December, the final month of the calendar year, is not only marked by festive traditions and seasonal cheer but also by the rich symbolism and beauty of its birthstones. Those born in December are graced with a unique distinction—they have not one, but four official birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz. These gemstones, each with their own distinct history, color, and cultural significance, offer a wide range of options for jewelry and personal adornment. From ancient amulets to modern-day treasures, the December birthstones reflect the interplay of tradition, geology, and human fascination with the natural world.
This article explores the historical and cultural importance of these gemstones, their geological properties, and the symbolic meanings they carry. It also provides practical guidance on caring for these stones, ensuring their beauty endures for generations.
History and Lore
The tradition of associating gemstones with specific months and zodiac signs has roots in ancient civilizations, including those of the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. These cultures believed that each stone possessed unique energies and properties that could influence the wearer’s fortune, health, and spiritual well-being. The December birthstones, in particular, have been cherished for thousands of years and have played significant roles in various cultures and historical periods.
Turquoise
Turquoise is the oldest of the December birthstones and has been used for over 6,000 years. Its name is derived from the French phrase pierre turquoise, meaning “Turkish stone,” a reference to the trade routes through which it entered Europe from the East. The earliest recorded use of turquoise dates back to 3000 BCE in ancient Egypt, where it was highly valued for both its beauty and its perceived protective qualities. Pharaohs and high-ranking officials often wore turquoise jewelry, and it was even embedded in the famous burial mask of King Tutankhamun.
Beyond Egypt, turquoise was also prized in Persia, China, and the Americas. Native American tribes in the southwestern United States used turquoise in their jewelry and ceremonial objects, believing it to bring good luck, health, and protection. In Tibet, turquoise was considered a sacred gem and was even used as a form of currency. The Incas and Mayans, too, revered turquoise, offering it as tribute to their gods.
Turquoise is associated with peace, prosperity, and protection. In many cultures, it was believed that the stone could ward off illness and danger. Some even thought that if the stone became dull or discolored, it was a sign that the wearer was in danger or needed to seek help. This belief led to the practice of wearing turquoise as an amulet.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is the youngest of the December birthstones, having been discovered in 1967 in Tanzania. The gemstone was first identified as a variety of the mineral zoisite and was later given the name tanzanite in honor of its country of origin. The discovery of this gem was serendipitous—miners were originally looking for peridot when they stumbled upon the deep violet-blue crystals.
Tanzanite quickly gained popularity for its vibrant color and its unique geological origin. Found exclusively in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, it is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Its color is due to trace elements of vanadium, and it is often heat-treated to enhance its blue-violet hues. Tanzanite is believed to bring spiritual awakening, insight, and emotional healing. It is often associated with intuition and is considered a stone of transformation and rebirth.
Zircon
Zircon, one of the oldest minerals on Earth, has been found in geological formations that are over 4 billion years old. Its name comes from the Arabic word zarkun, meaning “gold-like,” a reference to its brilliant luster. Zircon was historically known as jargon, a term used for colorless or yellow varieties that were often mistaken for diamonds.
Zircon has been used in jewelry and amulets for centuries. It was believed to have protective properties and was often worn by travelers to ward off illness and danger. In medieval Europe, physicians wore zircon stones on their fingers to aid in diagnosis. In India, zircon was thought to have greater potency if set in gold, and in Tibet, it was used as a currency and a symbol of good fortune.
Blue zircon, in particular, is highly valued for its striking brilliance and is often used as a diamond alternative in jewelry. Despite its similarity to diamond in appearance, zircon has a different chemical composition and is much softer, with a hardness of 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz, while not officially recognized in some traditional lists of birthstones, is often included as an alternative December gemstone. Naturally occurring blue topaz is rare, and most blue topaz on the market is created through irradiation or heat treatment. The stone is known for its clarity and vibrant blue color, making it a popular choice for rings, pendants, and earrings.
