December is unique among months, boasting not one, but three recognized birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. This selection offers a diverse palette of colors and a rich tapestry of histories, making December a particularly versatile month for those seeking a meaningful gemstone connection. These stones represent change, camaraderie, and the warmth of reunions during the chillier days of the year, each carrying its own distinct symbolism and appeal.
History and Lore
The history of December birthstones is a fascinating evolution. Early birthstone lists, inspired by Biblical texts, initially designated ruby as the stone for December. However, over time, this association shifted. By 1870, turquoise had emerged as a prominent December birthstone, as documented in Tiffany & Co.’s “Gregorian Birthstone Poems.” The National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America) further solidified turquoise’s position in 1912, listing it as the primary stone with lapis lazuli as an alternative. Zircon was added to the list in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, and most recently, in 2002, tanzanite joined the ranks, reflecting its growing popularity and recognition within the gemological world.
Turquoise holds a particularly ancient and storied past. As early as 3,000 years ago, Chinese artisans were carving this gem, while the pharaohs of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with it, believing it possessed beneficial powers. Throughout the 13th century, it was thought to protect wearers from falls, particularly from horseback, and was believed to fracture as a warning of impending disaster. In Hindu mysticism, viewing turquoise after a new moon was thought to guarantee wealth. The Aztecs also mined turquoise in what is now New Mexico, and significant deposits continue to be found in Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Geological Formation and Sources
The origins of these December birthstones are geographically diverse. Turquoise, a semi-translucent to opaque gem ranging in color from blue to green, often forms with veins of matrix – remnants of the surrounding rock – running through it. It is mined in the United States, Mexico, Iran, Chile, China, and Tibet. Historically, the most valuable turquoise originated from Iran (Persia), though specimens from the southwestern United States now compete in quality.
Tanzanite, a relatively recent discovery, is found exclusively in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Zircon, however, boasts a more widespread distribution, with deposits located in Brazil, Afghanistan, Australia, Myanmar (Burma), China, Germany, Japan, Madagascar, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, and the USA. Notably, natural light-blue topaz is found in Northern Ireland and the UK.
Gemological Properties
Each of these December birthstones possesses unique gemological characteristics. Turquoise is not typically faceted due to its opaque nature and is instead cut into cabochons or beads. It is often dyed and stabilized with resins to enhance its color and durability.
Tanzanite, ranging in color from blue to bluish-purple, is rated 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is susceptible to cracking under high temperatures or sudden temperature changes and can be affected by hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids. Most tanzanite undergoes heat treatment to achieve its characteristic blue to violet hues, a process that permanently alters the stone’s color without compromising its durability.
Zircon exhibits a wider range of colors, including rainbow varieties. Its hardness is not specified in the provided sources.
The following table summarizes key properties:
| Gemstone | Color Range | Hardness (Mohs) | Notable Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Blue to Green | Not specified | Often contains matrix, frequently dyed and stabilized |
| Tanzanite | Blue to Bluish-Purple | 6-7 | Heat-treated to achieve color, susceptible to thermal shock |
| Zircon | Rainbow Varieties | Not specified |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, these gemstones have been imbued with symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties. Turquoise is believed to offer protection, promote self-expression, and encourage compassion. It was historically thought to guarantee health and good fortune.
Blue topaz is associated with calmness, communication, and emotional balance. Zircon is believed to enhance mental clarity, intuition, and grounding. The sources do not detail specific metaphysical beliefs associated with tanzanite beyond its transformative symbolism.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of December birthstones. Tanzanite, due to its sensitivity to heat and chemicals, should be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended. Zircon and turquoise require gentle cleaning methods to avoid damage. While the sources do not provide specific cleaning instructions for zircon, its relative hardness suggests it can withstand mild cleaning solutions. Turquoise, being a softer stone, should be handled with care and cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones – turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon – represent a captivating blend of history, beauty, and symbolism. From the ancient protective powers attributed to turquoise to the modern allure of tanzanite and the varied hues of zircon, these gemstones offer a diverse range of options for those born in December. Their enduring appeal lies not only in their aesthetic qualities but also in the rich cultural traditions and personal meanings they embody. These stones are more than just beautiful adornments; they are tangible connections to the past and symbols of hope, protection, and transformation.