December is the only month with four officially recognized birthstones, a unique distinction that reflects the month’s cultural and geological richness. These gemstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz—each possess distinct colors, histories, and symbolic meanings. While they all share a common blue or blue-green palette, they differ significantly in hardness, rarity, and market value. This article delves into each of these December birthstones, exploring their origins, gemological properties, symbolic significance, and practical considerations for jewelry.
Introduction
December, the final month of the year, is symbolically linked with winter and renewal. This association is reflected in the choice of its birthstones, all of which are blue or blue-green in hue. The four official December birthstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz—were officially recognized over time as the jewelry industry expanded its offerings and discoveries of new gemstones.
Historically, December had only a few designated birthstones, but the list has grown to include additional gems that serve as alternatives or complements. This expansion was driven by practical considerations such as availability, durability, and affordability, as well as evolving cultural and commercial trends.
Each of the four December birthstones has a distinct origin story and set of properties. This article provides a detailed overview of each, based on reliable and authoritative sources, to help readers understand their unique qualities and significance.
History and Lore
Turquoise: The Ancient Guardian Stone
Turquoise is the most historically significant of the December birthstones. It has been used for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient Egypt, Persia, and the Americas. The name "Turquoise" comes from the French pierre turquoise, meaning “Turkish stone,” as it was first brought to Europe through Turkish bazaars.
Turquoise was highly valued in ancient times for its vibrant blue-green color and was often carved into amulets, beads, and inlaid into jewelry. It was believed to offer protection, bring good fortune, and ward off illness. In Tibet, turquoise was used as currency, while in Native American cultures, it was associated with youth, strength, and spiritual power.
Turquoise was also used in religious and ceremonial contexts. In the Bible, it is one of the stones on the High Priest’s breastplate. The gem has also been associated with love and friendship, often given as a gift to strengthen relationships.
Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel
Tanzanite is the youngest of the four December birthstones. It was first discovered in 1967 in Tanzania by a Masai herdsman, and it was not officially recognized as a birthstone until 2002. Unlike the other December birthstones, tanzanite does not occur naturally in blue; its striking blue-violet color is achieved through heat treatment.
Tanzanite is also the rarest of the four December birthstones. It is only found in a small region of Tanzania, near the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. This limited source makes tanzanite both unique and valuable, with high demand in the gemstone market.
Tanzanite is believed to have healing properties and is associated with emotional balance, intuition, and spiritual growth. It is often used in metaphysical practices and is considered a stone of transformation.
Zircon: The Forgotten Gem
Zircon is a gemstone that has been known for centuries but has only recently gained recognition as a December birthstone. It has been used in jewelry since ancient times and was often mistaken for diamonds due to its brilliance and fire. Zircon was officially added to the list of December birthstones in 1952.
Zircon comes in a variety of colors, including yellow, red, and blue. The blue zircon used as a birthstone is typically heat-treated to enhance its color. While not as rare as tanzanite, zircon is still considered a valuable gemstone due to its clarity and fire.
Zircon has been associated with wisdom, truth, and divine favor. In ancient times, it was believed to grant the wearer the power to see into the future and was used in protective amulets.
Blue Topaz: The Durable Alternative
Blue Topaz is the hardest of the four December birthstones, with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it ideal for everyday jewelry use. It is the most recent addition to the December birthstone list, having gained popularity in modern times due to its affordability and durability.
Blue topaz is not found in nature in its blue form; instead, it is irradiated to achieve its beautiful blue color. It is mined in several countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States, and is often marketed as a more practical and accessible option for December birthstone jewelry.
Blue topaz is associated with calmness, clarity, and emotional stability. It is believed to help the wearer overcome stress and maintain a positive outlook.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of the four December birthstones has a unique geological origin and source.
Turquoise
Turquoise is formed by groundwater containing copper seeping into porous rocks such as limestone and sandstone. Over time, the copper reacts with other minerals to create the distinctive blue-green color. The dark matrix patterns seen in turquoise are derived from the surrounding rock.
Turquoise is found in several parts of the world, including the United States (particularly in Arizona and Nevada), Iran, China, and Egypt. Each region produces turquoise with slightly different color variations and matrix patterns.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively rare gemstone that is only found in a small region of Tanzania, near the town of Merelani, just a few kilometers from the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. It forms in metamorphic rock under high heat and pressure.
Tanzanite is a type of zoisite, and its blue-violet color is the result of trace amounts of vanadium. The gem is usually heat-treated to enhance its color and clarity.
Zircon
Zircon is a mineral that forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is found in various parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Australia, and Thailand. Zircon is known for its high refractive index and dispersion, which give it a diamond-like brilliance.
The blue zircon used as a December birthstone is typically heat-treated to enhance its color. Natural zircons can occur in a range of colors, including red, yellow, and green, but the blue variety is the most popular for jewelry.
Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz is a type of topaz that is not found in nature in its blue form. Instead, it is irradiated to create the blue color. Natural topaz is colorless, but can also occur in yellow, pink, and brown.
Blue topaz is mined in several countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States. It is often marketed as an affordable and durable alternative to more expensive blue gemstones.
