December birthstone
December birthstone: Turquoise
Turquoise is the stone of good fortune, protection, healing and success. Here's its color, history, care and what to look for when you buy.
- Color
- Sky blue to green-blue, often with dark "matrix" veins from the host rock
- Hardness
- 5–6 Mohs
- Meaning
- good fortune, protection, healing and success
- Found in
- Iran (Persian), the American Southwest, China, Egypt and Mexico
- Anniversary
- 11th
- Alternates
- zircon and tanzanite
- Birth flower
- Narcissus (Paperwhite) and Holly
Shop December birthstone jewelry
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Turquoise colors
Sky blue to green-blue, often with dark "matrix" veins from the host rock.
History & meaning
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones. It decorated Tutankhamun's burial mask and has been central to Navajo, Zuni and Pueblo jewelry for centuries. The name comes from the French for "Turkish," because it reached Europe through Turkey. December also has blue zircon and tanzanite, which was discovered in Tanzania in 1967.
Caring for turquoise
Porous, so keep it away from oils, lotion and water. Wipe with a dry cloth.
What turquoise costs
Stabilized turquoise is affordable. Natural, untreated stones from famous mines are collectible. Tanzanite costs much more.
December birthstone jewelry
Necklaces, rings and bracelets in turquoise, plus how to pick a setting that suits a 5–6-hardness stone.
Shop December jewelry ideasQuestions, answered
What is the December birthstone?
The December birthstone is Turquoise. Alternate December birthstones are zircon and tanzanite.
What color is the December birthstone?
Sky blue to green-blue, often with dark "matrix" veins from the host rock.
What does turquoise mean?
Turquoise symbolizes good fortune, protection, healing and success.
Is turquoise good for everyday rings?
Turquoise rates 5–6 on the Mohs hardness scale. Porous, so keep it away from oils, lotion and water. Wipe with a dry cloth.
How much does turquoise cost?
Stabilized turquoise is affordable. Natural, untreated stones from famous mines are collectible. Tanzanite costs much more.
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