December, a month of celebration and renewal, is also a time for those born under its stars to take pride in their unique birthstones. For individuals born in December, the selection of birthstones is not only diverse but also rich in history, symbolism, and beauty. Unlike months that are associated with a single gemstone, December is uniquely blessed with multiple birthstones, each with its own distinct character and significance. These stones—Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite, and Blue Topaz—share a common link in their vibrant blue hues, but their individual stories and properties make them stand out as treasures for December-born individuals.
This article explores the December birthstones in detail, covering their historical origins, gemological properties, cultural symbolism, and practical considerations for care and appreciation. Whether you're seeking to understand the significance of these stones or looking to choose a meaningful gem for a December birthday, this guide will offer a comprehensive and authoritative overview.
The December Birthstones: An Overview
The December birthstones are a collection of four distinct gems—Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite, and Blue Topaz. Each stone has its own unique color variation within the blue spectrum, from the deep cobalt of Tanzanite to the sky-blue tones of Turquoise and the radiant brilliance of Blue Zircon. These gems are not only visually appealing but also rich in symbolism and historical significance.
Historical Background and Designation
The association of gemstones with months of the year has a long and complex history, often linked to ancient traditions and religious symbolism. Some sources suggest that the practice of assigning gemstones to specific months is rooted in the biblical account of Aaron’s breastplate, which listed twelve precious stones for the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these associations evolved, and by the 20th century, gemstone associations with months were formalized by institutions such as the American National Association of Jewelers (now CIBJO, the World Federation of the Jewelry, Gold, and Silver Industries).
The inclusion of multiple December birthstones reflects both historical usage and modern gemological recognition. Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite have been designated as the primary December birthstones, while Blue Topaz has recently been added to the list. This diverse selection allows for a wide range of preferences and styles, from the traditional to the contemporary.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The December birthstones have long been cherished for their beauty and symbolic meanings. Each stone has a unique historical background and cultural associations that have contributed to its enduring popularity.
Turquoise: The Ancient Gem
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, with evidence of its use dating back over 5,000 years. It has been found in archaeological sites across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Americas. The name "turquoise" is derived from the French pierre turquoise, meaning "stone of Turkey," as the gem was introduced to Europe through Turkish markets.
In ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Persians, and Aztecs, turquoise was highly valued for its protective and spiritual properties. It was used in jewelry, amulets, and decorative objects. In Native American cultures, particularly among the Navajo and Hopi, turquoise was considered a sacred stone that connected the earth and the sky. It was believed to bring good fortune, health, and protection.
Zircon: The Timeless Mineral
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some zircon crystals dating back over 4 billion years. Its durability and resistance to geological processes have allowed it to survive through eons of Earth's history. Zircon has been used in jewelry since ancient times, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. In medieval Europe, zircon was believed to have protective powers and was used to ward off nightmares and evil spirits.
Zircon is also known for its brilliance and fire, which rival that of diamonds. The modern use of zircon as a December birthstone reflects its enduring appeal and symbolic association with wisdom and clarity.
Tanzanite: The Modern Discovery
Tanzanite is a relatively recent addition to the world of gemstones, discovered in the 1960s in Tanzania. It was first found in a remote area near Mount Kilimanjaro and was quickly recognized for its striking violet-blue color and trichroic nature, which means it can display three different colors depending on the angle of light.
Tanzanite was named after its country of origin and quickly became a popular gemstone due to its rarity and beauty. It is associated with transformation, intuition, and spiritual growth. As a December birthstone, tanzanite represents the themes of change and renewal that are often associated with the winter season.
Blue Topaz: The Contemporary Addition
Blue Topaz was officially added to the list of December birthstones in recent years, expanding the range of options for December-born individuals. While topaz has been known for centuries, the blue variety is a modern creation, achieved through heat treatment of naturally occurring topaz. Blue Topaz is prized for its clarity and vibrant blue color, making it a popular choice for contemporary jewelry design.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of the December birthstones has a unique geological origin and is found in specific locations around the world. Understanding these origins helps to appreciate the rarity and beauty of these gems.
Turquoise Formation
Turquoise forms in arid regions where copper-rich groundwater interacts with phosphorus-bearing minerals in the bedrock. The process involves the slow accumulation of turquoise over thousands of years, often within the cavities of limestone. The characteristic blue and green colors of turquoise come from the presence of copper and iron, while the dark matrix patterns result from the surrounding rock.
Major sources of turquoise include the southwestern United States (particularly Arizona and Nevada), as well as Iran, Egypt, and China. The quality and color of turquoise can vary depending on the location and the specific geological conditions.
Zircon Formation
Zircon is a silicate mineral that is formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is highly resistant to weathering and erosion, which allows it to persist in the Earth's crust for billions of years. Zircon can be found in a variety of colors, including colorless, yellow, red, and blue.
The blue zircon used in jewelry is typically created through heat treatment, which alters the color of the gemstone. Zircon is found in several parts of the world, including Australia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Tanzanite Formation
Tanzanite is a type of zoisite that was first discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It is found in a very limited area near Mount Kilimanjaro, which makes it one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Tanzanite is formed under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, which contribute to its unique color and trichroism.
The gemstone is exclusively mined in Tanzania, and its rarity has contributed to its high value and popularity.
Blue Topaz Formation
Topaz is a silicate mineral that forms in igneous rocks, particularly those that are rich in fluorine. Blue topaz is not naturally blue; the color is achieved through heat treatment and irradiation of naturally occurring topaz. The treatment process is stable and does not affect the durability or beauty of the gemstone.
