditional December birthstone. It is an opaque blue-to-green gemstone with a history of use in jewellery stretching back thousands of years.
Why does December have more than one birthstone?
Birthstone lists have developed over time, with some months gaining additional recognised gemstones. Tanzanite, turquoise and zircon give December birthdays several colours, appearances and jewellery styles to choose from.
What is the main difference between tanzanite and turquoise?
Tanzanite is known for its blue and violet colouring, while turquoise is opaque and valued for its strong blue-to-green colour and natural matrix. Within the Indie and Harper collection, both gemstones are presented as smooth, polished cabochons.
Why does Indie and Harper use cabochon tanzanite?
A cabochon has a smooth, polished surface that highlights tanzanite’s soft violet-blue colour without relying on sharp facets. It creates an understated finish that works beautifully in dainty, everyday birthstone jewellery.
Is tanzanite or turquoise more valuable?
Value depends on the quality of the individual gemstone. Tanzanite is geographically rarer because it comes from one limited region of Tanzania. Fine natural turquoise can also be valuable, particularly when it has desirable colour, stability and provenance.
Is tanzanite or turquoise more durable?
Tanzanite is harder than turquoise on the Mohs scale, but it can still be vulnerable to impact. Turquoise is softer and more porous, making it more sensitive to scratches, oils, cosmetics and chemicals. Both gemstones require thoughtful care.
Can tanzanite be worn every day?
Tanzanite can be worn regularly when treated carefully. Necklaces and earrings are generally exposed to fewer knocks, while tanzanite rings should be removed before exercise, cleaning, gardening and other hands-on activities.
Can turquoise be worn every day?
Turquoise can be worn regularly with appropriate care. Keep it away from perfume, lotions, household chemicals and prolonged moisture. Necklaces and earrings generally experience less physical wear than turquoise rings and bracelets.
Can tanzanite and turquoise get wet?
Brief contact with lukewarm water may be suitable during gentle cleaning, but neither gemstone should be exposed to prolonged moisture. Remove tanzanite and turquoise jewellery before swimming, showering or using household cleaning products.
How should tanzanite jewellery be cleaned?
Clean tanzanite jewellery using lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid steam cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, sudden temperature changes and abrasive products. Dry the jewellery thoroughly before storing it separately.
How should turquoise jewellery be cleaned?
Clean turquoise gently using lukewarm soapy water and a soft cloth, then dry it thoroughly. Avoid soaking, steam cleaning, ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals and direct contact with perfume, sunscreen or lotions.
Is tanzanite or turquoise better for a December birthday gift?
Choose tanzanite for someone who loves smooth cabochon stones, soft violet-blue colour and refined jewellery. Choose turquoise for someone who prefers bold natural colour, organic variation and bohemian styling.
What colour is the December birthstone?
December birthstones are most strongly associated with blue. Tanzanite ranges from blue to violet-blue, turquoise ranges from sky blue to blue-green and December zircon is often chosen in bright blue shades.