Gemological Properties
| Gemstone | Color Range | Hardness (Mohs) | Chemical Formula | Transparency | Refractive Index | Origin of Blue Color | Durability for Everyday Wear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Blue to green | 5–6 | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O | Opaque | 1.61–1.65 | Copper and phosphorus | Moderate |
| Tanzanite | Blue-violet | 6–7 | CaAl₆(PO₄)₃(OH)₆·H₂O | Transparent | 1.69–1.70 | Vanadium (heat-treated) | Moderate |
| Zircon | Blue, yellow, red | 6–7.5 | ZrSiO₄ | Transparent | 1.92–2.01 | Heat-treated | High |
| Blue Topaz | Blue | 8 | Al₂SiO₆ | Transparent | 1.61–1.63 | Irradiation | High |
Turquoise
- Hardness: 5–6 on the Mohs scale
- Color: Ranges from blue to green, often with a matrix of brown or black lines
- Transparency: Opaque
- Refractive Index: 1.61–1.65
- Chemical Formula: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
- Durability: Moderate. It can be easily scratched and is sensitive to heat and chemicals
Tanzanite
- Hardness: 6–7 on the Mohs scale
- Color: Deep blue to violet
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Refractive Index: 1.69–1.70
- Chemical Formula: CaAl₆(PO₄)₃(OH)₆·H₂O
- Durability: Moderate. It can be easily chipped and is sensitive to heat
Zircon
- Hardness: 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale
- Color: Blue (heat-treated), yellow, red
- Transparency: Transparent
- Refractive Index: 1.92–2.01
- Chemical Formula: ZrSiO₄
- Durability: High. It is durable for jewelry use
Blue Topaz
- Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale
- Color: Blue (irradiated)
- Transparency: Transparent
- Refractive Index: 1.61–1.63
- Chemical Formula: Al₂SiO₆
- Durability: High. It is one of the hardest December birthstones and is ideal for everyday wear
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each December birthstone has its own set of symbolic and metaphysical associations, which have been passed down through various cultures and time periods.
Turquoise
Turquoise is often associated with protection, healing, and good fortune. In ancient times, it was believed to have the power to ward off illness and danger. It was also used as a symbol of love and friendship, often given as a gift to strengthen relationships.
In Tibet, turquoise was considered a currency and a symbol of wealth and power. In Native American cultures, it was associated with youth, strength, and spiritual power. It was often used in religious ceremonies and was believed to connect the wearer to the divine.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is associated with emotional healing, intuition, and spiritual transformation. It is believed to help the wearer overcome emotional trauma and find inner peace. It is also associated with intuition and psychic development, making it a popular gemstone in metaphysical practices.
Tanzanite is often used in meditation and is believed to open the heart and throat chakras, allowing for better communication and emotional expression.
Zircon
Zircon is associated with wisdom, truth, and divine favor. In ancient times, it was believed to grant the wearer the power to see into the future and was used in protective amulets. It was also associated with divine knowledge and was used in religious and ceremonial contexts.
Zircon is also believed to promote mental clarity and focus, making it a useful gemstone for those seeking to improve their concentration and decision-making skills.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is associated with calmness, clarity, and emotional stability. It is believed to help the wearer overcome stress and maintain a positive outlook. It is also associated with healing and protection, and is often used in meditation and spiritual practices.
Blue topaz is also believed to enhance communication and self-expression, making it a useful gemstone for those who want to improve their verbal and written communication skills.
Care and Cleaning
The care and cleaning of December birthstones depend on their individual properties. Here is a guide to maintaining the beauty and integrity of each gemstone:
Turquoise
- Avoid exposure to heat and chemicals.
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Store separately to prevent scratches.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Turquoise is sensitive to heat and chemicals, so it should be kept away from harsh environments. It is best to clean it with a soft cloth and mild soap. It should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Tanzanite
- Avoid exposure to heat and direct sunlight.
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
- Store separately to prevent damage.
Tanzanite is sensitive to heat and should be kept away from direct sunlight. It is best to clean it with a soft cloth and mild soap. It should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent damage.
Zircon
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
- Store separately to prevent scratches.
Zircon is durable but should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. It should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Blue Topaz
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Can be cleaned with ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
- Store in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches.
Blue topaz is one of the hardest December birthstones and can be cleaned with ultrasonic or steam cleaners. It should be stored in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches.
Conclusion
December is the only month with four officially recognized birthstones, each with its own unique properties and symbolism. Turquoise, the most ancient of the four, has been used for thousands of years for its protective and healing properties. Tanzanite, the youngest and rarest, is prized for its deep blue-violet color and spiritual significance. Zircon, with its brilliance and fire, has been used in jewelry since ancient times. Blue Topaz, the hardest of the four, is a durable and affordable option that is ideal for everyday wear.
Each of these gemstones has a rich history and a distinct set of properties that make it a valuable and meaningful choice for jewelry. Whether you are looking for a December birthstone ring, necklace, or bracelet, there is a gemstone to suit every style and budget. Understanding the unique qualities of each gemstone can help you make an informed decision and choose a piece that reflects your personality and values.