The month of December is uniquely represented by a trio of magnificent gemstones, each contributing to a distinct and celebrated color palette. The traditional birthstone, Turquoise, is renowned for its classic blue-green hue, which has defined the month for centuries. In recent times, this has been joined by the vivid violet-blue of Tanzanite and the brilliant, varied blues of Zircon. Together, these three stones create a cool, wintry spectrum that embodies the tranquility and reflective spirit of the year's final month. This article delves into the individual characteristics, histories, and gemological properties of Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon, exploring how each stone contributes to the rich chromatic and cultural identity of December.
The Exotic Violet-Blue of Tanzanite
Tanzanite is one of the most remarkable gemstone discoveries of the 20th century, a relative newcomer to the world of fine gems that has rapidly achieved iconic status. Found exclusively in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, this variety of the mineral zoisite possesses a singular and mesmerizing color. Its most defining characteristic is a powerful pleochroism, an optical property that causes the stone to display different colors when viewed from various angles. A single piece of Tanzanite can shift between a deep, royal blue, a vibrant violet, and a rich burgundy, a magical quality that perfectly captures the mystery and twilight magic of a December evening.
The gem's exotic violet-blue hue is its primary draw, representing transformation and spiritual growth. This symbolism aligns with its use as a stone for year-end reflection and the anticipation of new beginnings. As a modern addition to the December birthstone family, Tanzanite offers a contemporary and sophisticated alternative to the more traditional options, appealing to those who seek a gem with a compelling story and a truly unique color experience.
The Timeless Allure of Turquoise
Turquoise is the traditional and most historically significant birthstone for December, a semi-translucent to opaque gem cherished for millennia. Its color ranges from a sky blue to a verdant green, often intersected by distinctive veins of matrix—remnants of the host rock in which it formed. This matrix, a web of dark lines and shapes, gives each piece of Turquoise a unique, organic fingerprint.
The name "Turquoise" itself tells a story of ancient trade routes. It derives from the French phrase pierre turquoise, meaning "stone of Turkey," as the gem was brought to Europe from Turkish bazaars. Its history, however, extends far deeper. The pharaohs and elite of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with this precious stone, and Chinese artisans were carving it more than 3,000 years ago.
Throughout history, Turquoise has been imbued with a vast array of beliefs and powers. It was thought to guarantee health, good fortune, and protection. From the 13th century onward, it was believed to safeguard the wearer from falls, particularly from horses, and was said to shatter upon the approach of disaster as a final act of protection. Hindu mystics believed that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon would bring immense wealth. For Native Americans, particularly the Apache, the stone held deep spiritual significance, with beliefs that it could be found by following a rainbow to its end. This rich tapestry of lore solidifies Turquoise not just as a gemstone, but as a cultural artifact embodying protection, healing, and good fortune.
The Brilliant Spectrum of Zircon
Completing the trio of December's birthstones is Zircon, a gem that produces some of the most brilliant blues in the mineral kingdom. While Zircon occurs in a variety of colors, including yellow, red, and brown, it is the blue variety that is most celebrated as a December birthstone. Its brilliance and fiery luster, which rival that of a diamond, make it a dazzling and often more affordable alternative.
Zircon's presence in the December palette adds a layer of classic brilliance and clarity. Its blues can range from a light, airy sky blue to a deep, intense cobalt, offering a wide spectrum for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. This variety, combined with its exceptional optical properties, ensures that Zircon provides a brilliant and sparkling counterpoint to the softer, more opaque beauty of Turquoise and the shifting colors of Tanzanite. It represents the clearer, more crystalline side of winter's blue palette.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and chemical characteristics of these three gems is essential for both appreciation and care. While they share a color theme, their properties are vastly different, influencing their use in jewelry and their durability.
| Gemstone | Mineral Family | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzanite | Zoisite (a variety) | Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) | 6.5 - 7 | Strong pleochroism (blue, violet, burgundy) |
| Turquoise | Phosphate Mineral | Hydrated copper aluminum phosphate | 5 - 6 | Opaque, often contains matrix (veins of host rock) |
| Zircon | Zirconium Silicate | ZrSiO4 | 6.5 - 7.5 | High refractive index, high brilliance, excellent fire |
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. While reasonably durable, it requires some care to avoid scratches and impacts. Its defining feature remains its trichroic pleochroism.
Turquoise is the softest of the three, with a hardness of 5 to 6. Its semi-translucent to opaque nature and porous structure mean it can be susceptible to chemicals, heat, and even prolonged exposure to skin oils and lotions, which can alter its color over time. The presence of matrix is a natural and often desirable characteristic.
Zircon is the hardest of the group, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable for most jewelry applications. Its high refractive index gives it a brilliance and fire that is second only to diamond, making it a highly sought-after gem for its sparkle alone.
Historical Significance and Lore
Each of December's stones carries a unique weight of history and symbolism. Turquoise stands as the ancient guardian, its lore spanning continents and eras. From the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs to the spiritual traditions of Native American cultures, it has been a universal symbol of protection, wisdom, and prosperity. Its belief as a "warning stone" that breaks in the face of danger is one of the most persistent and compelling myths in gemology.
Tanzanite, as a 20th-century discovery, lacks the ancient history of Turquoise but has quickly built its own modern mythology. Its singular source location and dramatic color-changing properties have made it a symbol of rarity and transformation. It is a gem for a new age, representing the unique and the extraordinary.
Zircon also possesses a long history, though its blue variety is most prominent for December. It has been mistaken for diamond throughout history due to its brilliance. While it may not have the same depth of specific folklore as Turquoise, its enduring presence as a gem of fire and clarity gives it a significant place in the gemological world.
Care and Cleaning
The diverse properties of these gems dictate different care requirements. Proper maintenance ensures their lasting beauty.
Tanzanite: Due to its hardness of 6.5-7, Tanzanite should be protected from harder gems that could scratch it. It is best cleaned with warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended, as the heat and vibrations can damage the stone.
Turquoise: As the most delicate of the three, Turquoise requires the gentlest care. Its porous nature means it should never be cleaned with harsh chemicals, steam, or ultrasonic cleaners. A simple wipe with a soft, damp cloth is the best method to clean it. It should be kept away from lotions, perfumes, and prolonged water exposure to prevent discoloration.
Zircon: With a hardness of up to 7.5, Zircon is quite durable. However, some Zircon can be brittle and susceptible to chipping if struck with force. It is generally safe to clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. While many Zircons are stable under normal conditions, some heat-treated brown Zircons can be sensitive to light and high heat, so it is best to consult a jeweler for specific cleaning advice.
Conclusion
December's identity is beautifully and complexly defined by its three official birthstones. Tanzanite offers an exotic, modern violet-blue with a magical color-shifting quality. Turquoise provides a timeless, opaque blue-green steeped in millennia of human history and protective lore. Zircon contributes a brilliant, sparkling blue with unparalleled fire and clarity. Together, they form a triumvirate of blue that captures the serene, reflective, and festive essence of winter. This rich palette ensures that anyone born in December has a choice of gems that not only reflect the color of their season but also carry a profound depth of meaning, history, and scientific wonder.