The month of December holds a unique distinction in the world of gemology: it is the only month with four officially recognized birthstones. This abundance of choice reflects the evolving nature of the birthstone tradition and the growing appreciation for distinct gemological discoveries. The gems associated with this winter month—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz—are all characterized by their blue hues, a nod to the cool tones of winter and the calmness associated with the season. While historically Turquoise and Zircon were the primary stones, the 20th century saw the addition of Blue Topaz and Tanzanite, the latter being the most recent addition in 2002.
For those born under the zodiac signs of Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 – January 19), these stones offer a wide spectrum of colors and properties. The primary traditional birthstone remains the brilliant blue Turquoise, though Topaz is noted as the main Zodiac birthstone for Sagittarius, with Turquoise as a secondary stone. For Capricorn, the primary birthstone is Ruby, though the December stones are often worn by this sign as well. This article provides an in-depth exploration of these four December birthstones, drawing from historical, geological, and cultural sources to present a comprehensive overview for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology.
History and Lore
The tradition of associating gemstones with specific months has ancient roots, believed to have originated in Mesopotamia and later adopted by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The December birthstones, in particular, have undergone several changes over time. Originally, only Turquoise and Zircon were considered December’s gemstones. However, the list has expanded to reflect new discoveries and commercial appeal.
Turquoise: The Ancient Talisman
Turquoise is the traditional birthstone for December and has been cherished for thousands of years. It is a sacred stone in many cultures, valued for its unique sky blue to greenish-blue color. Historically, Turquoise has been a symbol of friendship, protection, and good fortune. Its name is derived from the French "pierre turquoise," meaning "Turkish stone," reflecting its introduction to Europe through Turkish traders. Its use as a protective talisman is widespread, believed to ward off negative energy and bring peace to the wearer.
Zircon: The Gem of Royalty
Blue Zircon is one of the original December birthstones. While zircon occurs in a variety of colors, the blue variety is specifically associated with the month of December. Historically, zircon was a gem of royalty, often used in crowns and jewelry to signify power and wisdom. It was also believed to promote honor and purity in the wearer.
Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel
Tanzanite is the most recent addition to the December birthstone family, officially recognized in 2002. Discovered in the 20th century in a single location in Tanzania, this gem quickly gained popularity for its mesmerizing violet-blue hue. Its introduction marks a significant moment in the modernization of birthstone lists, showcasing how new discoveries can influence a centuries-old tradition. Tanzanite is often associated with a unique, modern elegance.
Blue Topaz: The Commercial Favorite
Blue Topaz was added to the list of December birthstones in the 20th century. While topaz exists in many colors, the blue variety has become a staple in jewelry, particularly in the United States. Its clarity and affordability, combined with a range of blue shades, have made it a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. The rise of Blue Topaz as a birthstone highlights the commercial factors that can shape gemological traditions.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the origins of these gems provides insight into their rarity and value. Each of the December stones forms under different geological conditions and is sourced from distinct regions of the world.
Turquoise Formation and Sources
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral that forms when water containing copper and aluminum seeps through rock. Over millions of years, the water evaporates, leaving behind deposits of turquoise. This process typically occurs in arid regions. Major sources for Turquoise include: - Iran: Known for producing some of the highest quality turquoise with a classic sky blue color. - United States: A major producer, particularly in states like Arizona and New Mexico, yielding stones with a characteristic greenish-blue hue. - Tibet: Historically significant, Tibetan turquoise is often recognized by its unique color and matrix patterns. - India: Another notable source for this gemstone.
Tanzanite Formation and Sources
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite. It is found in only one place on Earth: the Merelani Hills of Northern Tanzania, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The gem's formation is a geological rarity, involving the heating of zoisite by natural geological processes. Due to its singular source, Tanzanite is considered significantly rarer than diamond.
Zircon Formation and Sources
Zircon is a mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates. It is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, forming during the crystallization of magma. Blue zircon is typically achieved through the heat treatment of brown zircon, a common practice that enhances its color. While zircon is found in many locations worldwide, specific sources for the blue variety used in jewelry are not detailed in the provided materials.
Blue Topaz Formation and Sources
Topaz is a silicate mineral of fluorine and aluminum. Natural blue topaz is quite rare; the vibrant blue stones seen in the market are almost always the result of irradiation and heat treatment of colorless or pale topaz. The sources for the base material are not specified in the provided information, but the gem is widely available in the commercial market.
Gemological Properties
The physical and chemical properties of a gemstone determine its durability, appearance, and value. The December birthstones vary significantly in these characteristics.
