# December birthstone: Turquoise

> The December birthstone is turquoise. Its meaning and history, alternatives at gift-friendly prices, December star signs and pieces you can buy in the UK.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/december
Updated: 2026-10-30

The birthstone for December is turquoise. The full list is turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Turquoise has been prized for thousands of years. Watch out for dyed howlite sold as turquoise.

## December birthstones at a glance

- [Turquoise](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/turquoise)
- [Lapis lazuli](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/lapis): traditionally linked with wisdom and truth; prized in ancient Egypt
- [Howlite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/howlite)

## Where birthstone lists come from

The idea of a stone for each month goes back to the twelve stones on the breastplate of the Jewish high priest, described in the Book of Exodus. The modern list was set by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912, and Britain's National Association of Goldsmiths published its own list in 1937. That is why some months have more than one stone.

## December star signs

December birthdays fall under [Sagittarius](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/sagittarius/crystals) (22 November – 21 December) and [Capricorn](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/capricorn/crystals) (22 December – 19 January), so a sign stone is another gift option.

## Gift ideas at every price

- Under £10: a tumbled howlite or turquoise in a pouch with a card.
- £10–£30: a pendant, bracelet or point in the birthstone colour.
- £30 and over: a sphere, a larger point or a set with a candle and incense. Orders over £40 travel free.

## Care

Hard stones (7 and above on the Mohs scale) can be washed in warm soapy water. Softer and porous stones need a dry cloth only. Each stone page gives specific care.

## Questions

**What is the December birthstone?**

Turquoise, tanzanite and zircon.

**What colour is the December birthstone?**

Turquoise has been prized for thousands of years.

**Is there a cheaper alternative to turquoise?**

Yes: lapis lazuli and howlite give a similar look or tradition at a lower price.

**Can I wear a December birthstone if I wasn't born in December?**

Yes, anyone can wear a December birthstone. Birthstone lists are a modern jewellers' tradition (set in 1912 in the US and 1937 in the UK), not a rule, and many people choose stones for their colour or meaning. Turquoise, Lapis lazuli and Howlite are the usual choices.

**What is the zodiac stone for a December birthday?**

A December birthday falls under two star signs, and each has its own traditional stones. Check your exact date, then see the [crystals for December](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals-by-month/december) page, which lists both signs' stones. Many people give the birthstone and a sign stone together.

## Related

- [November birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/november)
- [January birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/january)
- [All birthstones](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones)
- [Crystal gift finder](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/gift-finder)

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Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.