December birthstone

Turquoise: the December birthstone

Turquoise symbolizes good fortune, protection, healing and success. Its color, history, care, value and where it comes from.

Birth month: December
Hardness: 5–6 Mohs
Anniversary: 11th
Sources: Iran (Persian), the American Southwest, China, Egypt and Mexico

Color

Sky blue to green-blue, often with dark "matrix" veins from the host rock.

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History & lore

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.

Care

Porous, so keep it away from oils, lotion and water. Wipe with a dry cloth.

Value

Stabilized turquoise is affordable. Natural, untreated stones from famous mines are collectible. Tanzanite costs much more.

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Questions, answered

What month is turquoise the birthstone for?

Turquoise is the December birthstone.

What does turquoise symbolize?

Turquoise symbolizes good fortune, protection, healing and success.

How hard is turquoise?

Turquoise is 5–6 on the Mohs scale. Porous, so keep it away from oils, lotion and water. Wipe with a dry cloth.

Where is turquoise found?

Iran (Persian), the American Southwest, China, Egypt and Mexico.