December is a month celebrated not just for its festive cheer and winter charm but also for its association with some of the most captivating gemstones in the world. Among these, Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise stand out as the traditional birthstones for December. These gems have not only adorned royalty and commoners alike for centuries but also carry a rich legacy of symbolism, historical significance, and metaphysical properties. While modern times have introduced new birthstone options like Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, and Blue Zircon for the month of December, it is important to return to the roots and explore the timeless allure of the traditional December birthstones.
This article delves into the unique qualities of Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise, their historical and cultural significance, and their place in the world of gemstones. We will explore their origins, the properties that make them stand out, the beliefs and traditions associated with them, and how they continue to be valued in both jewelry and spiritual practices today.
History and Lore
The history of Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise as December’s traditional birthstones is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual practices of ancient civilizations. Lapis Lazuli, with its rich deep blue color and flecks of golden pyrite, has long been associated with wisdom, truth, and enlightenment. In ancient Egypt, it was a symbol of divinity and was often used in the adornment of royalty and high priests. Cleopatra was known to grind Lapis Lazuli into powder and use it as face paint, believing it to enhance her beauty and connection to the divine.
Turquoise, on the other hand, has a long and storied history across multiple cultures. The ancient Egyptians used it to adorn their pharaohs, while Native American tribes cherished it as a sacred stone for its protective and spiritual properties. Turquoise was also highly valued in the Middle East and Asia, where it was often used in religious and ceremonial jewelry. In many cultures, it was considered a stone of protection, believed to ward off negative energy and bring good fortune.
These two gemstones, while distinct in their appearance and properties, share a common thread of being revered for their beauty and their symbolic meanings. They were not merely decorative but were imbued with deep spiritual and metaphysical significance, which contributed to their selection as traditional December birthstones.
Geological Formation and Sources
To understand the allure of Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise, it is essential to explore their geological origins and the places where they are found.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock primarily composed of lazurite, a sodium calcium aluminum silicate that gives the stone its characteristic deep blue color. It also contains other minerals such as pyrite, which appears as golden flecks, and calcite, which can create white veins. The formation of Lapis Lazuli occurs under high-pressure conditions deep within the Earth's crust, where the minerals combine over millions of years to create the rich, vibrant stone.
The most significant sources of Lapis Lazuli are in Afghanistan, where it has been mined for thousands of years. Other notable sources include Russia, Pakistan, and parts of South America, such as Argentina and Chile. The quality of Lapis Lazuli is often judged by the intensity of its blue color and the even distribution of the golden pyrite flecks. High-quality Lapis Lazuli with a rich blue hue and a consistent pattern is highly prized in the gemstone market.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral composed of aluminum, copper, and water. It forms in the oxidation zones of copper deposits, typically in arid environments where groundwater rich in copper percolates through the rock and interacts with phosphorus and aluminum. This process results in the formation of the characteristic blue or greenish-blue color of the gemstone.
The most famous sources of Turquoise include the United States, particularly in states like Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. These regions have a long history of Turquoise mining, and the stone has played an important role in Native American culture. Other significant sources of Turquoise include China, Iran, and Egypt. The quality of Turquoise is determined by its color, matrix (the dark webbing that runs through the stone), and durability. Stones with a rich blue color and minimal matrix are considered the most valuable.
Both Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise are relatively soft gemstones, which means they require special care when worn as jewelry. Lapis Lazuli has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, while Turquoise has a hardness of 5 to 6 as well. This makes them more prone to scratches and damage compared to harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. However, their softness also allows them to be carved into intricate designs, making them popular choices for jewelry and decorative objects.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise provides insight into their unique characteristics and why they are so highly regarded in the world of gemstones.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock that is not a single mineral but rather a combination of several minerals, including lazurite, pyrite, and calcite. Its deep blue color is primarily due to the presence of lazurite, while the golden flecks are a result of pyrite. The presence of calcite can create white veins or patches, which can affect the stone’s appearance and value.
The refractive index of Lapis Lazuli is relatively low, ranging from 1.49 to 1.62, which contributes to its matte or slightly waxy luster. Unlike transparent gemstones like diamonds or sapphires, Lapis Lazuli is opaque, meaning that light does not pass through it. This opacity, combined with its deep blue color and golden flecks, gives it a unique and captivating appearance.