Topaz has been associated with strength and courage. In ancient times, it was believed to have the power to increase the wearer’s vitality and protect against negative emotions. Blue topaz, in particular, is thought to bring calmness, serenity, and clarity of thought. Its affordability and durability make it a practical and elegant choice for December jewelry.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each December birthstone has a distinct geological origin and is found in specific regions around the world. Understanding these origins helps gemologists and collectors appreciate the rarity and uniqueness of each gem.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper, with the chemical formula Al₂(OH)PO₄·4H₂O. It is typically found in the oxidation zones of copper deposits, where it forms through the interaction of water with copper minerals. The most well-known sources of turquoise include:
- Nevada, USA: Known for its high-quality turquoise used in Native American jewelry.
- Iran (Persia): A major historical source of turquoise, particularly the “Persian Turquoise” known for its rich blue color and golden matrix.
- Egypt: Ancient Egyptian turquoise was primarily mined from the Sinai Peninsula.
- Mexico: Mexican turquoise is known for its deep blue color and is often used in cabochons.
- Australia and China: Modern sources that produce turquoise used in commercial jewelry.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, with the chemical formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(OH)₃·(OH). Its unique blue-violet color is due to the presence of vanadium, and it is only found in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. The gem is formed through complex geological processes involving metamorphism and the presence of specific trace elements. Tanzanite is only mined in this region, making it one of the rarest gemstones in the world.
Zircon
Zircon is a zirconium silicate with the chemical formula ZrSiO₄. It is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some zircon crystals found in rocks over 4 billion years old. Zircon is found in various geological settings, including:
- Sri Lanka: Known for its high-quality blue zircon.
- Australia and South Africa: These countries produce about 70% of the world’s zircon gemstones.
- India, Thailand, and Vietnam: Additional sources of zircon used in jewelry.
- Cambodia and Nigeria: Smaller sources of zircon that are gaining attention in the gem trade.
Zircon is available in a wide range of colors, including blue, green, yellow, red, and colorless. The blue variety is the most popular for jewelry, as it closely resembles a diamond in appearance but is more affordable.
Blue Topaz
Topaz is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂. Blue topaz is a rare natural variety of topaz that occurs in only a few locations, including Brazil, Russia, and Myanmar. Most blue topaz available in the market is created through irradiation or heat treatment of colorless topaz. This process enhances the stone’s color and makes it more suitable for jewelry.
Topaz is found in a variety of geological environments, including igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary deposits. It is one of the hardest gemstones, with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it durable and suitable for daily wear.
Gemological Properties
Each December birthstone has distinct gemological properties that make it unique in appearance, durability, and value. Understanding these properties is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and collectors.
| Gemstone | Chemical Formula | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Color | Refractive Index | Luster | Common Cuts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Al₂(OH)PO₄·4H₂O | 5–6 | Blue, green, yellow | 1.61–1.65 | Waxy to dull | Cabochon |
| Tanzanite | Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(OH)₃·(OH) | 6–7 | Blue-violet | 1.694–1.701 | Vitreous | Princess, oval, emerald |
| Zircon | ZrSiO₄ | 6–7.5 | Blue, green, yellow | 1.92–2.01 | Vitreous | Brilliant, princess, oval |
| Blue Topaz | Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂ | 8 | Blue | 1.619–1.627 | Vitreous | Round, oval, emerald |
Turquoise
Turquoise has a relatively low hardness on the Mohs scale (5–6), making it more susceptible to scratches and damage than harder gemstones like diamond or sapphire. It is often cut into cabochons to enhance its chatoyancy and to protect its surface from wear. The stone has a waxy to dull luster and is often stabilized with resins to improve its durability and color.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6–7, which is relatively moderate for a gemstone. It is often cut into princess, oval, or emerald shapes to showcase its deep blue-violet color and pleochroism (the ability to display different colors when viewed from different angles). Tanzanite has a vitreous luster and is prized for its brilliance and clarity.
