The final month of the year is uniquely associated with a trio of captivating blue gemstones: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite. Each stone reflects the cool, wintry palette of December's skies, from the icy clarity of a bright blue zircon to the deep, velvety violet-blue of tanzanite and the earthy, historic charm of turquoise. This abundance offers a remarkable variety for those born in December, allowing for a choice that aligns with personal style, budget, and preference. The journey to understanding these gems involves exploring their distinct geological origins, their rich histories woven into human culture, their unique gemological properties, and the symbolic meanings that have been attributed to them through the ages. This guide delves into the individual character of each of December's birthstones, providing a comprehensive overview for the gemstone enthusiast, the prospective jewelry buyer, and the student of gemology.
Turquoise: An Ancient Amulet of Earth and Sky
Turquoise stands as one of the most ancient and culturally significant gemstones known to humanity. It is a semi-translucent to opaque phosphate mineral that owes its color to the presence of copper, creating a spectrum from sky blue to greenish hues. A defining characteristic of many turquoise specimens is the presence of matrix—veins of the host rock from which the gem was formed—which can create intricate, web-like patterns on the stone's surface. This December birthstone has been cherished for millennia, adorning the pharaohs of ancient Egypt and being carved by Chinese artisans over 3,000 years ago. Its name derives from its historical journey to European markets via the gem trade in Turkey, stemming from the Persian word "firuzeh."
The lore surrounding turquoise is extensive and speaks to its enduring appeal as a protective talisman. Across numerous cultures, it was believed to possess powerful beneficial properties. The stone was thought to guarantee health and good fortune and to protect the wearer from physical harm. From the 13th century, a popular European belief held that turquoise could prevent a fall, particularly from a horse, and that it would shatter at the approach of a disaster, thereby warning its owner of impending danger. Hindu mystics believed that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon would bring immense wealth. For Native Americans of the American Southwest, the gem was deeply connected to concepts of youth and strength. The Apache people held a legend that turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end. In Tibet, turquoise was not only considered a birthstone of fortune, health, and success but was also used as a form of currency. Its use as an amulet was widespread, as it was believed to ward off danger and illness and to preserve friendships if given as a gift.
Zircon: The Multi-Hued Gem of Clarity and Fire
Zircon is a mineral that, in its pure form, is colorless. However, impurities and heat treatment can produce a wide array of colors, with the brilliant, clear blue variety being the most recognized December birthstone. Zircon is the oldest mineral on Earth, providing geologists with vital information about the formation of our planet. Its exceptional refractive index gives it a high degree of brilliance and sparkle, often rivaling that of diamond. This gemstone is found in various locations around the world, including Sri Lanka, Brazil, Nigeria, and the U.S. state of Texas, where it holds the distinction of being the official state gem.
The symbolism attached to zircon centers on mental acuity and emotional stability. It is known for sharpening focus, boosting mental clarity, and fostering a sense of balance. Historically, colorless zircon was often mistaken for diamond due to its high dispersion and fire. While the blue variety is most associated with December, its durability makes it a practical choice for jewelry. Zircon ranks as the most durable of the December birthstones for regular, everyday wear, with a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This resilience, combined with its brilliant sparkle, makes it an excellent option for rings and other pieces that may encounter daily activity.
Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel of Violet-Blue
Tanzanite is the newest addition to the December birthstone family, officially added to the list in 2002. It is a variety of the mineral zoisite and is prized for its unique, rich violet-blue color, which can shift depending on the light. This pleochroic quality means the gem can display different colors when viewed from various angles, typically showing off sapphire-blue and violet-purple tones. Tanzanite's fame is rooted in its extreme rarity; it is mined in only one location on the planet: a small, four-square-kilometer area in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. This geographic exclusivity makes it hundreds of times rarer than diamond.
Because of its rarity and captivating color, tanzanite is the most valuable of the four December birthstones and is often the most expensive. It represents transformation, growth, and new beginnings, reflecting its modern discovery and the feeling of stepping into a new chapter with clarity and curiosity. However, its beauty comes with a practical consideration: tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of only 6 to 6.5 and lacks cleavage, but it is still considered fragile. For this reason, it is better suited for pieces like earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings where it is less likely to be subjected to impact or abrasion.
Blue Topaz: A Durable and Vibrant Option
While the primary three December stones are Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite, a fourth gem, blue topaz, has become a significant part of the modern story. Blue topaz was added to the list of December birthstones in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, alongside zircon. Its addition reflects the evolving nature of birthstone lists, which can be updated to include new discoveries or commercially popular gemstones. The exact historical origin of blue topaz is unclear, but it is found in various global locations, including Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States. It is the official state gem of Texas.
