December is a month rich in tradition and symbolism, and its association with gemstones is no exception. Unlike other months, December is uniquely distinguished by having four officially recognized birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz. Each of these gemstones embodies a distinct color, origin, and set of properties, reflecting the diversity and depth of December’s gemstone heritage. These stones are not only prized for their aesthetic appeal but also for their historical significance and symbolic meanings, making them a perfect choice for both jewelry and personal adornment.
This article explores the four December birthstones in detail, drawing from historical, geological, and cultural sources to provide a comprehensive overview. We will examine the geological properties of each stone, their sources and formation, their historical and cultural significance, and the symbolic meanings attributed to them across different cultures and time periods. Additionally, we will provide practical advice on how to care for these gemstones, as their durability and maintenance requirements vary.
History and Lore
The tradition of associating gemstones with specific months dates back to ancient times, with roots in Mesopotamia and later in ancient Greece and Rome. The earliest known references to birthstones appear in the Biblical Breastplate of Aaron, which lists twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. While this list does not correspond directly to the modern birthstone calendar, it marks the beginning of the association between gemstones and specific months.
For December, the history of its birthstones is particularly intriguing. Originally, Turquoise and Zircon were the only recognized gemstones for the month. Over time, the list expanded to include Blue Topaz, and in 2002, Tanzanite was added, making December the only month with four official birthstones. This expansion reflects the evolving nature of the birthstone tradition and highlights the growing appreciation for new gemstone discoveries and their commercial appeal.
Turquoise: The Ancient Stone of Protection
Turquoise is the most historically significant of December’s birthstones. Its use dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its popularity in Ancient Egypt, Persia, and the American Southwest. The name "Turquoise" comes from the French phrase "pierre turquoise", meaning "Turkish stone", as the gem was historically imported into Europe from Turkey via Persian bazaars.
In ancient cultures, turquoise was believed to possess protective and healing properties. It was often used in amulets and talismans to ward off evil and bring good fortune. The Aztecs and Native American tribes held turquoise in high esteem, using it in ceremonial jewelry and religious artifacts. Its enduring popularity in jewelry and decorative arts continues to this day.
Tanzanite: The Modern Discovery
Tanzanite is the most recent addition to the December birthstone lineup, discovered in 1967 in Tanzania by Masai herder Manuel de Souza. The gem was initially misidentified as zircon or ruby before it was correctly identified and named Tanzanite in honor of its country of origin. Its vibrant violet-blue color and trichroic nature (displaying three different colors depending on the angle of light) made it a quick favorite in the jewelry world.
Tanzanite is unique in that it is found only in Tanzania, making it one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Its discovery in the 20th century marked a significant moment in gemology, as it introduced a new and highly sought-after gemstone to the market.
Zircon: The Timeless Sparkler
Zircon has been admired for centuries, with the oldest known zircon crystals dating back 4.4 billion years. These ancient crystals, found in Australia, are among the oldest physical materials on Earth. Zircon was historically used in Roman and medieval jewelry, where it was prized for its sparkling brilliance and refractive properties. The gem was often mistaken for diamond or zirconium, but its unique refractive index and dispersion make it distinct.
Zircon comes in a wide range of colors, from golden yellow to deep red and blue, with the blue variety being the most commonly associated with December. Known as Blue Zircon, it is prized for its vivid color and affordability, making it a popular choice for affordable yet elegant jewelry.
Blue Topaz: The Durable Winter Blue
Blue Topaz is the alternative December birthstone, added to the list for its durability and affordability. While topaz is generally a colorless gemstone, it can be heat-treated to produce a range of colors, including deep blue, which is now associated with December.
Blue Topaz is harder than Turquoise and Tanzanite, with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it more suitable for everyday wear. It is also more resistant to scratches and damage, which is a key consideration in jewelry design and maintenance.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological properties and sources of a gemstone is essential for appreciating its beauty and rarity. Each of December’s birthstones has a distinct geological history and source location, contributing to its unique characteristics and value.
Turquoise: A Product of Groundwater and Time
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral formed by groundwater rich in copper seeping into limestone or volcanic rock. Over time, the water reacts with other minerals in the rock, forming an opaque gemstone with a stunning blue-green hue. The matrix patterns seen in turquoise—the dark lines and shapes—are derived from the surrounding rock, giving each stone a one-of-a-kind appearance.
The most famous sources of turquoise include Iran, China, and the American Southwest, particularly in New Mexico and Nevada. These regions are known for producing high-quality turquoise with vivid color and minimal matrix. The American Southwest is also home to Native American turquoise jewelry, which remains highly valued for its artistry and cultural significance.
