December boasts a remarkable array of birthstones – blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise – offering a spectrum of blues and greens to suit every preference. These gemstones, each with a unique history and allure, have captivated civilizations for millennia. From ancient protective amulets to modern expressions of style, December’s birthstones represent prosperity, good fortune, and a connection to the celestial realm. This article delves into the origins, properties, symbolism, and care of these captivating gems.
A History of December’s Gems
The tradition of associating gemstones with specific months dates back to ancient astrological beliefs. Ancient and medieval astrologers assigned gems to the planets, believing them to reflect the stars and connect individuals to constellations. Originally, these zodiac stones and birthstones were one and the same, but over time, a distinction emerged, with standard birthstones often including more precious gems.
Turquoise, arguably the oldest of December’s birthstones, has a particularly rich history. Evidence suggests its use in Egypt as early as 4000 BC, adorning pharaohs and symbolizing health and good fortune. It reached Europe through Turkish trade routes in the thirteenth century, earning the French name “pierre tourques,” or “Turkish stone.”
Tanzanite, the newest addition to December’s birthstones, officially recognized in 2002, has a more recent, yet equally compelling, story. The Maasai people of Tanzania have a legend surrounding its discovery, attributing its shimmering blue hue to a bolt of lightning striking the ground. They traditionally gift tanzanite to mothers after childbirth, symbolizing health, wealth, and well-being.
Blue topaz and blue zircon, while having ancient origins, gained prominence as December birthstones more recently, offering accessible and beautiful alternatives. The name "topaz" itself has debated origins, potentially stemming from the Sanskrit word for “fire” or the Greek name for an island in the Red Sea.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of these gemstones forms under distinct geological conditions. Turquoise, a copper aluminum phosphate, is created when chemicals seep through rock in semi-humid and dry environments, resulting in its characteristic blue-green hues. The color is influenced by the presence of copper (for blue) and iron (for green).
Blue topaz is a silicate mineral composed of aluminum and fluorine. While naturally occurring blue topaz is rare, most commercially available blue topaz is created by irradiating colorless topaz.
Tanzanite, a relatively recent discovery, is found in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania – currently the only known source of this gemstone. Its formation involves complex geological processes within metamorphic rocks.
Blue zircon forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Its color variations are due to trace elements within its crystal structure.
Turquoise deposits are found in several regions worldwide, though specific locations are not detailed in the provided sources.
Gemological Properties
The four December birthstones exhibit a range of gemological properties, influencing their appearance, durability, and suitability for jewelry.
Blue Topaz: This gem boasts a chemical formula of Al2SiO4(F,OH)4 and a glass-like luster. It possesses strong chemical bonding, making it relatively hard, though it has a distinct cleavage. Blue topaz is available in various shades, including London Blue (deep inky blue), Swiss Blue (vibrant medium light blue), and Sky Blue (light aqua).
Blue Zircon: Gemological properties for blue zircon are not detailed in the provided sources.
Tanzanite: Gemological properties for tanzanite are not detailed in the provided sources.
Turquoise: This opaque gemstone ranges in color from brilliant blue to green, often displaying veined patterns due to the remnants of the rock in which it formed. These veins can be black, silver, tan, or gold, contributing to its unique character.
The following table summarizes the available information:
| Gemstone | Chemical Formula | Color Range | Luster | Hardness (Mohs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Topaz | Al2SiO4(F,OH)4 | Dark blue to light blue | Glass-like | Not specified |
| Turquoise | Copper aluminum phosphate | Blue to green | Opaque | Not specified |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, each of these gemstones has been imbued with symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties. Turquoise, for example, was believed to guarantee health and good fortune. From the 13th century onward, it was thought to protect wearers from falls, and some believed it would break into pieces when disaster approached. Hindu mystics associated turquoise with wealth after beholding the new moon.
Tanzanite is associated with new beginnings, transformation, beauty, intuition, and raising consciousness. It was historically believed to strengthen the immune system, detoxify blood, and regenerate cells.
Blue topaz is linked to communication and honesty.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of December’s birthstones. Tanzanite, in particular, requires gentle handling. It should be protected from sudden or extreme temperature changes, as well as harsh cleaning methods like steam cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners. Cleaning with a soft brush, warm soapy water, and drying with a soft cloth is recommended.
Specific care instructions for blue topaz, blue zircon, and turquoise are not detailed in the provided sources.
Zodiac Connections
The provided sources indicate a connection between birthstones and zodiac signs. Tanzanite is associated with the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. The chart provided lists birthstones for all zodiac signs, noting that zodiac birthstones are often semi-precious, while standard birthstones can include precious gems.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones – blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise – represent a diverse and captivating collection of gems. Each stone carries a unique history, geological origin, and symbolic meaning. From the ancient protective powers attributed to turquoise to the modern allure of tanzanite, these gemstones continue to inspire and enchant. Whether chosen for their beauty, their perceived metaphysical properties, or their connection to a specific birth month, December’s birthstones offer a lasting legacy of color, history, and significance.