December 31 marks the end of the year, and for those born on this date, it is also a celebration of the unique and diverse gemstones associated with the month. The birthstones for December include tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise—each with its own rich history, gemological properties, and cultural significance. This article delves into the characteristics, origins, symbolism, and care of these three gemstones, offering a detailed and authoritative guide for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology alike.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel of December
Tanzanite is one of the most recently discovered gemstones to be recognized as a birthstone. It was first identified in the 1960s in Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro, and was initially marketed by the renowned jewelry house Tiffany & Co. as a unique and exclusive gem. Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, and it is known for its striking blue to violet hues, which can shift depending on the lighting and viewing angle. This phenomenon is due to its pleochroism, a property that allows the gemstone to display multiple colors when viewed from different directions.
In terms of cultural significance, tanzanite is relatively new, but it has already made a significant impact. It is often associated with transformation and spiritual awakening, making it a popular choice for those seeking personal growth or emotional healing. The gemstone’s rarity—being found only in a small area of Tanzania—adds to its allure and value. It is also considered a symbol of peace and serenity, and is believed to help the wearer overcome emotional challenges.
Zircon: A Timeless Radiance
Zircon has a long and storied history, dating back to ancient civilizations. Its name is derived from the Arabic word zarkun, meaning “jewel,” and it has been revered for its brilliance and fire, which closely resemble that of a diamond. In Sanskrit, zircon is known as rahuratna, or “the tone of the Nodes of the Moon,” a reference to the celestial bodies associated with lunar eclipses.
Zircon is available in a wide range of colors, including colorless, yellow, orange, red, green, and blue, with the colorless and blue varieties being the most popular as birthstones. The colorless variety is often referred to as jargoon or Maturan Diamond, especially when it comes from Sri Lanka. Zircon was widely used in ancient times for its supposed protective and healing properties. Physicians in the Middle Ages wore zircon on their left fingers, believing it aided in accurate diagnosis and healing.
In India, zircon was thought to be more potent when set in gold, and it was used as an amulet against the Black Death in medieval Europe. Its versatility and durability, combined with its historical and mystical associations, make zircon a compelling choice for those born on December 31.
Turquoise: The Stone of Protection and Fortune
Turquoise has been treasured for thousands of years across many cultures. It is believed to have been named after the Turkish word turkis, referring to its journey through the markets of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) to reach Europe. The gemstone was particularly popular in Persia, Tibet, and the Americas, where it was used for both decorative and ceremonial purposes.
In Tibet, turquoise was not just a gemstone but a form of currency, and it was believed to bring good fortune, health, and success. Ancient Inca and Maya civilizations offered turquoise to their gods as an offering, while Native American tribes associated it with youth and strength. When combined with gold, turquoise was seen as a symbol of vitality and longevity.
Turquoise was also thought to have protective properties, warning the wearer of impending illness or danger by changing color or becoming pale. It was a favored gemstone for amulets and talismans, especially in Tibet and the Middle East, where it was believed to preserve relationships and promote harmony among lovers and married couples.
Geological Formation and Sources
Tanzanite: A One-of-a-Kind Origin
Tanzanite is a rare and unique gemstone that is only found in a small region near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is a type of zoisite, a calcium aluminum silicate, and its vivid blue to violet color is the result of a heat treatment that enhances its natural color. The gemstone is known for its strong pleochroism, which means it can display three different colors depending on the angle of light and the viewer's perspective.
Due to its limited geographical source, tanzanite is considered a rare and valuable gemstone, and its scarcity adds to its desirability. The gemstone is typically faceted to showcase its color and clarity, and it is often used in jewelry such as rings, pendants, and earrings. The Durability of tanzanite is moderate, with a hardness of 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear but requiring careful handling to avoid scratches or chips.
Zircon: A Versatile and Durable Gemstone
Zircon is a silicate mineral with a complex chemical composition that varies depending on its source and color. The most common colors of zircon are colorless, yellow, and red, though it can also occur in green, brown, and blue varieties. The colorless and blue zircons are particularly popular as birthstones, especially in Sri Lanka and India, where they are often referred to as jargoon and hyacinth, respectively.
Zircon is found in several parts of the world, including Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and India, with these countries producing about 70% of the world's zircon gemstones. The gemstone is known for its high refractive index and dispersion, which gives it a sparkling and fire-like appearance. Zircon is also relatively hard, with a hardness of 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for use in rings, pendants, and earrings.
One of the notable features of zircon is its radiation sensitivity, which means that some zircons may have been altered by natural radiation over time, resulting in changes to their color. This is particularly common in brown and yellow zircons, which can be heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity.
Turquoise: A Natural Treasure of the Earth
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral composed of copper and aluminum, and it forms in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, often in arid regions where it is exposed to the elements. The gemstone gets its name from its blue-green color, which is due to the presence of copper and the hydration of the mineral. The color can vary from deep blue to green, depending on the iron and aluminum content.
Turquoise is found in several parts of the world, including Persia (modern-day Iran), the Sinai Peninsula, Tibet, and the American Southwest, where it has been mined for thousands of years. In the United States, the Navajo and Zuni tribes have traditionally used turquoise in their jewelry and ceremonial objects, and it is still a popular material in Native American jewelry today.
Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 5–6 on the Mohs scale, which makes it more susceptible to scratches and damage than harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. As a result, it is best suited for jewelry that is worn less frequently, such as pendants and earrings, rather than rings or bracelets that are subject to daily wear and tear.