Tanzanite: A Unique Geological Phenomenon
Tanzanite is formed under specific geological conditions that occur only in Tanzania. It is a trigonal mineral with a complex chemical structure, primarily composed of zinc, aluminum, and silicate. The gem’s violet-blue color is due to the presence of vanadium, which is rare in the Earth’s crust.
The only known source of tanzanite is the Merelani Hills in Tanzania, a small region where the gem was first discovered in the 1960s. Due to the limited source and the geological conditions required for its formation, tanzanite is considered one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Its geological uniqueness and rarity contribute to its high market value.
Zircon: An Ancient and Diverse Mineral
Zircon is a zirconium silicate mineral that has existed for billions of years, with the oldest known zircon crystals found in Australia. These crystals are over 4.4 billion years old, making them some of the oldest physical materials on Earth. Zircon is known for its high refractive index, which gives it a sparkling, diamond-like appearance.
Zircon is found in a wide range of colors, including golden yellow, red, green, and blue, with the blue variety being the most commonly associated with December. Blue Zircon is created through heat treatment, which enhances its color and clarity. The most common sources of zircon include Brazil, Cambodia, and Madagascar, where large deposits of the mineral are found.
Blue Topaz: A Versatile and Durable Gem
Topaz is a silicate mineral that occurs in a wide range of colors, including colorless, yellow, orange, and blue. The blue color in topaz is typically achieved through heat treatment, which alters the structure of the gemstone and enhances its color.
Blue Topaz is found in several locations around the world, including Brazil, Nigeria, and the United States. It is prized for its durability and affordability, making it a popular choice for everyday jewelry. With a Mohs hardness of 8, blue topaz is more resistant to scratches and damage than tanzanite or turquoise, making it an ideal alternative for December birthstone jewelry.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the scientific properties of a gemstone is essential for appreciating its beauty and durability. Each of December’s birthstones has a unique set of gemological properties, including hardness, refractive index, and chemical composition, which contribute to their aesthetic appeal and practical use in jewelry.
Turquoise: A Soft but Sturdy Stone
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 5 to 6
- Color: Blue-green, often with matrix patterns
- Chemical Formula: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
- Refractive Index: 1.61 to 1.65
- Luster: Waxy to greasy
- Transparency: Opaque
Turquoise is relatively soft, which means it is susceptible to scratches and damage. However, it is often stabilized with resins or waxes to enhance its durability and luster. Its waxy luster and opaque nature give it a unique appearance, with the matrix patterns adding to its charm and individuality.
Tanzanite: A Rare and Radiant Gem
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 6 to 7
- Color: Violet-blue (trichroic)
- Chemical Formula: CaZnAl₂(SiO₄)₂(O,OH,F)₂
- Refractive Index: 1.694 to 1.706
- Luster: Vitreous
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Tanzanite is prized for its vibrant color and trichroic nature, meaning it displays three different colors depending on the angle of light. It has a vitreous luster and a high refractive index, which gives it a sparkling, radiant appearance. Tanzanite is also relatively soft, making it susceptible to damage if not handled carefully.
Zircon: A Sparkling and Versatile Mineral
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 6 to 7.5
- Color: Blue, golden yellow, red, green, etc.
- Chemical Formula: ZrSiO₄
- Refractive Index: 1.92 to 2.01
- Luster: Vitreous
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Zircon is known for its high refractive index and dispersion, which gives it a sparkling, diamond-like appearance. The blue variety of zircon is most commonly associated with December, and it is often heat-treated to enhance its color and clarity. Zircon is relatively durable, with a hardness of 6 to 7.5, making it suitable for everyday jewelry.
Blue Topaz: A Durable and Affordable Gem
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 8
- Color: Blue (heat-treated)
- Chemical Formula: Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂
- Refractive Index: 1.61 to 1.63
- Luster: Vitreous
- Transparency: Transparent
Blue Topaz is one of the most durable of December’s birthstones, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It is prized for its vibrant blue color and affordability, making it a popular choice for everyday jewelry. Blue Topaz is often heat-treated to enhance its color, and it has a vitreous luster and high refractive index, giving it a sparkling appearance.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of December’s birthstones carries its own symbolism and metaphysical beliefs, which have been attributed to it across different cultures and time periods. These symbolic meanings often reflect the properties and characteristics of the gemstone, as well as the beliefs and traditions of the people who have used them.
Turquoise: A Stone of Protection and Clarity
Turquoise has long been associated with protection, clarity, and calmness. In Ancient Egypt, it was believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. The Aztecs and Native American tribes also used turquoise in ceremonial jewelry and religious artifacts, believing it to promote healing and spiritual connection.
