Blue gemstones have captivated humanity for millennia, symbolizing everything from royalty and protection to wealth and serenity. While blue sapphire reigns supreme in the market for faceted blue gems, a compelling selection of other blue stones holds significant historical and cultural importance, particularly as birthstones. This article will focus on three December birthstones – turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite – exploring their unique properties, histories, and the lore surrounding them.
History and Lore
The association of gemstones with specific months and zodiac signs dates back to ancient and medieval astrologers, who believed gems reflected the influence of the stars and planets. Originally, these “zodiac stones” and birthstones were largely synonymous, but over time, a distinction emerged, with standard birthstones often including more precious gems. The practice of gifting birthstones is rooted in the belief that these stones bestow good fortune and strengthen one’s fortitude.
Turquoise boasts one of the longest histories of human appreciation, with evidence of its use dating back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians adorned themselves with turquoise, and Chinese artisans were carving it over 3,000 years ago. The stone was believed to possess protective powers, safeguarding wearers from harm, even preventing falls from horses. Hindu mystics associated turquoise with wealth, believing that beholding the stone after a new moon would bring fantastic riches. Its name itself originates from a French expression, “Turkish stone,” reflecting its historical trade route through Turkey.
Zircon, one of the December birthstones, also has a rich history, though its origins are less explicitly detailed in the provided sources. It is presented as one of the oldest stones in the world, and is associated with serenity.
Tanzanite is the newest addition to the December birthstone family, discovered relatively recently. While its historical lore is less extensive than that of turquoise, its captivating color quickly established its place among prized gemstones.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources offer limited detail regarding the geological formation of these stones. Turquoise is described as forming with veins of matrix – remnants of the surrounding rock – running through it. It is particularly popular in the southwestern regions of the United States and is traditionally worn as part of Native American attire.
The sources do not specify the geological conditions required for zircon or tanzanite formation, nor do they detail specific mining locations beyond the initial discovery of “paraíba tourmaline” (a copper-bearing variety of tourmaline) in Brazil, with similar stones now sourced from other locations.
Gemological Properties
Each of these December birthstones possesses distinct gemological properties. Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem, ranging in color from blue to green. Its hardness falls between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively susceptible to scratching.
Zircon exhibits a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, indicating good durability. It is noted for its variety of colors, including pale blue.
Tanzanite, while not explicitly detailed in terms of hardness, is presented alongside zircon and turquoise as a precious stone, implying a comparable level of durability. The sources highlight its bluish-purple hues.
A comparison of hardness values is presented below:
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Turquoise | 5-6 |
| Zircon | 7.5-8 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, these blue gemstones have been imbued with symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties. Turquoise, as previously mentioned, was believed to guarantee health, good fortune, and protection from harm. It was considered a talisman against disaster, even physically breaking into pieces to warn the wearer of impending danger.
Zircon is associated with serenity, suggesting a calming and peaceful influence.
While the sources do not explicitly detail the metaphysical beliefs surrounding tanzanite, its association with the end of the year suggests a connection to tranquility and preparation for the future.
Care and Cleaning
The sources provide some guidance on the care and cleaning of these gemstones, primarily based on their hardness and other physical properties. Turquoise, with its moderate hardness, requires careful handling to avoid scratches.
The sources mention that some opals may craze (develop internal cracks) if they dry out, though this is not directly applicable to turquoise, zircon, or tanzanite. However, it highlights the importance of proper care for gemstones susceptible to dehydration.
The sources do not provide specific cleaning instructions for zircon or tanzanite, but given their higher hardness, they are likely more resistant to damage from standard jewelry cleaning methods.
Conclusion
Turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite represent a compelling trio of December birthstones, each with a unique history, gemological profile, and symbolic significance. From the ancient protective powers attributed to turquoise to the serene qualities of zircon and the modern allure of tanzanite, these blue gemstones continue to captivate and inspire. Their enduring appeal lies not only in their beauty but also in the rich tapestry of lore and tradition that surrounds them, making them cherished gifts and meaningful symbols of connection to the past and hope for the future.