Turquoise Properties
- Mineral Group: Phosphate
- Mohs Hardness: 5 – 6
- Colors: Sky blue, greenish-blue
- Chemical Composition: Not explicitly stated in sources, but it is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum.
Turquoise is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, making it more susceptible to scratching and damage. It is often stabilized or treated to enhance its durability and color.
Tanzanite Properties
While specific gemological data for Tanzanite is not provided in the sources, it is identified as a variety of zoisite. Its defining characteristic is its unique blue-violet color.
Zircon Properties
- Hardness: Not specified in the provided sources, but zircon is known in gemology for being relatively hard (around 7.5 on the Mohs scale), though it can be brittle due to cleavage.
- Colors: Occurs in many colors, with blue being the traditional December variety.
Blue Topaz Properties
- Hardness: Not specified in the provided sources, but topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it a durable choice for jewelry.
- Colors: Various shades of blue, often achieved through treatment.
Comparative Table of Properties
| Gemstone | Mineral Group | Typical Hardness (Mohs) | Primary Color | Key Source Regions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Phosphate | 5 - 6 | Sky Blue, Greenish-Blue | Iran, USA, Tibet, India |
| Tanzanite | Zoisite (Variety) | (Not specified) | Violet-Blue | Tanzania (Merelani Hills) |
| Zircon | Nesosilicate | (Not specified) | Blue (treated) | (Not specified) |
| Blue Topaz | Silicate | (Not specified) | Blue (treated) | (Not specified) |
Note: Hardness and specific sources are based only on the data provided in the SOURCES. Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz properties are limited in the provided text.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical beauty, these gemstones are imbued with deep symbolic meaning and metaphysical beliefs that have been passed down through generations.
Turquoise: Protection and Calmness
Turquoise is universally regarded as a stone of protection, truth, and calmness. It is believed to bring serenity to its wearer and act as a shield against negative forces. Its association with friendship and good fortune makes it a popular gift. In many cultures, it is also seen as a stone of communication, promoting honesty and clarity in expression.
Tanzanite: Transformation and Intuition
As a modern discovery, Tanzanite's metaphysical lore is still developing, but it is often associated with transformation and intuition. Its unique color is said to open the mind to new perspectives and spiritual insight. It is considered a stone of higher consciousness, helping the wearer connect with their destiny.
Zircon: Wisdom and Honor
Zircon has long been associated with wisdom, honor, and purity. It was believed to help its wearer achieve their goals and gain respect. The blue variety, in particular, is linked to calmness and stability, helping to soothe the mind and spirit.
Blue Topaz: Clarity and Communication
Blue Topaz is associated with clarity of thought, communication, and creative expression. It is believed to calm the mind, relieve stress, and promote truthful communication. Its cool blue color is linked to the throat chakra, which governs speech and expression.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of gemstone jewelry. The December birthstones require different levels of care due to their varying hardness and stability.
Caring for Turquoise
With a Mohs hardness of only 5 to 6, Turquoise is relatively soft and porous. It is susceptible to scratches, chemicals, and extreme heat. - Cleaning: Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. - Storage: Store separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching. Keep it away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading.
Caring for Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz
The sources do not provide specific care instructions for Tanzanite, Zircon, or Blue Topaz. However, based on general gemological knowledge (and noting that this information is not from the provided sources): - Tanzanite: Has a hardness of around 6.5 to 7 but has perfect cleavage in one direction, making it susceptible to chipping. It is best set in protective settings for daily wear. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. - Zircon: Has a hardness of about 7.5 but is brittle due to its cleavage. It can be chipped by hard blows. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and extreme temperature changes. Clean with warm, soapy water. - Blue Topaz: With a hardness of 8, it is quite durable. However, some topaz may have been treated with irradiation, though this is generally stable. It is safe to clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe, but steam cleaning is not recommended.
For all these stones, it is advisable to remove jewelry before engaging in physical activities or household chores to prevent accidental damage.
Conclusion
The December birthstones offer a remarkable array of choices, each with its own distinct history, geological origin, and symbolic meaning. From the ancient protective talisman of Turquoise to the modern, singular elegance of Tanzanite, these gems provide a perfect reflection of the winter month. The addition of Blue Zircon and Blue Topaz further enriches the selection, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Whether chosen for their historical significance, their stunning blue hues, or their perceived metaphysical properties, the four official birthstones of December—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Topaz—remain enduring symbols of beauty and personal connection.