December, a month synonymous with winter's chill and holiday cheer, also holds a unique place in the world of gemstones. It is the only month associated with four officially recognized birthstones: blue topaz, tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. These gemstones, all characterized by their captivating blue hues, reflect the tranquility and beauty of the winter season. Each of these December birthstones has its own distinct history, gemological properties, and cultural significance. This article delves into the origins, characteristics, symbolism, and practical considerations for each of these gemstones, offering a comprehensive guide for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology.
Introduction
The tradition of associating gemstones with specific months has ancient roots, dating back to Mesopotamian civilizations and later adopted by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Over time, the list of birthstones has evolved, influenced by cultural shifts, gemstone discoveries, and commercial interests. December’s birthstones are particularly notable for their diversity and the depth of meaning each gemstone carries. From the deep, violet-blue of tanzanite to the vibrant sky-blue of turquoise, these stones offer a range of colors and properties that make them ideal for both jewelry and personal adornment.
In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers in the United States standardized the list of birthstones, and by 1952, the Jewelry Industry Council of America had updated the list to include zircon. The most recent addition, tanzanite, was officially recognized in 2002. This expansion reflects the dynamic nature of the birthstone tradition and the ongoing appreciation for new gemstone discoveries.
History and Lore
Turquoise: The Ancient Gemstone
Turquoise is the oldest and most traditional December birthstone, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. This gemstone has been cherished for its vivid blue color and its semi-translucent to opaque appearance. Historically, turquoise was highly valued in ancient cultures such as Egypt, Persia, and the Americas. The Egyptians used it in jewelry and amulets, while the Persians referred to it as "the stone of the sky," believing it to have protective and healing properties.
One of the most prized varieties of turquoise is Persian turquoise, sourced from the ancient mines of Iran. Known for its vivid, even sky-blue color and minimal matrix (the dark veining that often appears in turquoise), Persian turquoise was considered a symbol of nobility and power. In the United States, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, mined from the now-closed Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona, is also highly regarded for its pure, robin’s-egg blue color and smooth, uniform appearance.
Turquoise has long been associated with protection and good fortune. In many cultures, it was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity to the wearer. Native American tribes, such as the Navajo and Zuni, used turquoise in jewelry and ceremonial objects, seeing it as a connection between the earth and the sky.
Zircon: A Stone of Clarity and Balance
Zircon, another traditional December birthstone, has been known to humans for centuries. Its name is derived from the Arabic word "zarkun," which refers to a yellowish gemstone. Zircon has been found in ancient civilizations and was even mistaken for diamonds due to its brilliance and fire. In medieval Europe, zircon was believed to have protective properties, particularly against poison and disease.
Zircon is available in a range of colors, but the blue variety is most commonly associated with December. This blue coloration is achieved through irradiation and heat treatment, processes that enhance the stone’s natural beauty. Zircon has been used in jewelry for centuries, particularly in Victorian and Art Deco eras, where its vibrant color and affordability made it a popular choice.
In terms of symbolism, zircon is associated with clarity, wisdom, and a sense of balance. It was believed to help the wearer make clear decisions and maintain emotional stability. In modern times, zircon is often used as a more affordable alternative to other precious gemstones, making it a popular choice for those seeking the beauty of a blue gemstone without the higher cost.
Tanzanite: A Modern Discovery
Tanzanite is the most recent addition to the list of December birthstones, having been officially recognized in 2002. Discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone, yet it has quickly gained popularity due to its striking violet-blue color and rarity. The stone was first identified as a variety of zoisite, a mineral that is typically found in shades of green. However, when exposed to heat, the green zoisite transformed into the vibrant blue and violet colors that characterize tanzanite.
Tanzanite is unique in that it is only found in a specific region of Tanzania, making it one of the rarest gemstones in the world. This limited geographic distribution has contributed to its high value and exclusivity. Tanzanite is often associated with transformation and new beginnings, making it a fitting birthstone for those born in December, a month that marks the end of one year and the beginning of another.
Blue Topaz: A Durable and Radiant Gemstone
Blue topaz, while not as ancient as turquoise or zircon, has become a popular choice for December birthstones in modern times. Known for its vibrant blue color and durability, blue topaz is a favored gemstone in jewelry. Its popularity has grown significantly since the 20th century, when new sources of topaz were discovered in various parts of the world.
The blue coloration of topaz is typically achieved through irradiation and heat treatment, processes that enhance the stone’s natural beauty. Blue topaz is particularly valued for its hardness, which makes it suitable for everyday wear. With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, blue topaz is one of the most durable of the December birthstones, making it an excellent choice for rings, pendants, and other types of jewelry that are worn frequently.
Blue topaz is often associated with calming and soothing energies, making it a popular choice for those seeking a gemstone that promotes peace and tranquility. Its vibrant blue color is also seen as a symbol of hope and renewal, aligning with the themes of the December season.
Geological Formation and Sources
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂. It is formed in igneous rocks and is often found in association with other minerals such as quartz and beryl. The blue color of topaz is typically the result of irradiation and heat treatment, which enhances the stone’s natural color. Natural blue topaz is rare, and most of the blue topaz available in the market is treated to achieve its vibrant color.
Topaz is found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States. In the U.S., Texas has designated blue topaz as its official state gemstone. The gemstone is often mined from pegmatite deposits, where it forms in pockets and veins. Once extracted, the rough topaz is cut and polished to bring out its natural brilliance and color.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite (CaAl₂(SiO₄)(OH)₂). It is only found in a small region of Tanzania, specifically in the Merelani Hills near the city of Arusha. This geographic limitation makes tanzanite one of the rarest gemstones in the world. The gemstone is formed under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, which contribute to its unique coloration.
