December boasts a remarkable array of birthstones – Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite, and Blue Topaz – each offering a unique shade of blue and a rich history. While Turquoise holds the distinction as the most traditional choice, the inclusion of Zircon, Tanzanite, and Blue Topaz provides December-born individuals with a diverse selection of gemstones, each imbued with distinct meanings and characteristics. This article will delve into the origins, properties, symbolism, and historical significance of these captivating December birthstones.
A History of December’s Gems
The association of gemstones with specific months dates back centuries, evolving over time. Historically, December’s birthstone landscape was more varied. Ruby was once linked to the month in ancient times, believed to sharpen the mind and encourage affection. Chrysoprase, the old Russian birthstone for December, was thought to bring good fortune and heal emotional wounds. Similarly, Onyx held significance as the Tibetan December birthstone, offering protective energy and promoting happiness, while Bloodstone was a traditional choice, representing courage and vitality.
However, the modern selection of December birthstones began to solidify in the 20th century. Lapis Lazuli was considered a December birthstone prior to 1952, representing royalty and self-mastery. Zircon officially replaced Lapis Lazuli in 1952, and Tanzanite was added to the list in 2002, specifically within the United States. Turquoise, however, has maintained a consistent presence as a cherished December gem for millennia.
Turquoise: A Stone of Ancient Civilizations
Turquoise, with its captivating sky-blue to greenish-blue hues, is arguably the most recognizable of December’s birthstones. Its history is deeply interwoven with ancient cultures, particularly those of Egypt, China, and Persia. As early as 3,000 years ago, Chinese artists were carving turquoise into intricate masterpieces. In ancient Egypt, pharaohs, including King Tut, adorned themselves with turquoise jewelry, signifying status and protection.
The very name “turquoise” has a fascinating etymology, originating from the 13th-century French phrase “pierre tourques,” meaning “Turkish stone.” This reflects the gem’s journey to Europe through trade routes passing through Turkey. 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 regardless of origin. Significant sources today also include Iran, China, New Mexico, and Arizona.
What makes turquoise particularly unique is its often-present matrix – the veining of the surrounding rock that remains within the stone. This matrix creates distinctive patterns, ensuring that each piece of turquoise jewelry is truly one-of-a-kind. Turquoise symbolizes loyalty, great love, health, good fortune, and peace.
Zircon: A Diamond Imposter with Ancient Roots
Zircon, often confused with cubic zirconia due to the similarity in name, is a naturally occurring gemstone with a long and fascinating history. While it comes in a variety of colors – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and brown – blue zircon is the most commonly associated with December. The blue color is achieved through heat treatment, enhancing the gem’s brilliance.
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, offering insights into the planet’s formation. It is mined in several locations worldwide, including Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Cambodia, Canada, and the United States.
Despite its beauty, zircon is sometimes overlooked. It possesses a quiet vibration and is often considered a more subtle gem compared to its flashier counterparts. Blue zircon is believed to encourage joy and emotional balance, representing chastity, virtuousness, and trustworthiness.
Tanzanite: A Modern Marvel from Tanzania
Tanzanite is the newest addition to the December birthstone family, discovered in Tanzania in 1967. This relatively recent discovery has quickly established Tanzanite as a highly sought-after gemstone. Its name directly reflects its origin – it is found in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro, making it a remarkably rare gem.
Tanzanite exhibits a stunning range of blue-purple colors, often reminiscent of sapphire. Most Tanzanite undergoes heat treatment to minimize brown tones and enhance the desirable blue shades. It is considered a protective and soothing stone, facilitating the calm and clear communication of spiritual insights. Tanzanite symbolizes the heart, intellect, intuition, and purity. Due to its relative softness, Tanzanite is best suited for earrings and pendants, as it is prone to scratching.
Blue Topaz: A Gem of Hindu Tradition
Blue Topaz, a soft and gentle gem, is the Hindu birthstone for December. While Topaz occurs in various colors, blue Topaz is the variety most often associated with the month. It is believed to stimulate self-esteem and enhance learning abilities, aiding in the comprehension of complex ideas.
Blue Topaz is also thought to align meridians, calm emotions, and connect individuals to spiritual sources, making it an excellent aid for meditation. It represents clarity and tranquility.
Gemological Properties at a Glance
The four December birthstones exhibit distinct gemological properties. While a comprehensive analysis requires specialized equipment, the following table provides a general overview:
| Gemstone | Chemical Formula | Hardness (Mohs) | Color(s) | Transparency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O | 5-6 | Blue to Green | Opaque |
| Blue Zircon | ZrSiO4 | 6.5-7.5 | Blue (heat-treated) | Transparent |
| Tanzanite | Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) | 6-7 | Blue-Violet | Transparent |
| Blue Topaz | Al2SiO4(OH,F)2 | 8 | Blue | Transparent |
Note: Hardness is a measure of a gem’s resistance to scratching. The Mohs scale ranges from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).
Care and Maintenance
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of December birthstone jewelry. Turquoise, being relatively soft, requires gentle handling and should be protected from harsh chemicals and impacts. Zircon, while harder, can still be chipped with rough wear. Tanzanite, prone to scratching, benefits from being worn as earrings or pendants. Blue Topaz, being relatively durable, can withstand everyday wear but should still be protected from extreme temperatures and harsh chemicals. Regular cleaning with mild soap and warm water is recommended for all four gemstones.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones – Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite, and Blue Topaz – offer a captivating spectrum of color, history, and symbolism. From the ancient allure of Turquoise to the modern discovery of Tanzanite, each gem holds a unique place in the world of gemstones. Whether seeking a traditional symbol of protection and good fortune or a contemporary expression of elegance and intuition, December-born individuals have a wealth of beautiful and meaningful options to choose from. These gems represent not only beauty but also a connection to the earth’s history and the enduring power of symbolism.