December is unique among the calendar months, boasting not one, but four recognized birthstones: Tanzanite, Turquoise, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz. Each of these gemstones presents a distinct shade of blue, mirroring the cool tones of the winter season, and carries its own rich history and significance. While Turquoise holds the distinction as the most traditional December birthstone, the inclusion of Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz provides a diverse range of options for those born in this month, each offering unique aesthetic and symbolic qualities.
History and Lore
The history of December birthstones is a tapestry woven with ancient beliefs and more recent discoveries. Turquoise, with a history stretching back millennia, was highly prized by ancient civilizations. Pharaohs and rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with turquoise, believing it possessed protective and beneficial powers. Chinese artisans were carving turquoise over 3,000 years ago, demonstrating its enduring appeal across cultures. The stone was thought to guarantee health and good fortune, and from the 13th century onward, it was believed to safeguard against falls, even breaking into pieces to warn of impending disaster. Hindu traditions associated turquoise with wealth and prosperity when viewed after a new moon.
Blue Zircon, while also a traditional choice, has a history intertwined with its resemblance to diamond. Its brilliance and high refractive index led to its use as a diamond substitute for centuries. However, its significance extends beyond mere aesthetics; zircon contains trace amounts of uranium and thorium, making it crucial in the development of radiometric dating, with some specimens calculated to be as old as 4.4 billion years.
Blue Topaz has been valued for centuries, with ancient Egyptians associating it with the Sun god Ra, symbolizing growth and sincerity. Other ancient civilizations believed the stone could provide warnings of danger. It is also seen as a symbol of love and affection, promoting a happy and joyful life, and believed to offer peace and relaxation, potentially alleviating headaches and other ailments.
Tanzanite, the newest addition to the December birthstone family, was discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and quickly popularized by Tiffany & Co. Its relatively recent discovery means its historical lore is less extensive than that of Turquoise or Zircon, but its captivating color and rarity have quickly established its place among esteemed gemstones.
Geological Formation and Sources
The origins of these December birthstones are geographically diverse. Turquoise forms in relatively dry, arid regions, often in the vicinity of copper deposits. Its formation involves a chemical reaction between copper, aluminum, and other minerals in the presence of water.
Blue Zircon is found in several locations, with primary mining areas in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The gemstone exists in a variety of colors, with some material undergoing heat treatment to achieve a desirable pastel blue hue.
Blue Topaz is sourced from various locations globally, though specific mining regions are not detailed in the provided sources.
Tanzanite, uniquely, is found in a very limited geographical area – the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. It is not known to exist anywhere else in the world, contributing to its rarity and value.
Gemological Properties
The four December birthstones exhibit distinct gemological properties. Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem, ranging in color from blue to green, often displaying matrix – remnants of the rock in which it formed – as veining.
Blue Zircon possesses a very high refractive index, contributing to its brilliance. It is a natural gem, distinct from synthetic cubic zirconia, and can be found in a variety of colors, including golden, red, and clear, in addition to blue.
Blue Topaz, while visually similar to blue zircon, is generally available in larger sizes and at more affordable prices.
Tanzanite is a transparent blue crystal, often faceted into various shapes. Its colors range from blue to purple, with intensities varying from pastel to vivid, rivaling the finest sapphires. Tanzanite exhibits strong pleochroism, meaning it displays different colors when viewed from different angles and under different lighting conditions. Like blue zircon, tanzanite is commonly heat-treated to enhance its coloration.
A comparative table of hardness (Mohs scale) is not available in the provided sources.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, each of these gemstones has been attributed with specific meanings and powers. Turquoise, as mentioned previously, was believed to guarantee health, good fortune, and protection from harm. In India, it is considered the birthstone for Sagittarius and is thought to possess healing properties and promote good health. Traditional Hindu jewelers set birthstones in a way that ensures direct contact with the skin to maximize their benefits.
Blue Topaz symbolizes love and affection, promoting a happy and joyful life. It is also associated with peace and relaxation, believed to prevent headaches and other ailments.
While specific metaphysical beliefs surrounding Blue Zircon and Tanzanite are not detailed in the provided sources, their beauty and rarity have undoubtedly contributed to their perceived value and desirability. Tanzanite, with its captivating color, is often associated with transformation and spiritual growth.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific care and cleaning instructions for these gemstones. However, based on their general properties, some recommendations can be inferred. Turquoise, being relatively soft, requires gentle handling and should be protected from scratches and harsh chemicals. Blue Zircon, with its potential for brittleness, should also be handled with care. Blue Topaz and Tanzanite, being relatively durable, can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals for all gemstones.
December Birthstone by Day
The provided sources include a list of birthstones assigned to specific days in December:
- December 4th: Blue Topaz
- December 5th: Tanzanite
- December 6th: Turquoise
- December 7th: Blue Zircon
- December 8th: Blue Topaz
- December 9th: Tanzanite
- December 10th: Turquoise
- December 11th: Blue Zircon
- December 12th: Blue Topaz
- December 13th: Tanzanite
- December 14th: Turquoise
- December 15th: Blue Zircon
- December 16th: Blue Topaz
- December 17th: Tanzanite
- December 18th: Turquoise
- December 19th: Blue Zircon
- December 20th: Blue Topaz
- December 21st: Tanzanite
- December 22nd: Turquoise
- December 23rd: Blue Zircon
- December 24th: Blue Topaz
- December 25th: Tanzanite
- December 26th: Turquoise
- December 27th: Blue Zircon
- December 28th: Blue Topaz
- December 29th: Tanzanite
- December 30th: Turquoise
- December 31st: Blue Zircon
This cyclical assignment offers a personalized touch to the December birthstone experience.
Conclusion
The December birthstones – Tanzanite, Turquoise, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz – represent a captivating spectrum of blue hues and a rich tapestry of history, lore, and geological origins. From the ancient protective powers attributed to Turquoise to the modern allure of Tanzanite, each gemstone offers a unique connection to the winter season and a meaningful symbol for those born in December. The diversity of these birthstones allows individuals to choose a gem that resonates with their personal style and beliefs, celebrating their birth month with a touch of timeless beauty and enduring significance.