December, the final month of the year, is celebrated with a rich array of birthstones that reflect the depth and diversity of the season. Unlike months that are associated with a single gemstone, December is blessed with five distinct birthstones: Tanzanite, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Zircon, and Blue Topaz. These stones are not only beautiful in appearance but also carry a wealth of history, symbolism, and cultural significance. Each offers a unique blend of color, rarity, and meaning, making them ideal choices for jewelry, especially for nose studs or other delicate pieces that highlight the stone's natural beauty.
This article will delve into the history, properties, and significance of each of these December birthstones, with a special emphasis on their suitability for use in nose studs. We will also explore the care and maintenance required to preserve their beauty over time.
History and Lore of December Birthstones
The tradition of birthstones dates back to ancient times, with the earliest known references found in the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Bible. The breastplate was adorned with twelve gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones became associated with the months of the year, leading to the modern concept of birthstones. While some of these associations have remained consistent, others have evolved, especially as new gemstones were discovered and appreciated.
December, like many months, has undergone changes in its birthstone associations over the centuries. The traditional December birthstones—Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise—have been in use since medieval times and are deeply rooted in cultural and historical traditions. However, in the 20th century, additional gemstones were added to the list of December birthstones, including Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz. This expansion was driven by the discovery of new gem materials and the increasing appreciation for their unique beauty and properties.
Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise: The Traditional December Birthstones
Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise have long been considered the traditional birthstones for December. Both stones are prized for their deep blue tones and have been used in jewelry and decorative arts for centuries.
Lapis Lazuli, with its rich blue color and flecks of golden pyrite, has been associated with wisdom, truth, and enlightenment. In ancient Egypt, it was used in jewelry and amulets, and was even found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The stone was also highly valued in Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilization. In medieval Europe, Lapis Lazuli was used to create pigments for illuminated manuscripts and was believed to bring clarity of thought and spiritual insight.
Turquoise, on the other hand, has been used for millennia in various cultures around the world. It was especially significant in ancient Egypt, where it was believed to offer protection and was used in the adornment of pharaohs. In the Americas, particularly among Native American tribes, Turquoise was considered sacred and was used in ceremonial jewelry and as a symbol of good fortune and spiritual power. The stone was also highly valued in the Middle East and Asia, where it was incorporated into jewelry, inlays, and decorative objects.
Both of these traditional December birthstones have a strong connection to the color blue, which is associated with the chill of winter and the vastness of the sky. Their use in jewelry, especially in delicate pieces like nose studs, allows for the display of these colors in a subtle yet elegant manner.
Tanzanite: The Modern Discovery
Tanzanite is a relatively modern addition to the list of December birthstones, having been discovered in the 1960s in Tanzania. The gem was first identified in 1967 by a local Maasai tribesman, Ali Juuyawatu, who showed his crystals to a tailor, Manuel de Souza. A gemologist later identified the stones as blue zoisite, and a year later, the gem was branded by Tiffany & Co. as “Tanzanite.” The name was chosen because the stone is only found in Tanzania, and the name “zoisite” was considered to be unattractive or even unlucky.
Tanzanite is known for its striking blue to violet color and is highly valued for its rarity. It is found only in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro, making it one of the most exclusive gemstones in the world. The stone is often heat-treated to enhance its color, and it is known for its pleochroism, which means it can display different colors when viewed from different angles.
Tanzanite is a popular choice for jewelry, including nose studs, due to its vibrant color and relatively affordable price compared to other colored gemstones. Its unique color and rarity make it a desirable choice for those seeking a gemstone that stands out.
Zircon and Blue Topaz: The Colorful Alternatives
Zircon and Blue Topaz are two other gemstones that have been added to the December birthstone list in modern times. Both stones are known for their clarity and vibrant colors, making them excellent choices for jewelry.
Zircon is a mineral that has been around for billions of years and is considered one of the oldest minerals on Earth. It is known for its brilliance and fire, and it can display a range of colors, including blue, which is the most popular for birthstone purposes. Blue Zircon is especially valued for its deep blue color and its ability to reflect light in a way that is similar to diamonds.
Blue Topaz, on the other hand, is a popular gemstone that is known for its calm, serene color. It is often heat-treated to enhance its blue color and is one of the most affordable gemstones available. Blue Topaz is highly durable, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear in jewelry pieces such as nose studs.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of the December birthstones has a unique geological history and is found in specific locations around the world. Understanding the formation and sources of these gemstones can help appreciate their rarity and value.
Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise
Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock that is composed primarily of lazurite, a silicate mineral that gives the stone its deep blue color. It also contains other minerals such as pyrite, which creates the golden flecks that are visible in the stone. Lapis Lazuli is found in metamorphic rock formations and is typically mined from the surface. The finest quality Lapis Lazuli is found in Afghanistan, where it has been mined for thousands of years.
Turquoise, on the other hand, is a phosphate mineral that forms in the oxidation zone of copper deposits. It is typically found in arid regions where the conditions are right for the formation of the stone. Turquoise is often found in veins or nodules in the rock and is mined using both surface and underground methods. The finest quality Turquoise is found in the United States, particularly in New Mexico and Arizona, as well as in Iran and China.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a type of zoisite that is found only in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is formed when the mineral undergoes heat and pressure from volcanic activity, which causes it to develop its characteristic blue to violet color. Tanzanite is typically found in metamorphic rock formations and is mined from open pits. Due to its limited source and the conditions required for its formation, Tanzanite is considered to be one of the rarest gemstones in the world.
