As December rolls in, it brings a trio of dazzling birthstones—Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Blue Zircon—each with its own unique charm, color, and story. Whether you’re celebrating a December birthday or just love adding a splash of cool blues to your jewelry collection, these gems have something special to offer. Let’s take a closer look!
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is all about that mesmerizing violet-blue color, which seems to shift depending on the angle—thank pleochroism for that magic! Its shades can range from soft lavender to deep royal blue, making it a favorite for statement pieces. On the Mohs scale, Tanzanite scores between 6 and 7, so while it’s not the toughest stone out there, it’s perfect for special-occasion jewelry.
What makes Tanzanite truly extraordinary? It’s found in just one place on Earth—the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This rare gem was only discovered in 1967 and quickly became a sensation, thanks to Tiffany & Co. The vivid blue-violet hues come from the presence of vanadium, and top-quality Tanzanites can range from $200 to $800 per carat, with exceptional stones fetching even higher prices. A single-source gem this stunning? Definitely worth the hype.
Turquoise
If you love an earthy yet vibrant vibe, Turquoise might just be your gem. Its signature robin’s egg blue (sometimes with a hint of green) has been adored for centuries. Often, you’ll see it with beautiful “matrix” veins running through it, adding character to the stone.
Turquoise has been mined for thousands of years, particularly in arid regions like the United States (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico), Iran (famous for Persian turquoise), China, and even Egypt. It’s a bit more delicate, with a 5 to 6 hardness rating, so it’s ideal for pieces you’ll wear with care.
Prices can vary quite a bit depending on color, lack of veining, and origin, with high-grade stones ranging anywhere from $10 to $500 per carat. Persian turquoise, with its pure blue color, tends to command the highest value.
Blue Zircon
If sparkle is your thing, Blue Zircon might just steal the show. Known for its brilliant shine and rich blue hues, it’s often mistaken for a diamond thanks to its high refractive index. Zircon isn’t just beautiful—it’s one of the oldest natural minerals on Earth.
Blue Zircon is typically heat-treated to achieve its vibrant color, and it rates between 6 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable choice for most jewelry. Some of the best Blue Zircons come from Cambodia, particularly the Ratanakiri province, as well as Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
Pricing depends on size, color intensity, and clarity, with stones ranging from $50 to $400 per carat. Exceptional pieces can fetch even more, especially for that jaw-dropping brilliance.
Which December Gem Speaks to You?
Whether you’re captivated by the exotic rarity of Tanzanite, the timeless appeal of Turquoise, or the sparkling brilliance of Blue Zircon, December’s birthstones offer something for everyone. These gems make thoughtful gifts or a perfect addition to your own jewelry box.
Stop by Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers to see these beautiful stones up close. From silver to gold settings, we’ve got plenty of options to help you find your next treasured piece. If you have any tanzanite, turquoise, or blue zircon jewelry that you would like to have authenticated and appraised, please reach out to the San Diego Gem Lab for expert service.