For those born on December 21, the choice of birthstone is rich with options and meaning. Traditionally, December is associated with the gemstone Turquoise, but modern gemology has expanded the list to include Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz as well. Each of these gemstones carries a unique history, set of properties, and a range of cultural significance. This article provides a detailed exploration of the December 21 birthstone options, focusing on their gemological attributes, historical and symbolic importance, and practical considerations for ownership and care.
Introduction
December 21 marks the transition of the zodiac sign from Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) to Capricorn (December 22 to January 19). As a result, the birthstone for this date can be interpreted in two ways: either as the zodiac birthstone for Sagittarius or as the calendar month birthstone for December. According to multiple sources, the December 21 birthstone options include Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz. These gemstones are not only visually stunning but also rich in cultural and symbolic meaning.
In the following sections, we will delve into the history and lore of each of these gemstones, their geological formation and sources, their gemological properties, their symbolism and metaphysical attributes, and how to care for them. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the December 21 birthstone options, grounded in the information provided in the sources.
History and Lore
The tradition of associating gemstones with specific dates or zodiac signs is ancient. Civilizations such as the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese developed systems that linked gemstones to celestial bodies and human traits. These associations were often believed to influence health, fortune, and spiritual well-being.
For December 21, the gemstone most directly associated is Turquoise. Turquoise has been used for thousands of years in various cultures, including by the ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans. It was highly prized for its vibrant blue-green color and was often used in jewelry, amulets, and decorative items. In many cultures, Turquoise was considered a protective stone, believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune.
In the 20th century, the list of December birthstones expanded. Tanzanite, discovered in the 1960s in Tanzania near Mount Kilimanjaro, was introduced as a modern alternative. This gemstone was first marketed by Tiffany & Co. and quickly gained popularity due to its unique pleochroism—its ability to display different colors (blue and purple) depending on the viewing angle and light source. Tanzanite is also heat-treated to enhance its color and is considered a rare and valuable gemstone due to its limited geographical source.
Blue Zircon is another traditional December birthstone. It is a natural gemstone found in several countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Blue Zircon is known for its high refractive index, which gives it a brilliant sparkle. It has also been used as a diamond substitute for centuries due to its brilliance. Some zircon specimens are over 4.4 billion years old, making them among the oldest minerals on Earth.
Blue Topaz is a popular modern alternative to the traditional December birthstones. It is available in large sizes and at relatively affordable prices, making it a practical choice for many jewelry pieces. Blue Topaz is often treated to enhance its color and is favored for its clarity and durability.
Each of these gemstones has a distinct history and cultural significance that contributes to their status as December 21 birthstones. Whether worn for their beauty or their symbolic meaning, these stones continue to be cherished by those born on this date.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological formation of a gemstone provides insight into its rarity, durability, and value. Each December 21 birthstone has a unique origin story and set of formation conditions.
Turquoise is formed through the interaction of water and minerals in arid regions. It is typically found in the oxidation zones of copper deposits and is composed of a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper. Major sources of Turquoise include the United States (especially Nevada and Arizona), Iran, and China. The color of Turquoise can vary depending on the mineral content and the presence of impurities. For example, the presence of iron can give it a darker blue or greenish hue, while the presence of copper can result in a vibrant blue.
Tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery in the world of gemstones. It was first discovered in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Tanzanite is a type of zoisite that is heat-treated to develop its intense blue and purple colors. The geological conditions in Tanzania are unique, and this gemstone is not found anywhere else in the world. This exclusivity contributes to its value and desirability.
Blue Zircon is a naturally occurring gemstone that is found in several countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of Africa. It is a silicate mineral that can occur in a variety of colors, including yellow, brown, and red. Blue Zircon is typically heat-treated to enhance its blue color. The high refractive index of Zircon gives it a brilliant sparkle, making it a popular choice for jewelry. Zircon is also notable for its historical significance in geology, as some zircon crystals have been used in radiometric dating due to their trace amounts of uranium and thorium.
Blue Topaz is a variety of the mineral Topaz and is found in several countries, including Brazil, Nigeria, and the United States. Blue Topaz is typically created through irradiation and heat treatment processes that alter the color of the stone. The natural color of Topaz is colorless, and the blue color is achieved through these treatments. Blue Topaz is known for its clarity, durability, and affordability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of jewelry designs.
The geological origins and sources of these gemstones highlight their uniqueness and the factors that contribute to their value and appeal. Whether it's the ancient origins of Turquoise, the exclusivity of Tanzanite, the brilliance of Blue Zircon, or the affordability of Blue Topaz, each of these gemstones has a fascinating story to tell.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of a stone determine its durability, appearance, and suitability for jewelry. Each December 21 birthstone has distinct characteristics that make it unique.