Zircon
Zircon has a hardness of 6–7.5, which is higher than turquoise but lower than blue topaz. It is known for its high refractive index (1.92–2.01) and brilliant luster, which gives it a diamond-like appearance. Zircon is often cut into brilliant, princess, or oval shapes to maximize its fire and sparkle.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz has a hardness of 8, making it one of the hardest gemstones available. It is often used in rings, pendants, and earrings due to its durability and affordability. Blue topaz has a vitreous luster and is known for its clarity and brilliance. It is typically cut into round, oval, or emerald shapes to enhance its color and sparkle.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The December birthstones have long been associated with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. These beliefs, though not scientifically proven, have been passed down through generations and continue to influence how people perceive and use these gemstones.
Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the most symbolically rich gemstones. It has been associated with peace, protection, and healing in many cultures. Ancient Egyptians believed it could ward off illness and danger, while Native Americans used it in ceremonies to promote health and spiritual strength. In Tibet, turquoise was considered a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, and it was even used as a form of currency.
Modern metaphysical beliefs associate turquoise with clarity, communication, and emotional balance. It is often used in meditation and healing practices to calm the mind and enhance intuition. Some believe that turquoise can help release emotional blockages and promote self-expression.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is often considered a stone of transformation and spiritual awakening. It is believed to enhance intuition, emotional balance, and insight. Tanzanite is associated with the third eye and crown chakras, and it is often used in meditation to deepen spiritual awareness and promote inner peace.
In some traditions, tanzanite is also believed to help with emotional healing and release. It is thought to assist in overcoming grief, trauma, and negative emotions by encouraging a more positive and compassionate perspective.
Zircon
Zircon is believed to have protective and healing properties. It was historically used by travelers to ward off illness and danger, and in medieval times, physicians wore zircon to aid in diagnosis. Zircon is also associated with clarity of thought, mental focus, and emotional stability.
In some traditions, zircon is believed to help with dreaming and psychic abilities. It is often used in rituals to enhance spiritual connection and intuition. Blue zircon, in particular, is associated with calmness, serenity, and emotional balance.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is known for its calming and soothing properties. It is believed to promote serenity, emotional balance, and mental clarity. In ancient times, it was thought to have the power to protect against negative emotions and enhance inner strength.
Modern metaphysical beliefs associate blue topaz with peace, love, and harmony. It is often used in jewelry and meditation to promote a sense of calm and well-being. Blue topaz is also believed to help with decision-making and communication, making it a valuable stone for those who struggle with anxiety or indecision.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of December birthstones. Each gemstone has specific requirements based on its hardness, chemical composition, and sensitivity to heat, light, and chemicals.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone and is sensitive to heat, chemicals, and moisture. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth and lukewarm water. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they can damage the stone’s surface. Turquoise should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching. It should also be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can cause it to dry out and lose its color.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is relatively durable but should still be handled with care. It can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can dull the stone’s luster. Tanzanite should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and light can cause it to fade over time.
Zircon
Zircon is a durable gemstone but should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or high temperatures. It can be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm water. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone’s internal structure. Zircon should be stored in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratching.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is one of the hardest December birthstones and is relatively easy to care for. It can be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. It is also safe to use ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Blue topaz can be exposed to sunlight without fading, making it a practical choice for everyday wear. It should be stored in a dry place to prevent any potential damage from moisture.
Conclusion
The December birthstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz—each carry a rich history, unique geological properties, and deep symbolic meanings. From the ancient amulets of Egypt to the rare Tanzanite found in a single corner of the world, these gemstones reflect the enduring fascination humans have with the natural world and its treasures. Whether worn for their beauty, their symbolism, or their protective qualities, these stones continue to captivate and inspire.
For those born in December or for those who simply appreciate the elegance and history of these gemstones, the December birthstones offer a wide range of options for jewelry and personal adornment. Understanding their properties, origins, and meanings allows for a deeper appreciation of their enduring appeal and significance in the world of gemology.