December is a month distinguished by its association with a spectrum of blue gemstones, offering a rich palette of choices for those born within its span. While traditionally recognized for its vibrant turquoise, December now boasts three official birthstones – turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon – with blue topaz frequently presented as a popular alternative. All four gems share a captivating blue hue, reflecting the cool tones of the winter season and carrying with them unique histories, meanings, and geological origins. This article will delve into the characteristics of each of these December birthstones, exploring their historical significance, geological formation, gemological properties, and cultural symbolism.
A History of December’s Stones
The history of December birthstones is a story of evolving traditions. Turquoise holds the distinction of being one of the oldest known gemstones, utilized in jewelry and ornamentation as early as 4000 BC. Its journey to Europe occurred through Turkish bazaars, leading to its name, derived from the French “pierre turquoise,” meaning “Turkish stone.” For centuries, turquoise has been revered across cultures, adorning ancient Egyptian pharaohs and featuring prominently in Native American artistry.
Zircon, another traditional December birthstone, has a similarly long history, with use in jewelry dating back over 2000 years. Its brilliance often led to it being mistaken for diamond. Tanzanite, however, is a relatively recent discovery, first identified in Tanzania in 1967. Its unique violet-blue color quickly established it as a sought-after gemstone, despite its limited source. Blue topaz, while part of the topaz family known for its association with fire (from the Sanskrit word “tapas”), gained prominence as a December birthstone more recently, often through heat treatment to achieve its desirable blue shades.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of these gemstones originates through distinct geological processes and is found in specific locations around the globe. Turquoise forms from groundwater containing copper that percolates through bedrock. Over time, reactions with other minerals create an opaque stone exhibiting shades of blue and green, often marked by the surrounding rock’s matrix.
Tanzanite’s formation is particularly unique. It is found exclusively in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania, making it one of the world’s rarest gemstones. The gem is a variety of the mineral zoisite. Zircon, found in a variety of colors, has blue varieties created through heat treatment of colorless zircon.
Blue topaz, while naturally occurring in blue shades, is more commonly produced by treating colorless topaz with heat. Topaz itself is found in various locations, though specific sources for the blue variety are not detailed in the provided materials.
Gemological Properties
The four December birthstones exhibit a range of gemological properties that contribute to their individual appeal.
Turquoise: This opaque gemstone is known for its distinctive blue-green to greenish-blue color and unique veining patterns.
Tanzanite: Characterized by a deep, rich blue-violet color, tanzanite sometimes displays hints of red. It is notable for its trichroism, meaning it can appear blue, purple, or burgundy depending on the viewing angle.
Zircon: Zircon comes in a range of blue shades, from sky blue to navy. It possesses a high degree of sparkle, often compared to that of a diamond. Most blue zircon available today is created by heating colorless zircon.
Blue Topaz: Blue topaz exhibits a glass-like shine and is available in a spectrum of blue hues, ranging from light aqua to deep, inky blue. It is harder and more durable than aquamarine due to its strong chemical bonds.
A comparative overview of hardness (Mohs scale) is not provided in the sources, but it is a key gemological property.
| Gemstone | Color(s) | Transparency | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Blue-green to greenish-blue | Opaque | Unique veining patterns |
| Tanzanite | Blue-violet, hints of red | Transparent | Trichroism (multiple colors depending on angle) |
| Zircon | Sky blue to navy | Transparent | High sparkle, often mistaken for diamond |
| Blue Topaz | Light aqua to deep blue | Transparent | Glass-like shine, durable |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, each of these gemstones has been attributed with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. Turquoise is believed to symbolize success, happiness, and prosperity. It is also thought to enhance intuition and release inhibitions.
Tanzanite is associated with wisdom, protection, and spiritual growth. Zircon has historically been linked to strength and protection, while modern interpretations emphasize love and fidelity. Blue topaz is considered a symbol of calmness, love, and clarity.
Turquoise is thought to dispel negative energy and provide protection against environmental pollutants. The release of energies associated with turquoise allows the soul to express itself.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of these December birthstones requires specific care based on their individual properties. While the sources do not provide detailed cleaning instructions, general guidelines can be inferred. Turquoise, being relatively soft, requires gentle handling and should be protected from harsh chemicals and impacts. Tanzanite and zircon, being more durable, can withstand more rigorous cleaning, but should still be protected from scratches and extreme temperatures. Blue topaz, with its hardness, is relatively durable but should still be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for all these stones, as they may cause damage.
Conclusion
The December birthstones – turquoise, tanzanite, zircon, and blue topaz – represent a captivating array of blue hues, each with its own unique history, geological origin, and symbolic meaning. From the ancient allure of turquoise to the modern discovery of tanzanite, these gemstones offer a diverse selection for those born in the final month of the year. Whether chosen for their aesthetic beauty, historical significance, or perceived metaphysical properties, these blue gems continue to hold a special place in the world of gemstones and the hearts of those who cherish them.