December, the final month of the calendar year, is uniquely distinguished by its association with not one, but three birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. These gemstones offer a kaleidoscope of colors, from the deep blue of turquoise and the violet-blue of tanzanite to the fiery brilliance of zircon. Each of these stones carries a rich tapestry of history, cultural significance, and gemological properties that make them treasured symbols of identity and personal meaning.
This article delves into the multifaceted world of December birthstones, exploring their geological origins, historical uses, symbolic meanings, and care requirements. Whether you are an admirer of ancient traditions, a gemology student, or simply curious about the meaning behind your birthstone, this guide offers a comprehensive look at the beauty and significance of the December birthstones.
History and Lore
Turquoise: A Stone of Antiquity
Turquoise has been revered for thousands of years across multiple civilizations. As early as 3000 BCE, turquoise was known and used in ancient Egypt, where it was prized for its vibrant blue-green hue and believed to bring good fortune and protection. Pharaohs and other high-ranking rulers adorned themselves with turquoise in jewelry and ceremonial objects. The stone was often inlaid into amulets, pendants, and even the famous burial mask of Tutankhamun.
In ancient China, turquoise was carved into intricate forms and used in decorative arts as early as 3,000 years ago. It was seen as a symbol of immortality and was often associated with the divine. In Mesoamerica, particularly among the Aztec and Maya civilizations, turquoise was considered a sacred stone. It was used in religious ceremonies and was believed to have a direct connection to the gods.
By the 13th century, turquoise was also believed to have protective properties. It was thought to prevent falls, especially from horseback, and would even break into pieces to warn the wearer of impending danger. In Hindu tradition, seeing turquoise after the new moon was believed to bring prosperity and wealth.
Tanzanite: A Modern Marvel
Tanzanite is a relative newcomer to the world of gemstones. Discovered in Tanzania in 1967, it was first marketed by the jewelry company Tiffany & Co., which played a crucial role in introducing the gemstone to the global stage. Tanzanite, a variety of the mineral zoisite, is only found in a small area of Tanzania, making it one of the rarest gemstones in the world.
Unlike turquoise, tanzanite has not been around for millennia and thus does not have the same ancient lore. However, it has quickly become associated with healing, protection, and self-transformation. Some modern practitioners of crystal healing believe that tanzanite can activate the throat, third-eye, and crown chakras, facilitating communication with higher spiritual realms.
Zircon: An Ancient Gem with a Sparkling Legacy
Zircon, another of December’s birthstones, has been admired since ancient times. It was known to the ancients under names such as “hyacinth” and was often confused with other gemstones. Zircon was particularly valued in the Middle Ages for its brilliance and fire, often being used to imitate diamonds.
Zircon is mentioned in ancient texts, including the Bible and the writings of Pliny the Elder, who described its fiery appearance. While its historical lore is less detailed than that of turquoise, zircon has long been associated with positive energy and clarity of mind. It is also believed to offer protection from negative influences.
Geological Formation and Sources
Turquoise: The Stone of the Desert
Turquoise forms in arid regions where copper-rich rocks are exposed to weathering and chemical processes. It is created when rainwater or melted snow percolates through copper ore deposits, known as copper porphyry. The water reacts with the copper sulfides in the ore, forming an acidic solution that then interacts with aluminum and potassium in the surrounding rocks. This chemical interaction leads to the precipitation of turquoise in cavities and crevices in the rock.
Turquoise is typically found in weathered volcanic and sedimentary rocks in dry climates. Major sources of turquoise include the United States (especially Arizona and Nevada), China, Iran, Egypt, and Mexico. The presence of matrix—remnants of the rock in which it formed—often gives turquoise its distinctive veined appearance.
Tanzanite: The Jewel of Tanzania
Tanzanite is a unique gemstone in that it is only found in one place in the world: Tanzania. Specifically, it is mined in a small area of the Merelani Hills in the Shinyanga region. This geographic exclusivity makes tanzanite one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones.
Tanzanite is a type of zoisite that has been heat-treated to bring out its signature blue-violet color. In its natural state, tanzanite is often brownish, but when heated to a specific temperature, it transforms into the vibrant blue-violet hue that makes it so desirable. This process is permanent and does not affect the gemstone’s durability or stability.
However, due to its limited source and the finite nature of the deposits, it is estimated that tanzanite may become even rarer in the coming decades, making it a gemstone of both beauty and scarcity.
Zircon: A Diverse and Durable Gem
Zircon is a mineral that occurs in a wide variety of colors, including blue, colorless, yellow, orange, and red. The most popular variety, known as blue zircon, is often created through heat treatment. Zircon is a durable gemstone, with a hardness ranging from 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for a variety of jewelry settings.
Zircon is found in several countries, including Australia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Brazil. It is often found in association with other gemstones, such as sapphire. Zircon is particularly valued for its brilliance and refractive index, which gives it a fire and sparkle similar to diamonds.
