Introduction
For individuals born on December 2nd, the birthstone selection offers a fascinating and varied trio of gemstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. Unlike many months with a single official stone, December is unique in its association with three distinct gemstones, each celebrated for its captivating blue hues and rich symbolism. This diversity provides a wide array of options for jewelry enthusiasts, from the historic, opaque charm of turquoise to the vivid, violet-blue brilliance of tanzanite and the exceptional fire of zircon. These stones are united by their cool color palette and their enduring associations with wisdom, protection, and clarity. While turquoise holds the longest-standing historical claim as December’s primary birthstone, tanzanite and zircon have been formally recognized in more recent decades, offering modern alternatives with their own compelling geological and cultural narratives. This article provides a deep dive into the gemological properties, historical origins, and symbolic significance of these three official December 2nd birthstones, alongside a brief exploration of alternative options for those seeking further variety.
History and Lore
The historical journey of December’s birthstones is a testament to the evolution of gemological tradition. Turquoise stands as the most ancient of the trio, with a history spanning millennia and continents. Its use dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was prized not only for its beauty but also for its perceived protective and healing powers. Across cultures—from the ancient Egyptians and Persians to the indigenous peoples of the American Southwest—turquoise was embedded in jewelry, amulets, and ceremonial objects, revered as a stone of good fortune and spiritual grounding.
The inclusion of tanzanite and zircon as official December birthstones is a more modern development. Tanzanite’s story is remarkably recent, originating in the mid-20th century. It was not until 1967 that this striking violet-blue variety of zoisite was discovered in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, near the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Its rapid rise to prominence was fueled by its unique color and the strategic marketing efforts of major gemstone companies, which led to its official recognition as a birthstone for December in 2002.
Zircon, though one of the oldest minerals on Earth, has a more complex history in the context of birthstones. For centuries, it was often confused with cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant, which led to some misconceptions about its value and identity. However, natural zircon is one of the oldest known minerals, with deposits dating back billions of years. Historically, it was used as a protective talisman in medieval Europe and is believed to have been a favorite of travelers for its supposed ability to ward off nightmares and bring peace and prosperity. Its formal acceptance as a December birthstone, alongside turquoise and tanzanite, has helped restore its reputation as a precious and valuable gem in its own right.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological origins of these gemstones reveals why they are found in specific locations and highlights their rarity and formation processes.
Turquoise forms in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. The process involves groundwater rich in copper reacting with aluminum and phosphorus in arid regions, eventually crystallizing into the hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper that constitutes turquoise. This specific geological environment is found in several key locations worldwide. Notable sources include the United States (particularly the American Southwest), Iran, Egypt, China, and Mexico. Each region produces turquoise with distinct characteristics; for example, Iranian turquoise is often prized for its uniform robin's egg blue color, while American turquoise frequently features a matrix (the host rock) that creates unique, webbed patterns.
Tanzanite has a uniquely confined origin. It is found exclusively in a small, four-square-kilometer mining area in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. This extreme rarity—its only known source in the world—contributes significantly to its value and allure. Geologically, tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite. The specific conditions required for its formation, including the presence of vanadium and the unique metamorphic and hydrothermal processes in this region, have not been replicated elsewhere on Earth.
Zircon is a common mineral in the Earth's crust, but gem-quality crystals are rarer. It forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks and is often found in alluvial deposits (riverbeds and coastal areas) where it has been eroded from its original host rock. Major sources for gem-grade zircon include Sri Lanka, Australia, and India. Australian zircon, for instance, is often heat-treated to enhance its color, typically transforming brownish hues into the more desirable bright blue. The mineral's durability and resistance to weathering allow it to survive transport and concentration in placer deposits, making these areas prime sources for extraction.
Gemological Properties
The physical and optical properties of these gemstones define their durability, appearance, and suitability for jewelry. The following table summarizes the key gemological characteristics of the primary December 2nd birthstones, based on the provided data.
| Gemstone | Color | Hardness (Mohs) | Chemical Composition | Refractive Index | Specific Gravity | Transparency | Primary Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Blue-green | 5–6 | Hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper | 1.60–1.63 | 2.76–2.85 | Opaque | United States, Iran, China |
| Tanzanite | Violet-blue | 6–7 | Calcium aluminum silicate (Zoisite) | 1.69–1.70 | 3.10–3.38 | Transparent to translucent | Tanzania |
| Zircon | Blue, yellow, green, brown | 6–7.5 | Zirconium silicate | 1.92–2.01 | 4.60–4.70 | Transparent | Sri Lanka, Australia, India |
Turquoise is an opaque gem with a hardness ranging from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and susceptible to scratching and chemical damage. Its color is typically a blue-green hue, derived from its copper content. The presence of iron can shift the color toward green, while a higher copper concentration yields a purer blue. Turquoise often contains a matrix or host rock, which creates unique patterns within the stone.
