The designation of birthstones has a rich and evolving history, often intertwined with astrological beliefs and cultural traditions. For those born in December, the association with specific gemstones appears, according to available records, to center primarily on onyx and zircon, though other possibilities are noted. This article will explore the available information regarding these December birthstones, drawing solely from the provided sources, and outlining their recognition within crossword puzzles and general knowledge contexts.
Historical Recognition Through Crossword Clues
The primary source material consists of records from crossword puzzle databases and solutions. These sources indicate that “December’s birthstone” and “December birthstones” are frequently used as clues in general knowledge and quick crosswords. The consistent appearance of these clues demonstrates a common association between December and specific gemstones in popular culture. Dan Word, for example, notes the existence of possible answers to the clue “December’s birthstone,” while CodyCross answers specifically identifies “ONYX” as the solution to “Birthstone for December.” Further corroboration comes from Dan Word again, identifying “December birthstone” as a quick crossword clue with multiple possible answers. Crossword Solver also lists “December birthstones” as a clue, offering a substantial list of potential answers.
Onyx: A Primary December Birthstone
The most consistently identified December birthstone within the provided sources is onyx. CodyCross explicitly states “ONYX” as the answer to the clue “Birthstone for December,” and this appears to be a widely accepted solution within the context of these puzzle databases. While the sources do not provide details regarding the gemological properties, historical origins, or metaphysical beliefs surrounding onyx, its frequent appearance as the answer to December birthstone clues suggests a strong cultural association. The sources do not offer any information regarding the etymology of the name "onyx" or its historical use before its appearance in crossword puzzles.
Zircon: An Alternative December Birthstone
Alongside onyx, zircon is also identified as a December birthstone. Crossword Solver lists “ZIRCONS” as a potential answer to “December’s birthstone,” with a 98% ranking, indicating a high probability of correctness within that database. Additionally, “ZIRCON” is listed as a December birthstone by the same source, with a 40% ranking. The presence of zircon alongside onyx suggests that both gemstones are recognized, at least within the context of crossword puzzles, as being associated with the month of December. As with onyx, the sources provide no further information about zircon’s properties or history.
Other Potential December Birthstones
Crossword Solver’s extensive list of potential answers reveals a broader range of gemstones occasionally linked to December. These include “TURQUOISE,” “OPALS,” and even “TOPAZ” (though the latter is more commonly associated with November, as noted in a separate clue and answer from Source [7]). The inclusion of these gemstones, however, is significantly less frequent and carries a much lower probability ranking, suggesting they are less commonly accepted as December birthstones. The presence of non-gemstones like “XMAS” and “EGGNOG” further illustrates the broad range of responses considered by the crossword databases, highlighting the ambiguity inherent in these clues.
The Context of Crossword Clues and Gemstone Associations
It is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the source material. The information is derived entirely from crossword puzzle clues and solutions. This context does not provide a comprehensive understanding of gemological history, cultural significance, or scientific properties. The association of a gemstone with a particular month within a crossword puzzle is likely based on popular knowledge and convention rather than rigorous gemological or historical research. The sources do not indicate why onyx and zircon are linked to December, only that they are frequently used as answers to related clues.
Limited Data and Absence of Gemological Detail
The provided sources are strikingly devoid of any substantive information regarding the gemstones themselves. There is no mention of chemical composition, hardness, clarity, cut, carat weight, geological formation, mining locations, or historical uses beyond their appearance in crossword puzzles. Similarly, there is no discussion of the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with onyx or zircon. The sources do not offer any insight into the evolution of birthstone traditions or the reasons behind the specific gemstone assignments.
November’s Birthstone as a Point of Reference
Interestingly, Source [7] provides detailed information about the November birthstone, topaz, including its color, etymology, and historical appearance in various crossword puzzles. This inclusion, while relevant to November, underscores the lack of comparable detail for December’s birthstones within the provided materials. The detailed information about topaz serves to highlight the limited scope of the data available for onyx and zircon.
Table Summarizing December Birthstone Recognition in Sources
| Gemstone | Source(s) Identifying as December Birthstone | Probability/Ranking (where applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Onyx | CodyCross [2] | Explicit Answer |
| Zircon | Crossword Solver [4] | 98% (ZIRCONS), 40% (ZIRCON) |
| Turquoise | Crossword Solver [4] | 40% |
| Opals | Crossword Solver [4] | 3% |
| Topaz | Crossword Solver [4] | 3% |
Conclusion
Based solely on the provided sources, the December birthstones most frequently recognized within the context of crossword puzzles are onyx and zircon. Onyx appears as a definitive answer in one source, while zircon is consistently listed as a potential solution. However, the source material is limited to crossword puzzle data and lacks any substantive information regarding the gemological properties, historical origins, or cultural significance of these gemstones. The data suggests a popular association, but does not provide a comprehensive understanding of why these stones are linked to December. The absence of detailed information underscores the need for further research from more authoritative sources to fully explore the history and significance of December’s birthstones.