In modern times, turquoise is still associated with protection and grounding, making it a popular choice for those seeking emotional and spiritual balance. It is also believed to enhance communication and self-expression, making it a valuable tool for those in need of clarity and confidence.
Tanzanite: A Stone of Transformation and Growth
Tanzanite is often associated with transformation, growth, and new beginnings. Its violet-blue color is believed to reflect the feeling of stepping into something new with clarity and curiosity. In modern gemology, tanzanite is associated with emotional healing and spiritual transformation, making it a popular choice for those undergoing personal change or seeking to embrace new opportunities.
Tanzanite is also believed to enhance intuition and inner wisdom, making it a valuable tool for those seeking to connect with their inner self and gain a deeper understanding of their life path.
Zircon: A Stone of Clarity and Focus
Zircon is known for sharpening focus and boosting mental clarity. In Ancient Rome, zircon was believed to enhance wisdom and clarity of thought, making it a popular choice for scholars and intellectuals. In modern times, zircon is associated with mental clarity, focus, and a sense of balance, making it a valuable tool for those seeking to improve their concentration and decision-making skills.
Zircon is also believed to enhance spiritual awareness and promote emotional stability, making it a popular choice for those seeking to connect with their inner self and gain a deeper understanding of their life path.
Blue Topaz: A Stone of Courage and Joy
Blue Topaz is associated with courage, joy, and self-confidence. In Ancient Greece, topaz was believed to bring strength and power to its wearer, making it a popular choice for warriors and leaders. In modern times, blue topaz is associated with emotional healing and positive energy, making it a valuable tool for those seeking to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities.
Blue Topaz is also believed to enhance communication and self-expression, making it a popular choice for those in need of clarity and confidence. It is often used in jewelry to promote a sense of calm and optimism, making it a valuable tool for those seeking to connect with their inner self and gain a deeper understanding of their life path.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning are essential for maintaining the beauty and durability of any gemstone. Each of December’s birthstones has specific care requirements, which are based on their hardness, refractive properties, and susceptibility to damage.
Turquoise: A Delicate and Fragile Gem
Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It is also porous, making it susceptible to damage from water, heat, and chemicals.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the stone. Avoid using harsh chemicals, steam, or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the stone or its matrix.
- Storage: Store turquoise jewelry in a **cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other gemstones, which can scratch or damage it.
- Avoid: Exposure to water, oils, and perfumes, which can alter the color and stability of the stone.
Tanzanite: A Rare and Fragile Gem
Tanzanite is relatively soft, with a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is also susceptible to damage from heat, light, and chemicals.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the stone. Avoid using harsh chemicals, steam, or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can alter the color and stability of the stone.
- Storage: Store tanzanite jewelry in a **dark, cool place, away from direct sunlight and other gemstones, which can scratch or damage it.
- Avoid: Exposure to heat and light, which can alter the color and stability of the stone.
Zircon: A Sparkling and Durable Gem
Zircon is relatively durable, with a hardness of 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is also resistant to scratches and damage, making it suitable for everyday wear.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the stone. Avoid using harsh chemicals, steam, or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can alter the color and stability of the stone.
- Storage: Store zircon jewelry in a **cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other gemstones, which can scratch or damage it.
- Avoid: Exposure to heat and light, which can alter the color and stability of the stone.
Blue Topaz: A Durable and Affordable Gem
Blue Topaz is one of the most durable of December’s birthstones, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It is also resistant to scratches and damage, making it suitable for everyday wear.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the stone. Avoid using harsh chemicals, steam, or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can alter the color and stability of the stone.
- Storage: Store blue topaz jewelry in a **cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other gemstones, which can scratch or damage it.
- Avoid: Exposure to heat and light, which can alter the color and stability of the stone.
Conclusion
December is a month of cold weather, holiday cheer, and a unique distinction in the world of gemstones: it is the only month with four officially recognized birthstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz. Each of these gemstones carries its own rich history, distinct gemological properties, and symbolic meaning, making them ideal choices for jewelry and personal adornment.
From the ancient origins of Turquoise to the modern discovery of Tanzanite, December’s birthstones reflect the diversity and depth of the gemstone tradition. Whether you are drawn to the protective qualities of Turquoise, the transformative power of Tanzanite, the clarity and focus of Zircon, or the courage and joy of Blue Topaz, there is a December birthstone for every taste and need.
By understanding the history, geological properties, and symbolic meanings of these gemstones, you can appreciate their beauty and significance in a more informed and meaningful way. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, jewelry buyer, or student of gemology, the December birthstones offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration that continue to captivate and inspire.