December is a month rich in symbolism and tradition, and its birthstones reflect this abundance with a range of gemstones that have captivated cultures for centuries. From the ancient turquoise amulets of Egypt to the vibrant Tanzanite discovered in the 20th century, the December birthstones tell a story of human fascination with the natural world and the desire to harness its power. These gemstones are not only visually stunning but also carry deep historical, spiritual, and scientific significance.
This article explores the four recognized December birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz, along with the historical Lapis Lazuli and Ruby, and the symbolic Beryl and Sapphire. Drawing on historical accounts, gemological data, and cultural lore from reliable sources, the article will delve into the origins, properties, meanings, and care of these remarkable stones. Each section is crafted to provide a comprehensive understanding of why these gemstones continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those born in December and in the broader world of gemology.
History and Lore
Turquoise: The Stone of Protection and Prosperity
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones and has been cherished for thousands of years. Ancient shamans and cultures believed in its protective properties, using it as a talisman to ward off danger and attract good fortune. This gemstone has been particularly significant in Persia (modern-day Iran) and the Sinai Peninsula, where it was traded through the markets of Constantinople (Turkey), giving it its name—turquoise, derived from the French pierre turquoise meaning “Turkish stone.”
In Tibet, turquoise was considered a stone of fortune, health, and success. It was often used as a form of currency and was believed to bring prosperity to those who possessed it. The Inca and Maya civilizations offered turquoise as a gift to their gods, while Native American tribes in the Southwest United States associated it with youth and strength. When combined with gold, turquoise symbolized vitality and longevity.
Ancient Hindu mystics believed that holding turquoise during the new moon would bring wealth and success. The gemstone was also thought to warn its wearer of illness or danger by changing color—paling or losing its vibrant hue.
Zircon: The Radiant Jewel of the East
Zircon, another of December’s modern birthstones, has a rich and mysterious history. The name comes from the Arabic word “zarkun”, meaning “gold,” and it was known in Sanskrit as “rahuratna,” or the tone of the Nodes of the Moon, believed to be linked to solar and lunar eclipses. Zircon was revered in the Middle Ages, with physicians wearing it on their fingers for accurate diagnoses.
In Europe, zircon was believed to protect against the Black Death, a deadly plague that ravaged the continent. In India, it was thought to be more potent when set in gold, amplifying its protective and spiritual properties.
Zircon is notable for its radiance, which is often compared to that of diamonds. Some colorless zircons from Sri Lanka are even called “Maturan Diamonds” due to their similarity in appearance. Zircon comes in a range of colors, from colorless and yellow to blue, green, and orange-red. The blue zircon, in particular, is the most commonly associated with December and is known for its calming and joyful energy.
Tanzanite: The Modern Miracle of Tanzania
Discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, Tanzanite is a relatively recent addition to the December birthstone list, officially recognized in 2002 in the United States. This gemstone is unique because it is only found in Tanzania, making it one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Tanzanite is a trichroic gem, meaning it can display three different colors—violet, blue, and red—depending on the angle of light.
The stone is known for its soothing and protective qualities, helping individuals express spiritual insights with calm and clarity. It is also believed to promote emotional balance and inner peace. Tanzanite has been popularized by celebrities such as Beyoncé, who received a Tanzanite ring from Jay Z to celebrate the birth of their daughter Blue Ivy.
Lapis Lazuli: A Stone of Ancient Royalty
Before 1952, Lapis Lazuli was considered a December birthstone. This deep blue stone with flecks of gold has a long and storied history. It was prized by ancient royalty and artists, including Egyptian pharaohs, who used it in jewelry and ceremonial objects. Lapis Lazuli is composed of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite, and its golden speckles give it a regal appearance.
Known for its soothing and calming effects, Lapis Lazuli was believed to promote self-mastery and protection. It was also used in meditation to bring deep peace and mental clarity. The stone was particularly valued in Babylon and Egypt, where it was often ground into pigment for painting and cosmetics.
Ruby: The Fire of the Ancients
In ancient times, Ruby was associated with December. This fiery red gemstone is composed of corundum with traces of chromium, giving it its intense color. Ruby was believed to sharpen the mind, improve concentration, and encourage courtly love. It was often used in royal jewelry and was a symbol of passion and vitality.
Ruby was particularly revered in Asia, where it was considered a stone of power and prosperity. In Burmese (now Myanmar) culture, rubies were embedded in the Bodhi tree, where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, symbolizing the union of spiritual and material power.
Beryl and Sapphire: Symbolic and Spiritual Stones
Beryl and Sapphire also hold special significance for December. Beryl, particularly the emerald green variety, was part of the national regalia of Scotland and was used as a talisman by druids. In Scottish Highland tradition, beryl was known as the “stone of power” and was believed to bring undying youth and reconciliation.
Sapphire, a deep blue gemstone, was regarded as a stone of divine wisdom and protection. In ancient Hebrew tradition, sapphire was associated with Joseph the Wise, and it was believed to be part of the holy of holies in the Temple of Jerusalem. It was also said to have been part of the ring of King Solomon.
Geological Formation and Sources
Turquoise: A Product of Time and Environment
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral formed through hydrothermal alteration of rocks in arid climates. It typically forms in cavities and veins within limestone and is often found in association with copper deposits. The presence of copper gives turquoise its blue color, while iron imparts a greenish tint.
Major sources of turquoise include Persia (Iran), Egypt, China, and the United States, particularly in New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona. The American Southwest is especially known for producing high-quality turquoise, which has been used by Native American tribes for centuries.
Turquoise is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, making it susceptible to damage from heat, moisture, and abrasion. It is also porous, which means it can absorb oils and fragrances, changing its color over time.
Zircon: From Ancient Crust to Radiant Gem
Zircon is a zirconium silicate that forms in a wide variety of geological environments. It is known for its resistance to weathering and metamorphism, making it one of the oldest minerals on Earth—some zircon crystals have been dated to over 4.4 billion years old.
Zircon is found in granites, metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary deposits. Major sources include Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, and Madagascar. Australia and South Africa alone produce about 70% of the world’s zircon gemstones.
Zircon is available in a wide range of colors, including colorless (jargon), yellow (honey zircon), blue, green, red, and orange. The blue zircon, known as starlight blue zircon, is the most popular for jewelry and is often used as a diamond substitute due to its brilliance and fire.
Tanzanite: A Unique and Finite Resource
Tanzanite is a trigonal mineral and a trichroic gemstone, meaning it can display three different colors under light—violet, blue, and red. It is a calcium aluminum silicate with traces of vanadium, which is responsible for its vibrant blue and violet hues.
Tanzanite is only found in Tanzania, specifically in the Merelani Hills of the Simanjiro region. The deposit is limited and is expected to be exhausted within a few decades, making Tanzanite a highly valuable and rare gemstone.
Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, making it relatively durable for jewelry. However, it is sensitive to heat, and improper heat treatment can cause it to fade or become brittle.
Lapis Lazuli: A Stone of the Ancients
Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. It forms under high-pressure, low-temperature conditions, often in contact metamorphic zones where magma intrudes into limestone.
The most famous source of lapis lazuli is Afghanistan, where it has been mined for over 6,000 years. Other sources include Egypt, Chile, Russia, and the United States. The Afghan lapis lazuli is considered the finest quality, with deep blue color and abundant golden pyrite flecks.
Lapis lazuli has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, making it relatively soft and prone to scratching and chipping. It is also porous, so it should be avoided in contact with chemicals, perfumes, and excessive moisture.
Ruby: The King of Gemstones
Ruby is a corundum (aluminum oxide) with chromium as the trace element responsible for its deep red color. It forms in mafic and metamorphic rocks, often in association with marble and basalt.
Major ruby sources include Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka. Burmese rubies are considered the most valuable due to their intense color and clarity.
Ruby has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamond. It is very durable and is resistant to scratching and abrasion. However, it can be damaged by heat, especially if it contains inclusions or has been treated with heat to enhance its color.
Gemological Properties
| Gemstone | Color | Hardness (Mohs) | Chemical Formula | Origin | Special Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Blue to Green | 5–6 | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O | Persia, USA, Egypt | Porous, sensitive to heat and chemicals |
| Zircon | Blue, Colorless, Yellow | 6–7.5 | ZrSiO₄ | Australia, Sri Lanka, India | High refractive index, trichroic |
| Tanzanite | Violet, Blue, Red | 6–7 | Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH) | Tanzania | Trichroic, heat-sensitive |
| Lapis Lazuli | Blue with Gold | 5–6 | Lazurite + Calcite + Pyrite | Afghanistan | Metamorphic, porous |
| Ruby | Red | 9 | Al₂O₃ with Cr | Myanmar, Thailand, India | Corundum, high durability |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Turquoise: A Stone of Harmony and Communication
Turquoise is often associated with communication, calm, and emotional balance. It is believed to enhance self-expression, intuition, and spiritual connection. Many cultures have used turquoise in ceremonial and religious contexts, from Egyptian amulets to Native American jewelry.
In Hindu tradition, turquoise is said to help align the chakras, particularly the third eye and throat chakras, promoting inner peace and clarity of thought. It is also considered a stone of protection, believed to ward off negative energies and illness.
Zircon: A Stone of Joy and Emotional Balance
Zircon is believed to bring joy, emotional balance, and spiritual insight. It is associated with clarity of thought, inner strength, and positive energy. In ancient times, zircon was used as a protective amulet, especially during illness or danger.
Zircon is also linked to love and relationships. It is said to help heal emotional wounds, foster trust, and deepen spiritual connections. Some believe that zircon can help align the body’s energy meridians, promoting overall wellness and vitality.
Tanzanite: A Stone of Transformation and Spiritual Insight
Tanzanite is considered a stone of transformation, helping individuals embrace change, release emotional blockages, and connect with their higher self. It is believed to enhance spiritual awareness, emotional healing, and inner peace.
Tanzanite is also associated with karmic lessons, helping individuals understand their soul’s purpose and align with their life path. It is particularly useful for those seeking clarity, compassion, and emotional balance.
Lapis Lazuli: A Stone of Wisdom and Protection
Lapis Lazuli is a stone of wisdom, protection, and self-mastery. It is believed to enhance mental clarity, spiritual insight, and emotional stability. It is often used in meditation to help quiet the mind and connect with higher consciousness.
Lapis Lazuli is also associated with protection against negative energies, emotional healing, and inner strength. It is considered a stone of truth, helping individuals speak their truth with confidence and clarity.
Ruby: A Stone of Passion and Vitality
Ruby is a stone of passion, vitality, and power. It is believed to enhance energy, courage, and confidence. It is associated with love, desire, and ambition, and is often used in ceremonial and romantic contexts.
Ruby is also considered a stone of protection, believed to ward off negative energies and promote prosperity and success. It is particularly useful for those seeking strength, motivation, and emotional resilience.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to preserve the beauty and longevity of December birthstones. Each gemstone has specific requirements based on its hardness, porosity, and sensitivity to heat and chemicals.
Turquoise
- Avoid exposure to heat, sunlight, and chemicals.
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners.
- Store separately to prevent scratching.
Zircon
- Avoid heat and sudden temperature changes.
- Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
- Store in a soft pouch or box.
Tanzanite
- Avoid heat, direct sunlight, and abrasive cleaners.
- Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
Lapis Lazuli
- Avoid exposure to chemicals, perfumes, and oils.
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
- Store in a dry, cool place.
Ruby
- Resistant to scratching but sensitive to heat.
- Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
- Store in a secure, padded box.
Conclusion
December is a month rich in symbolism and tradition, and its birthstones reflect this with a range of gemstones that have captivated cultures for centuries. From the ancient turquoise amulets of Egypt to the vibrant Tanzanite discovered in the 20th century, these gemstones tell a story of human fascination with the natural world and the desire to harness its power.
Each December birthstone—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz, along with the historical Lapis Lazuli and Ruby, and the symbolic Beryl and Sapphire—offers unique characteristics, meanings, and uses. Whether chosen for their beauty, spiritual significance, or historical connection, these gemstones continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those born in December and in the broader world of gemology.
By understanding the origin, properties, and care of these gemstones, we can better appreciate their beauty and significance, ensuring they remain treasured for generations to come.