December birthstones offer a unique and meaningful way to celebrate someone born in the final month of the year. Unlike many months that feature a single gemstone, December is distinguished by three gemstones—Turquoise, Blue Topaz, and Tanzanite—each with its own rich history, symbolism, and aesthetic appeal. These stones are not only beautiful but also carry deep emotional and cultural significance, making them ideal choices for jewelry that can be cherished for a lifetime.
For those seeking a meaningful and personalized gift, December birthstone jewelry offers a wide range of options, from elegant stud earrings and pendants to bold cocktail rings and customizable bracelets. This article explores the properties and symbolism of each December birthstone, provides guidance on selecting the perfect piece of jewelry, and offers insights into the cultural and historical significance of these gems. Whether you're shopping for a birthday, a holiday, or simply looking to add a meaningful piece to your own collection, this guide will help you make an informed and thoughtful choice.
History and Lore
The tradition of birthstones is ancient, with roots in biblical and cultural lore that has evolved over time. The December birthstone list includes three gems—Turquoise, Blue Topaz, and Tanzanite—each with its own historical significance.
Turquoise: The Traditional December Gem
Turquoise has been admired for thousands of years, with its history stretching back to Ancient Egypt, Persia, and Indigenous American cultures. Its distinctive blue to green hue and natural matrix patterns have made it a symbol of protection, wisdom, and good fortune. In ancient Egypt, turquoise was used to adorn royalty and was believed to offer divine protection. It was often incorporated into amulets and jewelry, serving as both a decorative and spiritual object.
In the Americas, particularly among the Navajo and other Native American tribes, turquoise was considered sacred and was used in rituals and ceremonies. The stone was believed to bring good luck, promote healing, and act as a conduit for spiritual communication.
Its enduring appeal has made turquoise a traditional December birthstone, and it continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a connection to ancient traditions and a sense of personal protection.
Blue Topaz: The Modern December Gem
Blue Topaz is a more recent addition to the December birthstone list, often considered the modern gemstone for the month. Known for its icy clarity and vibrant blue color, it mirrors the crisp, clean skies of winter. Its popularity as a birthstone has grown significantly in recent decades, especially in the jewelry industry, where its brilliance and affordability make it a desirable choice.
Blue Topaz is associated with calmness, communication, and truth, making it a fitting symbol for the reflective and communicative nature of December birthdays. In modern jewelry design, Blue Topaz is often set in white gold or platinum and paired with diamonds to enhance its brilliance.
Tanzanite: The Rarest of the Three
Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone, discovered in Tanzania in the early 1960s. It quickly gained popularity due to its striking violet-blue color and its limited availability, as it is found only in this one location. Tanzanite is often called the "stone of transformation" due to its ability to absorb and reflect light in different ways, symbolizing adaptability and inner change.
In the context of December, Tanzanite is particularly significant because it aligns with the Capricorn zodiac sign, which is known for its thoughtful and focused nature. The stone is believed to support clarity of thought, emotional balance, and spiritual insight, making it a powerful and meaningful choice for Capricorns and others drawn to its unique properties.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of the December birthstones is formed through distinct geological processes and is found in specific locations around the world. Understanding the origin of these gems can add to their allure and help buyers make informed choices when selecting jewelry.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral that forms in the oxidation zone of copper deposits. It is typically found in arid regions where copper-rich rocks are exposed to the surface and react with water and other elements. The blue and green colors of turquoise are caused by the presence of copper and aluminum, while the matrix patterns—often black or brown—are the result of iron and other minerals.
The most famous sources of turquoise include:
- Iran (Persian Turquoise): Historically the most prized turquoise, known for its intense blue color and minimal matrix.
- United States (especially Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada): Known for its rich blue and green tones, often with a pronounced matrix.
- China and Egypt: Also produce turquoise, though it is generally less valuable than that from Iran or the U.S.
Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it more prone to scratches and damage. As a result, it is best suited for jewelry that is not worn daily, such as pendants or earrings.
Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz is a silicate mineral composed of aluminum, silicon, and fluorine. Naturally occurring blue topaz is extremely rare; most of the blue topaz seen in jewelry is treated to enhance or alter its color. The blue color is typically achieved through irradiation and heat treatment, which stabilizes the gemstone and gives it a consistent, beautiful hue.
Blue Topaz is one of the hardest December birthstones, with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it highly durable and suitable for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets.
It is primarily mined in Brazil, though it is also found in Myanmar, Nigeria, and the United States. Brazil is the largest and most consistent source of high-quality blue topaz.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a trigonal mineral with a chemical composition of calcium aluminum silicate. It is formed under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions in metamorphic rocks, specifically in a type of rock known as limestone. The stone's unique violet-blue color is due to the presence of vanes, which cause the gem to exhibit trichroism—the ability to show three different colors when viewed from different angles.
As its name suggests, Tanzanite is only found in Tanzania, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The mining area is relatively small, and the deposits are expected to be depleted in the near future, which has contributed to its rarity and value.
Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, which is moderate and means it should be handled with care. It is not as durable as Blue Topaz but is still suitable for jewelry when properly cut and set.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of December birthstones is essential for both buyers and collectors. These properties influence the gem's durability, appearance, and suitability for different types of jewelry.
