December is uniquely blessed among the months in the birthstone calendar, as it is associated with three distinct gemstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon. Each of these stones carries a distinct set of physical, historical, and symbolic attributes that reflect centuries of cultural reverence and gemological significance. This article explores the characteristics, origins, uses, and meanings of each December birthstone, drawing from historical lore, geological data, and their roles in both ancient and modern contexts.
Historical Origins and Cultural Significance
Turquoise: The Timeless Gem
Turquoise is the oldest and most traditional of the December birthstones, with a documented history dating back over 6,000 years. Its name is derived from the French turquoise, meaning “Turkish,” as the gem was once imported to Europe via Turkey. The earliest known turquoise artifacts come from Egypt, where it was used in jewelry and amulets as early as 3000 BCE. The Egyptians considered turquoise a sacred stone, often associating it with the goddess Hathor, the deity of love, music, and fertility.
In ancient Egypt, turquoise was also believed to have protective properties. It was used in burial rites and found in the tombs of pharaohs, symbolizing life and eternity. The gemstone was carved into small amulets and inlaid into jewelry, often in the form of scarabs and pendants. The belief in turquoise’s protective powers persisted into other ancient cultures, including the Persians, who used it in seals and signet rings, and the Native Americans of the Southwest, who valued it as a symbol of youth, strength, and spiritual connection.
Across the globe, turquoise has held a consistent place in the hearts and traditions of various civilizations. The Tibetans considered it a gem of fortune and health, often using it as a form of currency. In South America, the Incas and Mayas offered turquoise as gifts to their gods. The stone was also believed to have the ability to warn its wearer of approaching illness or danger by changing color or becoming pale.
Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel
Discovered in 1967 in the Mererani Hills of Tanzania, tanzanite is one of the most recent gemstones to gain prominence in the jewelry world. It was officially introduced in 1969 and quickly became popular due to its striking blue-violet hue and pleochroic properties—meaning it displays three distinct colors (blue, violet, and burgundy) depending on the viewing angle.
Tanzanite is often referred to as a “stone of transformation” due to its metaphysical associations with emotional healing and spiritual awakening. It is believed to enhance self-awareness, promote inner peace, and support personal growth. These properties have made it a popular choice for those seeking emotional or spiritual evolution.
What makes tanzanite truly unique is its rarity. It is found only in a very limited geographical area in Tanzania, making it one of the most exclusive gemstones in the world. In fact, it is estimated to be 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. This scarcity, combined with its beauty and transformative symbolism, has elevated tanzanite to a highly coveted gemstone in both fine jewelry and spiritual practices.
Zircon: The Ancient Star
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some zircon crystals dating back over 4.4 billion years. However, as a gemstone, zircon has been known and used for millennia. It was historically referred to as “cubic zirconia,” though this name is now more commonly used to describe a synthetic diamond simulant.
Zircon is available in a range of colors, including yellow, green, red, and blue. The blue zircon, in particular, is highly prized for its brilliance and fire, often rivaling that of diamonds. Zircon is also known for its refractive index, which gives it a high level of sparkle, making it a popular choice for jewelry.
In ancient times, zircon was believed to have protective and mystical properties. It was used in talismans and amulets to ward off evil and bring good fortune. In some cultures, it was thought to help with foresight and clairvoyance. In modern gemology, zircon is valued for its beauty and durability, with a hardness rating of 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
Geological Formation and Mining Locations
Turquoise: From Earth to Elegance
Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of aluminum and copper, with the chemical formula CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O. It is typically found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, often in association with minerals like chalcopyrite and azurite. Turquoise forms when water containing copper and aluminum interacts with phosphate minerals in the rock.
The most highly regarded turquoise comes from Persia (now Iran) and the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona, USA. Persian turquoise is known for its vivid blue color and minimal matrix, making it ideal for high-quality jewelry. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, on the other hand, is prized for its uniform color and smooth texture, and it was mined exclusively from the Sleeping Beauty Mine until its closure.
Other notable sources of turquoise include China, Mexico, Russia, and the United States (especially in New Mexico and Nevada). Each location produces turquoise with slightly different coloration and matrix patterns, contributing to the stone’s diversity.
Tanzanite: A Gem of One Place
Tanzanite is found only in the Mererani Hills in Tanzania, a region that is geologically unique and rich in rare minerals. The gemstone is formed from the mineral zoisite, which undergoes a process called irradiation and heat treatment to bring out its vibrant blue and violet hues.
The Mererani Hills are located near the city of Arusha, in a geologically active area where the African and Indian tectonic plates meet. This convergence creates the ideal conditions for the formation of tanzanite. The deposit is expected to be exhausted within a few decades, which has only increased the stone's value and desirability.
Zircon: A Mineral of Time
Zircon is a zirconium silicate with the chemical formula ZrSiO₄. It is a durable mineral that can withstand geological processes for billions of years, making it one of the oldest minerals on Earth. Zircon is found in a variety of geological settings, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
The most famous zircon deposits are found in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, though it can also be found in the United States, Brazil, and Australia. Zircon is often heat-treated to enhance its color, particularly to produce the popular blue and green varieties. These treatments are common in the gem trade and are considered standard practice.
