December is unique among the months, boasting not one, but two recognized birthstones: turquoise and, more recently, tanzanite. Both gems offer a captivating beauty and a rich history, though they differ significantly in origin, properties, and cultural significance. For millennia, turquoise has held a prominent place in adornment and ritual, while tanzanite is a comparatively recent discovery, gaining prominence in the latter half of the 20th century. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of these two December birthstones, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
Turquoise’s history is remarkably long, stretching back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests its use as early as 7000 BCE, with discoveries made in burial sites in western Iran. Ancient civilizations across the globe prized this gem. Chinese artisans were carving turquoise over 3,000 years ago, and in ancient Egypt, it was considered a holy stone associated with the goddess Hathor, believed to bring good luck, fertility, and improved accuracy for warriors. Pharaohs, including King Tut, adorned themselves with turquoise, as evidenced by its presence in his funerary mask.
The gem’s name itself reflects a journey through trade routes; it originates from the French expression pierre tourques, meaning “Turkish stone,” a term coined in the 13th century to denote material likely arriving in Europe from Turkey. Throughout the centuries, turquoise held diverse beliefs. From the 13th century onward, it was thought to protect wearers from falls, even breaking into pieces to warn of impending disaster. Hindu mystics believed viewing turquoise after a new moon would bring great wealth.
Native American cultures also deeply valued turquoise, utilizing it in ceremonies, jewelry, and as a medium of exchange. The Apache believed one could locate turquoise by following a rainbow, and attaching it to weaponry was thought to enhance accuracy. The Pueblo people associated its color with the sky, while the Hopi attributed its creation to lizards scurrying across the earth.
Tanzanite, in contrast, has a much shorter documented history. It was only discovered in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania in 1967. Initially named “Blue Zoisite,” it was later renamed “Tanzanite” in honor of its country of origin. Its rise to prominence as a birthstone is relatively recent, with its formal recognition occurring alongside turquoise as a December birthstone. In European tradition, gifting a turquoise ring symbolized “forget me not,” while in Tibet, it was considered a national treasure believed to grant health, good fortune, and protection.
Geological Formation and Sources
Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem, typically ranging in color from blue to green, often exhibiting veins of matrix – remnants of the host rock in which it formed. The most prized turquoise, often referred to as “robin’s egg blue,” “sky blue,” or “Persian blue,” has been historically sourced from the Nishapur district of Iran for over 1,000 years. However, these terms are now used to describe turquoise of that color regardless of its origin.
Tanzanite, a variety of the mineral zoisite, is found exclusively in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. This limited geographical source contributes to its rarity and value. The gem’s unique pleochroism – the ability to display different colors when viewed from different angles – is a defining characteristic. It exhibits varying shades of blue, violet, and red.
Gemological Properties
Turquoise’s composition is complex, a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. It is a relatively soft stone, making it susceptible to scratching and damage. Tanzanite’s chemical formula is Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH), and it is known for its trichroism, a more pronounced version of pleochroism.
While specific hardness values are not provided in the sources, turquoise is known to be softer than many other gemstones. Tanzanite’s pleochroism is a notable property, displaying different colors – blue, violet, and red – depending on the viewing angle. The most valued tanzanite exhibits a rich blue color.
The following table summarizes the key properties as described in the sources:
| Property | Turquoise | Tanzanite |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum | Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) |
| Color | Blue to green, often with matrix | Blue, violet, red (pleochroic) |
| Transparency | Semi-translucent to opaque | Transparent to translucent |
| Origin | Iran, Southwestern US, other locations | Tanzania (Merelani Hills) |
| Historical Use | Adornment, ceremony, amulets | Modern jewelry, relatively recent discovery |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Both turquoise and tanzanite are imbued with symbolic meaning. Turquoise has long been associated with health, good fortune, and protection. It was believed to ward off falls and signal impending danger by fracturing. In various cultures, it symbolized wisdom and was considered a talisman against negative energies.
Tanzanite is believed to possess high-vibration healing energy and is often linked to spiritual awareness and manifestation. It is considered a stone that promotes wisdom, peace, and inner strength. It is also associated with the 24th wedding anniversary.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide detailed care instructions for either gemstone. However, given turquoise’s relative softness, it is likely susceptible to scratching and should be handled with care. Tanzanite, while harder, may also require gentle cleaning to preserve its brilliance.
Conclusion
Turquoise and tanzanite represent a fascinating duality for those born in December. Turquoise, with its ancient history and deep cultural roots, offers a connection to the past and a wealth of symbolic meaning. Tanzanite, a more recent discovery, embodies modern elegance and a unique optical phenomenon. Both gems, in their distinct ways, offer beauty, intrigue, and a special significance for those who celebrate a December birthday or seek a meaningful gemstone for any occasion.