The Birthstone for December
Beautiful Turquoise birthstone for December
Turquoise is one of the world’s oldest known gemstones, treasured long before most civilisations had even learned to write. In 1908, the National Association of Jewellers officially named it the birthstone for December, cementing its place as the traditional choice for anyone born in the final month of the year.
Its unmistakable blue — from soft sky-blue to deeper greenish tones — immediately brings to mind wide-open skies and bright, sun-lit days. Whether set in silver for a cool, crisp look or in yellow gold for a warm, classic finish, turquoise has a way of standing out without trying too hard.
How Turquoise Forms
Turquoise forms when copper-rich rocks meet acidic water deep within the earth. Over thousands of years, this natural chemistry creates the blue and green veins we recognise today. The final colour depends on the levels of copper and iron present — more copper gives that classic sky-blue shade, while iron produces more green.
This remarkable gemstone is mined across the world, from China, Russia, and Iran to several states in the American Southwest such as Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. Surprisingly, it’s also found here in the UK, with small deposits discovered in Cornwall.
The most highly prized turquoise traditionally comes from Iran, famous for its vivid “Persian blue” stones, while Tibet is known for deeper green varieties.
A Gem With a Long and Rich History
The very name turquoise comes from the French phrase pierre turques, meaning “Turkish stone,” as the gem was traded through Turkish markets on its way into Europe.
Its history goes back more than 5,000 years. Turquoise beads and jewellery have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs — the Egyptians were among the first to mine it, using it to decorate jewellery and ceremonial objects.
In China, craftsmen used turquoise for carving over 3,000 years ago, creating intricate designs and ornaments. By the 17th century, Venetian traders were introducing turquoise to European buyers, and it quickly became a fashionable gemstone.
In the southwestern United States, Native American tribes have used turquoise for over two millennia. It holds deep cultural, artistic, and spiritual importance, appearing in jewellery, ceremonial tools, and protective talismans.
Beliefs, Legends, and Symbolism
Across different cultures, turquoise has always been seen as a stone with meaning. Ancient Persians believed the gem could change colour to warn of danger or illness — a natural early “mood stone,” long before the novelty versions arrived.
Many people still consider turquoise to be a calming, steadying gemstone that radiates peace and good energy. Native American tribes have long taught that turquoise represents life itself — the sky, water, and the earth working together — and they’ve used it in healing and protection rituals for generations.
To this day, turquoise is cherished as a stone that brings luck, tranquillity, and protection, making it a thoughtful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a meaningful piece to wear every day.