December, the final month of the calendar year, is symbolized by a rich tapestry of gemstones that have captivated cultures and civilizations for centuries. Among the most revered are turquoise and lapis lazuli—two traditional birthstones that have long been associated with wisdom, protection, and spiritual enlightenment. These gems, with their deep blue and blue-green hues, reflect the chill of winter while resonating with the warmth of ancient lore. This article delves into the historical and cultural significance of these traditional December birthstones, their geological properties, and their enduring appeal in both historical and modern contexts.
A Brief Overview of December Birthstones
December is unique in the world of birthstones as it is one of only two months with multiple official stones. While the modern birthstone list includes turquoise, tanzanite, and blue zircon, the traditional December birthstones are turquoise and lapis lazuli. These stones have been cherished for their symbolic meanings, aesthetic appeal, and historical connections to royalty, spirituality, and protection.
Turquoise, with its striking blue-green color, has been a favored gem for millennia, used in jewelry, ceremonial objects, and protective talismans. Lapis lazuli, known for its deep blue body and golden pyrite flecks, has also held a place of prestige, particularly in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
This article explores the origins, properties, cultural significance, and care of these traditional December birthstones, providing a comprehensive understanding of their enduring legacy.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Ancient Roots of Turquoise
Turquoise has a rich and ancient history, with evidence of its use dating back thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, turquoise was considered a sacred stone, often used in the adornment of pharaohs and high-ranking officials. It was believed to possess protective and healing properties and was frequently incorporated into amulets and funerary objects.
The name "turquoise" itself is derived from the French pierre turquoise, meaning “Turkish stone,” a reference to the trade routes through which the gemstone entered Europe from the East. Despite its name, turquoise is not native to Turkey but has been mined in various regions, including Persia (modern-day Iran), Egypt, and China.
In Native American cultures, particularly among the Navajo and Zuni tribes, turquoise is revered for its connection to the sky and water. It is often used in jewelry and ceremonial objects, symbolizing protection, good fortune, and spiritual balance.
Lapis Lazuli: A Stone of Royalty and Enlightenment
Lapis lazuli, another traditional December birthstone, has been treasured since antiquity for its deep blue color and golden flecks. Ancient Egyptian royalty, including Pharaoh Tutankhamun, was buried with lapis lazuli jewelry and ornaments, signifying its association with divinity and the afterlife.
The stone was also highly valued in Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilization, where it was used in art, religious artifacts, and cosmetics. Lapis lazuli was ground into a fine powder to create pigments used in ancient paintings, including the famous blue used in Renaissance artworks.
In medieval and Renaissance Europe, lapis lazuli continued to be a symbol of wisdom and truth. It was believed to enhance intellectual pursuits and promote spiritual insight. Alchemists and scholars often carried lapis lazuli as a tool for contemplation and enlightenment.
Geological Formation and Sources
The Origins of Turquoise
Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper, formed through a complex geological process involving the interaction of copper-rich minerals and phosphorus in arid environments. It is typically found in the oxidation zones of copper deposits, where water percolates through the rock and facilitates the formation of the gemstone.
The most notable sources of turquoise include:
- Iran (Persia) – One of the oldest and most renowned sources of high-quality turquoise.
- Egypt – Known for its deep blue, fine-grained turquoise, particularly from the Sinai Peninsula.
- United States – The American Southwest, especially Arizona and New Mexico, is a major modern source of turquoise, particularly for the Native American jewelry trade.
- China – Turquoise from the Qinghai region is known for its vibrant blue color and is often treated to enhance its appearance.
- Mexico – Mexican turquoise is often found in lighter colors and is used in a variety of jewelry designs.
Turquoise is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5–6 on the Mohs scale, making it more susceptible to scratches and damage than harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. It is also porous and can absorb oils and dirt, requiring careful handling and cleaning.
The Formation of Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of lazurite, a deep blue mineral, along with other minerals such as pyrite (which gives the golden flecks) and calcite. It forms under high-pressure conditions, typically in the presence of sodium-rich minerals.
The most significant deposits of lapis lazuli are found in:
- Afghanistan – The most historically important and high-quality source of lapis lazuli. The Badakhshan region has been producing fine lapis lazuli for thousands of years.
- Russia – Known for its deep blue lapis lazuli with golden pyrite, particularly from the Lake Baikal region.
- Egypt – Ancient Egyptian lapis lazuli was likely sourced from Afghanistan and transported via the Persian trade routes.
- Brazil – A more recent source of lapis lazuli, producing stones with a lighter blue color.
Lapis lazuli has a hardness of 5–6 on the Mohs scale, similar to turquoise, and is also porous. It requires gentle care to maintain its luster and avoid damage from harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Gemological Properties
Turquoise: A Unique Combination of Color and Texture
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al₂(OH)₃PO₄ |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 5–6 |
| Color | Blue, blue-green, green |
| Luster | Waxy to greasy |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Specific Gravity | 2.6–2.8 |
| Occurrence | Formed in copper deposits in arid regions |
| Treatment | Often stabilized or dyed to enhance color and durability |
Turquoise is known for its wide range of colors, from deep cobalt blue to pale green and even yellow. The presence of other minerals within the stone can create patterns and matrix, adding to its uniqueness. Due to its softness and porosity, turquoise is often stabilized with resins or oils to improve its durability and appearance.
Lapis Lazuli: A Rich and Complex Stone
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Primarily lazurite, with pyrite and calcite |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 5–6 |
| Color | Deep blue with golden flecks |
| Luster | Waxy to vitreous |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Specific Gravity | 2.4–2.9 |
| Occurrence | Metamorphic rock formed under high pressure |
| Treatment | Often polished to enhance color and luster |
Lapis lazuli is prized for its rich blue color and the sparkling golden flecks of pyrite that are often embedded within it. The presence of calcite can create white or light-colored streaks or patches. The stone is usually polished to a high gloss, enhancing its natural beauty. Due to its softness and porosity, lapis lazuli requires careful handling and cleaning to prevent damage.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Turquoise: A Stone of Protection and Prosperity
Throughout history, turquoise has been associated with protection, prosperity, and good fortune. In ancient Egypt, it was believed to ward off evil and bring divine favor. In Native American cultures, turquoise is seen as a bridge between the earth and the sky, symbolizing the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.
In medieval Europe, turquoise was believed to have healing properties and was used in amulets to protect against illness and misfortune. It was also associated with love and friendship, often given as a token of affection and loyalty.
Modern metaphysical beliefs continue to attribute healing and protective qualities to turquoise. It is said to promote calmness, enhance communication, and support emotional balance. Some believe it can help with respiratory issues and skin conditions.
Lapis Lazuli: A Stone of Wisdom and Enlightenment
Lapis lazuli has long been associated with wisdom, truth, and spiritual insight. In ancient Egypt, it was worn by priests and scholars to enhance their intellectual pursuits and spiritual connection. It was also used in cosmetics, particularly by Cleopatra, who ground it into powder to create eye makeup.
During the Renaissance, lapis lazuli was used in the creation of pigments for paintings, particularly the deep blue known as "ultramarine." This pigment was highly valued and reserved for the most important works of art, symbolizing divinity and the heavens.
In modern metaphysical practices, lapis lazuli is believed to enhance self-awareness, promote inner peace, and stimulate intellectual and spiritual growth. It is often used in meditation and spiritual practices to encourage a deeper connection with the self and the universe.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their softness and porosity, both turquoise and lapis lazuli require careful handling and cleaning to maintain their beauty and durability.
Caring for Turquoise
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, including household cleaners and perfumes.
- Keep the stone away from extreme temperatures, as heat can cause it to dry out and crack.
- Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steamers.
- Store turquoise separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.
- Re-oil the stone periodically to maintain its luster and prevent drying out. Use a small amount of mineral oil or a specialized gemstone oil.
Caring for Lapis Lazuli
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.
- Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners.
- Avoid exposing the stone to heat, which can cause it to crack or lose luster.
- Store lapis lazuli separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.
- Polish the stone occasionally with a soft cloth to maintain its shine.
Conclusion
December’s traditional birthstones—turquoise and lapis lazuli—carry a legacy that spans thousands of years. These gems, with their deep blue and blue-green hues, have been cherished for their beauty, symbolism, and spiritual significance. From the pharaohs of ancient Egypt to the artisans of the Renaissance, these stones have played a vital role in human history.
Whether used in jewelry, ceremonial objects, or personal adornment, turquoise and lapis lazuli continue to captivate and inspire. Their unique geological properties, rich cultural heritage, and enduring metaphysical beliefs make them truly remarkable gems. For those born in December, these traditional birthstones serve as a meaningful connection to the past and a symbol of wisdom, protection, and spiritual growth.