Gemological Properties
Turquoise
- Chemical Formula: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
- Color: Ranges from sky blue to green, with variations due to the presence of different minerals.
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 5 to 6.5
- Luster: Waxy to vitreous
- Transparency: Opaque to semi-translucent
- Cleavage: Poor to indistinct
- Specific Gravity: 2.6 to 2.8
- Refractive Index: 1.61 to 1.65
Turquoise is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, so it requires gentle handling and care. It is also porous, which makes it susceptible to damage from chemicals and excessive moisture. For these reasons, it is best suited for jewelry that is not worn daily.
Tanzanite
- Chemical Formula: Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(OH)₃
- Color: Blue, violet, and burgundy (pleochroic)
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 6 to 7
- Luster: Vitreous
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
- Specific Gravity: 3.1 to 3.4
- Refractive Index: 1.694 to 1.701
Tanzanite is relatively durable but has a perfect cleavage in one direction, which means it can be prone to chipping if struck along that plane. It is also sensitive to heat and should not be exposed to high temperatures.
Zircon
- Chemical Formula: ZrSiO₄
- Color: Yellow, green, red, blue (most prized is blue zircon)
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 6 to 7.5
- Luster: Vitreous to adamantine
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Cleavage: None
- Specific Gravity: 4.5 to 5.0
- Refractive Index: 1.92 to 2.01
Zircon is a relatively hard and durable gemstone, making it suitable for everyday wear. Its high refractive index gives it a brilliant sparkle, and it is often used as a diamond alternative in jewelry.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Turquoise: Protection and Positive Energy
Turquoise has long been associated with protection, healing, and positive energy. In many cultures, it is believed to ward off negative influences and bring good fortune. Native American tribes, particularly the Navajo and Hopi, used turquoise in their jewelry and rituals as a symbol of health, strength, and spiritual connection.
In Hindu tradition, it was believed that seeing a piece of turquoise after a New Moon would bring wealth. In medieval Europe, it was thought to protect the wearer from falling, and it was often used on horse bridles for this reason. Some even believed that the gem would break into pieces if disaster was imminent.
Modern metaphysical beliefs continue to emphasize turquoise’s protective and calming properties. It is often used in meditation and spiritual practices to promote emotional balance and inner peace.
Tanzanite: Transformation and Emotional Healing
Tanzanite is associated with transformation, emotional healing, and spiritual awakening. It is believed to help individuals navigate life changes and overcome emotional challenges. The stone is thought to enhance self-awareness, promote compassion, and support inner growth.
In modern crystal healing practices, tanzanite is often used to relieve stress, encourage forgiveness, and foster a sense of peace and clarity. It is also believed to stimulate the third eye and crown chakras, enhancing spiritual perception and intuition.
Zircon: Clarity and Foresight
Zircon is traditionally associated with foresight, protection, and good fortune. It is believed to help individuals see the future more clearly and make wise decisions. In some cultures, zircon was used in talismans to ward off evil and bring prosperity.
Modern metaphysical beliefs continue to value zircon for its ability to enhance clarity and focus. It is often used to support mental clarity, memory, and intellectual pursuits. Some also believe that zircon can help with manifesting goals and attracting abundance.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of December birthstones. Here are some guidelines for each gemstone:
Turquoise
- Avoid exposure to water and chemicals: Turquoise is porous and can absorb liquids and chemicals, which can dull its color and damage the stone.
- Store separately: To prevent scratches, store turquoise away from harder gemstones.
- Use a soft cloth: Clean turquoise with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, use a mild soap and lukewarm water, but avoid soaking the stone.
Tanzanite
- Avoid heat and sunlight: Tanzanite is sensitive to heat and should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners: These can cause damage to the stone due to its perfect cleavage.
- Use a soft cloth or mild soap: Clean tanzanite gently with a soft cloth or a mild soap solution and a soft brush.
Zircon
- Avoid heat and strong chemicals: Zircon can be sensitive to heat and should not be exposed to high temperatures or harsh chemicals.
- Use a soft brush and mild soap: Clean zircon with a soft brush and a mild soap solution to remove dirt and grime.
- Store separately: Store zircon away from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.
Conclusion
December birthstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon—offer a rich tapestry of history, symbolism, and beauty. Each stone has its own unique story, from the ancient reverence for turquoise in Egypt and Native American cultures, to the modern discovery and celebration of tanzanite in Tanzania, and the ancient and enduring allure of zircon across civilizations. Whether worn as jewelry or used for their metaphysical properties, these gemstones continue to inspire and captivate those who appreciate their beauty and significance.
Through their geological rarity, cultural significance, and enduring charm, these December birthstones remain a testament to the timeless appeal of gemstones in both history and modern life.