Your Guide to Birthstones and Crystals for December

December is a month of celebration and festivity, marked by the arrival of winter and the holiday season. It is also the month of both the Sagittarius and Capricorn zodiac signs. Here are 12 crystals for December you'll want to try.

December Crystals and Gemstones

Crystals and gemstones have been used for centuries to enhance spiritual and physical well-being, and December's birthstones are no exception. These birthstones – as well as a number of other crystals – can support those with December birthdays, as well as anyone looking for additional support and balance during this time. 

December has three modern birthstones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Turquoise is a blue-green stone that has been prized for its beauty and spiritual properties for over 5,000 years. Zircon is a brilliant, colorless stone that is often used as a diamond substitute. Tanzanite is a relatively new stone that was discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s and is known for its striking blue-violet color. Each of these stones has unique properties that make them special, and understanding their meanings and associations can help you choose the right one for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• December has three birthstones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite
• Each birthstone has unique properties and associations that make it special
• December crystals and birthstones are a great way to support yourself energetically – whether you were born this month or just looking for some extra energetic support

December's Traditional Birthstones

The main birthstones for December are turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. Each of these stones has its own unique properties and characteristics. These are stones that have traditionally been associated with the month, generally in the precious gemstone and jewelry sectors. 

*Note that this is a modern birthstone list. Various birthstone lists, including those that are more traditional and those that match stones based on a specific interpretation may include different stones. 

• Turquoise is a beautiful blue-green stone that has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. It is believed to have healing properties and can help with communication, creativity, and spiritual grounding.
• Tanzanite is a stunning blue-purple stone that is relatively new to the world of gemstones. It was discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s and has since become a popular choice for jewelry. Tanzanite is said to promote calmness, balance, and emotional healing.
• Zircon is a versatile stone that can come in a range of colors, but the most common color is blue. It is believed to have grounding properties and can help with mental clarity, self-confidence, and personal growth.

If you were born in December, you can choose to wear any of these stones as your birthstone. You can also wear them together in a piece of jewelry to combine their unique properties.

As the last month of the year, December is a time for reflection and looking forward to the future. Wearing your birthstone can help you stay grounded and focused on your goals. Whether you choose turquoise, tanzanite, or zircon, your birthstone can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery.

The Significance of Blue in December's Birthstones

Cultural Significance

Turquoise, one of the traditional December birthstones, has been prized for thousands of years by various cultures around the world. The ancient Egyptians wore turquoise jewelry and believed that it had protective powers. In Native American culture, turquoise was valued for use in ceremonies and as a symbol of wealth and status.

Tanzanite, a relatively new gemstone, was discovered in northern Tanzania in the 1960s. It quickly became popular due to its unique blue-violet color and is now considered one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.

Blue zircon, on the other hand, has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. It was often used as a substitute for diamond due to its high refractive index and brilliance. In the 13th century, blue zircon was believed to have healing powers and was used to treat various ailments.

Color Energy: Blue Hues 

One common thread among December's birthstones is the color blue. Blue shades are often associated with calmness, serenity, and stability. In ancient times, blue was also believed to have protective powers and was used to ward off evil spirits.

While turquoise can form in different colors, including green, the most common color is blue. The rich blue color of turquoise can range from sky blue, to robin's egg blue, to a vibrant teal color. Natural turquoise gets its blue color from the presence of copper in the stone. Tanzanite's blue-violet color is due to the presence of vanadium. Blue zircon, however, gets its color from heat treatment, which causes the stone to turn blue.

Energetic Properties 

Turquoise is known for its healing and spiritual properties. It is believed to promote good fortune, peace, and protection. It is also said to have a calming effect on the mind and body, making it an ideal stone for meditation and relaxation. Some Native Americans believed that turquoise was associated with the sky and water, and its blue-green color symbolized the heavens and the earth.

Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone that was discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is said to have a high vibration that can stimulate spiritual growth and enhance intuition. It is also believed to help with communication, creativity, and self-expression.

Zircon gemstones are known for their ability to protect against negative energy and promote spiritual growth. They are also said to have a calming effect on the mind and body, making them an ideal stone for meditation and relaxation.

