The world of birthstones is rich with history, symbolism, and geological intrigue. Among the most captivating are the May and December birthstones, which include emerald, tanzanite, and turquoise. These gemstones have been cherished for centuries, not only for their beauty but also for their deep cultural significance and unique properties. This article delves into the geological formation, historical origins, gemological properties, and symbolic meanings of these stones, drawing exclusively from the information provided in the sources. The focus is on emerald for May and tanzanite and turquoise for December, offering a comprehensive exploration of their roles in both modern and traditional birthstone traditions.
History and Lore
The history of May and December birthstones is a tapestry woven from ancient beliefs, cultural traditions, and evolving gemological practices. The May birthstone, emerald, has a storied past that dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was revered as a symbol of fertility and rebirth. Cleopatra, the legendary Egyptian queen, was particularly fond of emeralds, often adorning herself with them and commissioning large quantities from mines in Egypt and Colombia. Emeralds were also highly valued in medieval Europe, where they were believed to possess healing properties and were used in various forms of jewelry and amulets.
Emeralds have long been associated with love and loyalty. The deep green color is said to represent the renewal of life and the vibrancy of nature. In ancient times, emeralds were thought to bring good fortune and protect the wearer from harm. These beliefs have endured through the centuries, and today, emeralds continue to be a popular choice for engagement rings and other significant jewelry pieces.
In contrast, the December birthstones—tanzanite and turquoise—have more modern histories. Tanzanite was discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, making it one of the youngest gemstones to be recognized as a birthstone. The gem was named after its country of origin and quickly gained popularity due to its striking blue to violet color. Tanzanite is unique in that it is found only in one location on Earth, making it a rare and valuable stone. Its discovery was a significant event in the gemstone world, and it has since become a symbol of transformation and spiritual awakening.
Turquoise, on the other hand, has a much older history. It has been used for thousands of years in various cultures, including ancient Egypt, Persia, and the Americas. Turquoise was highly prized by the ancient Egyptians, who used it in jewelry and amulets. It was also an important material for the indigenous peoples of the American Southwest, who crafted intricate jewelry and ceremonial objects from it. Turquoise is often associated with protection and healing, and it has been used in traditional medicine and spiritual practices.
Both tanzanite and turquoise have been incorporated into the modern birthstone tradition, with turquoise also appearing in the traditional December birthstone list. This dual inclusion highlights the evolving nature of birthstone traditions and the continued relevance of these gemstones in contemporary culture.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological formation of emerald, tanzanite, and turquoise provides insight into their rarity and beauty. Emeralds are formed in the Earth's crust under high pressure and temperature conditions. They are a variety of the mineral beryl, with their green coloration due to the presence of chromium or vanadium. Emeralds are typically found in metamorphic rocks, such as schist and gneiss, and in hydrothermal deposits. The most famous sources of emeralds are Colombia, where they are mined from alluvial deposits and from the bedrock. Other notable sources include Brazil, Zambia, and Afghanistan.
Tanzanite, as previously mentioned, is found exclusively in Tanzania, in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a type of zoisite that has been heat-treated to enhance its color. The geological conditions that formed tanzanite are unique, involving the collision of the African and Indian tectonic plates, which created the necessary environment for the formation of this rare gemstone. The presence of vanadium in the mineral structure is responsible for its distinctive blue to violet color.
Turquoise, in contrast, is a phosphate mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of copper deposits. It is typically found in arid regions where water has percolated through the ground and reacted with copper minerals. The most well-known sources of turquoise include the United States, particularly in the Southwest, where it has been mined for centuries. Other significant sources include Iran, China, and Egypt. The color of turquoise can vary depending on the presence of other minerals, with the most prized being the deep blue varieties that contain copper and iron.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of emerald, tanzanite, and turquoise are essential for understanding their durability, care, and use in jewelry. Emeralds have a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively hard but still susceptible to damage from harder materials. They often contain inclusions, which are natural imperfections that can affect their clarity. These inclusions are typically considered part of the gem's character and are not considered flaws in the same way as they are in diamonds. Emeralds are also sensitive to heat and chemicals, so they require careful cleaning and handling to maintain their beauty.
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which means it is less durable than emerald. It is also sensitive to high temperatures and can crack if exposed to sudden temperature changes. Tanzanite is often treated with heat to enhance its color, and this treatment can affect its durability. The gemstone is also prone to abrasion, so it is best set in jewelry that is not subjected to frequent wear, such as pendants or earrings.
Turquoise has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the softer gemstones. It is also porous and can absorb oils and other substances, which can affect its color and appearance. Turquoise is often stabilized with resins or other materials to enhance its durability and prevent it to be easily damaged. This stabilization process can also affect the gemstone's appearance and value.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with emerald, tanzanite, and turquoise add another layer of meaning to these gemstones. Emeralds have long been associated with love, rebirth, and fertility. In ancient times, they were believed to bring good fortune and protect the wearer from harm. These beliefs have endured through the centuries, and today, emeralds continue to be a popular choice for engagement rings and other significant jewelry pieces.
Emeralds are also associated with wisdom and clarity. They are said to enhance mental clarity and promote a sense of balance and harmony. In some cultures, emeralds are believed to have healing properties and are used in various forms of alternative medicine and spiritual practices.
Tanzanite is associated with transformation and spiritual awakening. Its striking blue to violet color is said to represent the journey of the soul and the search for inner truth. Tanzanite is believed to enhance intuition and promote a deeper connection with the spiritual world. It is also associated with emotional healing and the release of negative emotions.
Turquoise is often associated with protection and healing. In many cultures, it is believed to bring good fortune and protect the wearer from harm. Turquoise is also used in traditional medicine and spiritual practices, where it is believed to have healing properties and promote a sense of balance and harmony. It is also associated with communication and self-expression, and is said to enhance the wearer's ability to express their thoughts and emotions clearly.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning are essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of emerald, tanzanite, and turquoise. Each gemstone has specific care requirements based on its hardness and sensitivity to heat, chemicals, and physical stress.
Emeralds should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. They should be avoided from exposure to harsh chemicals, heat, and ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the gemstone. Emeralds should also be stored separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.
Tanzanite should be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. It should be avoided from exposure to high temperatures, sudden temperature changes, and ultrasonic cleaners, which can cause it to crack or lose its color. Tanzanite should also be stored separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches and abrasions.
Turquoise should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. It should be avoided from exposure to oils, lotions, and other substances that can be absorbed into the gemstone's porous surface. Turquoise should also be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches and abrasions.
Conclusion
The May and December birthstones—emerald, tanzanite, and turquoise—each have a rich history, unique geological properties, and deep symbolic significance. These gemstones have been cherished for centuries and continue to be popular choices for jewelry and personal adornment. Their distinct characteristics and meanings make them valuable not only for their beauty but also for their cultural and spiritual significance. Understanding their history, formation, properties, and care requirements allows for a deeper appreciation of these gemstones and their enduring appeal.