The December birthstone ring is a unique and versatile piece of jewelry, symbolizing the month of December through the use of one of three gemstones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Each of these stones carries its own distinct beauty, history, and gemological properties, making December an especially intriguing month in the world of birthstones. Unlike months that are associated with a single gemstone, December offers a range of options, allowing individuals to choose the stone that best aligns with their style, preferences, and even personal beliefs.
This article delves into the characteristics, origins, and cultural significance of the three December birthstones—turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. It also explores how these gemstones are used in jewelry, particularly in rings, and provides care instructions to ensure their longevity and brilliance. By examining these aspects, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the December birthstone ring for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology.
History and Lore of December Birthstones
The tradition of birthstones dates back thousands of years, with roots in ancient texts and cultural practices. The December birthstones—turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite—each have their own historical significance and were valued for different reasons in various civilizations.
Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones and has been used for thousands of years in jewelry, amulets, and decorative objects. It was particularly revered by the ancient Egyptians, who believed it offered protection and was a symbol of good health. The stone was often inlaid into jewelry and used in the form of beads or cabochons. In the Americas, especially among the Native American tribes of the Southwest, turquoise was considered sacred and was used in rituals and ceremonies. It was often associated with the sky and water and was believed to bring good fortune and spiritual power.
Turquoise has also been a popular choice in jewelry in the Middle East and Asia, where it was used in traditional designs for centuries. Its use as a December birthstone is one of the oldest traditions, predating the addition of the other two stones.
Zircon
Zircon, another gemstone associated with December, has a long and storied history. The word "zircon" comes from the Arabic word "zarcon," meaning "moonstone," which may suggest early confusion with other gemstones. Zircon has been known since ancient times and was used in various cultures for its beauty and clarity. In ancient Greece and Rome, zircon was believed to have protective and healing properties. It was also considered a stone of wisdom and was used in amulets to help the wearer make sound decisions.
The name "zircon" became more widely used in the 18th century, and the gemstone gained popularity in Victorian-era jewelry. In the 20th century, zircon became a more recognized birthstone for December, particularly in its blue form, which is highly prized for its vibrant color and brilliance.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is the most recent addition to the December birthstone list, having been discovered in the 1960s in Tanzania. This gemstone was named after its country of origin and quickly became popular due to its striking color and unique properties. Tanzanite is a form of zoisite that is heat-treated to enhance its color, producing a range of blue to violet hues. It was marketed as a December birthstone in the early 2000s, and its addition to the list reflects the evolving nature of birthstone traditions.
Tanzanite is also unique because it is found only in one place in the world—Tanzania. This exclusivity adds to its allure and makes it a highly sought-after gemstone.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of the December birthstones—turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite—has a unique geological formation and source. Understanding these aspects helps gemologists and jewelry buyers appreciate the rarity and value of these stones.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper. It is typically found in the oxidation zones of copper deposits and is formed through the interaction of water, copper, and aluminum. This process occurs in arid regions, where the presence of copper-bearing minerals is common. The most famous sources of turquoise include the American Southwest, particularly in states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. Other notable sources include China, Iran, and Egypt.
The color of turquoise can vary from pale blue to deep green, depending on the concentration of copper and iron in the stone. The presence of matrix, or the web-like patterns that appear on the surface of the stone, is also a distinguishing feature. These patterns are caused by the presence of other minerals and can add to the beauty and value of the gemstone.
Zircon
Zircon is a mineral composed of zirconium, silicon, and oxygen. It is found in a wide range of colors, including red, yellow, green, brown, and colorless, with the blue variety being the most popular. The blue color is achieved through a heat treatment process that alters the structure of the stone. Zircon is typically found in metamorphic and igneous rocks and is often associated with other minerals such as quartz and feldspar.
The primary sources of zircon include countries in Asia, such as Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand, as well as parts of Africa and Australia. The gemstone is known for its high refractive index, which gives it a brilliant sparkle and makes it a popular choice for jewelry.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively rare gemstone that is found only in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. It is a form of zoisite and is known for its intense blue to violet color. The color of tanzanite is due to the presence of vanadium and is enhanced through heat treatment. This treatment stabilizes the color and makes it more vibrant.
The discovery of tanzanite in the 1960s was a significant event in the gemstone world. It was quickly marketed as a birthstone and has since become a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. The fact that tanzanite is found only in one location in the world makes it a highly valuable and collectible gemstone.
Gemological Properties
Each of the December birthstones has distinct gemological properties that affect their use in jewelry and their care requirements. These properties include hardness, refractive index, and color stability.
Turquoise
Turquoise has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft compared to other gemstones. This means that it is more susceptible to scratches and damage. The refractive index of turquoise is relatively low, ranging from 1.61 to 1.63, which gives it a more subdued luster compared to harder gemstones.
The color of turquoise can vary depending on the presence of other minerals and the amount of water in the stone. The presence of matrix patterns also adds to the uniqueness of each piece. Due to its softness and porous nature, turquoise requires careful handling and cleaning to prevent damage.
