For those born in December, the selection of a birthstone is a particularly rich endeavor. Unlike months with a single primary stone, December offers a veritable treasure chest of five distinct gemstones: the ancient Turquoise, the modern Tanzanite, the fiery Zircon, the crisp Blue Topaz, and the celestial Lapis Lazuli. This abundance provides a palette that mirrors the month's icy skies and deep twilight blues, allowing for personal preference in color, durability, and historical resonance. Each gemstone carries its own unique narrative, from millennia-old legends to recent geological discoveries, offering options that cater to both traditionalists and contemporary tastes. This article delves into the history, formation, gemological properties, symbolism, and care requirements of each December birthstone, providing a detailed guide for enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone seeking to understand the significance of these captivating gems.
History and Lore
The historical journey of December's gemstones spans from the dawn of civilization to the modern era, each stone reflecting the cultural contexts in which it was revered.
Turquoise stands as one of the world's oldest gem materials, with a documented history exceeding 5,000 years. Its name derives from the French expression pierre tourques, or "Turkish stone," originating in the 13th century, though its use predates this nomenclature by millennia. Ancient Egyptians called it mefkat, meaning "joy" and "delight," and mined it in the Sinai region as early as 5500 BCE. It was famously inlaid in the burial mask of King Tutankhamun and adorned the tombs of pharaohs. In ancient China, turquoise was carved 3,000 years ago, and it has been discovered in burial sites in western Iran dating back to 7000 BCE. For Native Americans, turquoise is a sacred stone, used in ceremonial artifacts and jewelry as a symbol of protection and good fortune. Its status as a traditional December birthstone was formally recognized in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers, and it is also the designated stone for the 11th wedding anniversary.
In stark contrast, Tanzanite is a product of the 20th century, discovered in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Its stunning blue-to-violet hues quickly captivated the global jewelry market, leading to its recognition as an official December birthstone in 2002. Despite its modernity, it has rapidly woven itself into the lore of the month, associated with transformation, spiritual growth, and new beginnings.
Zircon has a long history of confusion due to its frequent misidentification as diamond. The blue variety, prized for December, has been known for centuries. While the provided sources do not specify its historical timeline in detail, its recognition as a traditional December birthstone alongside turquoise and tanzanite places it firmly within the established pantheon. It is often associated with sharpening focus and boosting mental clarity.
Blue Topaz, while added later to December's list of stones, has become a staple for its crisp, winter-blue color and exceptional durability. Its story is more commercial and contemporary, aligning with the modern demand for a hard, brilliant blue gemstone suitable for daily wear.
Lapis Lazuli, the fifth member of the December quintet, shares an ancient pedigree with turquoise. Revered as a stone of royalty and wisdom, it was a favorite of Egyptian pharaohs and featured in the iconic burial mask of Tutankhamun. Often called the "Stone of Truth," it has been used for millennia in amulets, seals, and ceremonial items, associated with confidence, clarity, and enlightenment.
Geological Formation and Sources
The origins of these gemstones are as diverse as their histories, ranging from single-point sources to global occurrences.
Turquoise is a secondary mineral formed by the percolation of copper-rich water through pre-existing rocks. Its color is derived from copper, with iron contributing greenish hues and zinc imparting yellowish tones. It is found in numerous locations worldwide, including Iran, China, Mexico, the Middle East, Kazakhstan, and the United States. The most sought-after color, often described as Robin's Egg Blue, Sky Blue, or Persian Blue, is particularly associated with high-quality deposits.
Tanzanite is a unique gemstone with an exceptionally limited geographic origin. It is found in only one place on Earth: the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. This singular source contributes to its rarity and value. It is a variety of the mineral zoisite, and its vivid blue-to-violet color is the result of heat treatment applied to brownish zoisite crystals in nature.
Zircon is a zirconium silicate mineral that forms in pegmatites and metamorphic rocks. The blue variety, used for December birthstones, is typically found in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Australia. It is important to note that in the gem trade, the term "zircon" refers to the natural mineral, not the synthetic cubic zirconia, a common point of confusion.
Blue Topaz is a silicate mineral with a global distribution. Natural blue topaz is relatively rare; most commercial blue topaz is created by irradiating colorless topaz. It is sourced from various countries worldwide, making it widely available and relatively affordable.
Lapis Lazuli is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of the mineral lazurite, with calcite and pyrite often present. The deep blue color comes from lazurite, while golden flecks of pyrite add to its distinctive appearance. Historically, the finest lapis lazuli came from Afghanistan, a source that has been mined for thousands of years. Other sources include Chile, Russia, and the United States.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and chemical characteristics of each stone is crucial for proper selection, care, and appreciation. The following table summarizes key properties based on the provided sources.
