For those born in the final month of the year, the birthstone selection is uniquely abundant and visually captivating. December is the only month officially associated with four distinct gemstones: Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite, and Blue Topaz. This variety offers a spectrum of blue hues, from the sky-like softness of turquoise to the deep, violet-tinged blues of tanzanite, perfectly mirroring the icy skies and deep twilight of the winter season. Each of these gems carries a unique narrative, from ancient legends of protection to modern discoveries of rare beauty, providing a wealth of choice for jewelry enthusiasts and collectors.
This comprehensive guide explores the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of these four remarkable blue gemstones. We will delve into the distinct characteristics that define each stone, offering insights into their durability, value, and the symbolism that has made them enduring favorites for December birthdays.
History and Lore: A Journey Through Time
The historical paths of December's birthstones are as varied as the gems themselves, with some tracing back to antiquity while others are products of the modern era.
Turquoise: The Ancient Talisman
Of the four, Turquoise holds the most ancient and storied legacy. Its name is derived from the French phrase pierre tourques, or "Turkish stone," reflecting its introduction to Europe through Turkish gem markets after being sourced from Persia and the Sinai Peninsula. For millennia, turquoise has been a favored gem for amulets, prized for its relative ease of cutting and inscription. Ancient cultures imbued it with powerful protective qualities, believing it could safeguard the wearer from harm, including falls and negative energy. It was also a symbol of wisdom, tranquility, and friendship.
Civilizations across the globe revered this stone. The ancient Incas and Mayas offered turquoise as a gift to their gods. In Tibet, it was considered a birthstone of fortune, health, and success, so valuable that it was often used as currency. Native Americans of the Southwest associated the gem with youth and strength. A particularly fascinating belief held that turquoise could warn its wearer of approaching illness or danger by becoming pale, acting as a physical barometer of one's well-being. Its connection to royalty is exemplified by its use in the burial mask of King Tutankhamun, solidifying its status as a gem of kings and conquerors.
Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel
In stark contrast to turquoise's ancient origins, Tanzanite is a distinctly modern discovery. It was not identified until the 1960s and was added to the official birthstone list as recently as 2002. Its discovery in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, gave rise to its name. The gem's rapid rise to prominence is a testament to its extraordinary beauty and rarity. As the most valuable of the four December birthstones, tanzanite is celebrated for representing transformation, growth, and new beginnings, its rich violet-blue hue symbolizing a step into a new chapter with clarity and curiosity.
Zircon and Topaz: A History of Confusion and Standardization
Zircon and Blue Topaz both have deep historical roots, though their paths to becoming December birthstones involve some complexity. Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, but its history is often entangled with that of other blue gems, most notably the synthetic blue spinel that was mistakenly sold as "zircon" for centuries. The modern standardization of birthstones saw zircon officially added to December's list in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America.
Blue Topaz, while popular today, has an "exact historical origin [that] is unknown, as it has been found throughout history." Its journey to becoming a modern birthstone reflects the evolving nature of these lists, which are updated to include new discoveries and commercially available gems. The addition of blue topaz provided a durable and more affordable blue option, complementing the more delicate turquoise and rare tanzanite.
The Evolution of the December List
The existence of four birthstones for one month is unique. The process began in 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers sought to standardize the unofficial American list, combining tradition with commercial practicality. This list has been updated several times, most notably in 1952 with the addition of zircon and in 2002 with tanzanite. Blue topaz was added later, though the exact date is not specified in the sources. This evolution was driven by a desire to offer more variety in color and style, as well as to introduce more affordable options to the market. The result is a "small treasure chest" of blue gems that ensures anyone born in December can find a stone that resonates with their personal taste and budget.
Geological Formation and Mining Locations
The origins of these gems are as diverse as their histories, with each forming under unique geological conditions and sourced from specific regions around the world.
Turquoise is a secondary mineral that forms in arid regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater percolates through aluminum- and phosphorus-bearing rocks. This process occurs over millions of years, depositing turquoise in veins and nodules. The most significant sources include the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada), Iran, Egypt, China, Mexico, and parts of Central Asia and Africa. Its distinctive "matrix-like look," a spiderweb pattern of host rock, is a hallmark of many turquoise varieties.
Tanzanite is found in only one location on Earth, making it exceptionally rare. It is mined exclusively in a small, four-square-kilometer area in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. This extreme rarity is a primary factor in its high value and status as the most expensive of the December stones.