Turquoise has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively soft compared to other gemstones. This softness makes it susceptible to scratches and requires special care when worn in jewelry. Turquoise is also porous and can absorb oils and moisture, so it should be stored in a dry environment to prevent discoloration. The color of Turquoise can range from light blue to green, depending on the mineral content and the presence of impurities.
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it more durable than Turquoise. It is known for its pleochroism, which means it can display different colors (blue and purple) depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. Tanzanite is also relatively soft compared to other gemstones, so it should be handled with care to avoid scratches and chips.
Blue Zircon has a hardness of 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the harder December 21 birthstones. It is known for its high refractive index, which gives it a brilliant sparkle. Blue Zircon is also heat-sensitive, so it should be avoided when exposed to high temperatures. This gemstone is often used as a diamond substitute due to its brilliance and clarity.
Blue Topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest December 21 birthstones. It is known for its clarity and color stability. Blue Topaz is typically treated to enhance its color, and it is one of the more affordable December birthstones. Its durability makes it suitable for a wide range of jewelry pieces, including rings, necklaces, and earrings.
The gemological properties of these stones influence their use in jewelry and their care requirements. Understanding these properties can help ensure that these beautiful gemstones remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with gemstones have been an important part of many cultures throughout history. Each December 21 birthstone carries its own set of meanings and is believed to have specific effects on the wearer.
Turquoise has been associated with protection, healing, and good fortune in many cultures. In ancient Egypt, Turquoise was used in amulets and was believed to have protective properties. Native American cultures also valued Turquoise for its healing properties and used it in jewelry and ceremonial items. In Hindu traditions, Turquoise is considered a powerful stone for Sagittarius and is believed to promote good health and spiritual growth. Wearing Turquoise is thought to enhance communication, bring clarity, and support emotional balance.
Tanzanite is a relatively modern gemstone, but it has quickly become associated with transformation, intuition, and spiritual growth. It is believed to enhance creativity and intuition and is often used in meditation practices. Tanzanite is also associated with emotional healing and is thought to help with the release of old emotional patterns. Its rarity and exclusivity make it a symbol of uniqueness and individuality.
Blue Zircon is associated with wisdom, clarity, and spiritual insight. It is believed to enhance the mind's ability to process information and to improve memory and focus. Blue Zircon is also considered a stone of good fortune and is believed to help attract abundance and success. In some cultures, Blue Zircon is used in jewelry to promote inner peace and balance.
Blue Topaz is associated with calmness, serenity, and emotional stability. It is believed to help with stress relief and to promote a sense of inner peace. Blue Topaz is also associated with love and is believed to enhance relationships and emotional connections. It is often used in jewelry as a symbol of loyalty and trust.
The symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with these gemstones reflect the cultural and historical significance of these stones. Whether worn for their beauty or their symbolic meaning, these gemstones continue to be cherished by those born on December 21.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning are essential to maintaining the beauty and longevity of gemstone jewelry. Each December 21 birthstone has specific care requirements that should be followed to ensure its durability and appearance.
Turquoise is a relatively soft and porous gemstone, so it requires special care. It should be stored in a dry environment to prevent discoloration and should be kept away from perfumes, lotions, and other chemicals. Turquoise can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt and dust. It should not be exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight, as this can cause it to fade or crack.
Tanzanite is more durable than Turquoise but still requires gentle care. It should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and debris. Tanzanite should be kept away from harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, as these can cause scratches and damage. It should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Blue Zircon is a relatively hard gemstone but is still sensitive to heat and chemicals. It should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and debris. Blue Zircon should be kept away from high temperatures and direct sunlight, as this can cause it to fade or lose its brilliance. It should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
Blue Topaz is one of the hardest December 21 birthstones and is relatively easy to care for. It can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and debris. Blue Topaz is resistant to scratches and is suitable for daily wear. It should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent discoloration and should be kept away from harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.
By following these care and cleaning guidelines, December 21 birthstone jewelry can remain in excellent condition for years to come. Proper care ensures that these beautiful gemstones continue to shine and that their symbolic and aesthetic value is preserved.
Conclusion
The December 21 birthstone options—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz—each offer a unique combination of beauty, history, and symbolism. Whether worn for their gemological properties, their cultural significance, or their metaphysical beliefs, these gemstones continue to be cherished by those born on this date. Understanding the history, geological formation, and care requirements of these stones allows for a deeper appreciation of their value and beauty. For those born on December 21, these gemstones serve as a meaningful connection to their zodiac sign and the traditions of birthstone symbolism.