December, the final month of the year, is celebrated with a remarkable array of birthstones that reflect the season’s chill, charm, and cultural richness. Unlike months with a single or dual birthstone, December is uniquely distinguished by having five recognized birthstones: Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, Lapis Lazuli, and Turquoise. These gemstones, each with its own distinct color, origin, and symbolism, offer a rich tapestry of historical and metaphysical significance, making December one of the most intriguing months in the birthstone calendar.
This article delves into the world of December’s birthstones, exploring their geological origins, historical uses, symbolic meanings, and modern appeal. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or simply curious about the stones that mark the end of the year, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of what makes these gems so special.
The Evolution of December's Birthstones
The concept of birthstones has ancient roots, with early references found in biblical texts and medieval traditions. Originally, December was associated with Ruby, a gemstone that symbolized vitality and passion. However, over time, as gemological knowledge and cultural practices evolved, the December birthstone list expanded significantly.
The modern list of December birthstones has undergone several revisions:
- 1870: Turquoise was designated as the December birthstone by Tiffany & Co. in their "Gregorian Birthstone Poems" pamphlet.
- 1912: Turquoise remained the primary December birthstone, with Lapis Lazuli added as an alternative, according to the National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America).
- 1952: The Jewelry Industry Council of America added Zircon to the list.
- 2002: Tanzanite was introduced as a December birthstone, reflecting its growing popularity and unique properties.
In recent years, Blue Topaz has also gained recognition as a modern December birthstone, particularly in Western cultures, due to its affordability and vibrant color.
This evolution reflects not only changes in gemological science but also the shifting tastes and values of different eras. Today, December is one of the few months with three to five recognized birthstones, giving individuals born in this month a wide range of options to choose from, depending on personal preference, budget, and symbolism.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of December’s birthstones has a unique geological background, forming under specific conditions and mined in particular regions around the world.
Blue Zircon
Zircon is a naturally occurring mineral that forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The blue color of zircon is achieved through a process called heat treatment, which alters the crystal structure and produces a vivid blue hue. Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some zircon crystals dating back over 4 billion years, making it a gemstone with deep geological significance.
Zircon is found in various parts of the world, including Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, and Madagascar. Blue zircon is particularly popular in jewelry due to its high refractive index, which gives it a brilliant, fire-like appearance similar to diamonds.
Blue Topaz
Natural blue topaz is relatively rare, and most blue topaz on the market is created through irradiation and heat treatment. This process stabilizes the blue color, which is the result of changes in the crystal lattice. Untreated topaz is typically colorless or yellowish.
Topaz is a silicate mineral with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable and suitable for everyday jewelry. It is found in Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively modern gemstone, first discovered in Tanzania in 1967, near Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a variety of the mineral columbite-zircon, and its striking blue to violet color is due to trace amounts of vanadium and chromium. Tanzanite is known for its trichroism, meaning it can display three different colors depending on the angle of light.
With only one known source in the world, tanzanite is considered a rare and valuable gemstone. Its limited geographic origin and unique color make it highly sought after in the jewelry industry.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of lazurite, with other minerals such as pyrite and calcite contributing to its deep blue color and golden flecks. It forms under high-pressure conditions and is typically mined in Afghanistan, Chile, and Russia.
Lapis lazuli has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it softer than most gemstones and requiring careful handling. Despite its lower hardness, lapis lazuli has been used in jewelry and decorative objects for thousands of years.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper, forming in the weathering zones of copper deposits. It is known for its blue-green hues, which vary depending on the presence of copper and iron. The most prized turquoise has a uniform deep blue color and minimal matrix (the dark streaks or veins that form in the stone).
Turquoise is found in several countries, including Iran, China, Egypt, and the United States (especially Arizona and New Mexico). It has been used in jewelry and decorative arts by cultures such as the Ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, and Persians.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of December’s birthstones carries its own set of symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties, many of which have been passed down through centuries of cultural and spiritual traditions.
Blue Zircon
Zircon is often associated with wisdom, clarity, and spiritual insight. In ancient times, it was believed to bring protection and good fortune, and it was used in talismans to ward off negative energies. Blue zircon, in particular, is thought to enhance mental clarity and emotional stability, making it a popular choice for those seeking balance and peace.
Zircon is also considered a stone of transformation, symbolizing the idea of moving from one phase of life to another. This makes it a fitting birthstone for December, a month that marks both the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is often associated with calm, serenity, and emotional healing. It is believed to help soothe the mind, reduce stress, and promote a sense of inner peace. In some traditions, blue topaz is also considered a stone of love and compassion, enhancing emotional bonds between people.
It is also linked to communication, encouraging open and honest expression. This makes it an ideal gemstone for those born in December, who may be preparing for a new year and new beginnings.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a gemstone of transformation and emotional healing. It is believed to support the process of letting go of the past and embracing the future, making it a powerful stone for those undergoing significant life changes.
