December is a unique month in the world of birthstones, offering not one, but four distinct gemstones to those born within its span: blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise. Each of these gems possesses a captivating blue hue, mirroring the cool tones of the winter season, and carries its own rich history, symbolism, and geological origins. This article will delve into the fascinating details of each December birthstone, exploring their properties, meanings, and cultural significance.
A Quartet of Blue
For centuries, cultures have assigned specific gemstones to each month of the year, believing these stones held unique powers and resonated with individuals born during those times. December’s selection reflects a blend of tradition and more recent discoveries. While turquoise holds a long-standing historical connection to the month, blue topaz, blue zircon, and tanzanite have been added as modern alternatives, expanding the choices available to December-born individuals. The availability of multiple birthstones allows for personal preference and a wider range of jewelry options.
Turquoise: A Stone of Ancient Protection
Turquoise, arguably the most traditional of December’s birthstones, boasts a history stretching back millennia. Ancient cultures, particularly in the Americas, revered this opaque, blue-to-green gemstone for its protective qualities and spiritual significance. Its name derives from the French phrase pierre turquoise, meaning “Turkish stone,” as the material often entered Europe through Turkey.
For many Native American tribes, turquoise was considered a sacred stone, representing the sky, water, and life-giving forces. It was used in ceremonies, ornamentation, and as a symbol of status and power. The stone was believed to offer protection from harm, bring good fortune, and promote healing. This belief in its protective properties continues to resonate today.
Blue Topaz: Clarity and Calming Energy
Blue topaz, a popular modern choice for December, is prized for its icy blue clarity and calming energy. While topaz occurs in a wide range of colors – including colorless, yellow, orange, brown, and pink – blue topaz is particularly favored for its vibrant hue. Much of the blue topaz available today is created through irradiation and heat treatment of colorless or pale yellow topaz, enhancing its blue coloration.
The origins of the name “topaz” are debated, with some believing it comes from the Sanskrit word tapaz, meaning “fire,” while others trace it to the Greek island of Topazos, where the stone was once mined. Historically, topaz was believed to possess the power to cool the passions and prevent nightmares.
Tanzanite: A Recent Discovery with Exceptional Brilliance
Tanzanite is the newest addition to December’s birthstone family, discovered in Tanzania in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro. This relatively recent discovery quickly gained popularity due to its exceptional brilliance and unique pleochroism – the ability to display different colors when viewed from different angles. Tanzanite typically exhibits shades of blue, violet, and red, creating a mesmerizing interplay of color.
The gem was initially named “blue zoisite” after the mineralogist who first identified it, but was later renamed “tanzanite” in honor of its country of origin. Its rarity and captivating beauty have made it a highly sought-after gemstone, often compared to sapphire. Tanzanite is believed to possess high-vibration healing energy, acting as a spiritual guide and promoting wisdom and consciousness. The most famous tanzanite is known as the “Queen of Kilimanjaro,” a 242-carat masterpiece set with tsavorite garnets and diamonds.
Blue Zircon: A Diamond Imposter with a Rich History
Blue zircon, another December birthstone, often gets mistaken for diamond due to its brilliance and fire. Zircon is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, brown, green, and blue. The blue variety is particularly popular and is often created through heat treatment.
The etymology of the word “zircon” is uncertain, with some suggesting it originates from the Arabic word zarkun (meaning “cinnabar” or “vermilion”) and others from the Persian word zargun (meaning “gold colored”). During the Middle Ages, zircon was believed to lull one into a deep sleep and ward off evil spirits. In Hindu tradition, zircon is one of the nine gems of the navaratna, believed to bring wealth, wisdom, and good health when worn with the other eight gems. Victorian-era jewelry frequently featured fine blue zircon specimens.
Gemological Properties at a Glance
The four December birthstones exhibit distinct gemological properties. Here’s a comparative overview:
| Gemstone | Chemical Formula | Hardness (Mohs) | Color(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O | 5-6 | Blue to green, often with matrix |
| Blue Topaz | Al2SiO4(OH,F)2 | 8 | Blue (often irradiated/heat-treated) |
| Tanzanite | Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) | 6.5-7 | Blue, violet, red |
| Blue Zircon | ZrSiO4 | 6.5-7.5 | Blue (often heat-treated) |
Note: Mohs hardness is a relative scale of mineral hardness.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of December birthstone jewelry requires specific care based on each gem’s properties. Turquoise, being relatively soft, is susceptible to scratches and should be protected from harsh impacts. Cleaning turquoise jewelry should be done gently with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Blue topaz and blue zircon are more durable but can still be chipped with a sharp blow. They can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided for zircon.
Tanzanite is also relatively durable but is sensitive to heat and sudden temperature changes. Warm, soapy water is the best method for cleaning tanzanite, and ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, each December birthstone carries symbolic meaning. Turquoise is associated with protection, healing, and good fortune. Blue topaz symbolizes clarity, communication, and emotional stability. Tanzanite represents wisdom, spiritual awareness, and transformation. Blue zircon is believed to promote prosperity, honor, and wisdom. These symbolic associations add depth and personal significance to the gemstones, making them cherished gifts and meaningful adornments.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones – blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise – offer a diverse and captivating palette of blue hues, each with its own unique history, geological origins, and symbolic meaning. From the ancient protective powers of turquoise to the recent discovery and exceptional brilliance of tanzanite, these gemstones represent a rich tapestry of cultural lore and geological wonder. Whether chosen for their aesthetic beauty, their perceived metaphysical properties, or their personal significance, December’s birthstones continue to enchant and inspire.