Zircon and Blue Topaz
Zircon is a zirconium silicate mineral that is found in a variety of geological environments, including igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is known for its durability and resistance to weathering, which allows it to survive in the Earth's crust for billions of years. Blue Zircon is created when the mineral is exposed to natural or artificial radiation, which alters its color. It is found in various locations around the world, including Australia, Brazil, and Madagascar.
Blue Topaz is a type of Topaz that is found in igneous rocks and is often found in association with other minerals such as quartz and feldspar. The blue color in Topaz is typically enhanced through heat treatment, which removes the brown color and allows the blue to emerge. Blue Topaz is found in several countries, including Brazil, the United States, and Nigeria.
Gemological Properties of December Birthstones
Understanding the gemological properties of December birthstones is essential for choosing the right stone for a piece of jewelry, such as a nose stud. These properties include color, clarity, hardness, and durability, all of which affect the stone's appearance and longevity.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is not a true gemstone in the traditional sense because it is a rock composed of several minerals. It is composed primarily of lazurite, which gives it its deep blue color, along with pyrite, which creates the golden flecks. Lapis Lazuli has a hardness of around 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively soft and can be easily scratched. It is also porous, which means it can absorb oils and other substances, making it sensitive to harsh chemicals and abrasives.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral that is known for its blue-green color. It has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft. Turquoise is also porous and can absorb oils and other substances, which means it should be handled with care. It is sensitive to heat and can fade if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a silicate mineral that is known for its striking blue to violet color. It has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively durable. However, it has perfect cleavage, meaning it can be fractured if struck in the right direction. Tanzanite is also sensitive to heat and can change color if exposed to high temperatures.
Zircon
Zircon is a zirconium silicate mineral that is known for its brilliance and fire. It has a hardness of 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable. Zircon is also known for its pleochroism, which means it can display different colors when viewed from different angles. Blue Zircon is one of the most popular varieties for jewelry.
Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz is a type of Topaz that is known for its calm, serene color. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones used in jewelry. Blue Topaz is also very durable and can withstand normal wear and tear. It is also resistant to heat and is not easily scratched or damaged.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of the December birthstones carries its own set of symbolic and metaphysical properties, which have been attributed to the stones by various cultures and traditions. These beliefs can influence the choice of gemstone for a piece of jewelry such as a nose stud.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli has long been associated with wisdom, truth, and enlightenment. In ancient Egypt, it was used in jewelry and amulets and was believed to bring clarity of thought and spiritual insight. It was also used to create pigments for illuminated manuscripts in medieval Europe. Lapis Lazuli is considered a stone of truth and is believed to enhance intellectual abilities and stimulate a quest for knowledge.
Turquoise
Turquoise is believed to bring protection and good fortune. In ancient Egypt, it was used in the adornment of pharaohs and was believed to offer protection. In the Americas, particularly among Native American tribes, Turquoise was considered sacred and was used in ceremonial jewelry. It is also believed to instill a sense of inner calm and foster creativity.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is believed to enhance intuition and spiritual insight. It is considered a stone of transformation and is believed to help individuals navigate change and transition. It is also associated with the heart chakra and is believed to promote emotional healing and balance.
Zircon
Zircon is believed to enhance memory and promote clarity of thought. It is also associated with the crown chakra and is believed to promote spiritual growth and enlightenment. Zircon is also believed to help with decision-making and to provide a sense of direction and purpose.
Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz is believed to promote calmness and serenity. It is also associated with the throat chakra and is believed to enhance communication and self-expression. Blue Topaz is also believed to promote loyalty and friendship and is considered a stone of truth.
Care and Cleaning of December Birthstones
Proper care and cleaning of December birthstones are essential to maintaining their beauty and longevity. Each stone has its own unique requirements, and understanding these can help ensure that the gemstone remains in good condition.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli should be cleaned gently with mild soap and a soft brush. It should be avoided from direct sunlight and harsh chemicals to maintain its color and brilliance. It is also porous and can absorb oils and other substances, so it should be handled with care.
Turquoise
Turquoise should be cleaned gently with mild soap and a soft brush. It should be avoided from direct sunlight and harsh chemicals to maintain its color and brilliance. It is also porous and can absorb oils and other substances, so it should be handled with care.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite should be cleaned gently with mild soap and a soft brush. It should be avoided from ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. It is also sensitive to heat and can change color if exposed to high temperatures.
Zircon
Zircon should be cleaned gently with mild soap and a soft brush. It should be avoided from direct sunlight and harsh chemicals to maintain its color and brilliance.
Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz can be cleaned with lukewarm water and a soft brush. It is one of the hardest gemstones used in jewelry and can withstand normal wear and tear. It is also resistant to heat and is not easily scratched or damaged.
Conclusion
December is a month rich in symbolism and tradition, and its birthstones reflect this diversity. The five gemstones associated with December—Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz—each have their own unique beauty, history, and properties. Whether you choose one of the traditional December birthstones or one of the modern additions, you can be sure that your choice will reflect the spirit of the season.
These gemstones are not only beautiful but also carry a wealth of meaning and significance. They are a testament to the enduring appeal of gemstones and their ability to connect us to history, culture, and personal identity. When choosing a December birthstone for a piece of jewelry such as a nose stud, it is important to consider the gemstone's properties, as well as its symbolism and meaning.
By understanding the history, properties, and significance of December birthstones, you can make an informed choice that will bring both beauty and meaning to your jewelry collection. Whether you choose a traditional gemstone or a modern one, you can be sure that your choice will be a reflection of the unique qualities of December.