December is a unique month in the world of birthstones, offering not one, but four distinct gems to those born within its span: turquoise, zircon, blue topaz, and tanzanite. Each of these gemstones presents a captivating shade of blue, mirroring the cool tones of the winter season. While turquoise holds the longest-standing tradition as a December birthstone, tanzanite represents a more recent and exciting discovery. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolism of these three December birthstones – tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise – as documented in available sources.
A History Rooted in Tradition and Modern Discovery
The history of December birthstones is a blend of ancient lore and modern revelation. Turquoise, with a history stretching back to 3000 BC, has been prized for millennia. Ancient Incas and Mayas offered turquoise as gifts to their gods, while Native Americans of the Southwest associated it with youth and strength, believing a combination with gold symbolized vitality and longevity. In Persia and along the Sinai Peninsula, turquoise was a favored material for amulets, easily shaped and inscribed with protective symbols. It was believed to ward off danger, bring good fortune, and even warn the wearer of approaching illness by becoming pale. Tibetans considered turquoise a stone of fortune, health, and success, even utilizing it as a form of currency.
Zircon, the oldest of the three stones discussed, boasts a history extending over 4.4 billion years. In Sanskrit, it is known as ‘rahuratna,’ the stone of the Nodes of the Moon. Physicians of the Middle Ages wore zircon on their left fingers, believing it aided in accurate diagnoses. Throughout history, zircons were considered potent amulets against evil spirits, even used during the Black Death plague in Europe.
Tanzanite, in contrast, is a 20th-century discovery. Identified as the mineral zoisite in 1962, its primary source was located in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania in 1967, leading to its naming in honor of its country of origin. Its relatively recent discovery distinguishes it from the long-established traditions surrounding turquoise and zircon.
Geological Formation and Sources
The origins of these gemstones are as diverse as their histories. Turquoise forms in relatively shallow deposits, often near copper mines, in arid regions. Historically, sources included Persia and the Sinai Peninsula, with gems reaching Europe through Constantinople.
Zircon is found in a variety of geological settings, and is sourced from Australia and South Africa, accounting for approximately 70% of the world’s production. Additional sources include Sri Lanka and India. The gem’s density is notably high, approximately 50% greater than that of diamond. Colorless zircon, known as jargoon, is particularly diamond-like in appearance, and specimens from Sri Lanka have even been called ‘Maturan Diamond.’
Tanzanite, uniquely, is found in only one place on Earth: the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. The gem is mined from depths exceeding 100 meters, amidst a landscape of grass-covered hills, scrub brush, and rocky soil, overlooked by the snow-covered slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The commercial mining operations in this region are the sole source of this captivating gemstone.
Gemological Properties
Each of these December birthstones possesses distinct gemological properties. Turquoise’s composition is not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, but it was noted as being relatively easy to cut and inscribe.
Zircon is a natural mineral composed of zirconium silicate. It exhibits a high refractive index, contributing to its remarkable sparkle and brilliance. Zircon occurs in a wide spectrum of colors, including red, brown, yellow, green, and colorless. The colorless variety, jargoon, closely resembles diamond in appearance, though it is softer.
Tanzanite, a variety of the mineral zoisite, is characterized by its “velvety” appearance, stemming from its deep and saturated color. This color ranges from a pure, rich blue to violet, with blue being the most valuable hue. Tiffany & Co. played a pivotal role in popularizing tanzanite, recognizing its international appeal and launching a major advertising campaign in 1968.
The following table summarizes key properties:
| Gemstone | Composition | Color Varieties | Notable Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Not specified | Sky-blue | Easily cut and inscribed, protective qualities |
| Zircon | Zirconium Silicate | Red, brown, yellow, green, colorless | High refractive index, diamond-like brilliance, density 50% greater than diamond |
| Tanzanite | Zoisite | Blue to violet | “Velvety” appearance, deep saturation, blue is most valuable |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, these gemstones have been imbued with symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties. Turquoise was prized by lovers and married couples as a gemstone protecting their relationships and preserving friendship when gifted. It was believed to warn its wearer of approaching illness or danger.
Zircon was considered a counteracting force against evil spirits and was believed to enhance potency when set in gold. In ancient Hebrew tradition, sapphire (mentioned alongside zircon in some contexts) was a gem of wisdom, associated with Joseph the Wise and even believed to be set in King Solomon’s ring.
Tanzanite, while lacking the extensive historical symbolism of turquoise and zircon, is associated with new beginnings and is often given to celebrate significant life events, such as the birth of a child, as exemplified by Jay Z’s gift to Beyonce.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer detailed care instructions for these gemstones. However, given zircon’s relative softness compared to diamond, careful handling is advisable to prevent scratches. The hardness of turquoise and tanzanite is not specified, but general gemstone care practices – avoiding harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and extreme temperature changes – would be prudent.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones – tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise – represent a fascinating intersection of ancient tradition and modern discovery. Turquoise, with its millennia-long history of protection and good fortune, stands as a testament to enduring cultural beliefs. Zircon, with its remarkable brilliance and historical association with wisdom and healing, offers a captivating alternative. And tanzanite, a relatively recent find, embodies the excitement of geological discovery and the allure of a uniquely beautiful gem. Each stone provides December-born individuals with a meaningful and dazzling choice, reflecting the cool beauty and diverse symbolism of the winter season.