The arrival of December brings with it a distinct palette of cool blues and greens, a visual echo of frost-kissed landscapes and the deep, clear winter sky. For those born in this final month of the year, the birthstone is the captivating turquoise. Prized for millennia for its unique, opaque beauty and rich cultural legacy, turquoise stands as a symbol of wisdom, tranquility, and protection. Its journey from ancient amulets to modern jewelry boxes, particularly in the popular form of stackable rings, is a testament to its timeless appeal. This article delves into the multifaceted world of turquoise, exploring its historical lore, geological origins, gemological characteristics, and its enduring significance as December's celebrated birthstone.
History and Lore: A Journey Through Time
Turquoise is arguably one of the oldest gemstones in human history, with a legacy that spans continents and civilizations. Its name is derived from the French expression pierre tourques, or "Turkish stone," reflecting the fact that the gem was first brought to Europe from Turkey in the 13th century, though its origins lay far to the east. For centuries, it has been a talisman of kings, shamans, and warriors, revered for its supposed protective powers and celestial connection.
Ancient Reverence and Protective Power
The earliest evidence of turquoise use dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was mined as early as 6000 B.C. in the Sinai Peninsula. The Egyptians adorned themselves with turquoise jewelry, including the famous burial mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, which was encrusted with the gem. They believed turquoise symbolized rebirth and the afterlife, associating it with the goddess Hathor. Similarly, in ancient Persia, turquoise was the national gemstone, worn as a protective amulet to ward off unnatural death and ensure a happy life. It was believed that the stone would change color to warn its wearer of impending danger.
Across the Atlantic, Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest, such as the Navajo, Zuni, and Pueblo, have a profound and enduring relationship with turquoise. For them, it is not merely a decorative stone but a piece of the sky that has fallen to earth. It is considered a sacred stone, a conduit for communication with the divine, and a symbol of life, health, and protection. Turquoise has been central to their ceremonies and artistry for centuries, with intricate inlay and mosaic work becoming a hallmark of Southwestern jewelry design.
The Modern Birthstone
The tradition of assigning specific gemstones to each month of the year has evolved over time. The modern list of birthstones, which includes turquoise for December, was standardized in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America). This list was created to provide a clear and consistent guide for consumers. While other stones like Tanzanite and Zircon are also recognized as December birthstones in some lists, turquoise remains the classic and most historically significant choice.
Geological Formation and Sources
Unlike most gemstones that crystallize deep within the Earth, turquoise is a secondary mineral, formed through a complex hydrological process. It is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, making its formation highly dependent on specific geological conditions.
The Process of Formation
Turquoise is typically found in arid regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater percolates through aluminum-bearing rocks, such as feldspar. Over millions of years, this process results in the precipitation of copper and aluminum minerals, which eventually solidify into veins, nodules, or botryoidal (grape-like) masses within the host rock. The presence of copper imparts the signature blue to blue-green color, while traces of iron can shift the hue toward green. The host rock, often a limonite or sandstone, becomes part of the gem's identity, creating the distinctive brown or black veining, or "matrix," that is highly valued in some varieties.
Principal Mining Locations
The world's most significant sources of turquoise are found in the dry southwestern United States and parts of the Middle East and Asia.
- United States: The Southwest is home to some of the most renowned turquoise mines. While many historic mines are now depleted, their legacy lives on in antique jewelry. Key historical locations include:
- Kingman, Arizona: Known for its distinctive deep blue color with a black matrix.
- Lander Blue, Nevada: Produces a highly prized "spiderweb" turquoise with a deep blue color and a black matrix.
- Carico Lake, Nevada: Famous for its unique turquoise that ranges from blue to green, often with a "lattice" matrix.
- Sleeping Beauty, Arizona: Known for its pure, robin's egg blue color, often without matrix.
- Iran (Persia): The Nishapur district in Iran has been a source of high-quality turquoise for over 2,000 years. Persian turquoise is celebrated for its uniform, sky-blue to azure color and is often free of matrix, giving it a "sleeping beauty" appearance.
- China: China has emerged as a major producer of turquoise, with mines in the Hubei province yielding large quantities of material that is often treated to enhance its color and durability.
- Other Sources: Additional deposits are found in Afghanistan, Chile, and Australia.
