December is the only month recognized as having four official birthstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz—each with its own distinct history, symbolism, and gemological properties. These stones have long been cherished for their beauty and the meanings they carry, making them popular choices for jewelry, gifts, and personal adornment.
In this article, we will explore the origins, characteristics, and cultural significance of each of these December birthstones. We will also examine the practical aspects of choosing and caring for these gems, as well as the metaphysical properties and beliefs associated with them. The information presented here is derived from a careful analysis of the sources provided, which include authoritative references, historical accounts, and descriptions of gemological properties.
Introduction
December is a month of celebration, reflection, and transformation. Its birthstones mirror this spirit, each offering a unique blend of beauty, meaning, and symbolism. Among the four officially recognized December birthstones, Turquoise is the most traditional, dating back thousands of years. Tanzanite, a rare gemstone discovered in the 1960s, has quickly gained popularity for its deep violet-blue hues. Zircon, which occurs in a range of colors, is known for its brilliance and affordability. And Blue Topaz, prized for its clarity and durability, is often recommended for everyday wear, including in engagement rings.
These gemstones are not only admired for their visual appeal but also for their cultural and spiritual significance. From ancient civilizations to modern jewelry design, December birthstones have played a meaningful role in human history. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or simply someone with a December birthday, this guide provides a thorough and authoritative overview of the birthstones associated with this month.
History and Lore
Turquoise: The Oldest and Most Traditional December Birthstone
Turquoise is the oldest and most traditional of the December birthstones. For thousands of years, it has been valued by cultures around the world, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Americas. The name "turquoise" comes from the French pierre turquoise, meaning "Turkish stone," as the gem was historically brought to Europe via Turkey from Persian and Egyptian sources.
Persian turquoise, in particular, is among the most prized varieties, known for its intense sky-blue color and minimal matrix (the dark veins or webbing that often appears in turquoise). This high-quality turquoise was mined in ancient Iran and has been a symbol of nobility, protection, and divinity. In ancient Egypt, turquoise was considered a sacred stone associated with the gods, especially Hathor, the goddess of love and protection.
In the Americas, Native American tribes have long used turquoise in jewelry and ceremonial objects. The stone was believed to promote healing, bring good fortune, and provide protection. Today, turquoise remains a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary jewelry design.
Tanzanite: A Modern Discovery
Tanzanite is a relatively new addition to the birthstone list, first discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. The gem was initially found in its raw form as brownish zoisite, but when it was heated, it revealed the striking blue-violet hues that made it instantly popular. Tanzanite is unique in that it is only found in one location in the world—making it one of the rarest gemstones available.
Tanzanite was marketed as the "December birthstone" in the 1980s, and it quickly became a favorite due to its color and rarity. The gem has been associated with compassion, intuition, and emotional balance. Because of its limited geographic source and the fact that it is only mined in a small area, tanzanite is expected to become even more valuable over time.
Zircon: A Versatile and Durable Gemstone
Zircon is a gemstone that occurs in a variety of colors, including colorless, yellow, golden, red, and blue. The blue variety is the most commonly used in jewelry and is often used as a diamond simulant due to its brilliance and refractive properties. Zircon has been used in jewelry for centuries, with some of the oldest known zircon jewelry dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Zircon is known for its high refractive index and dispersion, which gives it a fire that is similar to that of a diamond. It is also relatively affordable compared to other colored gemstones, making it a popular choice for rings, pendants, and other jewelry pieces. Zircon is associated with wisdom, prosperity, and restful sleep in many cultures.
Blue Topaz: A Durable and Affordable Option
Blue Topaz is a popular choice for December birthstone jewelry due to its durability and affordability. Unlike natural blue topaz, which is extremely rare, most blue topaz used in jewelry is created through heat treatment of yellow or brownish topaz. This process enhances the gem's color and makes it suitable for a wide range of jewelry designs.
Topaz has been known since ancient times and was believed to have protective and healing properties. In medieval Europe, it was thought to be a stone of strength and courage. Today, blue topaz is often used in engagement rings and other fine jewelry because of its hardness and attractive blue color.
Geological Formation and Sources
Turquoise: A Hydrated Phosphate Mineral
Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper, with the chemical formula CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O. It is formed through the weathering of copper-bearing rocks in arid regions, where it is exposed to water and phosphorus. The presence of copper gives turquoise its characteristic blue color, while the amount of iron present affects the intensity of the color.
Major sources of turquoise include:
- Iran (Persia): Known for producing the highest quality turquoise with rich blue color and minimal matrix.
- United States: Particularly Arizona, where the Sleeping Beauty Mine was a major source of high-quality turquoise until its closure in 2015.
- Nevada: Known for turquoise with a distinctive spiderweb matrix.
- China and Mexico: Also produce turquoise, though the quality varies.
Turquoise is relatively soft (hardness of 5–6 on the Mohs scale), which means it must be handled with care to avoid scratches and damage.
Tanzanite: A Rare Zoisite Variety
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, with the chemical formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH). It is only found in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, where it forms in metamorphic rock under high heat and pressure. The gemstone is typically found in brown or green hues in its raw form, but when heated, it transforms into the deep blue-violet color that makes it so desirable.
Tanzanite is known for its pleochroism—the ability to display different colors when viewed from different angles. It has a hardness of 6–7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it suitable for jewelry but still requires some care to prevent damage.