Turquoise
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Ranges from blue to green, often with a matrix of darker lines or patterns. |
| Clarity | Naturally opaque and porous; often stabilized with resin to improve durability. |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 5 to 6 |
| Refractive Index | 1.60 to 1.65 |
| Luster | Waxy to greasy |
| Chemical Formula | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O |
Turquoise is a porous gemstone, so it is often treated with resin or wax to enhance its stability and durability. This treatment can affect its value and appearance, so it is important to understand the difference between stabilized and natural turquoise.
Blue Topaz
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Ranges from pale blue to deep blue; most blue topaz is treated to enhance color. |
| Clarity | Typically eye-clean, with few inclusions. |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.61 to 1.63 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂ |
Blue Topaz is known for its exceptional clarity and brilliance, making it a popular choice for jewelry. Its high hardness makes it durable and suitable for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets.
Tanzanite
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Ranges from violet-blue to purple-blue, depending on the angle of view. |
| Clarity | Often includes inclusions, but these are usually not visible to the naked eye. |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 6 to 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.69 to 1.70 |
| Luster | Vitreous to greasy |
| Chemical Formula | CaAl₆(SiO₄)₃(OH)₁₂ |
Tanzanite's trichroism is one of its most notable features. When viewed from different angles, it can display three different colors, which adds to its visual appeal. However, this also means that it must be cut carefully to ensure that the most desirable colors are displayed.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The December birthstones are not only admired for their beauty but also for their symbolic and metaphysical properties. These beliefs have been passed down through generations and continue to influence how people choose and wear their gemstones.
Turquoise
Turquoise is often referred to as the "stone of protection" and is believed to shield the wearer from negative energies and harm. It is also associated with good fortune, communication, and emotional balance. In many cultures, turquoise is used as a talisman or amulet to promote peace, wisdom, and spiritual insight.
The stone is also believed to enhance creativity and intuition, making it a popular choice for artists, writers, and those seeking inspiration. In Native American traditions, turquoise is considered a bridge between the earthly and the divine, and it is often used in rituals and ceremonies to facilitate communication with the spirit world.
Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz is known as the "clarity stone" and is associated with open communication, truth, and calm energy. It is believed to help the wearer express themselves more clearly and confidently, making it a valuable stone for those in professions that require public speaking or interpersonal skills.
In addition, Blue Topaz is thought to promote emotional stability and reduce stress, making it a calming and soothing gemstone. It is also believed to enhance mental clarity and focus, helping the wearer make better decisions and think more clearly.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is often called the "stone of transformation" due to its ability to reflect and absorb light in different ways. It is believed to help the wearer navigate change, adapt to new situations, and find inner balance. It is particularly associated with spiritual growth, emotional healing, and self-discovery.
In metaphysical traditions, Tanzanite is believed to open the third eye chakra, enhancing intuition and spiritual awareness. It is also thought to help release old patterns and behaviors, making it a powerful stone for personal transformation.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning are essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of December birthstone jewelry. Each gemstone has its own specific care requirements, based on its hardness, porosity, and sensitivity to heat and chemicals.
Turquoise
Turquoise is relatively soft and porous, so it requires gentle care to avoid damage. It should not be exposed to harsh chemicals, excessive heat, or prolonged exposure to water, as this can cause it to fade or deteriorate.
To clean turquoise jewelry, use a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they can damage the gemstone. It is also important to remove turquoise jewelry before swimming, showering, or engaging in activities that may expose it to harsh conditions.
Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz is one of the hardest December birthstones, with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it more durable than turquoise. It can be cleaned using mild soap and water, and it can also be cleaned with ultrasonic or steam cleaners if desired.
However, it is important to note that most blue topaz is treated to enhance its color, and exposure to excessive heat or radiation can alter or fade the gemstone. Therefore, it is best to avoid exposing blue topaz to high temperatures or harsh chemicals.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite has a moderate hardness (6 to 7 on the Mohs scale) and is not as durable as blue topaz. It is also sensitive to heat and light, so it should be handled with care.
To clean tanzanite jewelry, use a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they can damage the gemstone. It is also important to avoid exposing tanzanite to direct sunlight or high temperatures, as this can cause it to fade or become brittle.
Conclusion
December birthstones offer a unique and meaningful way to celebrate someone born in the final month of the year. With three distinct gemstones—Turquoise, Blue Topaz, and Tanzanite—December stands out as a month with a rich diversity of options, each with its own history, symbolism, and aesthetic appeal.
Whether you're drawn to the ancient tradition of turquoise, the calming clarity of blue topaz, or the transformative power of tanzanite, there is a December birthstone that can reflect your personal style and meaning. These gemstones are not only beautiful but also carry deep emotional and cultural significance, making them ideal choices for jewelry that can be cherished for a lifetime.
By understanding the properties, symbolism, and care requirements of each gemstone, you can make an informed and thoughtful choice when selecting a December birthstone gift. Whether you're shopping for a birthday, a holiday, or simply looking to add a meaningful piece to your collection, December birthstone jewelry offers a timeless and personal way to celebrate the beauty of December.