Gemological Properties
Understanding turquoise's gemological properties is essential for appreciating its unique character and for ensuring its proper care.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O (Hydrated Copper Aluminum Phosphate) |
| Crystal System | Triclinic (but rarely occurs in distinct crystals; usually massive) |
| Color | Blue, blue-green, greenish-gray, yellow-green |
| Luster | Waxy to subvitreous (porous) |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 5 to 6 (can vary depending on porosity) |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Refractive Index | 1.610 to 1.650 (typically measured as an approximate range due to opacity) |
Color, Clarity, and Hardness
The most prized color for turquoise is an even, intense, medium to sky blue, often referred to as "robin's egg blue." The presence of iron impurities can create greenish hues, which are generally less valuable. Unlike many gemstones prized for their clarity, turquoise is valued for its opacity. Its hardness on the Mohs scale ranges from 5 to 6, making it a relatively soft gemstone. This means it can be scratched by harder materials and requires careful handling.
Treatments and Stabilization
Due to its porous nature, much of the turquoise on the market today undergoes some form of treatment to enhance its color and durability. The most common method is stabilization, where the stone is impregnated with a clear resin or wax under pressure. This process fills the pores, making the stone harder, less susceptible to discoloration from oils and chemicals, and locking in its color. Other treatments include dyeing to achieve a more uniform blue color. It is important to note that while these treatments are common and often accepted in the industry, untreated, high-quality natural turquoise commands a premium price.
The Role of Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
When discussing modern December birthstone jewelry, particularly stackable rings, it is crucial to address the use of Cubic Zirconia (CZ). The provided sources for this article, which focus on contemporary, accessible jewelry brands, exclusively mention Cubic Zirconia as the gem material in their "December Birthstone" rings. For example, one product description specifies "prong-set, soft blue CZ," while another notes "birthstone-color crystal."
This is a significant point for gemstone enthusiasts. Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic gemstone, a lab-created crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. It is not natural turquoise. Jewelers often use blue CZ as an affordable alternative to simulate the look of turquoise in fashion jewelry. While these pieces are beautiful and allow for accessible style, they do not possess the same geological origin, chemical composition, or historical significance as natural turquoise. Consumers seeking the authentic December birthstone should look for pieces explicitly labeled as "turquoise" and inquire about any treatments the stone may have received.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Across cultures and centuries, turquoise has been imbued with a deep well of symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties.
Wisdom, Protection, and Good Fortune
The primary associations with turquoise are protection and good fortune. It was historically worn as an amulet to protect the wearer from falls, particularly from horses, and from violence. In many cultures, it is believed to be a "master healer," bringing peace to the spirit and soothing negative energies. It is also strongly linked to wisdom and clear communication, said to help the wearer access ancient knowledge and speak their truth with clarity and confidence.
Spiritual Connection and Chakras
In modern metaphysical practices, turquoise is often associated with the Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) and the Third Eye Chakra (Ajna). Its connection to the Throat Chakra reinforces its symbolism of communication and self-expression. Its link to the Third Eye is tied to its reputation for enhancing intuition, spiritual grounding, and the ability to see the bigger picture. It is considered a grounding stone that also provides a direct connection to the spiritual realm, making it a favorite among those who practice meditation and energy work.
Care and Cleaning
Given its relatively low hardness and porous nature, turquoise requires specific care to maintain its beauty and integrity.
Protecting the Stone
- Avoid Chemicals: Turquoise is highly susceptible to damage from chemicals, including cosmetics, perfumes, hairspray, and even some soaps. These substances can cause the stone to discolor or become dull. Always apply cosmetics before putting on turquoise jewelry.
- Prevent Impact: With a hardness of only 5 to 6, turquoise can be easily scratched, chipped, or cracked. It should not be worn during activities that could cause impact, such as sports or heavy manual work.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures and Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat can cause the stone's color to fade or become permanently damaged. Similarly, rapid temperature changes can cause cracking.
Cleaning Methods
- Gentle Cleaning: The safest way to clean turquoise is with warm water, a mild soap (like dish soap), and a soft, lint-free cloth. Gently wipe the stone and the setting.
- Rinsing and Drying: Be sure to rinse the jewelry thoroughly to remove any soap residue and dry it completely with a soft cloth.
- What to Avoid: Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, steam cleaner, or any harsh chemical jewelry cleaning solutions on turquoise. These methods can strip away any stabilizing treatments and severely damage the stone. For jewelry with a wax or resin coating (common for stabilized or porous stones), a simple wipe with a soft, dry cloth is often the best daily cleaning method.
Conclusion
Turquoise remains one of the world's most iconic and beloved gemstones. Its journey from the sacred amulets of ancient pharaohs to the vibrant, stackable rings of modern fashion is a story of enduring beauty and profound cultural resonance. As December's birthstone, it offers a connection to a rich history of wisdom, protection, and spiritual insight. Whether one values it for its stunning sky-blue hue, its storied past, or its metaphysical properties, turquoise holds a unique and cherished place in the world of gemstones. For those born in December, it is more than just a beautiful accessory; it is a piece of the sky, a symbol of their birth month, and a timeless talisman of peace and good fortune.