Zircon: A Silicate Mineral with High Refractive Index
Zircon is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula ZrSiO₄. It is known for its high refractive index and dispersion, which give it a brilliant sparkle similar to that of a diamond. Zircon is found in various locations around the world, including:
- Australia, India, and Brazil: Known for producing high-quality zircon in a range of colors.
- Madagascar and Myanmar: Also major sources of zircon, particularly in the blue and golden varieties.
Zircon is available in a wide range of colors, including colorless, yellow, golden, red, and blue. The blue variety is the most popular for jewelry and is often used as a diamond simulant. Zircon has a hardness of 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear.
Blue Topaz: A Silicate of Aluminum and Fluorine
Blue Topaz is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂. It is found in igneous rocks and is often heat-treated to enhance its color. Natural blue topaz is extremely rare, and most of the blue topaz used in jewelry is created through controlled heating processes that transform yellow or brown topaz into the blue color commonly seen in jewelry.
Topaz is found in several countries, including:
- Brazil and Nigeria: Major sources of topaz in a range of colors.
- Myanmar and Pakistan: Also produce topaz, though in smaller quantities.
Blue topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the most durable of the December birthstones. It is often used in engagement rings and other fine jewelry due to its durability and affordability.
Gemological Properties
| Gemstone | Color | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Refractive Index | Chemical Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Sky blue to greenish blue | 5–6 | 1.61–1.65 | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O |
| Tanzanite | Deep blue to violet | 6–7 | 1.69–1.72 | Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH) |
| Zircon (Blue) | Blue, golden, colorless | 6–7.5 | 1.92–2.01 | ZrSiO₄ |
| Blue Topaz | Blue | 8 | 1.62–1.64 | Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂ |
These properties influence the way each gemstone is used in jewelry. For example, blue topaz is ideal for everyday wear due to its high hardness, while tanzanite and turquoise require a bit more care due to their relative softness.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Turquoise: Protection, Healing, and Communication
Turquoise has long been associated with protection, healing, and communication. In ancient cultures, it was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. In modern metaphysical practices, turquoise is thought to support emotional balance, encourage self-expression, and promote calmness.
It is also associated with the thorax chakra, which is linked to communication and self-expression. Many people wear turquoise as a way to improve their ability to express themselves and to feel more confident in social situations.
Tanzanite: Intuition, Compassion, and Emotional Healing
Tanzanite is believed to enhance intuition and emotional healing. It is often used in meditation and spiritual practices to help individuals connect with their higher self and develop a deeper understanding of their emotions. Because of its rarity, tanzanite is also seen as a symbol of spiritual awakening and transformation.
In many cultures, tanzanite is associated with compassion and empathy. It is said to help individuals understand others more deeply and to foster stronger emotional connections.
Zircon: Wisdom, Prosperity, and Restful Sleep
Zircon is believed to bring wisdom and prosperity to those who wear it. In some cultures, it is considered a stone of abundance and is used in rituals to attract wealth and success. Zircon is also associated with restful sleep and is thought to help individuals achieve a deep and peaceful rest.
Blue zircon, in particular, is believed to have a calming effect and is often used to reduce stress and anxiety.
Blue Topaz: Strength, Courage, and Clarity
Blue topaz is associated with strength, courage, and clarity. In medieval Europe, it was believed to be a stone of protection and was worn to ward off negativity and danger. Today, blue topaz is often used to help individuals stay focused and clear-minded, especially in times of stress or uncertainty.
It is also believed to promote honesty and integrity and is often used in relationships to encourage open and truthful communication.
Care and Cleaning
Turquoise
Turquoise is relatively soft and sensitive to chemicals and heat. To keep it looking its best:
- Clean with a soft cloth after wearing.
- Use lukewarm, soapy water for deeper cleaning, but avoid harsh chemicals.
- Store in a soft pouch or fabric-lined jewelry box to prevent scratches.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high heat, as this can cause the stone to lose moisture and become brittle.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is sensitive to heat and sunlight, which can cause it to fade or lose its color. To care for tanzanite:
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods.
- Store it separately from other gemstones to avoid scratches.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and steam cleaners.
Zircon
Zircon is more durable than turquoise and tanzanite but still requires some care:
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Avoid exposure to heat for long periods.
- Store in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent damage.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the stone.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is one of the hardest of the December birthstones, making it suitable for everyday wear:
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- It can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner.
- It is resistant to most chemicals, though it should be kept away from strong acids.
- Store in a jewelry box or pouch to prevent scratches from other gemstones.
Conclusion
December birthstones offer a rich and diverse selection of gemstones, each with its own unique history, beauty, and symbolism. Turquoise, the oldest and most traditional of the four, has been cherished for thousands of years for its protective and healing properties. Tanzanite, a rare gemstone discovered in the 20th century, has quickly become a favorite for its deep violet-blue hues and spiritual significance. Zircon, known for its brilliance and affordability, is a versatile choice for jewelry and spiritual practices. And Blue Topaz, with its durability and affordability, is an excellent option for everyday wear and engagement rings.
Whether you are choosing a December birthstone for yourself or for a loved one, each of these gems carries a unique story and meaning. With proper care and appreciation, these beautiful stones can be cherished for generations to come.