December boasts a trio of captivating birthstones – blue topaz, turquoise, and tanzanite – each offering a unique shade of blue and a rich history. While blue is the overarching color associated with this month, the choice between these gems allows for a personalized connection to the season and the attributes they represent. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolism of these December birthstones, providing a comprehensive overview for enthusiasts and those seeking to understand their significance.
History and Lore
The history of December birthstones is diverse, spanning millennia and cultures. Turquoise holds the longest documented history, cherished by ancient civilizations for its beauty and perceived protective qualities. As early as 3000 years ago, Chinese artisans carved turquoise, while in ancient Egypt, pharaohs adorned themselves with the stone, believing it guaranteed health and good fortune. From the 13th century onward, turquoise was thought to safeguard against falls, particularly from horses, and even warn of impending disaster by fracturing. Hindu traditions linked turquoise to wealth when viewed after a new moon.
Blue topaz also has a long and storied past. In ancient Egypt, it was associated with the sun god Ra, symbolizing growth and sincerity. Other ancient civilizations believed the stone could forewarn of danger. Throughout history, it has been considered a symbol of love and affection, promoting a happy and joyful life. During the Middle Ages, topaz was believed to heal mental and physical ailments and even prevent death. Egyptians used it as an amulet for protection against injury.
Tanzanite, however, is a relative newcomer to the world of gemstones. Discovered in Tanzania in 1967, it lacks the extensive lore of its counterparts, but quickly gained recognition for its captivating blue-violet hue and association with spiritual properties.
Geological Formation and Sources
The origins of these December birthstones are geographically distinct, reflecting their unique geological formations. Turquoise, a hydrated copper aluminum phosphate, forms near water tables in semi-humid and dry environments where rock is present. The blue and green hues are derived from copper and iron respectively, seeping through groundwater into the rock formations.
Blue topaz is a variety of the mineral topaz, an aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide. While found in several locations, sources are not explicitly detailed in the provided materials beyond a mention of it being the state gemstone of Utah.
Tanzanite is remarkably unique in its origin. It is found exclusively in Tanzania, making it a truly rare gem. The geological processes that create tanzanite are specific to this region, contributing to its limited availability.
Blue zircon, while mentioned as a traditional December birthstone, is mined primarily in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is a natural gem, distinct from synthetic cubic zirconia, and contains trace amounts of uranium and thorium, making it valuable for radiometric dating – some specimens are estimated to be 4.4 billion years old.
Gemological Properties
Each of these gemstones possesses distinct gemological properties that contribute to their individual appeal. Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem, ranging in color from blue to green, often displaying veins of matrix – remnants of the surrounding rock.
Blue topaz, as the name suggests, exhibits a blue hue. It is often used as an affordable alternative to blue zircon, which possesses a very high refractive index and can be exceptionally brilliant. Blue zircon can also be heat-treated to achieve a pastel blue color.
Tanzanite is characterized by its blue-violet color, sometimes described as “velvety.” It is associated with activating the throat, third-eye, and crown chakras, believed to enhance psychic abilities and communication with higher dimensions.
The provided materials do not offer detailed gemological data such as hardness, specific gravity, or refractive index for each stone. However, it is noted that zircon contains uranium and thorium, and can be used for radiometric dating due to its age.
Here's a table summarizing the key color characteristics:
| Gemstone | Color Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Blue to Green | Often with matrix veins |
| Blue Topaz | Blue | Affordable alternative to zircon |
| Tanzanite | Blue-Violet | “Velvety” appearance |
| Blue Zircon | Various shades of blue | High refractive index |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism associated with these December birthstones is rich and varied. Blue topaz symbolizes faithfulness and eternal love, promoting great health and a calm mind. It is believed to guard against evil forces and enhance communication skills.
Turquoise is associated with protection, good fortune, and wisdom. Historically, it was believed to protect against falls and warn of danger.
Tanzanite is linked to healing, protection, and self-transformation. Some believe it can activate chakras, facilitating psychic abilities and communication with higher realms.
Across cultures, the blue hues of these stones are often associated with tranquility, peace, and relaxation. Blue topaz, in particular, is seen as a stone to prevent headaches and other ailments.
Care and Cleaning
The provided materials do not offer specific care and cleaning instructions for these gemstones. However, given their varying hardness and composition, general guidelines can be inferred. Turquoise, being a relatively softer stone, requires gentle handling and should be protected from scratches and harsh chemicals. Blue topaz and zircon, being harder, are more durable but should still be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. Tanzanite, while beautiful, may be sensitive to prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat. Professional cleaning is recommended for valuable pieces.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones – blue topaz, turquoise, and tanzanite – offer a captivating spectrum of blue hues, each imbued with unique historical significance and symbolic meaning. From the ancient protective powers attributed to turquoise to the modern discovery of tanzanite and the enduring symbolism of blue topaz, these gems represent a rich tapestry of cultural beliefs and geological wonders. Whether chosen for their aesthetic beauty, perceived metaphysical properties, or personal connection to the month of December, these azure gems continue to captivate and inspire.