For those born on December 15, the choice of birthstone is rich and varied, offering a range of options that reflect both the aesthetic and symbolic richness of the month. December is uniquely distinguished by having multiple birthstones, each with its own history, properties, and cultural significance. This article explores the five gemstones associated with December—Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Zircon, Tanzanite, and Lapis Lazuli—providing a detailed overview of their geological characteristics, historical uses, symbolic meanings, and practical care.
Historical Significance and Cultural Lore
December’s selection of birthstones reflects a blend of ancient traditions and modern additions, showcasing the evolving nature of gemstone symbolism over time.
Turquoise: A Gemstone of Ancient Royalty
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones and has been revered for thousands of years across various cultures. Its use dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was associated with protection, prosperity, and good fortune. Pharaohs and nobles often wore turquoise in jewelry and inlaid it into artifacts, such as the famous mask of Tutankhamun. In ancient times, turquoise was considered a talisman of protection, believed to ward off negative energies and promote spiritual clarity. It was also used by shamans for its purported ability to enhance intuition and release inhibitions, allowing the soul to express itself freely.
In the 1950s, turquoise was officially recognized as a December birthstone and has since maintained its status as one of the most iconic gems of the month. The gemstone's distinctive robin’s egg blue to greenish-blue color, often featuring unique veining patterns, continues to make it a popular choice for jewelry.
Blue Topaz: A Stone of Self-Esteem and Spiritual Clarity
Blue topaz is another modern addition to the December birthstone roster. Known for its soft and gentle blue hue, it has been associated with the Hindu tradition and is said to stimulate self-esteem, improve concentration, and facilitate learning. The gemstone is believed to align the body's meridians, calm emotions, and connect the wearer to spiritual sources, making it an ideal stone for meditation and introspection.
Blue topaz is also thought to help dispel negative energy and promote a sense of calm and balance. Its association with the winter month of December makes it a fitting symbol for those seeking emotional equilibrium and spiritual growth.
Zircon: A Modern Replacement with Ancient Roots
Zircon was officially recognized as a December birthstone in 1952, replacing Lapis Lazuli in the official list. Zircon comes in a variety of colors, but the blue variety is most commonly associated with December. Known for its quiet vibration, zircon is believed to encourage joy and emotional balance. It was once considered a stone of ancient royalty and artists and was used in jewelry by notable figures in history.
Zircon is also said to bring clarity of thought and mental focus, making it a beneficial stone for those who seek to enhance their decision-making skills and overall mental clarity.
Tanzanite: A Recent Addition to the December Pantheon
Tanzanite is the newest of December’s birthstones, added to the list in 2002 by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). This gemstone, a variety of zoisite, was first discovered in Tanzania and is only found in a specific region of the country. Tanzanite is known for its striking blue-violet color and is often treated to enhance its vibrancy and eliminate brownish tones. It is considered a protective and soothing stone that helps one share spiritual information from their heart in a calm manner.
Tanzanite is also associated with emotional healing and is believed to help individuals connect with their inner wisdom and spiritual path. Its limited availability and unique coloration have made it a valuable and sought-after gemstone in the jewelry market.
Lapis Lazuli: A Stone of Wisdom and Self-Mastery
Before the 1950s, Lapis Lazuli was considered a December birthstone and held a special place in the history of gemstones. This deep blue stone, often flecked with gold-like pyrite, has been used by ancient royalty and artists for centuries. It was a symbol of wisdom, self-mastery, and protection, and was believed to bring deep peace and stress relief to those who carried it.
Lapis Lazuli was highly valued in ancient Egypt and was often used in jewelry and ceremonial objects. It was also used by Tibetan and Russian traditions as a protective stone, believed to encourage happiness and good fortune.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological origins of December's birthstones helps to appreciate their rarity and beauty.
Turquoise
Turquoise forms in arid regions where water percolates through copper ore deposits. The chemical composition of turquoise is copper aluminum phosphate, and it is typically found in weathered volcanic rock and sedimentary rock. The gemstone is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Due to its porous nature, turquoise can easily absorb chemicals and oils, which can affect its color and durability.
Major sources of turquoise include the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona and New Mexico, as well as Iran, China, and Egypt. The unique veining patterns and color variations in turquoise make each piece distinct and highly collectible.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is a variety of the mineral topaz, which is composed of aluminum silicate with fluorine. Its blue color is typically the result of irradiation or heat treatment. Topaz is a relatively hard gemstone, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable and suitable for everyday wear.
Blue topaz is primarily found in Brazil, but it is also mined in the United States, Russia, and Australia. The gemstone's soft blue hue and clarity make it a popular choice for jewelry, especially in rings, pendants, and earrings.
