The twenty-second day of December is distinguished by a remarkable convergence of three official birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. This triad is unique within the modern birthstone calendar, not merely for its numerical multiplicity, but for the chromatic harmony that defines it. All three gemstones are celebrated for their captivating blue and blue-green hues, evoking the serene tones of winter skies and cool waters.
While December as a whole is associated with this group of gems, those born on the 22nd inherit a specific legacy of color, history, and symbolism. Each stone offers a distinct narrative: tanzanite represents modern discovery and rarity; turquoise embodies ancient traditions of protection and wisdom; and zircon provides a display of exceptional brilliance and antiquity. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of these three gems, detailing their geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and their collective significance as the birthstones for December 22nd.
Historical Evolution and the Modern Triad
The tradition of assigning gemstones to specific dates is an ancient practice, with roots tracing back to the biblical Book of Exodus. The High Priest’s breastplate, described in Exodus 28:15-20, was adorned with twelve distinct stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones were associated with the months of the year and the signs of the zodiac, forming the basis for the modern birthstone list.
The modern birthstone list, as recognized by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), has evolved significantly from its historical origins. While many months are assigned a single birthstone, December is one of only two months to have three officially recognized stones. This multiplicity was introduced to offer greater variety in color, price, and personal meaning, catering to a diverse range of preferences. The inclusion of tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon reflects the month’s rich symbolism and the abundance of gemstones available in captivating blue tones.
For individuals born on December 22nd, this triad is not arbitrary. The selection is supported by a confluence of historical usage, cultural significance, and gemological appeal. Turquoise boasts a legacy spanning millennia, Zircon has been known since antiquity, and Tanzanite, though a recent addition to the gem world, has rapidly ascended to iconic status. Together, they form a powerful and visually cohesive group that captures the essence of the winter solstice.
Tanzanite: The Gem of a Generation
Tanzanite is the most modern of the three, yet it has secured an enduring place in the world of fine jewelry. Its story is one of recent discovery, rapid popularity, and geological rarity.
Origins and Discovery Tanzanite was discovered in the 1960s in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The gemstone is a variety of the mineral zoisite and owes its vivid blue-to-violet color to trace amounts of vanadium within its crystal structure. The discovery is often attributed to a Masai herdsman who noticed the brilliant blue crystals in the red earth, though it was the Tiffany & Co. gemology lab that recognized its potential and introduced it to the global market in 1968. The company named it "tanzanite" after its country of origin and launched a major marketing campaign that cemented its status as a desirable gemstone.
Gemological Properties Tanzanite is prized for its strong pleochroism, a property that causes the gem to display different colors when viewed from different crystal directions. A single stone can appear sapphire blue, violet, and burgundy red simultaneously, a characteristic that adds to its allure and complexity. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, it is moderately durable but requires careful handling to prevent scratching or abrasion. It is a member of the zoisite family and is almost always heat-treated to enhance its blue coloration, a standard practice in the industry.
Symbolism and Lore As a relatively new gemstone, tanzanite has quickly developed its own set of symbolic meanings. It is often associated with transformation, intuition, and spiritual growth. Its pleochroic nature is seen as a metaphor for change and adaptability, encouraging individuals to navigate life’s transitions with grace and insight. In metaphysical practices, tanzanite is said to open the throat and third eye chakras, enhancing communication, self-expression, and psychic abilities. It is also believed to promote emotional healing and to help individuals release negative emotions such as fear and anxiety, making it a popular choice for meditation and spiritual practices.
Turquoise: The Ancient Talisman
Turquoise is arguably the most historically significant of the three, with a legacy of use that spans thousands of years across numerous cultures. Its name, derived from the French "pierre turquoise" or "Turkish stone," reflects its introduction to Europe from the Eastern Mediterranean via Turkish trade routes.
Historical Significance The use of turquoise dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used in jewelry, including that of King Tutankhamun. The Persians called it "pirouzeh," meaning "victory," and believed it offered protection from unnatural death. For Native American cultures of the Southwestern United States, turquoise is a sacred stone, representing the sky and water, and is used in ceremonies and as a powerful talisman for protection and healing.
