December, filled with many holidays, is often linked to gift-giving. For those with December birthdays, receiving gifts may extend beyond just the festive season.

Are you searching for gift suggestions for a friend or family member? One good starting point is knowing their birth month’s symbols and gemstones.

Individuals born in December fall under one of two zodiac signs: Sagittarius (from Dec. 1 to 21) or Capricorn (from Dec. 22 to 31). The narcissus and holly symbolize those born in this month.

Now, what about the birthstone for December? Each month features at least one gemstone, and others have more. Here’s what to know about the December birthstones.

December birthstones

December boasts three distinct birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon.

Among these, tanzanite is the relatively recent addition to the gemstone world.

As stated by the Geological Institute of America, this gem was first discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, which is how it got its name. It is exclusively mined in the Merelani Hills located in northern Tanzania.

Tanzanite exhibits shades of blue and violet, with the blue version considered the most prized. It is often described as “velvety” due to its rich, deep hue, according to the Geological Institute of America.

Wearing tanzanite is said to enhance intuition and energy. In addition to being December’s birthstone, tanzanite is also traditionally gifted for the twenty-fourth wedding anniversary.

Turquoise, on the other hand, has held value for millennia. Numerous cultures, including those in ancient Egypt and China, have made use of turquoise. It is especially important in many Indigenous cultures; for instance, in Tibet, it is considered a “national treasure.”

The term turquoise dates back to the 13th century and comes from the French phrase “pierre tourques“, meaning “Turkish stone,” as highlighted by the American Gem Society.

Throughout history, royalty have adorned themselves with turquoise. A notable example is King Tutankhamun’s funeral mask, which featured turquoise, according to the Geological Institute of America.

This stone varies in color from blue to green, sometimes revealing a dark, spiderweb pattern known as a “matrix.”

Turquoise is sourced from regions in Iran, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and China, as per the Geological Institute of America. China leads the world in turquoise production, particularly from Hubei Province.

It is believed that wearing turquoise promotes good health and prosperity. Additionally, it is traditionally gifted during the 11th wedding anniversary.

Zircon is the most varied of December’s birthstones, available in an extensive range of colors including red, orange, yellow, brown, green, and blue.

The origin of its name has sparked debate among scholars. The Geological Institute of America suggests that some think zircon derives from the Arabic word “zarkun“, which means “cinnabar” or “vermilion”, while others attribute it to the Persian “zargun“, meaning “gold colored.”

No matter its origin, zircon has been cherished for centuries. In medieval times, it was believed that zircon could repel evil spirits and facilitate restful sleep, as noted by the Geological Institute of America. In Hindu culture, zircon is part of the “navaratna” system or “nine gemstones,” which is said to grant wealth, wisdom, and health when worn together.

Most zircon is extracted from Sri Lanka and Australia, according to the Geological Institute. Other countries where zircon mining occurs include Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia.