The birthstone tradition offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of geology, history, and cultural belief. While modern lists expand options, the core birthstones for December and February – turquoise, zircon, amethyst, and garnet – each possess a unique character and a rich legacy. This article will explore the origins, properties, symbolism, and historical significance of these gemstones, drawing exclusively from available sources.
A Tale of Two Months: December’s Trio and February’s Purple Hue
December boasts a trio of birthstones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Turquoise, celebrated for its striking blue-green color, is believed to bring good fortune and protection. Zircon, appearing in a range of colors, is associated with wisdom and prosperity, with blue zircons specifically designated as the December birthstone. February, in contrast, is represented by amethyst, a variety of quartz known for its purple hues. Garnet is also associated with January, but its range of colors and historical significance warrant inclusion when discussing February’s amethyst, as both are crystalline quartz varieties.
Historical Significance and Lore
Throughout history, gemstones have been imbued with symbolic meaning. Garnets, for example, were worn by warriors, believed to protect them from injury. This association with royalty and vitality extended to a connection with life-giving blood and light. Amethyst, similarly, held a place of prominence, its deep purple hue linking it to royalty and wine. It was even believed to protect against intoxication. Until the 18th century, amethyst rivaled diamonds, emeralds, and rubies in value, demonstrating its historical esteem.
Turquoise has a long history of being considered a protective stone, while zircons, prized for their brilliance and high dispersion rivaling that of diamonds, have been historically significant. Opals, sometimes considered an alternative for December, were associated with light and magic, with some believing they possessed healing properties, particularly for the eyes, and even the power to grant invisibility.
Geological Formation and Sources
The sources detail the geological origins of some of these stones. Diamonds, for instance, were originally found in riverbeds, with mining only becoming prevalent in the late 1860s. Aquamarine, a member of the beryl family, is often found in relatively large, clean crystals, with the Santa Maria mine in Brazil being a famous source. Garnets are not a single species but a family of gemstones, with varieties like pyrope and almandine being well-known.
Zircon comes in vivid colors, from gold and sherry tones to deep greens and blues, with blue zircons being the December birthstone. The sources do not provide specific mining locations for turquoise or tanzanite.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of these birthstones vary considerably. Amethyst is a crystalline quartz with a relatively high hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it quite scratch-resistant. Diamonds, renowned for their hardness, are rated on the 4 Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Emeralds, now associated with youth and good fortune, have been mined since 1500 BC in Egypt.
Garnets, a complex family, can be found in a range of colors – red, purplish, green, yellow, and orange – and can form large, vibrant, and transparent crystals. Aquamarine, named for seawater, is a blue to blue-green beryl. Zircon possesses an unusually bright luster and high dispersion, rivaling that of a diamond. Opals are unique, displaying a phenomenon known as play-of-color, dazzling flashes of color that move as the stone is turned.
A comparative table of hardness (Mohs scale) is provided below:
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 |
| Garnet | 6.5 - 7.5 (varies by species) |
| Amethyst | 7 |
| Aquamarine | 7.5 - 8 |
| Zircon | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| Opal | 5.5 - 6.5 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these gemstones carry significant symbolic weight. Amethyst is associated with spirituality, mental clarity, and healing. Aquamarine, named for seawater, was thought to protect seafarers and is linked to marital happiness and superior intellect. Garnets are connected to vitality, love, and light, and were believed to be protective stones. Turquoise is believed to bring good fortune and protection. Citrine, a November birthstone, is associated with healing and happiness, offering relief from ailments and stress. Zircon is celebrated for bringing wisdom and prosperity.
Opals, due to their dynamic appearance, were associated with light and magic, and some believed they had healing properties. While some superstitions surround opals, others wear them for good luck.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific care instructions for each gemstone. However, given the varying hardness levels, it can be inferred that softer stones like opal (5.5-6.5) require more delicate handling than harder stones like diamond (10). The sources mention that opals are delicate and require special care. Garnets, amethysts, and aquamarines, with a hardness of 7 or higher, are generally more durable and scratch-resistant.
Conclusion
The birthstones of December and February – turquoise, zircon, amethyst, and garnet – represent a diverse array of geological origins, historical significance, and symbolic meanings. From the protective qualities attributed to turquoise and garnet to the regal associations of amethyst and the brilliance of zircon, these gemstones continue to captivate and inspire. Their enduring appeal lies not only in their beauty but also in the rich tapestry of history and belief woven around them. These stones offer a tangible connection to the past and a symbolic representation of the qualities we value – protection, wisdom, love, and prosperity.