Gemological Properties Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral composed of hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. Its color can range from sky blue to bluish-green or apple green, often influenced by the presence of iron. A key identifying feature of turquoise is its "matrix," the web-like patterns of the host rock (often limonite or sandstone) that can be visible within the stone. This matrix can create intricate spiderweb patterns, adding to the stone's unique character.
On the Mohs scale of hardness, turquoise ranks between 5 and 6, making it a relatively soft and porous gemstone. This low hardness necessitates careful handling and proper care. Turquoise is primarily mined in arid regions with copper-rich geological formations. Significant sources include the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada), Iran, Egypt, China, Mexico, and parts of Central Asia and Africa.
Symbolism and Lore The symbolic power of turquoise is deeply rooted in its perceived ability to offer protection and promote well-being. Historically, it was believed to protect the wearer from falls and to change color to warn of impending danger or illness. Today, it symbolizes wisdom, tranquility, and friendship. Its association with the sky and water connects it to concepts of peace, calm, and spiritual grounding. As a birthstone for December 22nd, it offers a link to ancient traditions of strength and serenity.
Zircon: The Sparkling Antiquity
Zircon is the third stone in the December 22nd triad, a gemstone celebrated for its exceptional brilliance and fire, which rivals that of a diamond. It is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, providing a deep historical and geological context.
Geological Formation and Sources Zircon is a zirconium silicate that forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is found in many parts of the world, including Australia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, India, and the United States. Australian zircon is particularly notable for its production of high-quality blue stones. The gemstone has been used in jewelry for centuries and was even mistaken for diamonds in the past due to its dazzling sparkle. In fact, zircon was once known as "hyacinth" and was popular in European jewelry during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Gemological Properties Zircon possesses a high refractive index (1.92-1.98) and strong dispersion (0.039), which gives it exceptional "fire" or the ability to split white light into its spectral colors. This brilliance makes it a popular choice for jewelry, despite being softer than diamond (Mohs hardness of 7.5). Zircon is often cut into brilliant or modified brilliant cuts to maximize its sparkle. While zircon occurs in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, and green, the blue variety is the one associated with December. This blue color is typically achieved through heat treatment of brownish zircon.
Symbolism and Lore Zircon is a gemstone of truth and spiritual awakening. It is believed to promote honor, purity, and wisdom. In some traditions, it is said to help its wearer achieve their goals and to attract prosperity and success. Its brilliance is often associated with clarity of thought and purpose. As a birthstone, zircon offers a connection to ancient wisdom and the enduring power of truth.
Care and Maintenance
The three birthstones for December 22nd have different physical properties and require specific care to maintain their beauty and integrity.
- Tanzanite (Mohs 6.5-7): Due to its moderate hardness and potential for cleavage, tanzanite should be protected from sharp blows and extreme temperature changes. It is best cleaned with warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended.
- Turquoise (Mohs 5-6): As a porous and relatively soft stone, turquoise is sensitive to chemicals, cosmetics, and even skin oils, which can cause discoloration. It should be cleaned gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid soaking it in water or using harsh cleaning solutions. Storing it in a sealed bag can help prevent it from drying out.
- Zircon (Mohs 7.5): While harder than tanzanite and turquoise, zircon is brittle and can be prone to chipping if struck hard. It is generally safe to clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. However, caution should be used with ultrasonic cleaners, as the vibrations can potentially damage stones that have been subjected to heat treatment.
Conclusion
The birthstones for December 22nd—tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon—represent a remarkable blend of ancient history, modern discovery, and geological wonder. Each stone contributes its unique character to the triad: tanzanite with its mesmerizing pleochroism and modern allure; turquoise with its rich, opaque color and ancient protective legacy; and zircon with its diamond-like fire and deep antiquity.
Together, they form a cohesive group united by their stunning blue hues, which evoke the cool tranquility of winter. For those born on this day, these gems offer a wide spectrum of choices, from the vibrant violet-blues of tanzanite to the classic sky blue of turquoise and the brilliant sparkle of zircon. More than just beautiful adornments, they are vessels of meaning, connecting their wearers to a rich tapestry of cultural lore, scientific fascination, and timeless tradition.