December is a unique month in the world of birthstones, as it is associated with not one, but four distinct gemstones: turquoise, blue zircon, tanzanite, and blue topaz. These stones vary in color, origin, and historical significance, offering a rich tapestry of options for those born in this winter month. Each of these birthstones has its own story to tell, rooted in ancient traditions, modern discoveries, and even spiritual symbolism.
This article explores the scientific, historical, and cultural dimensions of each of these December birthstones, drawing from reliable sources to provide a comprehensive overview. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or simply curious about the significance of your birthstone, this guide will help you understand the qualities and meanings behind each of these precious stones.
A Month of Multiple Birthstones
December is one of the few months with multiple official birthstones. While this may seem unusual, it reflects both the availability of affordable alternatives and the evolution of birthstone traditions over time. Historically, December was associated with turquoise and zircon, with tanzanite being added in 2002 and blue topaz in 2017 by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). The inclusion of these stones provides a wider range of options for jewelry design and personal preference.
The presence of multiple birthstones also allows for greater accessibility, as some of these gemstones are more affordable than others. For example, blue topaz is relatively inexpensive and widely available, making it a popular choice for jewelry. On the other hand, tanzanite, being a rare and recently discovered stone, is often more valuable and sought after.
The diversity of December's birthstones also reflects cultural and symbolic richness. Each stone carries its own spiritual meaning, historical use, and physical properties, making them suitable for different purposes and personalities.
History and Lore of December Birthstones
Turquoise: The Ancient Gemstone
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones in human history, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient Egypt, Persia, and Mesoamerica. It was highly prized by the Pharaohs of Egypt, who believed it to have protective powers. In Persia and the Middle East, turquoise was used in jewelry and amulets to ward off evil and bring good fortune.
The name "turquoise" is derived from the Old French word "turques", meaning "Turkish," as the stone was historically imported through the Ottoman Empire to Europe. However, the stone itself was not native to Turkey but was sourced from Iran, China, and later the American Southwest.
In Native American cultures, particularly among the Navajo and Zuni, turquoise was considered a symbol of life and protection. It was often used in ceremonial jewelry and was believed to connect the wearer to the spirit world.
As a modern birthstone, turquoise is associated with calmness, intuition, and spiritual awakening. It is believed to dispel negative energy, enhance communication, and promote emotional balance. In some traditions, it is also thought to protect the wearer from pollution and environmental toxins.
Tanzanite: The Modern Rarity
Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone, having been discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only gemstone in the world that is found exclusively in one location, making it one of the rarest gemstones in existence.
Tanzanite is a trichroic gemstone, meaning it can display three different colors—blue, violet, and brown—depending on the angle of light. This property is known as pleochroism. Most tanzanite used in jewelry is heat-treated to enhance its color and remove the brownish tones.
In spiritual traditions, tanzanite is associated with healing, transformation, and psychic development. It is believed to help the wearer open the throat, third-eye, and crown chakras, enabling greater intuition, communication, and spiritual awareness.
Tanzanite is also thought to absorb and neutralize negative energy, making it a popular stone for healing and meditation. Due to its recent discovery, it carries a more modern and contemporary symbolism, representing innovation, adaptability, and personal growth.
Blue Zircon: A Sparkling Blue Classic
Zircon is a gemstone with a long and storied history, often mistaken for diamonds or cubic zirconia due to its sparkling brilliance. In the Middle Ages, blue zircon was believed to have protective and calming properties, with some sources suggesting it could lull the wearer into a peaceful sleep and ward off nightmares and evil spirits.
Zircon is a silicate mineral that occurs in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, brown, red, and blue. The blue variety is the most popular and is often heat-treated to enhance its color. Blue zircon is known for its high refractive index, which gives it a flame-like brilliance that is highly sought after in jewelry.
In modern symbolism, blue zircon is associated with mental clarity, confidence, and emotional stability. It is believed to enhance focus and decision-making, making it a popular stone for those in intellectual or creative pursuits.
Blue Topaz: The Symbol of Wisdom and Strength
Blue topaz is one of the most affordable December birthstones, making it a popular choice for jewelry. It is known for its transparency, clarity, and vibrant blue color, which ranges from pale sky blue to deep London blue. The color is often enhanced through irradiation or heat treatment.
Blue topaz is associated with inner strength, wisdom, and creativity. It is believed to enhance communication, foster emotional balance, and promote self-expression. In some traditions, it is also linked to love and beauty, making it a meaningful gift for romantic relationships.
Historically, topaz was believed to protect against poisoning and provide divine guidance, though these beliefs are more associated with the yellow or golden varieties. Blue topaz, while a more recent addition to the birthstone list, has quickly gained popularity for its aesthetic appeal and symbolic significance.
Geological Formation and Sources of December Birthstones
Turquoise
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral composed of copper and aluminum, with the chemical formula CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O. It forms in arid regions where copper-rich rocks are exposed to acidic, oxygen-rich water. This process typically occurs in weathered volcanic or sedimentary rocks, where the mineral precipitates in cavities and fractures.
The primary sources of turquoise today are:
- Iran – One of the oldest and most famous sources of high-quality turquoise.
- United States (New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada) – These states are known for producing American turquoise, often with a blue-green color and spiderweb matrix.
- Tanzania, China, Australia – These countries also produce turquoise, though it is often pale in color and less valuable.
Turquoise is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, making it prone to scratching and chipping. It is also porous, which means it can absorb oils, lotions, and chemicals, potentially altering its color or appearance over time.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a trichroic variety of the mineral zoisite, with the chemical formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(OH)₃·H₂O. It forms under intense tectonic pressure and heat, which causes the vanadium atoms in the mineral to absorb and reflect light in different wavelengths, resulting in the blue and violet colors.
