Topaz, Tanzanite, and Turquoise: December's Birthstones

Learn the ins and outs of these dazzling gemstones

IN THIS GUIDE

topaz jewelry: a pear shaped topaz necklace and pear shaped topaz earrings

December Birthstones

Looking to celebrate someone in your life with a December birthstone or treat yourself for your birthday? December’s birthstones — blue topaz, tanzanite, and turquoise — offer a gorgeous array of blues. You can’t go wrong with a sea-colored stone from Shane Co. Learn more about December birthstones below!


Natural Blue Topaz

Blue Topaz Appearance

Blue topaz comes in serene shades of blue. Natural classic topaz is bright and surreal. Natural London blue topaz is a rich blue as deep as the sea. Natural sky blue topaz is soft and full of light.


Blue Topaz History

Blue topaz was first discovered on the Island of Topazios in the Red Sea and was believed to bring protection from enemies, offering peace and healing. Topaz is mentioned in the Bible in the book of Revelation. Blue topaz was also prized during the Middle Ages.


Today, the United Kingdom’s Natural History Museum in London displays a large blue topaz gemstone known as the Ostro stone. Max Ostro mined the stone in Brazil in 1960. Many assume the Ostro stone is how London blue topaz got its name. 

topaz jewelry: a round topaz necklace and round topaz stud earrings
a gold ring with topaz center stone

Blue Topaz Symbolism and Meaning

Blue topaz is known for symbolizing loyalty, righteousness, and love. It is said to bring clarity, trust, and good communication to relationships. It’s also said that blue topaz allows one to take creative control and provides good luck.


Blue Topaz Spiritual Associations

Historically, some people held the belief that blue topaz is a healer of all things related to the throat and head. It was thought to relieve migraines, aid sore throats, and release jaw tension. 


It’s also been said that blue topaz allows its wearer to channel their inner wisdom and find new opportunities. Blue topaz has associations with authenticity, trust in oneself, and good fortune.


Natural Tanzanite

Tanzanite Appearance

Similar to blue topaz but darker, tanzanite is a modern gemstone that comes in a delightful shade of rich royal blue.


Tanzanite History

Tanzanite is relatively new to the jewelry scene. In the 1960s, Maasai herders discovered the gem in Tanzania. A tribesman showed local fortune hunter Manuel d’Souza, who registered mining claims. Once jewelers caught wind of tanzanite, it quickly became a sensation and a highly desired gemstone.

two tanzanite and white gold rings
white gold necklace with pear shaped tanzanite stone

Tanzanite Symbolism and Meaning

Tanzanite is thought to symbolize heart, intellect, intuition, purity, truth, judgment, and longevity. It’s an excellent stone for those who lead with both love and reason or emotion and logic.


Many believe tanzanite enables a high level of consciousness and stimulates perception. Some think tanzanite also helps detoxify the body and increases vitality.


Tanzanite Spiritual Associations

Tanzanite is said to open people up to higher frequencies that allow for communication with other energies. Tanzanite is also said to be a source of harmony and balance while bringing a sense of serenity to its wearers. Some use tanzanite to align their chakras and allow for the free flow of energy throughout the body.


Natural Turquoise

Turquoise Appearance

Turquoise is a smooth, opaque stone. It doesn’t have the transparent glimmer of many other gemstones, but its saturated cyan color is astonishing.

Turquoise History

Turquoise has a history from around the world. Its earliest record is from ancient Egypt, where it was discovered in tombs and jewelry dating back to 3000 BCE. One turquoise mine sat near an ancient temple for Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of love and joy.


Ancient Persians also enjoyed turquoise, often adorning weaponry with it. Their name for the stone, “pirouzeh,” means “victory.” Turkish traders took this “Persian stone” and introduced it to Europeans, who eventually began calling it turquoise based on the French phrase “pierre tourques,” or “Turkish stone.”


Across continents, Native Americans mined turquoise in the southwestern United States. The stone became a valuable trade commodity that traveled to South America. Some tribes associated turquoise with the god of the sky, and shamans believed the stone was a conduit between heaven and earth.


Greeks also wore turquoise, believing it symbolized purity, while English women offered it to their lovers as a symbol of love. Turquoise also historically represented love in Russia and was often used in wedding bands.

Turquoise Symbolism and Meaning

Turquoise, with its colorful history in many cultures, is thought to represent wisdom, tranquility, protection, good fortune, and hope. Many also believe it enhances one’s ability to communicate, increases virus resistance, and relieves sore throats and allergies.


Turquoise Spiritual Associations

Turquoise is said to be a calming, grounding energy that aids in meditation. Supposedly, turquoise connects heaven and earth. It also helps its wearer feel more connected with their own intuition and the spiritual world.

FAQs About December Birthstones

Is blue topaz a real stone?

+

What does blue topaz symbolize?

+

Can blue topaz be worn every day?

+

What is so special about tanzanite?

+

Can tanzanite be worn every day?

+

Can turquoise be worn every day?

+