December is a month rich in tradition, symbolism, and beauty—both natural and crafted. Among its many charms, it is one of the few months associated with multiple birthstones, each with its own unique color, history, and significance. The December birthstone color palette is a captivating blend of serene winter blues and festive holiday hues, created by the combination of three official birthstones—Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Blue Zircon—and the holiday flower, Holly.
This article explores the December birthstone color in depth, focusing on the gemological properties, historical significance, and cultural symbolism of each stone, as well as how their colors reflect the spirit of the season. From the ancient blue-green of Turquoise to the exotic violet-blue of Tanzanite, the December birthstone color palette is a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones.
History and Lore of December Birthstones
The tradition of assigning gemstones to specific months dates back centuries, with roots in ancient cultures that believed these stones held protective, healing, and spiritual properties. For December, the birthstone tradition includes three distinct gems: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Blue Zircon, with Blue Topaz sometimes listed as an alternative. These stones have been used in jewelry and adornment for millennia, and their meanings have evolved alongside human history.
Turquoise: The Ancient Stone of Protection and Prosperity
Turquoise is the most historically significant of the December birthstones. Known for its striking blue-green hues, Turquoise has been cherished for thousands of years. As early as 3000 BCE, ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Chinese, and Native Americans prized Turquoise for its beauty and believed it to possess powerful properties.
In ancient Egypt, Turquoise was considered a sacred stone. Pharaohs and other rulers adorned themselves with it, using it in jewelry, amulets, and even in burial rites. The stone was thought to bring protection, health, and good fortune. In China, artisans carved Turquoise over 3,000 years ago, often using it in decorative objects and religious artifacts.
Turquoise also played a significant role in the lives of Native American tribes, particularly the Apache, who believed it could be found by following a rainbow to its end. The stone was used in rituals, as a protective charm, and as a symbol of spiritual power and connection to nature.
The name Turquoise is derived from the French phrase "pierre turquoise," meaning "stone of Turkey." This name came into use when the stone was brought to Europe via Turkish bazaars in the 16th century. Despite its name, Turquoise does not originate from Turkey but from various locations around the world, including the United States, Iran, and Egypt.
Tanzanite: A Modern Discovery with Ancient Qualities
Tanzanite, the youngest of the December birthstones, was discovered in the 20th century in Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. This gemstone is a variety of the mineral zoisite and is known for its pleochroism—a rare optical property that allows it to display multiple colors depending on the angle of light. Tanzanite can appear violet-blue, blue, or even burgundy in different lighting conditions.
Tanzanite’s discovery in 1967 made it an instant sensation in the gemstone world. Its exotic violet-blue color quickly became associated with transformation, spiritual growth, and emotional healing. As one of the few gemstones found in only one location on Earth, Tanzanite is considered a unique and rare treasure.
Tanzanite’s association with the end of the year makes it a fitting symbol for reflection, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings. Its cool, mysterious hue perfectly captures the contemplative mood of late December.
Blue Zircon: A Dazzling Winter Gem
Blue Zircon is another December birthstone that contributes to the month’s winter color palette. Unlike Turquoise and Tanzanite, which are opaque or semi-opaque, Blue Zircon is typically transparent and has a high refractive index, giving it a brilliant, glassy appearance. Zircon occurs in many colors, but the blue variety is the most popular and widely recognized as a December birthstone.
Blue Zircon is known for its vibrant blue tones, which range from deep sapphire to lighter sky blues. It is often heat-treated to enhance its color, a common practice in the gemstone industry. Zircon has been used in jewelry for centuries and has been historically mistaken for diamond or other precious stones due to its brilliance.
While less commonly discussed than Turquoise and Tanzanite, Blue Zircon is an important part of the December birthstone color palette. Its bright, clean blue adds a refreshing contrast to the deeper, more muted tones of the other December gems.
Geological Formation and Sources of December Birthstones
Understanding the geological processes that create gemstones adds another layer of appreciation for their beauty and significance. The December birthstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Blue Zircon—each form under unique conditions and are found in specific locations around the world.