Blue topaz offers a crisp, vibrant blue that evokes the icy skies of winter. Its most significant advantage among the December stones is its durability. Blue topaz ranks as the hardest of all December birthstones, with a Mohs hardness of 8. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for everyday wear, resisting scratches and abrasions far better than its softer counterparts, turquoise and tanzanite. While it may not carry the ancient lore of turquoise or the extreme rarity of tanzanite, its combination of brilliant color, excellent clarity, and high durability makes it a popular and practical choice for a wide range of jewelry.
Gemological Properties and Comparison
Understanding the physical properties of these gems is crucial for both collectors and jewelry buyers, as it informs their durability, care requirements, and value. The four December birthstones differ significantly in hardness, chemical composition, and appearance. The following table provides a comparative overview of their key gemological characteristics, based on information from the provided sources.
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness | Chemical Composition | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | 5 - 6 | Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum | Opaque to semi-translucent; often contains matrix (veins of host rock); color ranges from sky blue to green. |
| Zircon | 7.5 | Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄) | High refractive index and brilliance; colorless in pure form; blue is the most common birthstone color. |
| Tanzanite | 6 - 6.5 | Calcium aluminum silicate hydroxide (Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)) | Pleochroic (shows different colors from different angles); rich violet-blue; extremely rare, found only in Tanzania. |
| Blue Topaz | 8 | Aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide (Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂) | Hardest of the December stones; known for its clear, vibrant blue color. |
When selecting a December birthstone, considerations of durability are paramount. For jewelry intended for daily wear, such as an engagement ring or a bracelet, blue topaz and zircon are the most suitable choices due to their higher hardness. Turquoise and tanzanite are softer and more susceptible to damage from impacts and chemicals. They are best preserved in pieces with protective settings, such as pendants, earrings, or rings that are worn occasionally.
Symbolism, Metaphysical Beliefs, and Modern Significance
The allure of December's birthstones extends beyond their physical beauty into the realm of symbolism and metaphysical belief. Each stone is associated with distinct attributes that resonate with different personalities and life goals. Turquoise is widely regarded as a steadying force, a stone of protection, grounding, and calm. Its connection to ancient cultures as a talisman against harm and a bringer of good fortune continues to this day. It is seen as a grounding presence in times of chaos.
Tanzanite, a stone of a new generation, embodies transformation and new beginnings. Its discovery in the 20th century and its rapid rise to prominence lend it an air of modernity and progress. It is said to aid in spiritual awakening and to encourage a higher, more conscious way of living. Its shifting colors are a metaphor for the multifaceted nature of personal growth.
Zircon is the stone of clarity and wisdom. Its brilliant sparkle is said to mirror a clear mind and a balanced spirit. It is associated with enhancing focus and achieving a sense of order and peace. For those seeking mental acuity and emotional equilibrium, zircon is believed to be a powerful ally.
The tradition of assigning gemstones to specific months has evolved over centuries, with roots in the biblical breastplate of Aaron and other historical texts. The modern list of birthstones was standardized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers, with subsequent updates adding stones like zircon and tanzanite to reflect new discoveries and market trends. The fact that December has multiple birthstones is often attributed to a desire to provide a wider array of choices in color, style, and price, ensuring that everyone born in the last month of the year can find a gem that speaks to them.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone jewelry. Given the varying properties of December's gems, specific care instructions are necessary. The softer stones, turquoise and tanzanite, require the most attention. They should be cleaned with warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. It is critical to avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners for these stones, as they can cause damage or discoloration. Turquoise is particularly porous and can absorb oils and chemicals, so it should be kept away from lotions, cosmetics, and even skin oils, and should be cleaned gently.
Zircon and blue topaz, being harder and more durable, are easier to care for. They can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. While they are resistant to scratching, they can still be chipped if struck with sufficient force, so it is wise to store them separately from other jewelry to prevent abrasion. Blue topaz, in particular, is often treated with irradiation to achieve its deep blue color, but this treatment is stable and does not affect its care regimen. As with all fine jewelry, it is advisable to remove pieces before engaging in strenuous activities or household chores to protect them from accidental impact.
Conclusion
December's birthstones offer a remarkable diversity of color, history, and character. From the ancient, protective talisman of turquoise to the brilliant, ancient fire of zircon and the modern, transformative allure of tanzanite, each gem provides a unique connection to the world of natural wonders. The addition of durable blue topaz further expands the options for those seeking a cool, winter blue. The choice among these gems is a personal one, guided by individual preference for color, the symbolic meaning that resonates most strongly, and practical considerations of durability and care. Together, they form a worthy and beautiful representation of the final month of the year, a trio of blue treasures that capture the essence of winter's quiet beauty and the promise of a new year to come.