December is unique among months in possessing not one, but four recognized birthstones: Tanzanite, Turquoise, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz. Each of these gemstones displays a shade of blue, mirroring the cool tones of the winter season, and carries its own distinct history and significance. While Turquoise holds the position as the most traditional December birthstone, Tanzanite represents a more recent discovery, unearthed in Tanzania in 1967. These gemstones are associated with meanings such as wisdom, protection, and new beginnings, offering a diverse range of options for those born in the twelfth month of the year. The specific birthstone associated with a particular day within December varies, with a rotating schedule assigning each of the four gems to different dates.
History and Lore
The history surrounding these December birthstones varies considerably, reflecting their differing ages and cultural contexts. Turquoise boasts the longest and most deeply rooted history, cherished for centuries by numerous cultures. In India, Turquoise is specifically linked to the zodiac sign Sagittarius (November 21 to December 21) and is believed to possess healing properties and promote good health. Traditional Hindu practices involve wearing birthstone rings set to ensure direct skin contact with the gem, maximizing its perceived benefits.
Tanzanite, in contrast, is a newcomer to the world of gemstones. Discovered only in 1967, it lacks the extensive lore associated with older stones like rubies or emeralds. However, it has quickly gained popularity and is associated with properties like healing, protection, and self-transformation. Some believe tanzanite can activate the throat, third-eye, and crown chakras, facilitating psychic abilities and communication with higher dimensions.
Blue Zircon has a long history as a gemstone, though often confused with cubic zirconia. It has been used as a diamond substitute for hundreds of years due to its brilliance. Blue Topaz, while a beloved choice, doesn’t have the same depth of historical narrative as Turquoise or the unique origin story of Tanzanite.
Geological Formation and Sources
The origins of these December birthstones are geographically diverse. Turquoise, an opaque stone ranging in color from brilliant blue to green, forms in semi-humid and dry environments where rock is present. It is created when chemicals seep from adjacent rocks through rainwater and groundwater. The blue hue is derived from copper, while iron contributes to the green coloration. The stone often exhibits veining due to remnants of the host rock, appearing in shades of black, silver, tan, or gold.
Tanzanite is exceptionally rare, found in a single location: Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. It is not known to exist anywhere else in the world. This limited geographical source contributes to its value and desirability.
Blue Zircon is mined primarily in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is found in a variety of colors, with the blue variety often achieved through heat treatment.
Blue Topaz, while widely available, does not have a single dominant source mentioned in the provided materials.
Gemological Properties
Each of these gemstones possesses unique gemological properties. Turquoise is a copper aluminum phosphate, an opaque stone with a distinctive veined appearance.
Tanzanite is a transparent blue crystal, typically faceted into various shapes. Its colors range from blue to purple, with intensities varying from pastel to vivid, sometimes rivaling the finest sapphires. A notable characteristic of tanzanite is its strong pleochroism, meaning it exhibits different colors when viewed from different angles and under different lighting conditions. It is commonly heat-treated to enhance its coloration.
Blue Zircon boasts a high refractive index, contributing to its brilliance. It is a natural gem, distinct from synthetic cubic zirconia. Some material is heat-treated to achieve a pastel blue hue. Notably, zircon contains trace amounts of uranium and thorium, making it valuable in radiometric dating, with some specimens calculated to be up to 4.4 billion years old – among the oldest minerals on Earth.
Blue Topaz shares a similar appearance to blue zircon and is often used as a more affordable alternative.
A comparative table of key properties, based on the provided sources, is as follows:
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Color(s) | Transparency | Notable Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Copper Aluminum Phosphate | Blue to Green | Opaque | Veined appearance, copper-derived color |
| Tanzanite | Zoisite | Blue to Purple | Transparent | Strong pleochroism, commonly heat-treated |
| Blue Zircon | Zircon | Blue (heat-treated) | Transparent | High refractive index, contains uranium & thorium |
| Blue Topaz | Topaz | Blue | Transparent | Affordable alternative to zircon |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism associated with these December birthstones reflects their historical and cultural significance. Turquoise, deeply embedded in ancient traditions, is believed to have healing powers and promote good health, particularly within Hindu practices.
Tanzanite is linked to self-transformation, healing, and protection, with some believing it activates specific chakras to enhance psychic abilities.
Blue Zircon, while valued for its brilliance, also carries a symbolic weight through its association with longevity, given the age of some specimens.
Blue Topaz, while not explicitly detailed in terms of symbolism within the provided sources, is generally associated with calming energy due to its icy blue clarity.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific care and cleaning instructions for these gemstones. However, based on their gemological properties, general guidelines can be inferred. Turquoise, being relatively soft, requires gentle handling and should be protected from scratches and harsh chemicals. Tanzanite, while durable, may be susceptible to damage from sudden temperature changes. Zircon and Topaz, being relatively hard, are more resistant to scratching but should still be cleaned with mild soap and warm water.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones – Tanzanite, Turquoise, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz – represent a diverse and fascinating collection of gemstones. From the ancient lore surrounding Turquoise to the recent discovery of Tanzanite, each stone offers a unique blend of history, beauty, and symbolic meaning. The variety of blues represented by these gems perfectly captures the essence of the winter season, providing December-born individuals with a meaningful range of options to express their identity and connect with the rich heritage of gemstones. The choice between these four beautiful stones ultimately comes down to personal preference, as each possesses its own distinct charm and allure.