Zircon
Zircon has a hardness of 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it more durable than turquoise but still relatively soft compared to gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. The refractive index of zircon is quite high, ranging from 1.92 to 2.00, which gives it a brilliant sparkle and makes it a popular choice for jewelry.
Zircon is known for its dispersion, or the ability to refract light into a spectrum of colors, which is similar to that of a diamond. However, the blue variety of zircon is particularly prized for its vibrant color and clarity. Zircon can be found in a range of colors, and the blue color is achieved through heat treatment. This treatment is stable and does not fade over time.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable but still requiring careful handling. The refractive index of tanzanite is high, ranging from 1.69 to 1.70, which contributes to its brilliant sparkle. The color of tanzanite is due to the presence of vanadium, and it is enhanced through heat treatment. This treatment is stable and does not fade over time.
Tanzanite is known for its pleochroism, which means it can display different colors when viewed from different angles. This property adds to the gemstone's uniqueness and appeal. Due to its relatively low hardness and pleochroism, tanzanite requires careful handling and cleaning to prevent damage.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The December birthstones—turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite—each have their own symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties, which have been attributed to them in various cultures and traditions.
Turquoise
Turquoise has long been associated with protection, health, and spiritual power. In ancient Egypt, it was believed to offer protection and was used in amulets. In Native American cultures, turquoise was considered a sacred stone and was used in rituals and ceremonies. It was believed to bring good fortune and spiritual power, and it was often associated with the sky and water.
In modern times, turquoise is still considered a protective stone and is believed to promote calmness, clarity, and emotional balance. It is also associated with communication and self-expression, making it a popular choice for those who seek to enhance their ability to express themselves clearly and confidently.
Zircon
Zircon is associated with wisdom, clarity, and spiritual growth. In ancient times, it was believed to help the wearer make sound decisions and was used in amulets to promote wisdom and protection. In modern metaphysical traditions, zircon is believed to enhance mental clarity and help the wearer overcome indecision and confusion.
The blue variety of zircon is particularly prized for its ability to promote calmness and emotional stability. It is believed to help the wearer release negative emotions and find inner peace. Zircon is also associated with the throat chakra, making it a popular choice for those who seek to improve their communication and self-expression.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is associated with emotional healing, transformation, and spiritual awakening. It is believed to help the wearer release old patterns and emotions that no longer serve them, allowing for personal growth and transformation. Tanzanite is also associated with the third eye chakra, which is linked to intuition and spiritual insight.
In modern metaphysical traditions, tanzanite is believed to promote emotional balance and help the wearer navigate through difficult times. It is also associated with love and compassion, making it a popular choice for those who seek to deepen their relationships and connections with others.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning are essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of the December birthstones—turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Each of these gemstones has specific care requirements due to their unique properties and vulnerabilities.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a relatively soft and porous gemstone, which makes it susceptible to scratches, cracks, and discoloration. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners, as these can damage the stone. It is also important to avoid exposing turquoise to excessive heat or direct sunlight, as this can cause it to dry out and lose its color.
When storing turquoise jewelry, it should be kept in a cool, dry place away from other gemstones that may scratch it. It is also advisable to remove turquoise jewelry before engaging in activities that could cause physical damage, such as sports or manual labor.
Zircon
Zircon is more durable than turquoise but still requires careful handling. It has a hardness of 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively resistant to scratches but still vulnerable to damage. Zircon can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and warm water. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as these can cause the stone to become brittle or develop cracks.
Zircon is also sensitive to high temperatures, so it should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It is advisable to remove zircon jewelry before engaging in activities that could cause physical damage. When storing zircon jewelry, it should be kept in a cool, dry place away from other gemstones that may scratch it.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively durable gemstone with a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. However, it is still vulnerable to damage from sharp impacts and high temperatures. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and warm water. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as these can cause the stone to become brittle or develop cracks.
Tanzanite is also sensitive to high temperatures, so it should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It is advisable to remove tanzanite jewelry before engaging in activities that could cause physical damage. When storing tanzanite jewelry, it should be kept in a cool, dry place away from other gemstones that may scratch it.
Conclusion
The December birthstone ring is a unique and versatile piece of jewelry that allows individuals to choose from three distinct gemstones—turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Each of these stones has its own history, geological properties, and symbolic meanings, making them valuable and meaningful choices for December birthstone jewelry.
Turquoise, the oldest of the December birthstones, has been cherished for thousands of years for its protective and spiritual properties. Zircon, known for its brilliance and clarity, is a versatile gemstone that comes in a range of colors. Tanzanite, the most recent addition to the December birthstone list, is prized for its beauty and exclusivity.
Understanding the gemological properties, historical significance, and care requirements of these stones is essential for anyone considering a December birthstone ring. Whether chosen for its beauty, symbolism, or personal significance, the December birthstone ring is a meaningful and enduring piece of jewelry.