Turquoise Formation and Sources
Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper, forming when copper-rich groundwater seeps into the bedrock and reacts with other minerals. This process occurs over thousands of years, resulting in an opaque stone with stunning blue and green hues. The dark lines and shapes seen in Turquoise are referred to as "matrix," which are remnants of the surrounding rock.
Major sources of Turquoise include the United States, Iran, Egypt, and China. The most famous Turquoise deposits are found in the American Southwest, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico. The stone’s blue-green coloration varies depending on the concentration of copper and the presence of iron and aluminum in the surrounding rock.
Turquoise is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, which means it requires careful handling and maintenance to prevent scratches or damage.
Tanzanite Formation and Sources
Tanzanite is a relatively rare gemstone, found exclusively in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is a metamorphic rock that formed under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions deep within the Earth’s crust. The pleochroism of Tanzanite is due to the presence of trace elements such as vanadium and iron, which give the stone its unique color variations.
Tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery and remains one of the few gemstones found in only one location on the planet. Its exclusivity and beauty have made it a highly sought-after gemstone in the jewelry industry.
With a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, Tanzanite is more durable than Turquoise but still requires proper care to maintain its luster and color.
Blue Zircon Formation and Sources
Blue Zircon is a silicate mineral that forms in igneous rocks, particularly in zircon-rich pegmatites and metamorphic rocks. Zircon is found in many parts of the world, including Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, and the United States. However, the blue color of Zircon is typically achieved through heat treatment, which enhances the natural color of the stone.
Blue Zircon has a hardness of 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it more durable than Turquoise and somewhat more resilient than Tanzanite. Its high refractive index and brilliance make it a popular choice for jewelry, especially in settings where clarity and sparkle are desired.
Gemological Properties of December Birthstones
Each of the December birthstones has unique gemological properties that define their appearance, durability, and use in jewelry. Understanding these properties helps gemologists, jewelers, and collectors appreciate the science behind the stones' beauty.
Turquoise: A Semi-Translucent to Opaque Gem
Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gemstone with a waxy to sub-vitreous luster. It is composed of hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper and is known for its distinctive blue and green hues. The presence of matrix—dark, mineral-rich veins—adds character and uniqueness to each piece of Turquoise.
- Chemical Formula: Al₂(OH)₃PO₄·4(H₂O)
- Hardness: 5–6 on the Mohs scale
- Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.61–1.65
- Color: Blue to green, often with matrix patterns
Due to its relative softness, Turquoise requires special care to prevent scratches and damage. It should be kept away from harsh chemicals and excessive heat.
Tanzanite: A Rare, Pleochroic Gemstone
Tanzanite is a rare and beautiful gemstone known for its pleochroism—a property that allows it to display different colors when viewed from different angles. It is a type of zoisite, and its color is influenced by the presence of vanadium and iron.
- Chemical Formula: Ca₂Al₃(AlSiO₇)(SiO₄)O(OH)
- Hardness: 6–7 on the Mohs scale
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.69–1.70
- Color: Violet-blue to blue to burgundy, depending on viewing angle
Tanzanite is relatively durable but still requires careful handling to avoid chipping or scratching. Its rarity and beauty make it a highly valued gemstone in the jewelry industry.
Blue Zircon: A Brilliant, High-Refractive Index Gem
Blue Zircon is a transparent gemstone with a high refractive index and a brilliant, glassy luster. It is a silicate mineral that is often heat-treated to enhance its color and clarity.
- Chemical Formula: ZrSiO₄
- Hardness: 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale
- Luster: Vitreous
- Refractive Index: 1.92–2.00
- Color: Blue (often enhanced through heat treatment)
Blue Zircon is known for its exceptional brilliance and is often mistaken for diamond due to its refractive properties. It is a popular choice for jewelry, especially in settings that highlight its clarity and sparkle.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs of December Birthstones
The December birthstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Blue Zircon—have long been associated with various symbolic and metaphysical meanings. These beliefs, rooted in history and tradition, continue to influence how these stones are used in jewelry and personal adornment.
Turquoise: A Stone of Protection and Wisdom
Turquoise has been revered for its protective and healing properties for centuries. In ancient times, it was believed to bring good fortune, health, and prosperity. Many cultures used Turquoise as a protective talisman, especially for warriors and travelers.
