December is a month rich in symbolism, and its birthstones reflect this richness in color, history, and meaning. Unlike many other months, December is associated with three distinct gemstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon—each carrying its own unique set of properties and lore. These stones are all characterized by their blue hues, making them fitting representatives of the cold, clear skies of winter. This article explores the geological, historical, and cultural significance of these three December birthstones, offering a comprehensive look at their origins, properties, and meanings.
A Stone of Ancient Significance: Turquoise
Turquoise is the primary birthstone for December and has a long and storied history that dates back thousands of years. Known for its distinctive blue-green color, turquoise has been revered by many ancient civilizations for its beauty and supposed protective powers. The name "turquoise" comes from the French phrase pierre turquoise, meaning "Turkish stone," as it was once believed that the stone was imported from Turkey. However, it is now known that the most famous and highly valued turquoise comes from ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
Geologically, turquoise is a hydrated copper aluminum phosphate, formed when copper-rich groundwater seeps into the bedrock and reacts with other minerals. This process results in an opaque stone with striking shades of blue and green. The dark lines and patterns often seen in turquoise are referred to as the matrix, which consists of the surrounding rock. The color of turquoise can vary widely, ranging from pale blue to deep greenish-blue, depending on the presence of impurities such as iron and copper.
Turquoise has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, which makes it relatively soft compared to other gemstones. Because of this, it requires special care when worn as jewelry. It is also opaque, with a refractive index of 1.61–1.65 and a triclinic crystal system. Its specific gravity ranges from 2.6 to 2.8, making it relatively lightweight for its size. Turquoise is primarily sourced from the United States, Iran, Tibet, and India, with the U.S. being the largest current producer.
Culturally, turquoise has held a sacred place in many societies. In ancient Egypt, it was used in the adornment of pharaohs and was believed to bring protection in the afterlife. Native American tribes, especially the Navajo and Zuni, have long used turquoise in their jewelry, considering it a symbol of life, health, and protection. In ancient China, turquoise was used in carvings and inlays, and it was associated with the heavens and immortality.
Turquoise is also associated with the zodiac signs Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 to January 20). For Sagittarians, it is said to promote rational thinking and communication, helping to temper the impulsive nature often associated with this sign. For Capricorns, it is considered a stone of strength and resilience, helping to maintain a positive outlook.
The Modern Marvel: Tanzanite
Tanzanite is the more recent of December’s birthstones, having been discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, where it is found only in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro. This limited geographic origin has made tanzanite one of the rarest gemstones in the world. The name "tanzanite" is derived from the country of its origin, and it is a variety of the mineral zoisite, with the chemical formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH).
Tanzanite is known for its violet-blue color, which can appear in different shades depending on the viewing angle. This property, known as trichroism, means that the stone can display blue, purple, or even burgundy hues when viewed from different directions. This unique optical effect makes tanzanite a visually stunning gemstone. It has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, making it slightly more durable than turquoise but still relatively soft compared to harder stones like diamonds or sapphires.
In terms of physical properties, tanzanite has a refractive index of 1.691–1.700, a specific gravity of 3.35, and an orthorhombic crystal system. It is typically transparent to translucent and is cut into a variety of shapes, including emerald, oval, and princess cuts, to enhance its color and brilliance.
Culturally, tanzanite is associated with spiritual growth and transformation. It is believed to enhance intuition and emotional healing, making it a popular choice for those seeking inner balance and clarity. It is also associated with the zodiac signs Sagittarius and Capricorn, and is thought to support new beginnings and personal development.
Tanzanite has also been designated as the gemstone for the 24th wedding anniversary, symbolizing enduring love and commitment. Its rarity and beauty have made it a favorite among collectors and jewelry designers, particularly for its ability to bring a sense of elegance and sophistication to any piece.
The Classic Gem: Zircon
Zircon is the third official December birthstone and has been known and used in jewelry for centuries. Despite its name, zircon is not related to the more popular gemstone zirconium, but rather is a naturally occurring zirconium silicate with the chemical formula ZrSiO₄. Zircon comes in a variety of colors, including blue, colorless, yellow, red, and green, but the blue variety is the most commonly associated with December.
