December is unique among months, boasting not one, but three recognized birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon, with blue zircon being particularly prominent. This selection reflects a fascinating evolution in birthstone traditions, shifting from earlier associations with ruby to the modern trio. The month itself derives its name from the Latin decem, meaning “ten,” as it was once the tenth month in the Roman calendar. December is a time of transition, marked by celebrations like the Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve, symbolizing change, camaraderie, and reunion. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of these three December birthstones.
A Shifting Tradition: The History of December Birthstones
The designation of birthstones has undergone considerable change over time. Initially, Biblical gemstone lists favored ruby as the stone for December. However, the modern birthstone list evolved through several iterations. In 1870, Tiffany & Co.’s “Gregorian Birthstone Poems” pamphlet identified turquoise as the December birthstone. By 1912, the National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America) listed turquoise as the primary stone, with lapis lazuli as an alternative. Zircon was added to this list in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, and most recently, in 2002, tanzanite was officially recognized as a December birthstone. This progression demonstrates that the “real” birthstone for December is a matter of historical context, with turquoise holding the most consistent position throughout the years.
Turquoise: A Gem Revered Through the Ages
Turquoise is among the oldest known gems, with evidence of its use dating back as far as 5500 BC. A turquoise bracelet discovered in Egypt is considered one of the oldest pieces of jewelry ever found. Ancient Egyptians mined turquoise, referring to it as mefkat meaning “joy,” and valued it for protection and status, associating it with the sky and motherhood goddess Hathor. The ancient Persians, calling it pērōzah (“victory”), believed the purest turquoise originated from heavenly sources and adorned it in turbans, weapons, and mosques.
The Greeks and Romans also prized turquoise, known as callais, crafting it into beads, necklaces, and rings. The Aztecs referred to turquoise as chalchihuitl and considered it sacred, believing it embodied fire and burying rulers with it in their mouths. Similarly, Native American tribes held turquoise in high regard, utilizing it in ceremonial items, talismans, and even as a form of currency. The Apache tribe, for example, attached turquoise to bows to ensure accurate aim.
Tanzanite: A Recent Discovery with Enduring Appeal
Tanzanite is the newest addition to the December birthstone family, only officially recognized in 2002. Most tanzanite begins as brownish zoisite, requiring heat treatment to reveal the vibrant blue to violet hues that characterize the gem. This color transformation is permanent, and does not affect the stone’s durability. Tanzanite is best suited for settings in earrings or pendants, as it is not recommended for daily wear in rings due to its susceptibility to abrasion. It possesses a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it resistant to normal wear and tear, but vulnerable to cracking from extreme temperatures or sudden changes in temperature. It can also be damaged by hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids. Cleaning is best achieved with warm, soapy water; ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided.
Zircon: A Gem with a Long and Varied History
Zircon, particularly blue zircon, is another significant December birthstone. While the sources do not provide specific details on the history or geological formation of zircon, it was added to the official list in 1952.
Gemological Properties: A Comparative Overview
While detailed gemological properties for each stone are not fully provided in the sources, a general understanding can be gleaned.
| Gemstone | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Color | Notable Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Not specified | Typically blue, but can also be green or bluish-green | Historically significant, often associated with protection and status |
| Tanzanite | 6-7 | Blue to violet | Requires heat treatment to achieve its characteristic color |
| Zircon | Not specified | Typically blue, but can occur in various colors | Added to the December birthstone list in 1952 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources highlight the rich symbolism associated with these December birthstones. Turquoise, throughout history, has been linked to protection, status, victory, and joy. Ancient cultures believed it possessed spiritual powers and used it in religious ceremonies and as talismans. While specific metaphysical beliefs regarding tanzanite and zircon are not detailed in the provided sources, their association with December and the end of the year suggests themes of transformation, hope, and new beginnings.
Alternative Birthstones and Associations
The sources also explore alternative birthstones linked to December. For those born under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (November 23 – December 21), topaz is a traditional birthstone. For Capricorns (December 22 – January 20), ruby is the primary birthstone. Furthermore, the sources detail alternative birthstones based on the hour of birth, guardian angels, and even the names of the apostles, offering a diverse range of options for those seeking a more personalized connection to their birthstone. For example, beryl is associated with December and the guardian angel Humiel.
Care and Cleaning Considerations
The provided sources offer specific care instructions for tanzanite, recommending warm, soapy water for cleaning and advising against ultrasonic and steam cleaners. While specific instructions for turquoise and zircon are not detailed, their hardness and potential vulnerabilities to chemicals suggest gentle cleaning methods and protective settings for jewelry.
Conclusion
The December birthstones – turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon – represent a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and modern discovery. Turquoise, with its long and storied history, remains a consistently recognized symbol of protection and joy. Tanzanite, a relatively recent addition, offers a vibrant and captivating beauty. Zircon, while less detailed in the provided sources, adds to the diversity of options for those born in December. These three gemstones, each with its unique characteristics and cultural significance, embody the spirit of the month – a time of change, celebration, and the promise of a new year.