Gemological Properties
Tanzanite
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH) |
| Color | Blue to violet, often with pleochroism |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 6–6.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous (glassy) |
| Refractive Index | 1.69–1.70 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.1–3.4 |
| Cleavage | Poor to indistinct |
| Common Cuts | Oval, cushion, emerald, and round |
| Common Uses | Rings, pendants, earrings |
Tanzanite is a rare and vibrant gemstone that is best known for its pleochroism, which allows it to display multiple colors when viewed from different angles. Its vitreous luster and high refractive index give it a sparkling and lively appearance, making it a popular choice for jewelry. Due to its moderate hardness, it is best suited for less frequent wear and requires careful handling to avoid scratches or chips.
Zircon
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | ZrSiO₄ |
| Color | Colorless, yellow, red, green, blue |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 6–7.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous to subadamantine |
| Refractive Index | 1.92–2.01 |
| Specific Gravity | 4.5–5.0 |
| Cleavage | Poor |
| Common Cuts | Round, oval, emerald, and princess |
| Common Uses | Rings, pendants, earrings |
Zircon is a versatile and durable gemstone that is known for its high refractive index and dispersion, which gives it a sparkling and fire-like appearance. It is available in a wide range of colors, with the colorless and blue varieties being the most popular as birthstones. Zircon is relatively hard, with a hardness of 6–7.5, making it suitable for use in rings and pendants. However, it is sensitive to heat, so care should be taken when cleaning or repairing zircon jewelry.
Turquoise
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O |
| Color | Blue to green, with white or black matrix |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 5–6 |
| Luster | Waxy to greasy |
| Refractive Index | 1.61–1.65 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.6–2.8 |
| Cleavage | None |
| Common Cuts | Cabochons, beads, and irregular shapes |
| Common Uses | Pendants, earrings, and cabochons |
Turquoise is a soft and porous gemstone that is best known for its blue-green color and distinctive matrix patterns. It is typically cut into cabochons, which are smooth, rounded stones with no facets. Turquoise is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5–6, which makes it more susceptible to scratches and damage than harder gemstones. It is best suited for jewelry that is worn less frequently, such as pendants and earrings.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is associated with spiritual transformation, emotional healing, and inner peace. It is believed to help the wearer release past traumas and embrace new beginnings, making it a popular choice for those seeking personal growth and self-discovery. In metaphysical practices, tanzanite is also thought to enhance intuition and psychic abilities, and it is often used in meditation and spiritual rituals.
The gemstone is also associated with harmony and balance, and it is believed to help the wearer navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. In some cultures, tanzanite is considered a stone of protection, and it is used in amulets and talismans to ward off negative energies and emotions.
Zircon
Zircon has long been associated with healing, protection, and spiritual growth. In ancient times, it was used as an amulet against the Black Death, and it was believed to protect the wearer from illness and disease. In India, zircon was thought to be more potent when set in gold, and it was used in jewelry and talismans to enhance the wearer's health and well-being.
Zircon is also believed to enhance clarity of thought and decision-making, making it a popular choice for physicians and scholars in the Middle Ages. In modern metaphysical practices, zircon is used to stimulate the intellect and promote creative thinking, and it is often used in jewelry and meditation to enhance mental focus and concentration.
Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the most symbolic and spiritually significant gemstones in history. It has been used for protection, healing, and spiritual guidance in many cultures, including Tibet, the Americas, and the Middle East. In Tibet, turquoise was considered a stone of fortune, health, and success, and it was often used as a form of currency.
In the American Southwest, turquoise was associated with youth, strength, and vitality, and it was often combined with gold and silver in jewelry and ceremonial objects. It was also believed to preserve relationships and promote harmony among lovers and married couples. In some cultures, it was believed that turquoise could warn the wearer of impending illness or danger by changing color or becoming pale.
Care and Cleaning
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone with a hardness of 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it susceptible to scratches and damage. It is also sensitive to heat, and it should be avoided from exposure to high temperatures. When cleaning tanzanite, it is best to use mild soap and warm water with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they can cause damage to the gemstone.
When storing tanzanite, it should be kept in a soft cloth or padded box to prevent scratches from other gemstones. It should also be removed before any physical activity to avoid impact or pressure.
Zircon
Zircon is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 6–7.5, but it is sensitive to heat and radiation, which can alter its color and clarity. When cleaning zircon, it is best to use mild soap and warm water with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they can damage the gemstone.
Zircon should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches and damage. It should be avoided from exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight for extended periods.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a soft and porous gemstone with a hardness of 5–6, making it susceptible to scratches and damage. It is also hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can affect its color and stability. When cleaning turquoise, it is best to use mild soap and warm water with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they can damage the gemstone.
Turquoise should also be stored in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture absorption. It should be avoided from exposure to chemicals, oils, and perfumes, as they can alter the color and appearance of the gemstone.
Conclusion
December 31 is a special date for those who share it as their birthday, and the gemstones associated with this day—tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise—each offer a unique and fascinating story. From the rare and vibrant tanzanite, discovered in the 1960s, to the timeless zircon, revered for its brilliance and fire, and the symbolic and spiritual turquoise, treasured for its protective and healing properties, these gemstones reflect a rich tapestry of history, culture, and gemology.
Whether you are drawn to the sparkling blue of tanzanite, the radiant fire of zircon, or the soothing blue-green of turquoise, each of these gemstones offers a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. For those born on December 31, choosing a birthstone is not just a matter of aesthetics but a connection to the past, a symbol of the present, and a guide for the future.