Tanzanite is a transparent to translucent variety of zoisite, known for its distinctive violet-blue color, which results from vanadium impurities. With a hardness of 6 to 7, it is more durable than turquoise but still requires careful handling to avoid chipping or abrasion. Its most captivating feature is its strong trichroism—the ability to display three different colors (typically blue, violet, and burgundy) when viewed from different crystallographic directions. This property makes the orientation of the cut critical to maximizing its color and brilliance.
Zircon is a brilliant and lustrous gemstone with a hardness of 6 to 7.5, making it one of the harder options among the December stones. It possesses a high refractive index (1.92–2.01) and strong dispersion (fire), which gives it exceptional sparkle, rivaling that of diamond. While it occurs in a variety of colors, the blue variety is most associated with December. Blue zircon is typically achieved by heat-treating brown zircon crystals, a stable and common practice in the gem trade. Its transparency and high brilliance make it a popular choice for faceted jewelry.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Across cultures and centuries, gemstones have been imbued with symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. The December birthstones are no exception, each carrying a legacy of beliefs associated with protection, wisdom, and emotional balance.
Turquoise is perhaps the most symbolically rich of the three. It is universally associated with protection, wisdom, and good fortune. Ancient warriors wore turquoise amulets into battle, believing it would deflect harm and ensure victory. It is also considered a stone of communication, said to promote honest self-expression and spiritual grounding. In many traditions, turquoise is linked to the throat chakra, facilitating clear and truthful speech.
Tanzanite, a gem of the modern era, has quickly accumulated its own symbolism, centered on transformation and new beginnings. Its unique color, which shifts with the light, is seen as a metaphor for spiritual awakening and a higher consciousness. It is believed to stimulate the brow and crown chakras, enhancing intuition, perception, and a connection to one’s higher self. As a stone of spiritual growth, tanzanite is often used in meditation to facilitate a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe.
Zircon is traditionally associated with clarity, wisdom, and a sense of balance. In medieval Europe, it was believed to ward off nightmares and bring peace and prosperity to the wearer. Its brilliant fire is thought to symbolize the light of wisdom, promoting mental clarity and focus. Blue zircon, in particular, is linked to enhanced intuition and spiritual insight. It is also considered a stone of prosperity, believed to attract abundance and success, making it a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their professional or financial life.
Alternative Birthstones for December 2nd
While turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon are the official choices, some sources list alternative gemstones for December, offering additional options for personal preference. These include bloodstone, ruby, and opal.
Bloodstone, a dark green chalcedony with red iron oxide spots, is known as the "stone of courage." It is believed to promote vitality, protection, and healing. Historically, it was used for medicinal purposes and is valued for its grounding and protective properties, associated with physical strength and endurance.
Ruby, a red variety of corundum, is one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. It symbolizes passion, love, and power. While traditionally the birthstone for July, it is sometimes listed as an alternative for late December, particularly for Capricorns (December 22 to January 20). It is believed to enhance confidence, courage, and vitality.
Opal, renowned for its unique play-of-color, is associated with creativity, inspiration, and emotional balance. It is sometimes listed as an alternative birthstone for December. Opal is believed to enhance intuition and spiritual awareness, though its lower hardness (5–6.5) requires careful handling in jewelry.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of these gemstones, as their physical properties dictate their susceptibility to damage.
Turquoise, with its softness (5–6 Mohs) and porous nature, is the most delicate. It should be protected from scratches, chemicals (including perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners), and prolonged exposure to water or sunlight, which can cause fading or discoloration. Cleaning should be done with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning.
Tanzanite (6–7 Mohs) is also relatively soft and should be handled with care to prevent chipping or scratching. It is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Due to its strong trichroism and potential for cleavage, it should be stored separately from harder gems to avoid abrasion. Ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended.
Zircon (6–7.5 Mohs) is the most durable of the three official December stones. However, it can be brittle and may chip if knocked against a hard surface. It is generally safe to clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. While it can withstand an ultrasonic cleaner, it is advisable to avoid it if the stone has been treated or has inclusions. Sudden temperature changes should be avoided, as they can cause thermal shock.
Conclusion
The December 2nd birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon—offer a remarkable spectrum of beauty, history, and meaning. From the ancient, protective lore of turquoise to the transformative symbolism of the newly discovered tanzanite and the brilliant clarity of zircon, each gemstone provides a unique narrative. Their distinct geological origins, from the copper-rich deserts to a single valley in Tanzania, underscore their rarity and value. For jewelry buyers, gemstone enthusiasts, and students of gemology, understanding these properties and histories enriches the appreciation of these gems. Whether chosen for their vibrant color, symbolic significance, or durability, the birthstones of December 2nd continue to captivate and inspire, serving as enduring symbols of wisdom, protection, and personal expression.