Tanzanite is only found in Tanzania, specifically in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro. The geological activity in this region created the unique conditions necessary for tanzanite to form. The mineral was discovered in 1967, and since then, the limited supply has made it one of the most valuable and rare gemstones in the world.
Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, making it somewhat durable, though it is still susceptible to chipping, especially along cleavage planes. It is also pleochroic, meaning it can display three different colors depending on the angle of light.
Blue Zircon
Zircon is a zirconium silicate with the chemical formula ZrSiO₄. It occurs in a wide variety of colors, including green, yellow, brown, red, and blue. The blue color is the result of natural radiation exposure, which causes the crystal structure to change, altering the color of the stone.
Blue zircon is found in several locations around the world, including:
- Australia
- Sri Lanka
- Brazil
- Madagascar
Blue zircon has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7.5, making it relatively durable, though it can split along cleavage planes. It is also known for its high refractive index, which gives it a sparkling, diamond-like appearance.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂. It is a hexagonal crystal system and is known for its transparency and clarity. The blue color is often enhanced through irradiation or heat treatment, though some natural blue topaz does exist.
Blue topaz is found in several locations around the world, including:
- Brazil
- Nigeria
- United States (Colorado)
- Mozambique
Blue topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it very durable and suitable for everyday wear. It is also relatively affordable, which makes it a popular choice for jewelry.
Gemological Properties of December Birthstones
| Gemstone | Color Range | Chemical Formula | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Transparency | Refractive Index | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Blue to greenish-blue | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O | 5–6 | Opaque | 1.61–1.65 | Iran, USA, Tanzania |
| Tanzanite | Blue, violet, brown | Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(OH)₃·H₂O | 6–7 | Transparent | 1.69–1.70 | Tanzania |
| Blue Zircon | Blue, green, yellow, brown | ZrSiO₄ | 6–7.5 | Transparent | 1.92–2.01 | Australia, Sri Lanka |
| Blue Topaz | Sky blue to London blue | Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂ | 8 | Transparent | 1.62 | Brazil, USA, Nigeria |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of the December birthstones carries its own symbolic meaning, rooted in cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs.
Turquoise: The Stone of Protection and Intuition
Turquoise is often associated with protection, healing, and spiritual awakening. In ancient cultures, it was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. In Native American traditions, it was considered a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Modern metaphysical beliefs suggest that turquoise enhances intuition, promotes emotional balance, and dispels negative energy. It is also thought to help with communication, especially in difficult or tense situations.
Tanzanite: The Stone of Transformation and Healing
Tanzanite is believed to have strong healing properties, both physically and emotionally. It is often used in energy healing to activate the throat, third-eye, and crown chakras, which are associated with communication, intuition, and spiritual awareness.
It is also associated with emotional transformation, helping the wearer release old patterns and embrace personal growth. In some traditions, tanzanite is used to absorb and neutralize negative energy, making it a powerful protective stone.
Blue Zircon: The Stone of Clarity and Confidence
Blue zircon is believed to enhance mental clarity, focus, and decision-making. It is often recommended for those who work in intellectual or creative fields, as it is said to stimulate the mind and enhance problem-solving abilities.
In medieval traditions, blue zircon was believed to ward off nightmares and evil spirits, and to promote peaceful sleep. It is also associated with confidence and self-assurance, making it a popular choice for those who seek to boost their self-esteem.
Blue Topaz: The Stone of Strength and Wisdom
Blue topaz is associated with inner strength, wisdom, and emotional balance. It is believed to enhance communication, foster emotional stability, and promote self-expression.
In ancient times, topaz was thought to protect against poisoning and provide divine guidance, though these beliefs are more commonly associated with golden topaz. Blue topaz is also thought to promote love and beauty, making it a meaningful gift for romantic relationships.
Care and Cleaning of December Birthstones
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of December birthstones, as each has unique physical properties and sensitivities.
Turquoise
- Avoid exposure to chemicals, lotions, and perfumes, as turquoise is porous and can absorb these substances, potentially altering its color.
- Store turquoise separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
- Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soap and water.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning, as these can damage the stone.
Tanzanite
- Avoid exposure to extreme heat or sudden temperature changes, as this can alter its color.
- Store tanzanite in a soft cloth or jewelry box to prevent scratches and chipping.
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap and water.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaning, as it can damage the gemstone.
Blue Zircon
- Avoid exposure to high heat, as zircon is pleochroic and can lose color.
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap and water.
- Store zircon separately to avoid scratches and damage.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning, especially for low-quality stones, as they can crack or chip.
Blue Topaz
- Blue topaz is durable, with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it suitable for everyday wear.
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap and water.
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can scratch the surface.
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are generally safe, but it's best to consult a professional if unsure.
Conclusion
December is a unique and special month in the world of birthstones, as it is associated with four distinct gemstones: turquoise, blue zircon, tanzanite, and blue topaz. Each of these stones carries its own unique history, symbolism, and properties, making them a rich and diverse choice for those born in this month.
From the ancient and protective turquoise to the modern and rare tanzanite, and from the sparkling blue zircon to the affordable and elegant blue topaz, these stones offer a wide range of options for jewelry and personal expression. Whether you are drawn to the spiritual properties of turquoise, the healing qualities of tanzanite, the mental clarity of blue zircon, or the wisdom and strength of blue topaz, there is a December birthstone that is perfect for you.
Understanding the history, meaning, and care of these gemstones not only enhances your appreciation of their beauty but also allows you to wear them with confidence and purpose. Whether as a birthstone, a gift, or a meaningful addition to your jewelry collection, the December birthstones are a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones.