December boasts a unique distinction among the months – not one, but three recognized birthstones: blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise. Each gemstone offers a distinct hue of blue, ranging from the vibrant teal of zircon to the violet shades of tanzanite and the blue-green of turquoise, and each carries a rich history and captivating lore. This article will delve into the origins, properties, and significance of these December birthstones, drawing upon available information to provide a comprehensive overview.
A Historical Tapestry
The history of December’s birthstones is diverse and spans millennia. Zircon, one of the oldest minerals on Earth, has roots tracing back to ancient times. Some zircons, containing radioactive elements like uranium and thorium, have been dated to 4.4 billion years old, nearly as old as the planet itself. The name “zircon” is debated, with possible origins in the Arabic word zarkun meaning “cinnabar” or “vermilion,” or the Persian zargun, meaning “gold colored,” reflecting the gemstone’s broad color range. Historically, zircon was referenced in the Bible as “jacinth” or “hyacinth,” and during the Middle Ages, it was believed to induce sleep and ward off evil spirits. In Hindu tradition, zircon alternates with hessonite garnet as part of the navaratna, a collection of nine gems believed to bring wealth, wisdom, and good health. Victorian-era jewelry frequently featured blue zircon, particularly in English estate pieces from the 1880s.
Tanzanite, in contrast, is a relatively recent discovery, first identified in Tanzania in 1967. Its rarity is remarkable; all tanzanite originates from a small area of just four square miles. The gemstone’s trichroism – its ability to display three different colors (blue, violet, and red) depending on the viewing angle – adds to its allure.
Turquoise has an equally long and storied past, appearing in the funerary mask of King Tut, who ruled Egypt over 3,000 years ago. It held significant cultural importance for Native American tribes, with the Apache believing it could be found by following a rainbow and that it improved accuracy with weapons. The Pueblo people associated its color with the sky, while the Hopi believed it was created by lizards. In Tibetan culture, turquoise is considered a national treasure, believed to grant health, good fortune, and protection. European tradition associates turquoise with the sentiment “forget me not.”
Geological Origins and Sources
Zircon is found in a variety of geological settings, and its formation is linked to igneous and metamorphic processes. The sources for zircon are widespread, though specific locations are not detailed in the provided materials.
Tanzanite’s origin is geographically constrained. As previously mentioned, it is exclusively found in a small area in northern Tanzania. The gemstone begins as brownish zoisite, which undergoes heat treatment to reveal the prized blue and violet hues. This heat treatment is a permanent process, with no additional durability concerns arising from it.
Turquoise, similarly, has specific source locations. For over 1,000 years, the Nishapur district of Iran has been a significant source of high-quality turquoise, known for its intense blue color, often referred to as “robin’s egg blue,” “sky blue,” or “Persian blue.” These terms are now used to describe turquoise of this color regardless of its origin.
Gemological Characteristics
The provided sources offer some insight into the gemological properties of these December birthstones. Zircon is noted for its high refractive index and “fire,” the dispersion of light into rainbow colors, sometimes even exhibiting chatoyance, a cat’s-eye effect. Colorless zircon is particularly known for its brilliance.
Tanzanite is described as having a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively resistant to scratching but susceptible to damage from high temperatures or sudden temperature changes. It can also be affected by hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids. The color of most tanzanite is achieved through heat treatment, which permanently alters the stone’s hue.
Turquoise’s properties are not detailed beyond its color variations.
A comparative table summarizing the available hardness information is provided below:
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Tanzanite | 6-7 |
| Zircon | Not specified |
| Turquoise | Not specified |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of these birthstones carries symbolic meaning and has been associated with various metaphysical beliefs throughout history. Blue topaz, as mentioned, symbolizes love and affection and is believed to have calming and soothing properties.
Zircon, beyond its historical associations with sleep and protection from evil, is linked to wealth, wisdom, and good health in Hindu tradition.
Tanzanite is associated with peace and is considered a stone of transformation.
Turquoise, across cultures, represents protection, good fortune, and health. The Apache believed it aided accuracy, while Tibetans considered it a national treasure offering overall well-being. The gift of a turquoise ring in European tradition symbolized remembrance.
Care and Maintenance
The provided sources offer specific care instructions for tanzanite. Warm, soapy water is recommended for cleaning, while ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided. Due to its sensitivity to heat and potential for cracking, tanzanite is best set in earrings or pendants and should be treated with care when worn as a ring.
For blue topaz rings, the sources recommend platinum plating over sterling silver to enhance durability and longevity. However, due to the plating, resizing is not possible through traditional methods.
Specific care instructions for zircon and turquoise are not provided in the available materials.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones – blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise – represent a captivating blend of history, geological wonder, and symbolic meaning. From the ancient origins of zircon to the recent discovery of tanzanite and the enduring cultural significance of turquoise, each gemstone offers a unique connection to the past and a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection. While each stone possesses distinct properties and requires specific care, they all share the ability to inspire and delight, making them cherished symbols of the December birth month.