December's birthstones have a rich history and significance in various cultures around the world. Whether you choose turquoise, tanzanite, or blue zircon, each gemstone has its own unique beauty and meaning.

Crystals for December

While birthstones are generally the “official” monthly gemstones, there are many more crystals and stones that can support you in December. These crystals have energetic properties that can support you throughout the month and that complement the energy of the season

1. Turquoise

Traditionally associated with December as its birthstone, Turquoise is known for its protective and healing properties. It's believed to bring good fortune and peace, aligning well with the festive and harmonious spirit of December. It's also thought to enhance communication and support the throat chakra, making it perfect for those family gatherings and end-of-year conversations.

2. Blue Topaz

This crystal resonates with the clarity and coldness of winter. It's believed to aid in clear, thoughtful communication and to help in manifesting your desires, which is ideal for setting intentions for the new year.

3. Ruby

With its deep red color, Ruby is perfect for the warmth and energy of the holiday season. It's thought to bring vitality and passion, helping to overcome tiredness and lethargy that can come with the busy end-of-year period.

4. Clear Quartz

Known as a “Master Healer,” Clear Quartz can amplify the energies of other stones and intentions. It's great for reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the new year ahead.

5. Snowflake Obsidian

As a stone of purity, it reflects the snowy landscapes of December in many parts of the world. It's believed to bring balance to the mind, body, and spirit – perfect for the hectic holiday season.

6. Garnet

This stone is often associated with success and is believed to be particularly potent in the winter months. Garnet can provide a sense of grounding and is thought to revitalize feelings, which is beneficial for those reflecting on the year's achievements and challenges.

7. Zircon

Often a misunderstood gemstone, Zircon comes in a variety of colors (including colorless zircon) and is associated with healing and grounding. Its energy is believed to be uplifting, which can be particularly welcome during the sometimes emotionally intense month of December.

8. Lapis Lazuli

This deep blue stone with golden flecks is reminiscent of the starry December night sky. It's known for enhancing wisdom and truth, which aligns with the reflective nature of the year's end. Lapis Lazuli is believed to promote self-awareness and inner truth, supporting your third eye chakra and helping you to connect with your intuition and make meaningful resolutions for the coming year.

9. Malachite

With its rich green hues, Malachite resonates with the traditional colors of the holiday season. It's a stone of transformation and is believed to encourage change and emotional risk-taking. This makes it suitable for those contemplating significant life changes or new beginnings in the upcoming year.

10. Selenite

This crystal, with its ethereal, moon-like glow, aligns well with the long, dark nights of December. Selenite is believed to bring mental clarity, emotional balance, peace, and calmness, which can be especially beneficial during the sometimes chaotic holiday season. It's also thought to cleanse and recharge other crystals, making it a great addition to your collection during this busy time.

11. Amethyst 

Amethyst is a violet to purple variety of quartz and was one of the traditional birthstone for December. It is often associated with qualities like calmness, balance, and inner peace. Many people believe it can promote clarity of mind and spiritual growth. It's also a great crystal for everyday wear as it offers such a wide range of energetic support. 

12. Pyrite 

Pyrite is a shiny, metallic mineral known as “fool's gold” due to its resemblance to gold. It is believed to symbolize abundance, good luck, and protection, helping to shield against negative energies while encouraging self-confidence and creativity. It's sparkling energy that reflects from different angles is great for combatting the winter blues. 

Each of these crystals offers unique properties that can support and enhance your experience of December's festive, reflective, and transformative energies. Whether used for meditation, as decorative pieces, or as personal talismans, they can provide a sense of balance, clarity, and renewal as you navigate the end of the year and prepare for the new one.

Which Crystals for December Will You Try? 

Crystals have been used for centuries for their healing properties and aesthetic value. Whether you want to explore and tap into their metaphysical properties or simply enjoy their beauty, incorporating crystals into your daily life can have a positive impact.

When selecting a crystal, it is important to consider your intentions and what you hope to achieve. Each crystal has unique properties and can be used for a variety of purposes, from promoting relaxation to enhancing focus and creativity.

Whether you choose to wear your crystals as jewelry, place them in your home or workspace, or carry them with you in a pocket or purse, incorporating these natural wonders into your life can bring a sense of calm, balance, and positivity.