What does turquoise mean?
Turquoise has been worn for protection, good fortune and peace for thousands of years. From the 13th century on, it was believed to keep its wearer from falling, especially off a horse.
The pharaohs of Egypt wore it, and it adorns the funerary mask of King Tut. In Tibet it is a national treasure, believed to grant health, good fortune and protection from evil.
The Pueblo said turquoise got its color from the sky. Iran’s Nishapur district has mined its prized “robin’s egg blue” for more than 1,000 years.
Forget me not
In European tradition, that is what the gift of a turquoise ring means.
What is tanzanite?
Tanzanite is the newcomer, one of the most exciting gem finds of the 20th century. Blue stones from Tanzania were identified as the mineral zoisite in 1962, and the main source was found in 1967.
It was named for its country, and Tiffany & Co. launched it to the world in 1968. Its deep blue to violet is often called velvety, with pure blue the most valued.
Tanzanite wears best in earrings and pendants. In a ring, it needs a protective setting and some care.
What does zircon mean?
In the Middle Ages, zircon was believed to lull its wearer into a deep sleep and scare off evil spirits. In the Hindu tradition it is one of the nine gems of the navaratna.
It comes in red, orange, yellow, brown, green and blue, and colorless zircon flashes so much fire that it was confused with diamond for centuries. The Victorians loved blue zircon.
Sri Lanka and Australia are known sources. Zircon wears down with rough use, so take it off for gardening, sports and the dishes.
Turquoise, tanzanite or zircon: which is the December birthstone?
All three. Each has its own take on blue, so pick the one that suits the person.
 Turquoise |  Tanzanite |  Zircon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colors | Sky blue to green | Blue to violet | Blue and nearly every color |
| Hardness | 5 to 6 | 6 to 7 | 6 to 7.5 |
| Found in | Iran, the US Southwest, China | Only Tanzania | Sri Lanka, Australia, Southeast Asia |
| Anniversary | 11th | 24th | None |
Clean all three with warm, soapy water. Steam and ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended for any of them.
December’s birth flowers: narcissus and hollyWhat they mean, and how to send it →