December is unique among the months, possessing not one, but four officially recognized birthstones: Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, and Zircon. Each gemstone offers a distinct hue and a rich history, contributing to the captivating allure of this winter month. While Turquoise holds the position as the traditional December birthstone, Blue Topaz has gained prominence as a modern favorite, with Tanzanite and Zircon completing the quartet of options for those born in December. These gemstones symbolize a range of positive attributes, from prosperity and protection to love, clarity, and wisdom.
History and Lore
The history of December’s birthstones is diverse, spanning ancient traditions and more recent discoveries. Turquoise is arguably the oldest of these gems, having been utilized for millennia. Zircon also boasts a long history, being one of the earliest minerals found on Earth. Blue Topaz, while known for some time, gained significant popularity as a December birthstone more recently. Tanzanite is the newest addition to the list, discovered in the late 20th century and officially recognized in 2002 by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), marking the first change to the birthstone list since 1912.
Historically, Topaz was associated with strength and protection, stemming from the Sanskrit word “tapas,” meaning fire. Turquoise, conversely, has long been revered for its protective qualities and connection to peace. The name “Turquoise” itself originates from the French phrase “pierre turquoise,” meaning “stone of Turkey,” reflecting the stone’s passage through Turkish bazaars into Europe. Zircon’s ancient origins contribute to its symbolism of wisdom and prosperity. Tanzanite, with its relatively recent discovery, quickly became associated with transformation and spiritual awareness.
Geological Formation and Sources
The geological origins of these four birthstones are varied and geographically distinct. Turquoise forms in relatively dry, arid regions, often near copper deposits. Blue Topaz is commonly found in igneous rocks and is often created through heat treatment of colorless Topaz. Tanzanite is exceptionally rare, found only in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro, where it was formed approximately 585 million years ago during significant geological upheaval. Zircon is found in a variety of igneous and metamorphic rocks across the globe.
Specifically, Tanzanite’s formation is linked to the intense heat generated during the creation of Mount Kilimanjaro, which altered brown zoisite into the distinctive blue-violet hues characteristic of the gem. While naturally occurring blue Topaz exists, much of the blue Topaz available today is created by heat-treating colorless Topaz.
Gemological Properties
Each of December’s birthstones possesses unique gemological properties.
Turquoise: The sources do not provide specific details on Turquoise’s properties.
Blue Topaz: Blue Topaz exhibits a high scratch resistance, registering an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for everyday wear in rings and bracelets. It displays clear, sky-blue to deep London Blue shades.
Tanzanite: Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of zoisite. Its crystals can display three colors – blue, violet, and burgundy – depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. Due to its rarity, Tanzanite jewelry tends to be more expensive than other semi-precious gemstones.
Zircon: The sources do not provide specific details on Zircon’s properties.
Here's a comparative table summarizing the hardness of these stones:
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Blue Topaz | 8 |
| Turquoise | 5-6 |
| Tanzanite | Data Not Available |
| Zircon | Data Not Available |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism associated with December’s birthstones is rich and varied. Turquoise symbolizes success, happiness, and prosperity. Blue Topaz represents calmness, love, and clarity, making it a fitting gift for romantic occasions. Tanzanite is linked to deep transformation and spiritual awareness. Zircon symbolizes wisdom and prosperity.
Blue Topaz, in modern times, is particularly associated with love and fidelity. Turquoise, with its ancient roots, continues to be seen as a stone of protection and peace. The diverse symbolism allows individuals born in December to choose a gemstone that resonates with their personal beliefs and aspirations.
Care and Cleaning
The durability of December’s birthstones varies, influencing the appropriate care methods. Blue Topaz, with its hardness of 8, is relatively durable and can withstand regular wear. Turquoise, being softer with a hardness of 5-6, requires more careful handling and should be protected from harsh chemicals and chlorinated water.
The sources suggest avoiding chlorinated water for Turquoise, as it can damage the stone’s surface. While specific care instructions for Tanzanite and Zircon are not provided, general gemstone care guidelines – such as avoiding ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals – are recommended. Silicone band rings are suggested as a water-resistant option for active lifestyles.
Conclusion
December’s selection of four birthstones – Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, and Zircon – offers a remarkable range of beauty, history, and symbolism. From the ancient protective qualities of Turquoise to the modern clarity of Blue Topaz and the transformative energy of Tanzanite, each gem holds a unique appeal. The inclusion of Zircon further enriches the December birthstone palette, representing wisdom and prosperity. This diverse collection ensures that individuals born in December can find a gemstone that perfectly reflects their personality and resonates with their individual spirit. The enduring tradition of birthstone gifting and wearing continues to connect humanity to the geological treasures of the Earth and the meaningful interpretations we have developed over generations.