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Color Range | Key Treatments | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Hydrated phosphate of copper & aluminum | 5 - 6 | Sky blue to greenish blue | Wax, dye, stabilization | Opaque, often with a natural matrix (veining). Color can change over time. |
| Tanzanite | Calcium aluminum silicate (Zoisite) | 6 - 7 | Blue to violet | Heat treatment (common) | Pleochroic (shows different colors from different angles). |
| Zircon | Zirconium silicate | 6.5 - 7.5 | Blue | Heat treatment (common) | High refractive index, brilliant fire. Brittle along edges. |
| Blue Topaz | Aluminum silicate fluoride hydroxide | 8 | Pale blue to dark blue | Irradiation & heat (common) | Excellent durability, brilliant clarity. |
| Lapis Lazuli | Metamorphic rock (Lazurite, Calcite, Pyrite) | 5 - 6 | Deep celestial blue with gold flecks | Polishing, stabilization | Opaque, not a single mineral but a rock. Soft and requires gentle handling. |
Turquoise is relatively soft (5-6 on the Mohs scale) and typically opaque. High-quality turquoise is prized for its vivid, even color, though the natural matrix (veining) is often appreciated for its character. Treatments like stabilization (impregnation with a clear resin) are common to enhance durability and color consistency.
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7, making it suitable for earrings and pendants but vulnerable to chipping in rings. Its most remarkable property is pleochroism; it can display different shades of blue and violet depending on the viewing angle. Most tanzanite is heat-treated to remove brownish tones and enhance its blue-violet hue.
Zircon is harder (6.5 to 7.5) than turquoise and tanzanite, offering better durability for jewelry. However, it can be brittle along its cleavage planes, making it susceptible to chipping from sharp impacts. Blue zircon is typically heat-treated from brownish zircon crystals. It has a high refractive index, giving it a brilliant sparkle often compared to diamond.
Blue Topaz is the most durable of the December stones, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. This makes it ideal for rings and daily-wear jewelry. Its color is almost always the result of treatment, as natural blue topaz is rare. The treatment is stable and permanent, resulting in a consistent, icy blue color.
Lapis Lazuli is soft (5-6 on the Mohs scale) and, like turquoise, is not a single mineral but a rock. Its deep blue color is due to the lazurite mineral, and its value increases with the intensity of the blue and the absence of white calcite veining. Golden pyrite inclusions are desirable and considered part of its natural beauty.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Across cultures and centuries, these gemstones have been imbued with profound symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties.
Turquoise is universally regarded as a stone of protection, grounding, and good fortune. Ancient cultures believed it strengthened the immune system, supported respiratory health, and aided in detoxifying the body. For Native Americans, it is a sacred symbol of protection. Its steady, calming energy is sought to bring balance during chaotic times.
Tanzanite, as a modern discovery, has been attributed with properties related to transformation and spiritual awakening. It is said to enhance intuition, relieve stress, and inspire spiritual growth. Its association with new beginnings makes it a powerful stone for those embarking on significant life changes.
Zircon is linked to mental clarity, focus, and wisdom. It is believed to sharpen the mind, boost concentration, and bring a sense of balance and order to one's thoughts. Its brilliant fire is thought to illuminate the path to truth and understanding.
Blue Topaz shares the calming, serene qualities of the winter sky. It is often associated with communication, truth, and serenity. Its cool blue hue is believed to promote peacefulness and clarity of thought.
Lapis Lazuli has been revered as the "Stone of Truth" for millennia. It is believed to enhance intellectual ability, stimulate wisdom, and encourage honesty and self-awareness. It is said to help wearers speak their truth with confidence and clarity, making it a stone of royalty and enlightenment.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their varying hardness and chemical composition, each December birthstone requires specific care to maintain its beauty.
Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli are the most delicate, with a hardness of 5-6. They are sensitive to chemicals, heat, and moisture. Avoid exposing them to perfumes, lotions, or household cleaners, as these can alter their color and damage the stone. Clean them gently with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or steam.
Tanzanite (hardness 6-7) is prone to chipping and should be handled with care. It is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam, as the heat and vibrations can cause damage.
Zircon (hardness 6.5-7.5) is brittle along its natural cleavage. While it can withstand mild cleaning, it should be protected from sharp knocks and hard impacts. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaning. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are sufficient.
Blue Topaz (hardness 8) is the most durable of the group. It can withstand more rigorous cleaning methods but should still be protected from sharp impacts that could cause chipping. Mild care with soapy water and a soft cloth is recommended. Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Conclusion
December's birthstones offer a remarkable spectrum of choices, each with a distinct character. From the ancient, protective embrace of Turquoise and the celestial wisdom of Lapis Lazuli to the transformative energy of Tanzanite, the clarifying fire of Zircon, and the durable serenity of Blue Topaz, there is a gemstone to resonate with every individual born in this final month of the year. Their diverse histories, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolic meanings provide a rich tapestry for exploration. Whether drawn to the historical depth of an ancient stone or the brilliant allure of a modern discovery, those born in December are fortunate to have a "small treasure chest" of options, ensuring that their birthstone is not only a beautiful adornment but also a meaningful connection to the natural world and human history.