Lapis Lazuli is often used in cabochon form, where it is polished into a smooth, rounded shape without facets. This style enhances the stone’s color and allows the golden pyrite flecks to be more visible. It is also commonly used in inlay work, where it is set into other materials like wood or metal to create decorative items.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral that forms in a variety of colors, from deep blue to greenish-blue and even yellowish-green. The most highly prized Turquoise is a rich blue with minimal matrix, which is the dark webbing that appears in the stone. The matrix consists of minerals like pyrite or black tourmaline and can vary in intensity and pattern, affecting the stone’s overall appearance and value.
The refractive index of Turquoise ranges from 1.61 to 1.63, and it has a waxy to greasy luster. Like Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise is often cut into cabochons to enhance its color and texture. It can also be carved into intricate designs, making it a popular choice for Native American jewelry and other decorative items.
Turquoise is often treated to enhance its color and durability. This can include dyeing, which is used to deepen the blue color, or stabilizing, which involves impregnating the stone with resins to improve its hardness and reduce porosity. These treatments can significantly affect the stone’s appearance and value, so it is important for buyers to be aware of whether a Turquoise gemstone has been treated.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Both Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise have long been associated with a range of symbolic and metaphysical properties, making them not only beautiful but also meaningful gemstones.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli has been revered for its spiritual and intellectual properties throughout history. It is often associated with wisdom, truth, and enlightenment, making it a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their mental clarity and expand their knowledge. In ancient Egypt, it was believed to connect the wearer with the divine, and it was often used in religious ceremonies and rituals.
Lapis Lazuli is also believed to promote inner peace and emotional balance. It is thought to help individuals overcome stress and anxiety, allowing them to maintain a sense of calm and serenity. In modern times, it is often used in meditation and spiritual practices to enhance intuition and promote a deeper connection to the self and the universe.
Turquoise
Turquoise has been associated with protection, healing, and good fortune in many cultures. It is believed to ward off negative energy and bring positive vibrations to the wearer. In Native American traditions, Turquoise is considered a sacred stone that is used in ceremonies and as a symbol of protection. It is also believed to have healing properties, particularly for the throat and respiratory system.
Turquoise is also associated with creativity and self-expression. It is believed to enhance communication and help individuals express their thoughts and emotions more effectively. This makes it a popular choice for those in the creative fields, such as artists, writers, and musicians.
In addition to its spiritual properties, Turquoise is also believed to have physical healing benefits. It is thought to help with respiratory issues, such as asthma and allergies, and to promote overall well-being. It is also believed to have a calming effect on the body, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
Care and Cleaning
Given their relative softness and susceptibility to damage, it is important to take special care when handling and cleaning Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise jewelry.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a relatively soft gemstone with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. This means that it can be easily scratched or damaged if not handled properly. To clean Lapis Lazuli, it is best to use a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners, as these can damage the stone.
When storing Lapis Lazuli jewelry, it is important to keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other gemstones that may scratch it. It is also advisable to store it separately from harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires.
Turquoise
Turquoise is also a soft gemstone with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It is porous and can absorb oils and dirt, which can affect its appearance and durability. To clean Turquoise, use a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners, as these can damage the stone.
Turquoise should also be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other gemstones that may scratch it. It is important to avoid exposing Turquoise to excessive heat or moisture, as this can cause it to crack or lose its color.
Conclusion
The traditional birthstones of December, Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise, are more than just beautiful gemstones—they are symbols of wisdom, protection, and spiritual connection. Their rich history and cultural significance have made them cherished treasures for centuries, and their continued popularity in jewelry and spiritual practices today is a testament to their enduring appeal. Whether you are drawn to the deep blue allure of Lapis Lazuli or the vibrant hues of Turquoise, these gemstones offer a unique combination of beauty, symbolism, and history that makes them perfect for those born in December.
As you explore the world of gemstones, remember that each stone carries its own story and meaning. By understanding the properties and significance of Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise, you can appreciate their value not just as adornments but as meaningful pieces of history and culture.