December is a unique month in the world of birthstones, distinguished by a quartet of beautiful blue gems: Tanzanite, Turquoise, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz. While Turquoise holds the longest history as a December birthstone, the latter three – Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz – have been added over time, offering a diverse range of shades and symbolic meanings for those born in the final month of the year. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of each of these captivating gemstones.
A History of December’s Gems
The tradition of associating gemstones with specific months, and even zodiac signs, dates back centuries. Ancient civilizations believed that wearing the correct stone at the right time could bestow various powers upon the wearer. Over time, this practice evolved into the modern tradition of choosing birthstones to honor one’s month of birth.
Turquoise boasts the longest association with December, cherished for millennia by various cultures. Ruby was also historically linked to December in ancient times, believed to sharpen the mind and encourage courtly love. Before the 1950s, Lapis Lazuli was also considered a December birthstone, valued by royalty and artists for its protective qualities. Zircon officially replaced Lapis Lazuli as a recognized December birthstone in 1952. Tanzanite is the newest addition, officially recognized as a December birthstone in the United States in 2002, discovered in Tanzania in 1967. Blue Topaz, while not always listed among the traditional choices, remains a beloved option for its calming energy.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of these December birthstones originates through distinct geological processes and is found in specific locations around the globe.
Turquoise, a semi-translucent gem composed of copper and aluminum phosphate, forms through chemical interactions between acidic groundwater and minerals containing aluminum and phosphorus. It is mined in areas where these conditions are met.
Blue Topaz forms in igneous rocks and is found in various locations, though specific sources are not detailed in the provided materials.
Zircon occurs in a variety of colors, with the blue variety being particularly popular as a December birthstone. Its formation occurs in metamorphic and igneous rocks, but specific mining locations are not detailed in the provided materials.
Tanzanite is remarkably unique in its origin. It is found exclusively in a small area of the Merelani Hills in Tanzania, a result of specific vanadium-rich rock chemistry found only in that location.
Gemological Properties
Each of these December birthstones possesses unique gemological properties that contribute to its beauty and desirability.
Turquoise: The provided materials detail its composition as a combination of copper and aluminum phosphate, resulting in its characteristic blue-green hue.
Blue Topaz: This gem boasts a Mohs hardness of 8, indicating good durability. It comes in varying shades of blue, including sky blue, Swiss blue, and London blue.
Blue Zircon: While Zircon comes in multiple colors, the blue variety is most often associated with December. The provided materials note that daily abrasion can dull its facets, but a professional re-polish can restore its sparkle.
Tanzanite: This gem is noted for its violet-blue shimmer, often reminiscent of sapphire, and is considered an elegant and luxurious stone.
A comparative table of hardness is provided below:
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Blue Topaz | 8 |
| Turquoise | Not specified |
| Blue Zircon | Not specified |
| Tanzanite | Not specified |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, each of these December birthstones has been attributed with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties.
Turquoise has long been considered a talisman of protection, prosperity, and luck, particularly by ancient shamans.
Blue Topaz is believed to stimulate self-esteem and the ability to learn, aligning meridians, calming emotions, and connecting one to spiritual sources, making it ideal for meditation. It was historically used to cool hot-tempered individuals or those with fevers.
Zircon is thought to encourage joy and emotional balance.
Tanzanite is considered a protective and soothing stone, facilitating the sharing of spiritual information from the heart with calmness.
Other stones historically associated with December also carry significant symbolism. Ruby was believed to sharpen the mind and encourage courtly love. Chrysoprase, the old Russian birthstone for December, was thought to bring good fortune and mend broken hearts. Onyx, the Tibetan birthstone, offers self-mastery and protective energy, promoting happiness and good fortune. Bloodstone is a stone of courage, renewing energy and grounding vigor.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of these December birthstones. The provided materials offer some general guidance.
All gemstones are unique, and variations in color and inclusions are natural. Regular cleansing is recommended, either by bathing the stones in full moonlight or by exposing them to sage smoke. It is advisable to remove jewelry daily to allow the stones to rest.
Specific care instructions for Zircon include professional re-polishing to restore sparkle if facets become dull from abrasion. For Tanzanite, it is recommended to have jewelers remove the stone during repairs to avoid heat damage that could alter its color. The provided materials also note that treated blue topaz is safe to wear, as stones are tested to ensure radiation levels are normal. Stabilized turquoise stones, while not “fake,” are treated with resin to harden the stone, and sellers should disclose this treatment.
Zodiac Associations
December encompasses two zodiac signs: Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) and Capricornus (December 22 – January 19). The provided materials suggest that Turquoise can ground the goals of Capricorns, while Blue Zircon can sharpen their focus. Individuals can choose the stone that best suits their needs or wear both.
Identifying Treatments and Authenticity
The provided materials offer some guidance on identifying treatments and ensuring authenticity. For Turquoise, a simple test involves touching an acetone-damp cotton swab to the stone; dye will stain the swab, while natural turquoise will not. Sellers should disclose if turquoise has been stabilized with resin.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones – Tanzanite, Turquoise, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz – represent a beautiful and diverse palette of blues, each with its unique history, geological origin, gemological properties, and symbolic meaning. From the ancient talisman of Turquoise to the modern discovery of Tanzanite, these gemstones offer a meaningful range of options for those born in the final month of the year, allowing individuals to express their identity and connect with the rich heritage of gemology. The variety of shades and associated properties ensures that every December-born individual can find a stone that resonates with their personal style and beliefs.