Zircon
Zircon is a zirconium silicate that occurs in a range of colors, including blue, yellow, red, and brown. The blue variety, which is most commonly associated with December, is typically heat-treated to enhance its color. Zircon is a relatively hard gemstone, with a hardness of 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, depending on the variety.
Major sources of zircon include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Australia. The gemstone is known for its brilliance and fire, which are enhanced by proper cutting and polishing.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a rare and unique gemstone found only in a specific region of Tanzania. It is a variety of zoisite that is primarily composed of calcium aluminum silicate. The gemstone’s blue-violet color is the result of a combination of iron and vanadium, and it is often heat-treated to enhance its color and eliminate brownish tones.
Tanzanite is one of the most recent gemstones to be discovered, first identified in the 1960s. Its limited availability and unique color have made it a valuable and sought-after gemstone in the jewelry market.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of lazurite, a type of feldspar. It is known for its deep blue color, often flecked with golden pyrite. Lapis Lazuli is relatively soft, with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, and is often used in cabochons or inlays rather than in faceted jewelry.
Major sources of lapis lazuli include Afghanistan, Argentina, and Russia. The gemstone has been used for thousands of years in jewelry, decorative objects, and ceremonial artifacts, and its rich blue color and golden flecks make it a highly collectible gemstone.
Gemological Properties
Each of December’s birthstones has distinct gemological properties that contribute to its beauty and durability.
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Color | Transparency | Specific Gravity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Copper aluminum phosphate | 5–6 | Blue, greenish-blue | Opaque | 2.6–2.8 |
| Blue Topaz | Aluminum silicate with F | 8 | Soft blue | Transparent | 3.5–3.6 |
| Zircon | Zirconium silicate | 6–7.5 | Blue, yellow, red | Transparent | 4.5–5.0 |
| Tanzanite | Calcium aluminum silicate | 6–7 | Blue-violet | Transparent | 3.1–3.4 |
| Lapis Lazuli | Lazurite, calcite, pyrite | 5–6 | Deep blue with gold | Opaque | 2.4–2.9 |
These properties make each gemstone unique and suitable for different types of jewelry and applications. For example, turquoise is best suited for pendants and earrings due to its softness, while blue topaz and zircon are more durable and can be used in rings and bracelets.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolic and metaphysical properties of December’s birthstones are rooted in ancient traditions and modern beliefs.
Turquoise
Turquoise is often associated with protection, prosperity, and good fortune. It is believed to dispel negative energy and promote spiritual clarity. In ancient times, it was used by shamans for its purported ability to enhance intuition and release inhibitions, allowing the soul to express itself freely.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is associated with self-esteem, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. It is believed to help individuals navigate complex ideas and connect with spiritual sources. It is also used in meditation to promote calm and clarity.
Zircon
Zircon is believed to encourage joy and emotional balance. It is associated with mental clarity and is often used to enhance decision-making and focus.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is associated with emotional healing and spiritual connection. It is believed to help individuals connect with their inner wisdom and share spiritual information in a calm and balanced manner.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is associated with wisdom, self-mastery, and protection. It is believed to bring deep peace and stress relief and is often used by artists and thinkers for its calming effects.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of December’s birthstones.
Turquoise
Due to its softness and porosity, turquoise requires gentle care. It should be stored in a jewelry pouch or box to prevent scratching by other stones. It is also important to avoid exposure to chemicals, lotions, and perfumes, as these can cause discoloration and damage.
Turquoise can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. It should be dried thoroughly and not exposed to excessive heat or direct sunlight.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is relatively hard and durable, making it suitable for everyday wear. It can be cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone.
Zircon
Zircon is a relatively hard gemstone, but it should still be handled with care. It can be cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone and should be handled with care. It can be cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a soft gemstone and should be stored in a jewelry pouch or box to prevent scratching. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and excessive heat.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones offer a rich and diverse selection of gemstones, each with its own unique beauty, history, and symbolism. From the ancient and revered turquoise to the modern and rare tanzanite, these gemstones reflect the evolving traditions of gemstone use and symbolism. Whether worn for their aesthetic appeal, spiritual significance, or historical value, December’s birthstones continue to captivate and inspire.
For those born on December 15, the choice of birthstone is a meaningful one, offering a range of options that reflect both personal preference and symbolic significance. Whether it is the protective and calming turquoise, the emotionally balancing blue topaz, the mentally clarifying zircon, the emotionally healing tanzanite, or the wise and protective lapis lazuli, each gemstone holds a special place in the world of birthstones.