The first day of December marks the start of winter and the holiday season. If November ushered in a time to reflect on the past and prepare for the future, December is a month to celebrate those triumphs and endeavors.
As such, it only makes sense that this month’s birthstone is Tanzanite, a vibrant blue crystal variety of Zoisite that captures the essence of what December represents.
Tanzanite's unique hue—somewhere between blue, violet, and purple—makes it an eye-catching gemstone, but along with its physical beauty lies an even greater power. Let's take a closer look at what makes Tanzanite as a birthstone so special!
December birthstone meaning
Just as December brings with it a time of joy, Tanzanite's metaphysical properties encompass a deep sense of happiness. Holding Tanzanite in your hands amplifies a feeling of true joy, which enables you to stay centered and balanced even during this traditionally hectic month.
Bringing compassion and understanding to your life, Tanzanite helps you recognize the importance of loving others while staying true to yourself. By connecting your Heart, Third Eye, and Crown chakras, this crystal brings out feelings of unconditional acceptance and allows you to find clarity in difficult times.
Where Tanzanite is found
Make no mistake about it: Tanzanite is an exceptionally rare gem. Since its discovery in 1967, Tanzanite has only been found in one location: the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro.
No other gemstone can boast of a tighter geographic scope than Tanzanite, making it all the more special!
Tanzanite variations and colors
As mentioned earlier, Tanzanite’s hue is typically a vibrant mix between blue, violet, and purple—depending on the angle you view it from and how the gem is cut.
When Tanzanite is mined, its color ranges from light to medium purple or blue. The gem is cut and polished so that it can reflect its best colors, and depending on the cut, Tanzanite can be seen in varying shades of blue and purple.
If you're looking for the signature Tanzanite hue, you'll likely have to splurge on larger specimens. Generally, that lush blue color this gem is so famous for only appears in specimens that are at least 5 carats in size.
Tanzanite healing properties
Aside from its beauty, Tanzanite is most famous for its ability as a chakra stone. By connecting our Crown, Third Eye, and Heart chakras, Tanzanite plays a key role in opening up pathways of understanding and compassion, allowing us to tap into our inner wisdom.
Tanzanite is a perfect crystal for those who seek a deeper level of self-growth and spiritual exploration, as it has the power to help uncover any lies you may tell yourself and bring out your true essence.
Stripping away the walls of denial, Tanzanite helps us become more honest and truthful to ourselves—paving the road for personal growth and inner strength.
The ability of Tanzanite to dissipate the fog of lies so many of us use to hide our true selves also clears us for takeoff into spiritual realms of understanding and enlightenment. If you've always wanted to plumb the depths of your soul to discover its secrets, Tanzanite is the perfect stone to accompany you on the journey!
December Alternative Birthstones
Turquoise December birthstone
Turquoise as a birthstone works like a magnet for all the stagnant energies in your life and brings clarity to your thoughts. It's hard not to feel lighter, happier, and more energetic when infused with the energies of Turquoise jewelry!
Don't be surprised if other people are more attracted to you too; Turquoise facilitates better connections with other people, allowing them to see you for who you really are!
Blue Topaz December birthstone
Blue Topaz is the birthstone for December babies who want to lean more into their intuition to make major decisions. While Tanzanite arguably has more oomph for astral projection and spiritual exploration, Blue Topaz is a great choice for those looking to ground themselves into their purpose and gain better insight from within.
Blue Zircon December birthstone
If you thought that Tanzanite was the apex of chakra work, the Blue Zircon birthstone will prove you wrong!
Purifying and energizing, Blue Zircon brings a sense of vibrancy and balance in equal measure. You'll feel more creative and inspired, as well as more connected to the people around you. With its natural ability to repel negative influences, this gem will give you an understanding of yourself that was previously unimaginable!
Common Questions About December Birthstones
How many birthstones does December have?
December has four birthstones—Tanzanite, Turquoise, Blue Topaz, and Blue Zircon. Each brings its own unique set of qualities and attributes to the table, so it's up to you to pick the best one for your needs!
Why does December have several birthstones?
While months having several birthstones are the norm today, it was not always this way. As we noted above, Tanzanite was discovered a mere few decades ago, tacking on an additional birthstone to the December lineup!
In addition, different cultures have their specific traditions and beliefs--so while Tanzanite may be popular in the Western world, Blue Zircon may take precedence in other parts of the globe. As such, having several options for December birthstones reflects our cultural diversity and the variety of birthstones that have been around for centuries.
What does the December birthstone symbolize?
Tanzanite symbolizes discovery, purpose, and spiritual awakening. While this gem is used most often to facilitate out-of-body experiences and connect you to your higher self, its gentle energy can also help open the door to new possibilities in your waking life.
Final Takeaways
December is a time for celebration, reflection, and discovery. As the final days of the year slip away, you can count on Tanzanite, Turquoise, Blue Topaz, and Blue Zircon to help you find the clarity and strength to carry you into the new year. With these birthstones in your pocket, discovering the true nature of life will become an easier-than-ever endeavor!
From spiritual awakenings to personal growth, the December birthstones are truly delightful gifts that will guide you through life's toughest challenges and empower you to uncover its most rewarding secrets. So if you're looking for a way to take control of your destiny, look no further than these magnificent gems from Mother Nature!