In Native American tradition, Turquoise was seen as a sacred stone that connected the earth and the sky. It was used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke spiritual power and guidance. The Apache believed that following a rainbow would lead to the end of the rainbow, where Turquoise could be found.
In modern metaphysical practices, Turquoise is associated with communication, self-expression, and emotional balance. It is believed to enhance intuition and promote inner peace.
Tanzanite: A Stone of Transformation and Spiritual Growth
Tanzanite is a relatively modern gemstone, but it has quickly become associated with transformation and spiritual growth. Its pleochroism—displaying different colors from different angles—is seen as a metaphor for change and adaptability.
In metaphysical beliefs, Tanzanite is used to promote emotional healing and balance. It is believed to open the heart and throat chakras, facilitating communication and emotional expression. Tanzanite is also associated with intuition and spiritual awareness, making it a popular choice for meditation and personal reflection.
As a December birthstone, Tanzanite is particularly fitting for year-end reflection and the transition into a new year. Its violet-blue color is seen as a symbol of transformation, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings.
Blue Zircon: A Stone of Clarity and Brilliance
Blue Zircon is often associated with clarity, brilliance, and inner strength. In gemstone lore, it is believed to enhance mental clarity and stimulate creativity. It is also thought to protect the wearer from negative energies and promote a sense of calm and balance.
In historical contexts, Blue Zircon was sometimes mistaken for diamond due to its brilliance and refractive properties. This association with light and clarity has carried over into modern metaphysical beliefs, where Blue Zircon is seen as a stone of truth, wisdom, and illumination.
Blue Zircons are also associated with the heart chakra and are believed to promote emotional healing and a sense of inner peace. Their vibrant blue color is seen as a symbol of clarity, purity, and spiritual growth.
Care and Cleaning of December Birthstones
Proper care and cleaning are essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of December birthstones. Each of these gemstones has specific care requirements based on its hardness, composition, and sensitivity to heat and chemicals.
Turquoise Care
Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone with a hardness of 5–6 on the Mohs scale, which means it is susceptible to scratches and damage. It is also porous and can absorb oils and moisture, so it should be kept away from harsh chemicals and excessive heat.
- Cleaning: Clean Turquoise with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
- Storage: Store Turquoise separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.
- Avoid: Harsh chemicals, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and excessive moisture.
Tanzanite Care
Tanzanite is more durable than Turquoise, with a hardness of 6–7 on the Mohs scale, but it is still sensitive to heat and chemicals. It can also be prone to chipping if struck against a hard surface.
- Cleaning: Clean Tanzanite with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone.
- Storage: Store Tanzanite in a soft pouch or separate compartment to prevent scratches and chipping.
- Avoid: Exposure to extreme heat and direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Blue Zircon Care
Blue Zircon is a relatively durable gemstone with a hardness of 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale. However, it can still be damaged by hard knocks or exposure to harsh chemicals.
- Cleaning: Clean Blue Zircon with a soft cloth and mild soap. It can also be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner, but avoid using steam cleaners.
- Storage: Store Blue Zircon in a secure, dry place to prevent damage.
- Avoid: Harsh chemicals and excessive heat.
Conclusion
December is a month of contrasts—of cold winter nights and warm holiday gatherings, of reflection and renewal, of ancient traditions and modern discoveries. Its birthstone color palette reflects this duality, blending the serene blues of Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Blue Zircon with the festive greens and reds of Holly.
Turquoise, with its ancient blue-green hues, has been cherished for millennia for its protective and healing properties. Tanzanite, a modern gemstone with a rare and exotic violet-blue color, represents transformation and spiritual growth. Blue Zircon, known for its brilliance and clarity, adds a sparkling dimension to December’s color palette.
Together, these stones create a rich and meaningful color palette that captures the essence of December—a time of quiet reflection, festive celebration, and the promise of new beginnings. Whether you are drawn to the deep blues of Turquoise, the mysterious violet of Tanzanite, or the vibrant clarity of Blue Zircon, the December birthstone color palette offers something for everyone.