December is unique among the calendar months, boasting not one, but four recognized birthstones: Tanzanite, Turquoise, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz. Each of these gemstones presents a distinct shade of blue, mirroring the cool tones of the winter season, and offering December-born individuals a diverse range of options to express their personal style and preferences. While Turquoise holds the distinction as the most traditional choice, admired for centuries, Tanzanite represents a more recent discovery, unearthed in Tanzania in 1967. These gemstones are associated with powerful symbolism, including wisdom, protection, and new beginnings.
A History Rooted in Tradition and Recent Discovery
The history of December’s birthstones is a blend of ancient tradition and modern discovery. Turquoise, arguably the most historically significant of the four, has been cherished for millennia. Ancient Egyptians, including pharaohs and rulers, adorned themselves with turquoise, and Chinese artisans were carving the stone more than 3,000 years ago. The gem was believed to possess protective qualities, safeguarding wearers from falls – particularly from horses – and even warning of impending disaster by fracturing. Hindu mystics associated turquoise with wealth and good fortune when viewed after a new moon. The very name “turquoise” originates from the French pierre tourques, meaning “Turkish stone,” reflecting the trade routes through Turkey that brought the gem to Europe in the 13th century. Historically, the most prized turquoise originated from Persia (modern-day Iran), known as “Persian blue,” though the name is now applied to stones of similar color found elsewhere, including the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, where it was used in religious and cultural artifacts for thousands of years.
In contrast to Turquoise’s long history, Tanzanite is a relatively recent addition to the world of gemstones, first discovered in Tanzania in 1967. This makes it the newest of the December birthstones.
Geological Origins and Global Sources
The sources of these December birthstones are geographically diverse. Turquoise is found in various locations, with historical sources including Persia and the Sinai Peninsula. Blue Topaz is often found near sapphire deposits, with notable sources in Sri Lanka, Australia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Zircon, while exhibiting a range of colors, has blue varieties sourced from similar regions as Topaz. Tanzanite, uniquely, is found in only one location: the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. This limited source contributes to its relative rarity and value.
Gemological Properties: A Spectrum of Blues
Each of December’s birthstones possesses unique gemological properties that contribute to its distinct appearance and characteristics.
Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem, displaying colors ranging from blue to green, often marked with veins of matrix – remnants of the host rock in which it formed. The color “turquoise” itself is derived from the gemstone, a testament to its iconic hue.
Blue Topaz, a silicate mineral composed of aluminum and fluorine, exhibits a glass-like luster and deep cleavage, making it somewhat delicate despite its hardness. It presents a spectrum of blue shades, including:
- London Blue Topaz: A deep, inky blue, highly prized by collectors.
- Swiss Blue Topaz: A vibrant, medium-light blue.
- Sky Blue Topaz: A light aqua color, reminiscent of clear skies.
Blue Topaz has a chemical formula of Al2SiO4(F,OH)4, and its strong chemical bonding contributes to its hardness relative to other silicate minerals. Most commercially available blue topaz is created by irradiating naturally colorless topaz.
Blue Zircon ranges from 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is commonly heat-treated to produce the blue and colorless varieties, as well as orange, yellow, and red hues. While stable when exposed to light and chemicals, heat-treated zircon can revert to its original color (typically light brown) with prolonged exposure to bright light.
Tanzanite, while not detailed in the provided sources regarding its specific chemical composition or hardness, is described as exhibiting a violet-blue shimmer often compared to sapphire, lending it an elegant and luxurious appearance.
The following table summarizes key properties where information is available:
| Gemstone | Color Range | Hardness (Mohs) | Chemical Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Topaz | Dark inky blue to light aqua | Not specified | Al2SiO4(F,OH)4 |
| Blue Zircon | Blue, golden, red, clear | 6-7.5 | Not specified |
| Turquoise | Blue to green, often with matrix | Not specified | Not specified |
| Tanzanite | Violet-blue shimmer | Not specified | Not specified |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, these December birthstones have been attributed with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. Turquoise, as previously mentioned, was believed to guarantee health and good fortune, and to offer protection from harm. While the sources do not detail specific metaphysical beliefs associated with Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, or Blue Topaz, the general association of blue gemstones with tranquility, wisdom, and inspiration is likely applicable. The cool blue hues of all four stones align with the winter season, evoking feelings of peace and serenity.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of December’s birthstones. Blue Zircon, due to its tendency to abrade, should be protected from rough conditions, such as gardening, sports, or dishwashing. Cleaning zircon is best achieved with a soft brush and mild soap in warm water; ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended. Blue Topaz is generally stable, but prolonged exposure to bright light may cause some heat-treated stones to revert to their original color. Specific care instructions for Turquoise and Tanzanite are not provided in the sources.
Affordability and Accessibility
One advantage of December’s birthstones is their relative affordability. Despite their beauty and brilliance, these gems are often more budget-friendly than other precious stones, making them accessible to a wider range of buyers. This allows for the selection of a stunning and meaningful gemstone without exceeding budgetary constraints.
Conclusion
December’s selection of birthstones – Tanzanite, Turquoise, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz – offers a captivating palette of blue hues, each with its own unique history, geological origin, and gemological properties. From the ancient traditions surrounding Turquoise to the recent discovery of Tanzanite, these gemstones represent a fascinating blend of the past and present. Their diverse symbolism and relative affordability make them meaningful and accessible choices for those born in the twelfth month of the year, providing a beautiful and personal connection to the world of gemstones.