In metaphysical practices, tanzanite is also associated with the third eye and throat chakras, enhancing intuition and self-expression. Its rarity and unique color make it a symbol of individuality and personal power.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli has long been associated with wisdom, truth, and spiritual enlightenment. In ancient Egypt, it was considered a stone of the gods and was often used in royal regalia and religious artifacts. It was believed to enhance intellectual abilities, promote inner truth, and encourage a quest for knowledge.
In modern metaphysical practices, lapis lazuli is used to stimulate the mind, enhance self-awareness, and promote emotional balance. It is also thought to support inner peace and spiritual growth, making it a powerful stone for meditation and self-reflection.
Turquoise
Turquoise has been revered for centuries as a stone of protection, luck, and positive energy. It is often used as a talisman for good fortune and health, and it is believed to shield the wearer from negative influences.
In Native American traditions, turquoise is considered a sacred stone, often used in ceremonial jewelry and spiritual rituals. It is associated with harmony, healing, and the connection between the earth and the sky.
Turquoise is also believed to enhance creativity and self-expression, making it a popular gemstone for artists and writers. Its calming blue-green hue is thought to promote emotional stability and inner peace.
Care and Maintenance
Each of December’s birthstones requires specific care to maintain its beauty and longevity, particularly due to their varying hardness and sensitivity to heat, light, and chemicals.
Blue Zircon
Zircon is a relatively hard gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, making it suitable for everyday wear. However, it is sensitive to heat and radiation, and prolonged exposure can cause discoloration. To care for blue zircon, it is best to clean it with a soft cloth and mild soap and water, avoiding ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is a hard and durable gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it ideal for use in rings and bracelets. It is also resistant to heat and chemicals. To clean blue topaz, use a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water, or a soft cloth for routine cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5. It is also sensitive to heat, light, and chemicals, which can cause fading or discoloration. To care for tanzanite, avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high heat, and use a soft cloth and mild soap and water for cleaning. Avoid using steam or ultrasonic cleaners.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a softer gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, and it is not suitable for everyday wear in rings or bracelets. It is also sensitive to acids, heat, and chemicals, which can damage its surface. To clean lapis lazuli, use a soft cloth and mild soap and water, and avoid using any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a very soft gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, and it is highly porous, making it susceptible to damage from heat, chemicals, and moisture. It is best to avoid wearing turquoise jewelry in chlorinated water, salt water, or hot environments, as these can cause discoloration or cracking.
To clean turquoise, use a soft cloth and mild soap and water, and avoid using any harsh cleaners or steam. It is also a good idea to store turquoise in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption.
Cultural Significance and Historical Use
December’s birthstones have played a significant role in various cultures throughout history, often symbolizing power, protection, and spiritual connection.
Blue Zircon
Zircon has been used in jewelry and talismans for thousands of years. In ancient times, it was believed to bring protection and good fortune, and it was often used in amulets and charms. In some cultures, zircon was also associated with healing and spiritual insight, making it a popular stone for meditation and self-discovery.
Blue Topaz
Topaz has a long and storied history, with the Ancient Egyptians believing it to be a stone of strength and healing. In medieval Europe, topaz was believed to ward off illness and bring good fortune, and it was often used in protective amulets. Blue topaz, in particular, has become a popular choice in modern jewelry due to its vibrant color and affordability.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively modern gemstone, and its discovery in 1967 marked a significant moment in gemology. It quickly gained popularity due to its unique color and limited availability. Tanzanite is often associated with transformation and renewal, making it a fitting birthstone for December, a month that marks the end of one year and the beginning of another.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli has been used for thousands of years in jewelry, art, and religious artifacts. In ancient Egypt, it was considered a stone of the gods and was often used in royal regalia and ceremonial objects. It was also used in painting pigments, particularly in frescoes and illuminated manuscripts.
In modern times, lapis lazuli is still valued for its aesthetic beauty and spiritual significance, and it is often used in meditation and spiritual practices.
Turquoise
Turquoise has been used in jewelry and decorative arts for thousands of years, with some of the earliest known examples dating back to Ancient Egypt. It was highly prized for its blue-green color, which was believed to symbolize life, health, and protection.
In Native American cultures, turquoise is considered a sacred stone, often used in ceremonial jewelry and spiritual rituals. It is associated with harmony, healing, and the connection between the earth and the sky.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones—Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, Lapis Lazuli, and Turquoise—offer a fascinating blend of geological diversity, historical significance, and metaphysical symbolism. Each of these gemstones has its own unique properties, origins, and meanings, making them a rich and meaningful choice for those born in December.
Whether you are drawn to the brilliant blue fire of zircon, the calm serenity of topaz, the rare beauty of tanzanite, the royal depth of lapis lazuli, or the timeless charm of turquoise, there is a December birthstone that resonates with your personal style and beliefs.
These gemstones not only reflect the spirit of the season but also connect us to centuries of tradition, culture, and natural beauty. As you explore the world of December’s birthstones, you will discover not only their aesthetic appeal but also their deep and enduring significance.