Blue topaz is primarily mined in Brazil, but it can also be found in other countries, including the United States, Nigeria, and Madagascar.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of the December birthstones is essential for appreciating their beauty and durability. These properties include hardness, chemical composition, refractive index, and other characteristics that influence how the gems are used in jewelry and cared for.
Turquoise
- Color: Blue to green, often with matrix patterns.
- Hardness: 5–6 on the Mohs scale.
- Chemical Composition: Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum (CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O).
- Refractive Index: 1.61–1.65.
- Transparency: Opaque to slightly translucent.
- Luster: Waxy to dull.
Turquoise is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, which means it requires careful handling and cleaning. It is also sensitive to heat and chemicals, making it unsuitable for use in high-heat environments or with strong cleaning agents.
Zircon
- Color: Colorless, yellow, red, blue (treated).
- Hardness: 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale.
- Chemical Composition: Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄).
- Refractive Index: 1.92–2.01.
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent.
- Luster: Vitreous.
Zircon is known for its brilliance and fire, which make it a popular alternative to diamonds. The blue zircon used in jewelry is typically heat-treated to enhance its color. Zircon is durable enough for everyday wear but should be handled with care to avoid scratches or chips.
Tanzanite
- Color: Violet-blue to deep blue.
- Hardness: 6–7 on the Mohs scale.
- Chemical Composition: Calcium aluminum silicate (Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)).
- Refractive Index: 1.694–1.701.
- Transparency: Transparent.
- Luster: Vitreous.
Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone that is known for its trichroism, meaning it can display three different colors depending on the angle of light. It is best suited for jewelry that is worn with care, as it can be easily scratched or chipped.
Blue Topaz
- Color: Blue (treated).
- Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale.
- Chemical Composition: Aluminum silicate (Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂).
- Refractive Index: 1.61–1.62.
- Transparency: Transparent.
- Luster: Vitreous.
Blue topaz is one of the hardest of the December birthstones, making it ideal for everyday wear. It is durable and resistant to scratches, which makes it a practical choice for rings, pendants, and other jewelry pieces.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The December birthstones are not only admired for their beauty but also for their symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. These beliefs vary across cultures and historical periods, but they often reflect themes of protection, wisdom, transformation, and spiritual growth.
Turquoise: Protection and Success
Turquoise has long been associated with protection, strength, and success. In ancient Egypt, it was believed to have healing properties and was used in amulets to ward off illness and misfortune. In Native American cultures, turquoise is considered a sacred stone that connects the earth and the sky. It is believed to bring good fortune, health, and protection to the wearer.
Modern interpretations of turquoise often focus on its calming and balancing effects. It is said to promote emotional stability, enhance communication, and encourage a sense of inner peace.
Zircon: Wisdom and Clarity
Zircon is associated with wisdom, clarity, and psychic intuition. In medieval Europe, it was believed to have protective powers and was used to ward off nightmares and evil spirits. The gemstone is also thought to enhance mental clarity and promote a deeper understanding of oneself.
Modern metaphysical beliefs suggest that zircon can help individuals develop intuition and spiritual awareness. It is often used in meditation and spiritual practices to enhance focus and insight.
Tanzanite: Transformation and Intuition
Tanzanite is a stone of transformation and spiritual growth. It is believed to enhance intuition, promote emotional healing, and encourage a greater sense of self-awareness. The gemstone is often used in meditation to help individuals connect with their higher selves and explore their inner truths.
Tanzanite is also associated with the throat and third eye chakras, which are linked to communication and spiritual insight. It is thought to help individuals express themselves more clearly and access higher states of consciousness.
Blue Topaz: Calm and Harmony
Blue topaz is associated with calmness, harmony, and emotional balance. It is believed to help individuals release stress, anxiety, and negative emotions, promoting a sense of inner peace and tranquility. The gemstone is also thought to enhance creativity and inspire new ideas.
In modern metaphysical practices, blue topaz is often used to support emotional healing and to encourage a sense of optimism and hope.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning are essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of the December birthstones. Each gemstone has specific needs based on its hardness, chemical composition, and sensitivity to heat and chemicals.
Turquoise
Turquoise is relatively soft and porous, making it sensitive to heat, chemicals, and abrasives. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as these can damage the stone. Turquoise should also be kept away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent discoloration and cracking.
Zircon
Zircon is durable enough for everyday wear but should be handled with care to avoid scratches and chips. It can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface of the gemstone.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone that is best suited for jewelry that is worn with care. It can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as these can cause the stone to lose its color or become damaged. Tanzanite should also be kept away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Blue Topaz
Blue topaz is one of the hardest of the December birthstones, making it ideal for everyday wear. It can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. It is also safe to use ultrasonic and steam cleaners for blue topaz. However, it should be kept away from harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching the surface.
Conclusion
The December birthstones—Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite, and Blue Topaz—are a unique and diverse collection of gems that reflect the rich history and symbolism associated with the winter season. Each stone has its own distinct properties, colors, and meanings, making them valuable choices for December-born individuals. Whether you're drawn to the ancient traditions of Turquoise, the brilliance of Zircon, the transformative power of Tanzanite, or the clarity of Blue Topaz, these gems offer a wide range of options to suit personal preferences and styles. Understanding the geological, historical, and metaphysical aspects of these stones allows for a deeper appreciation of their beauty and significance.