Vibrant Turquoise: December’s Most Uplifting Birthstone
As a new month begins, we’re turning our attention to December’s birthstones — and today it’s all about the wonderfully vibrant turquoise.
December is unusual in that it boasts three beautiful birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Each has its own unique appeal, but in this post we’re focusing on turquoise — a gemstone that brings a welcome splash of colour to the darkest month of the year.
Turquoise is one of three recognised December birthstones, alongside tanzanite and zircon. You can explore all December birthstones in our complete guide. If you are intrigued about the History of Birthstones you can refer to our guide here.
A Gem with an Ancient Story
The name turquoise is thought to come from the old French word for “Turkish”, as the stone was first introduced to Europe via Turkey. In reality, turquoise has been treasured for thousands of years across many cultures and was one of the earliest gemstones ever mined.
Today, many historic turquoise mines have been depleted, meaning that remaining deposits are often found in remote locations and, in some cases, still mined by hand.
Why Is Turquoise a December Birthstone?
We’ve always found it slightly puzzling that such a bright, summery gemstone is associated with December. Turquoise feels made for sun-kissed skin, warm weather and vibrant outfits — yet perhaps that’s exactly why it works so well.
Against winter’s grey skies and muted tones, turquoise adds a joyful pop of colour, bringing light, optimism and freshness to the season. It looks just as striking against pale winter skin as it does with a summer glow.
9ct Gold Turquoise Oval Pendant
The Colours of Turquoise: “Heaven on Earth”
In Prussia, turquoise was once described as “heaven on earth” — a fitting phrase for such a captivating stone.
Naturally occurring turquoise ranges from sky blue to green, often featuring copper-coloured or brown veining known as matrix. In our experience, customers tend to favour the clear blue or robin’s-egg blue varieties, which are traditionally considered the most desirable.
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Blue turquoise: prized for its purity of colour
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Green turquoise: often contains higher levels of iron or zinc
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Veining (matrix): valued differently across cultures — Western Asian markets often prefer stones with minimal veining, while elsewhere a spider-web matrix can enhance character and value
Hardness and colour are the key factors in determining turquoise’s value, though personal preference plays a big role.
Turquoise in Jewellery
Turquoise has long been a favourite in jewellery design and is most commonly set in silver, where its vivid colour truly shines. While it does appear in gold jewellery, silver remains the classic pairing.
From simple turquoise stud earrings to bold statement necklaces, it’s a gemstone that adapts beautifully to both minimalist and more ornate designs.
You may also come across reconstituted turquoise, made by bonding small pieces of turquoise with resin. This makes turquoise jewellery more affordable, though the amount of natural stone can vary.
Turquoise is also a popular choice for evil eye jewellery, thanks to its striking blue tone.
The Meaning & Metaphysical Properties of Turquoise
Traditionally associated with the throat chakra, turquoise is said to support communication, truth and self-expression. It’s thought to help shy speakers find confidence and to bring calm when speaking in public.
Many believe turquoise offers:
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Emotional balance
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Stress relief
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Improved communication
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Greater empathy and clarity
Protective and grounding, even wearing the colour turquoise is said to encourage calm and openness.
Silver CZ Turquoise Evil eye Pendant
Caring for Turquoise Jewellery
Turquoise does require a little extra care. With a hardness of 5–6 on the Mohs scale, it’s softer than many gemstones.
To keep your turquoise looking its best:
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Avoid contact with perfume, cosmetics and hairspray
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Remove jewellery before bathing or cleaning
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Avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight
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Never use jewellery dips or ultrasonic cleaners
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Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth or a specialist delicate jewellery cleaner
And remember the golden rule: jewellery should be the last thing you put on in the morning and the first thing you take off in the evening.
Where Turquoise Is Found
Today, turquoise is mined in several parts of the world, including:
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The USA (notably Nevada, known for its distinctive spider-web matrix)
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Iran (Persia)
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China
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Turkey
In the United States, turquoise is often a by-product of large-scale copper mining.
Turquoise Birthstone FAQs
Is turquoise the main birthstone for December?
Turquoise is one of three recognised birthstones for December, alongside tanzanite and zircon. It is the oldest and most traditional of the three and has been used as a December birthstone for centuries.
What does turquoise symbolise?
Turquoise is traditionally associated with protection, communication and emotional balance. It is said to support self-expression and calm the mind, making it a meaningful gemstone for those who value clarity and honesty.
Is turquoise a durable gemstone for everyday wear?
Turquoise is relatively soft, measuring around 5–6 on the Mohs hardness scale. While it can be worn regularly, it’s best suited to occasional wear and should be treated with care to avoid scratches and damage.
Why does turquoise come in different colours?
Natural turquoise ranges from bright blue to green. Blue stones are typically higher in copper, while greener tones often contain more iron or zinc. Veining (known as matrix) can also influence appearance and value.
Is turquoise better set in silver or gold?
Turquoise is most commonly set in silver, which enhances its vivid colour. While it can be set in gold, silver remains the traditional and most popular choice for turquoise jewellery.
What is reconstituted turquoise?
Reconstituted turquoise is made by bonding small fragments of turquoise together with resin to create a solid stone. It is more affordable than natural turquoise, though the amount of genuine turquoise can vary.
How should turquoise jewellery be cleaned?
Turquoise should never be cleaned using jewellery dips or ultrasonic cleaners. Instead, wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth and avoid contact with perfumes, cosmetics and cleaning products.
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