The month of December is uniquely distinguished in the world of gemology by offering not one, but four official birthstones, all sharing a cool, wintry color palette. While many months are associated with a single gem, December provides a diverse array of options: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz. This abundance allows those born in the final month of the year a wide range of choices in terms of color, durability, and price. The traditional birthstone for December is brilliant blue Turquoise, but the official list has expanded over time to include Tanzanite and Zircon, with Blue Topaz gaining significant popularity as a modern alternative. All four stones reflect the icy skies and deep twilight blues characteristic of the winter season, yet each possesses a unique history, geological origin, and set of gemological properties. This article will explore these four magnificent blue gems in detail, covering their history, formation, gemological characteristics, and symbolism, providing a thorough resource for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology.
History and Lore
The history of December's birthstones is as varied as the gems themselves, spanning ancient traditions and modern discoveries. Turquoise holds the title of the traditional birthstone and possesses one of the longest histories of any gem. Its name provides a clue to its journey to Europe; "Turquoise" is derived from the French phrase pierre turquoise, meaning "stone of Turkey." This name was given because the stone was brought to Europe from Turkish bazaars, though its origins lie elsewhere. Turquoise has been prized for millennia for its distinctive color and is often associated with protection and good fortune.
The list of official birthstones has evolved, reflecting changes in availability, fashion, and commercial interests. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers sought to standardize the unofficial American birthstone list. This initial list combined historical customs with gemstones that were practical for jewelry companies to sell. The evolution continued; in 1952, the Jewelry Industry Council of America updated the list, adding Zircon to December's offerings. More recently, in 2002, Tanzanite was added to the official list, recognizing its growing importance in the gem market. Some sources suggest that the reason December has so many birthstones was to provide more affordable options for consumers. Blue Topaz, while not one of the three traditional stones listed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), has gained immense popularity in modern times and is now frequently considered a mainstream December birthstone, offering a crisp winter blue with extra durability.
The historical origins of Blue Topaz are less clearly documented than Turquoise, as it has been found throughout history, though its specific discovery timeline is unknown. In contrast, Tanzanite is a very recent addition to the gem world, a modern discovery that quickly captured the public's imagination. Zircon, one of the older stones on the list, has also been associated with December for decades, completing the trio of traditional and modern gems that define this winter month.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological origins of these gems reveals why they are found in specific parts of the world and highlights their rarity and unique formation processes.
Turquoise Turquoise is an opaque mineral that forms when groundwater containing copper seeps into bedrock. Over time, this copper-rich water reacts with other minerals, such as aluminum and phosphorus, to form the turquoise stone. The distinctive dark lines and shapes visible within many turquoise gems are known as "matrix," which is the remnants of the surrounding rock from which the stone was formed. While sources do not specify particular mining countries for turquoise, this formation process explains its occurrence in arid regions where such geological conditions are met.
Blue Topaz Blue Topaz is found in several locations across the globe. Modern sources indicate that it is mined in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States. In the U.S., it is significant enough to be designated the official state gem of Texas. It can also be found in other states such as Utah and California, making it a gem that can be sourced domestically. It is important to note that naturally occurring blue topaz is quite rare; the vast majority of blue topaz available on the market today is created by heat-treating colorless topaz to achieve its desirable blue hue.
Zircon While the provided sources confirm Zircon as a December birthstone, they do not specify its primary mining locations. The focus of the available information is on its gemological properties and its addition to the birthstone list in 1952.
Tanzanite Tanzanite is the rarest of the four December birthstones, a fact that significantly contributes to its value. It is mined in only one specific region of Tanzania, making its geographical origin exceptionally limited. This exclusivity is the primary reason Tanzanite is the most expensive of the December stones. Its rarity is a key factor in its appeal and market position.
Gemological Properties
The four December birthstones differ significantly in their physical and chemical properties, which affects their appearance, durability, and care requirements. The following table summarizes the key properties of each gemstone based on the provided sources.
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Clarity / Appearance | Key Distinguishing Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Topaz | Not specified in sources | 8 | Clear, sky-blue to deep London Blue shades | Naturally rare; most market stones are heat-treated colorless topaz. |
| Turquoise | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources | Opaque; ranges from soft sky blue to greenish hues; contains matrix (dark lines). | Opaque nature; distinctive matrix patterns; historic significance. |
| Tanzanite | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources | Rich violet-blue; exhibits color-shifting properties depending on the light. | Most valuable and expensive of the four; rare, single-origin source. |
| Zircon | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources | Typically bright, clear blue. | Added to the official list in 1952; associated with clarity and wisdom. |
Color and Clarity
The defining characteristic of December's birthstones is their blue color, though the specific shades vary dramatically. * Turquoise is known for its opaque nature and its color range from soft sky blue to greenish hues. The presence of matrix, the dark vein-like inclusions, is a hallmark of many turquoise stones. * Blue Topaz is prized for its clarity and its spectrum of blue tones, from a light sky blue to the deeper, more saturated London Blue. * Tanzanite offers a unique and sought-after rich violet-blue. A key gemological feature mentioned in the sources is its ability to shift in color depending on the light, a phenomenon known as pleochroism. * Zircon is described as having a bright, clear blue color.
Hardness and Durability
Durability is a critical factor for any gemstone intended for jewelry, especially for pieces worn daily. * Blue Topaz stands out as the most durable of the group, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. This makes it an excellent choice for everyday wear, as it is more resistant to scratching than the other December stones. * Turquoise is described as being "softer and more delicate," implying a lower hardness and requiring more care to avoid scratches and damage. * Tanzanite is also noted as being "fragile," suggesting it is not ideal for rough wear and should be set in protective jewelry settings. * The hardness of Zircon is not specified in the provided materials.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of the four December birthstones carries its own set of symbolic meanings and metaphysical associations, offering a variety of intentions for the wearer.
- Turquoise is strongly linked to themes of protection and good fortune. It is often seen as a steadying force, providing grounding, a sense of calm, and protection, especially during chaotic times.
- Tanzanite symbolizes transformation, new beginnings, and fresh chapters in life. Its unique blue-violet color is said to reflect the feeling of stepping into something new with clarity and curiosity.
- Zircon is associated with clarity, wisdom, and balance. It is believed to sharpen focus and boost mental clarity, helping the wearer to think more clearly.
- Blue Topaz carries modern symbolism related to calmness, love, and clarity. Historically, Topaz in general was associated with strength and protection. In its modern blue form, it has become a symbol of love and fidelity, making it a popular choice for romantic gifts.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone jewelry. The varying hardness and durability of the December birthstones necessitate different care approaches.
- Blue Topaz, with its hardness of 8, is the most resilient of the group and is suitable for everyday wear. It can be cleaned with standard jewelry cleaning solutions and a soft brush, but as with all gems, it is wise to avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes.
- Turquoise and Tanzanite both require more delicate handling due to their softer and more fragile nature. They should be protected from hard blows, sharp blows, and extreme temperatures. Cleaning should be done gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth; ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided as they can damage these stones.
- Zircon's care instructions are not detailed in the sources, but given its status as a gemstone, it should generally be protected from rough wear and sudden temperature changes to prevent fracturing.
Conclusion
December's birthstones offer a remarkable diversity within a unified color family. From the ancient and protective Turquoise to the rare and transformative Tanzanite, the clear and wise Zircon, and the durable and loving Blue Topaz, each gem provides a unique option for those born in the final month of the year. This variety, established through a long history of standardization and modern discovery, ensures that there is a perfect blue gem for every preference and purpose. Understanding their distinct histories, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolic meanings allows for a deeper appreciation of these four magnificent gems that capture the cool, serene beauty of winter.