Zircon has a Mohs hardness of 7.5, making it one of the harder and more durable of December’s birthstones. It is transparent to translucent, with a refractive index of 1.925–1.984, a tetragonal crystal system, and a specific gravity of 3.90–4.73. These properties give zircon a brilliant luster and a high dispersion, making it an excellent choice for jewelry that requires both durability and sparkle.
Historically, zircon has been used in jewelry and decorative objects for thousands of years. In ancient times, it was often mistaken for other gemstones like diamonds or topaz due to its clarity and brilliance. In medieval Europe, zircon was believed to bring prosperity and success, and it was often worn by merchants and traders for good fortune. It has also been associated with wisdom and clarity, making it a popular choice for those seeking mental and emotional balance.
Zircon is particularly associated with the zodiac sign Sagittarius, and is believed to help enhance communication and promote a sense of balance. It is also thought to support spiritual growth and is considered a stone of protection and healing. Like the other December birthstones, zircon is associated with transformation and new beginnings, making it a fitting gemstone for the month of December.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of December’s birthstones carries its own set of symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. These beliefs, rooted in ancient traditions and modern interpretations, give each stone a unique spiritual significance that resonates with those born under the zodiac signs of Sagittarius and Capricorn.
Turquoise
- Protection and Good Fortune: Turquoise has long been considered a stone of protection, especially in ancient cultures. It was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the wearer.
- Communication and Rational Thinking: For Sagittarians, turquoise is said to enhance communication skills and promote rational thinking, helping to temper impulsive behavior.
- Strength and Resilience: Turquoise is also associated with strength and resilience, making it a perfect stone for those who wish to maintain a positive outlook.
Tanzanite
- Spiritual Growth and Transformation: Tanzanite is believed to facilitate spiritual awareness and emotional healing. It is often used in meditation and spiritual practices to enhance intuition and insight.
- Clarity and Balance: Tanzanite is also associated with mental clarity and emotional balance, helping individuals to navigate change and uncertainty with grace.
- New Beginnings: As a gemstone of transformation, tanzanite is particularly well-suited for those embarking on new journeys or seeking personal growth.
Zircon
- Prosperity and Success: Zircon has long been associated with prosperity and success, especially in trade and commerce. It was believed to bring financial good fortune to those who wore it.
- Wisdom and Clarity: Zircon is also thought to promote wisdom and mental clarity, helping individuals to make sound decisions and maintain a balanced perspective.
- Protection and Healing: Zircon is considered a stone of protection and healing, and is believed to support both physical and emotional well-being.
Care and Maintenance
Because December’s birthstones vary in hardness and durability, it is important to know how to care for each one properly to preserve its beauty and longevity.
Turquoise
- Softness and Fragility: With a Mohs hardness of 5–6, turquoise is relatively soft and can be easily scratched or damaged. It is also sensitive to heat, chemicals, and moisture.
- Cleaning and Storage: To clean turquoise, use a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as these can cause the stone to lose its color or become damaged. Store turquoise in a soft cloth or padded container to prevent scratches.
Tanzanite
- Delicate and Fragile: Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6–7, making it relatively durable, but it is still a fragile gemstone that can be easily chipped or cracked.
- Cleaning and Storage: Tanzanite should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, heat, or sudden temperature changes. Store it in a soft pouch or box to prevent damage.
Zircon
- Hard and Durable: Zircon has a Mohs hardness of 7.5, making it one of the hardest and most durable of December’s birthstones.
- Cleaning and Storage: Zircon can be cleaned with mild soap and water or a gemstone-specific cleaner. It can also be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner if it is free of inclusions or fractures. Store zircon in a separate compartment to prevent scratches from other gemstones.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon—each offer a unique blend of beauty, history, and meaning. Whether you are drawn to the ancient allure of turquoise, the rare elegance of tanzanite, or the timeless brilliance of zircon, these gemstones are more than just beautiful ornaments—they are symbols of protection, transformation, and clarity. As December’s gemstones, they represent the cool, reflective nature of the winter season and serve as a reminder of the enduring power of nature and the human spirit.
From their geological formation in the Earth’s crust to their cultural significance in ancient civilizations and modern times, these stones continue to captivate and inspire. Whether worn as jewelry, carried as a talisman, or simply admired for their beauty, December’s birthstones are a testament to the enduring fascination with gemstones and their deep connection to human history and belief.