December boasts a remarkable selection of birthstones – tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise – each offering a unique hue of blue and a rich history. These gemstones, ranging from ancient treasures to recent discoveries, provide a diverse palette for those born in the final month of the year. This article will delve into the origins, properties, and significance of these three December birthstones, exploring their geological formation, historical uses, and enduring symbolism.
A Historical Tapestry
The history of December’s birthstones is varied and spans millennia. Turquoise, arguably the oldest of the three, has been cherished for its beauty and perceived protective qualities since ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests its use in Egypt as early as 5500 BCE, where it was known as “mefkat,” meaning “joy” and “delight.” Ancient Egyptians mined turquoise in the Sinai region and adorned themselves with it, believing it guaranteed health and good fortune. From the 13th century onward, it was thought to safeguard against falls, particularly from horses, and to warn of impending disaster by breaking into pieces. In Hindu traditions, turquoise, alongside hessonite garnet, was considered one of the nine gems of the navaratna, believed to bestow wealth, wisdom, and good health. The name “turquoise” itself originates from the French expression “pierre tourques,” meaning “Turkish stone,” reflecting its passage through Turkey to Europe in the 13th century.
Zircon’s history is equally intriguing, with the etymology of its name debated between the Arabic word “zarkun” (meaning cinnabar or vermilion) and the Persian word “zargun” (meaning gold colored). This reflects the gemstone’s broad color range, encompassing red, orange, yellow, brown, green, and blue. During the Middle Ages, zircon was believed to induce sleep and ward off evil spirits. In Hindu religion, it alternates with hessonite garnet as part of the navaratna, offering similar protective benefits. Victorian-era jewelry frequently featured blue zircon, with fine specimens found in English estate jewelry from the 1880s.
Tanzanite is the newest addition to the December birthstone family, discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. While its historical record is shorter than that of turquoise and zircon, its captivating color and relative rarity have quickly established its place among prized gemstones.
Geological Origins and Sources
Each of these gemstones forms under distinct geological conditions and is sourced from specific locations around the globe. Turquoise, a semi-translucent to opaque gem, derives its color from the presence of copper, aluminum, zinc, and iron. The amount of each element influences the shade, ranging from blue to green. The presence of iron contributes to a greenish hue, while zinc results in a yellowish tint. Turquoise often contains matrix, remnants of the host rock, appearing as dark webs or patches, adding to its unique character. Significant sources of turquoise include Iran, China, Mexico, the Middle East, Kazakhstan, and the United States, with Arizona being a prominent modern source.
Zircon forms in a variety of igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks. Its color variations stem from trace elements within its crystal structure. Colorless zircon, often mistaken for diamond due to its brilliance and fire, is particularly valued. Zircon is found in various locations worldwide, though specific sources are not detailed in the provided materials.
Tanzanite, a relatively recent discovery, is found exclusively in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. This limited geographical origin contributes to its rarity and value.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of these birthstones distinguish them from one another. Turquoise, with a Mohs hardness of 5-6, is relatively soft and susceptible to scratching. Its color ranges from blue to green, and it is often treated with wax, dye, or stabilization to enhance its appearance.
Zircon exhibits a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, brown, green, and blue. Colorless zircon is known for its brilliance and fire, often rivaling that of diamond. The origin of the word “zircon” is debated, with possible roots in Arabic and Persian terms relating to its color.
Blue topaz, a silicate mineral composed of aluminum and fluorine, displays a glass-like luster and deep cleavage, making it somewhat delicate despite its hardness. It comes in various shades of blue, including London Blue (a deep, inky blue), Swiss Blue (a vibrant, medium light blue), and Sky Blue (a light aqua color). Most commercially available blue topaz is created by irradiating naturally colorless topaz. Blue topaz has the chemical formula Al2SiO4(F,OH)4.
A comparative table of hardness is as follows:
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Turquoise | 5-6 |
| Zircon | (Not specified in sources) |
| Blue Topaz | (Not specified in sources) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, these gemstones have been imbued with symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties. Turquoise has long been associated with protection, good fortune, and health. Ancient Egyptians believed it brought joy and delight, while medieval Europeans thought it prevented falls and warned of danger.
Zircon was believed to lull one into a deep sleep and ward off evil spirits during the Middle Ages. In Hindu tradition, it is part of the navaratna, offering protection and promoting wealth, wisdom, and good health.
While the provided sources do not detail specific metaphysical beliefs associated with tanzanite, its captivating color and rarity contribute to its desirability and perceived value.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of these December birthstones. Turquoise, being relatively soft, requires gentle handling and should be protected from scratches and harsh chemicals. Warm, soapy water is the recommended cleaning method.
Tanzanite requires similar care. The sources specifically advise against ultrasonic and steam cleaners for tanzanite. Warm, soapy water is the best method for cleaning this gemstone.
Specific cleaning instructions for zircon and blue topaz are not provided in the sources.
Conclusion
Tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise represent a diverse and captivating selection of December birthstones. From the ancient origins of turquoise and the historical significance of zircon to the modern allure of tanzanite, these gemstones offer a rich tapestry of color, history, and symbolism. Each stone possesses unique geological properties and has been cherished for its beauty and perceived benefits for centuries, making them meaningful choices for those born in the twelfth month of the year.