Tanzanite is mined through open-pit and underground mining methods. Once extracted, the rough stones are heat-treated to enhance their color, turning the green zoisite into the vibrant blue and violet hues that characterize tanzanite. The gemstone is then cut and polished to maximize its color and brilliance.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral with the chemical formula CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O. It is formed in the oxidized zones of copper deposits and is often found in association with other minerals such as quartz and calcite. Turquoise is typically found in arid regions where it forms in the presence of water and copper.
Historically, turquoise has been mined in various parts of the world, including Iran, Egypt, and the United States. The most prized varieties, such as Persian turquoise and Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, are known for their vibrant blue color and minimal matrix. Turquoise is often mined from open-pit mines, where it is extracted from the surrounding rock and then cut and polished to create jewelry and other decorative items.
Zircon
Zircon is a zirconium silicate mineral with the chemical formula ZrSiO₄. It is found in a variety of geological settings, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Zircon is known for its high refractive index and dispersion, which gives it a diamond-like brilliance. The blue color of zircon is achieved through irradiation and heat treatment, processes that enhance the stone’s natural color.
Zircon is found in various parts of the world, including Australia, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. It is often mined from alluvial deposits, where it has been transported by water and accumulated in riverbeds and coastal areas. Once extracted, the rough zircon is cut and polished to bring out its natural beauty and brilliance.
Gemological Properties
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is known for its vibrant blue color and durability. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear. The gemstone has a refractive index of 1.62 to 1.64 and a specific gravity of 3.5 to 3.6. Blue topaz is typically transparent to translucent and is available in a range of blue shades, from light sky blue to deep blue.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is characterized by its rich violet-blue color and its pleochroism, which means it can display different colors when viewed from different angles. It has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale and is relatively fragile compared to other gemstones. Tanzanite has a refractive index of 1.69 to 1.70 and a specific gravity of 3.3 to 3.4. It is typically transparent to translucent and is often cut in a modified cushion or oval shape to maximize its color and brilliance.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It is typically opaque to translucent and has a waxy luster. The gemstone has a refractive index of 1.61 to 1.65 and a specific gravity of 2.6 to 2.8. Turquoise is known for its vibrant blue to greenish-blue color and the presence of matrix, which is the dark veining that often appears in the stone.
Zircon
Zircon is a high refractive index gemstone, known for its brilliance and fire. It has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale and is available in a range of colors, including blue, green, red, and brown. Blue zircon is the most commonly associated with December and is known for its vibrant color and durability. The gemstone has a refractive index of 1.90 to 2.00 and a specific gravity of 4.6 to 4.7. Zircon is typically transparent to translucent and is often cut in a round or cushion shape to enhance its brilliance.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is associated with calming and soothing energies, making it a popular choice for those seeking peace and tranquility. It is also believed to promote hope and renewal, aligning with the themes of the December season. In some cultures, blue topaz is considered a stone of protection and is used in jewelry to ward off negative energies.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is often associated with transformation and new beginnings. It is believed to help the wearer embrace change and move forward with confidence. The gemstone is also associated with emotional healing and is thought to help individuals process and release negative emotions.
Turquoise
Turquoise has long been associated with protection and good fortune. In many cultures, it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity to the wearer. Turquoise is also associated with communication and self-expression, making it a popular choice for those who seek to enhance their ability to express themselves clearly and confidently.
Zircon
Zircon is associated with clarity, wisdom, and a sense of balance. It is believed to help the wearer make clear decisions and maintain emotional stability. In some cultures, zircon is also associated with the moon and is thought to enhance intuition and psychic abilities.
Care and Cleaning
Blue Topaz
Due to its hardness and durability, blue topaz is suitable for everyday wear. However, it should still be handled with care to avoid scratches and damage. Blue topaz can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the stone.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is relatively fragile compared to other gemstones and requires careful handling. It should be stored separately from harder gemstones to avoid scratches. Tanzanite can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as these can cause damage to the stone.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone and requires special care to prevent damage. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Turquoise can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap, but it should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. It is also important to avoid exposing turquoise to extreme temperatures, as this can cause it to crack or lose its color.
Zircon
Zircon is a durable gemstone that can withstand daily wear, but it should still be handled with care to avoid scratches and damage. Zircon can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the stone. Zircon should also be stored separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.
Conclusion
December's birthstones—blue topaz, tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon—each offer a unique combination of beauty, history, and symbolism. From the ancient traditions surrounding turquoise to the modern discovery of tanzanite, these gemstones have captivated people for centuries. Whether valued for their vibrant blue hues, their gemological properties, or their cultural significance, these stones continue to be cherished by gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology.
Understanding the origins, properties, and symbolism of these gemstones provides a deeper appreciation for their enduring appeal. Whether worn as a personal talisman, a piece of fine jewelry, or a gift for a loved one, December's birthstones are a testament to the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Sources
- Gemsociety.org - December Birthstone
- Gabrielny.com - What is December's Birthstone?
- Beeghlyandcompany.com - December Birthstones Meaning and History
- Jamesallen.com - December Birthstone
- Birthstones.guru - The True December Birthstones
- Bluestone.com - December Birthstone Guide
- Pattiring.com - Complete List of December Birthstones