Zircon is a common mineral found in many types of rocks but is most often recovered from placer deposits (sediments concentrated by water action). While it is found worldwide, the gem-quality blue zircon used in jewelry primarily comes from Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The blue color is typically achieved through heat treatment of brownish zircon crystals.
Blue Topaz is mined in several countries, including Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States. Its presence in multiple locations makes it more accessible than tanzanite or high-quality turquoise. Notably, it is the official state gem of Texas.
Gemological Properties: A Scientific Comparison
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of these gems is crucial for appreciating their differences in durability, appearance, and care requirements. The following table summarizes the key gemological data derived from the provided sources.
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum | 5 - 6 | Often features a distinctive matrix (web-like pattern of host rock). Color ranges from soft sky blue to greenish hues. |
| Zircon | Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄) | Not specified in sources | Known for its high brilliance and "fire." Typically appears as a bright, clear blue (often through heat treatment). |
| Tanzanite | Calcium aluminum silicate hydroxide | Not specified in sources | Displays a rich violet-blue hue that shifts in different light. The most valuable and expensive of the four. |
| Blue Topaz | Aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide | 8 | The hardest and most durable of the December birthstones, making it ideal for everyday wear. |
Color and Clarity
The defining feature of December's gems is their blue color palette, yet each stone presents this color uniquely. * Turquoise offers an opaque, often sky-blue to greenish-blue hue, sometimes interrupted by a contrasting brown or black matrix. * Zircon is prized for its clarity and brilliance, appearing as a bright, vivid blue. * Tanzanite stands out with its pleochroic nature, showing off a deep violet-blue that can appear differently depending on the viewing angle and light source. * Blue Topaz provides a "crisp winter blue," ranging from a light sky blue (Sky Topaz) to a deep, saturated Swiss or London Blue Topaz.
Durability and Wearability
For jewelry intended for regular use, hardness is a critical factor. * Blue Topaz is the clear winner for durability, with a Mohs hardness of 8. This makes it highly resistant to scratching and suitable for rings, bracelets, and other pieces that may encounter daily wear. * Zircon, while brilliant, has a tendency to be brittle, which is not detailed in the sources but is a known gemological property. * Turquoise, with a hardness of only 5 to 6, is the most delicate. It is susceptible to scratches, chemicals, and heat, making it better suited for earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings. * Tanzanite is also described as "fragile," suggesting it requires careful handling and protective settings, similar to turquoise.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical beauty, each gem is associated with distinct symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties, offering a personal connection for the wearer.
Turquoise is widely regarded as a stone of protection, grounding, and calm. It is believed to be a steadying force, bringing good fortune and preserving friendship when given as a gift. Its association with wisdom and tranquility has made it a favorite for those seeking balance in their lives.
Tanzanite embodies transformation and new beginnings. Its unique color is said to reflect the feeling of stepping into a new chapter with clarity and curiosity, making it a powerful stone for personal growth and spiritual awakening.
Zircon is associated with mental clarity, wisdom, and balance. It is believed to sharpen focus and help the wearer see things with a clear and balanced perspective.
Blue Topaz, while its symbolism is not explicitly detailed in the sources, is often associated with calm, communication, and clarity of thought, aligning with its crisp, clear blue appearance.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of December's birthstones. The wide range in hardness and stability dictates specific handling instructions.
Turquoise and Tanzanite: Due to their relative softness and fragility, these gems require gentle care. Clean them with warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners. Store them separately to prevent scratches from harder gems.
Zircon: While it can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush, its brittleness means it should be protected from hard blows. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning.
Blue Topaz: As the most durable of the group, blue topaz can withstand more rigorous cleaning methods. It can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water, an ultrasonic cleaner, and a steam cleaner. However, care should be taken if the stone has been fracture-filled, a common treatment for some topaz, which may be damaged by heat or ultrasonic vibrations.
Conclusion
The four birthstones of December—Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite, and Blue Topaz—provide an unparalleled selection for those celebrating a winter birthday. From the ancient, protective talisman of turquoise to the rare and modern elegance of tanzanite, each gem offers a unique blend of history, science, and symbolism. Whether one is drawn to the exceptional durability of blue topaz, the brilliant fire of zircon, or the rich lore of turquoise, there is a perfect blue gem to suit every style and occasion. This remarkable diversity, born from a unique combination of geological chance and evolving tradition, ensures that the legacy of December's birthstones will continue to enchant and inspire for generations to come.