Gemological Properties
Turquoise: Soft and Porous
Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. This makes it susceptible to scratches and damage from hard impacts. It is also porous and can easily absorb oils, pigments, and other substances, which can alter its color. Additionally, turquoise is sensitive to changes in humidity and can lose its water content, causing it to fade or change color.
Despite these vulnerabilities, turquoise is cherished for its unique color and historical significance. It is often stabilized or treated to enhance its durability and appearance. Stabilized turquoise is treated with resins or other materials to fill its pores and prevent discoloration.
Tanzanite: Vibrant and Fragile
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable. However, it is still a fragile gemstone that can crack or chip if exposed to high temperatures or sudden temperature changes. Tanzanite is also sensitive to certain acids, such as hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid, which can damage the stone.
One of the key characteristics of tanzanite is its pleochroism—the ability to display different colors when viewed from different angles. This means that tanzanite can appear as blue, violet, or even brown depending on the angle of light and the viewer’s perspective. Tanzanite is also heat-treated to enhance its color, a process that is permanent and does not affect the stone’s durability.
Zircon: A Sparkling Gem with a Range of Colors
Zircon is a versatile gemstone that comes in a wide range of colors, including blue, colorless, yellow, orange, and red. The most popular variety is blue zircon, which is created through heat treatment. Zircon has a hardness of 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable and suitable for everyday wear in jewelry.
Zircon is known for its high refractive index and dispersion, which gives it a brilliant and fiery appearance. It is often used as a diamond simulant due to its similarity in appearance and brilliance. Zircon is also resistant to chemicals and light, making it a stable and long-lasting gemstone.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Turquoise: A Stone of Protection and Prosperity
Turquoise has long been associated with protection, prosperity, and good health. In ancient times, it was believed to offer magical protection to the wearer, especially from falls and accidents. In some cultures, it was thought that turquoise could warn the wearer of danger by breaking into pieces before a disaster occurred.
Modern metaphysical practices continue to attribute positive properties to turquoise. It is believed to enhance communication, promote healing, and bring emotional stability. It is also associated with the throat chakra, which governs communication and self-expression.
Tanzanite: A Gem of Transformation
Tanzanite is associated with transformation, healing, and spiritual growth. It is believed to activate the throat, third-eye, and crown chakras, making it a powerful stone for those seeking to deepen their spiritual connection and expand their psychic abilities. Tanzanite is also associated with the crown chakra, which is linked to higher consciousness and spiritual enlightenment.
In terms of emotional properties, tanzanite is thought to help release negative emotions and promote inner peace. It is often used in meditation and healing practices to facilitate emotional healing and self-transformation.
Zircon: A Stone of Clarity and Energy
Zircon is believed to enhance mental clarity, focus, and energy. It is often used in meditation to help the mind stay centered and focused. Zircon is also associated with protection, particularly from negative influences and harmful energies. It is believed to help the wearer maintain a positive outlook and attract positive energy.
Zircon is also believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body, promoting emotional balance and inner peace. It is associated with the solar plexus chakra, which governs personal power and confidence.
Care and Cleaning
Turquoise: Gentle Handling and Protection
Due to its softness and porosity, turquoise requires careful handling and cleaning. It should be kept away from harsh chemicals, acids, and solvents that can cause discoloration or damage. Turquoise should also be protected from excessive heat and dry environments, as it can lose its water content and fade in color.
To clean turquoise, it is best to use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as these can cause damage. When storing turquoise, it should be wrapped in a soft cloth or placed in a jewelry box to prevent scratches.
Tanzanite: Avoiding Heat and Chemicals
Tanzanite should be handled with care to avoid damage. It is sensitive to high temperatures and sudden temperature changes, so it should not be exposed to extreme heat. Tanzanite is also sensitive to certain acids, such as hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid, which can cause etching or discoloration.
To clean tanzanite, use warm water and a mild soap solution with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as these can cause damage. Tanzanite should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent any changes in color or structure.
Zircon: Resistant and Easy to Care For
Zircon is a relatively durable gemstone and is resistant to chemicals and light. However, it can abrade over time, so it should be protected from rough handling or exposure to abrasive surfaces. Zircon should be kept away from extreme heat, as some heat-treated stones may revert to their original color.
To clean zircon, use a soft brush and a mild soap solution in warm water. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as these can affect the stability of some zircon varieties. Zircon should be stored in a jewelry box or pouch to prevent scratches.
Conclusion
December is a month rich in tradition and symbolism, and its three birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon—reflect this richness in color, history, and meaning. From the ancient reverence for turquoise in Egyptian and Chinese cultures to the modern marvel of tanzanite and the sparkling brilliance of zircon, each of these gemstones carries its own unique story.
Whether you are drawn to the deep blue of turquoise, the velvety blue-violet of tanzanite, or the fiery colors of zircon, these stones offer a meaningful connection to the past and a symbol of personal identity for those born in December. Their beauty, rarity, and rich histories make them not just gemstones, but treasures of both science and culture.
As you explore the world of December birthstones, you are not just admiring their physical beauty—you are also honoring centuries of human tradition, belief, and artistry. These gemstones continue to captivate and inspire, making them timeless symbols of the final month of the year.