For those born on December 16, the celestial selection of gemstones is particularly rich and diverse. The birthstones associated with this date—Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon—form a captivating "azure trio," each contributing its unique shade of blue to the winter month. While distinct in their geological origins and historical journeys, these gemstones are united by a shared color palette and a profound symbolism that resonates with themes of wisdom, protection, and transformation. This article delves into the individual character of each of these remarkable stones, exploring their lore, scientific properties, and the cultural significance that makes them cherished treasures of the gemological world.
Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel of Mount Kilimanjaro
Among the three, Tanzanite stands out as a distinctly modern discovery, yet it has rapidly ascended the ranks to become a celebrated and highly sought-after gemstone. Its story is one of geological rarity and recent history, beginning in the mid-20th century.
History and Discovery Tanzanite’s journey into the world of gemstones is remarkably brief. It was first discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, a small mining area nestled near the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The gemstone is a variety of the mineral zoisite, and its discovery is attributed to a Tanzanian herdsman who noticed vibrant blue crystals in the area. The gem was subsequently brought to the attention of the New York-based jewelry company Tiffany & Co., which recognized its potential and, in 1968, introduced it to the global market. The company named the stone after its country of origin, Tanzania, and marketed it heavily, contributing to its swift rise in popularity. This relatively recent origin story makes Tanzanite one of the few major gemstones whose discovery and rise to prominence have occurred in the modern era.
Gemological Properties and Characteristics Tanzanite is prized for its deep, saturated blue to violet hues. Its most captivating and defining gemological property is trichroism, an optical phenomenon where a crystal appears to be three different colors when viewed from three different crystallographic directions. In the case of Tanzanite, these colors are typically a deep blue, a violetish purple, and a reddish-burgundy. This dynamic quality gives the stone a mesmerizing depth and complexity, allowing it to display a spectrum of color depending on the cut and orientation of the crystal. Most Tanzanite available in the market has been heat-treated to a stable blue or violet-blue color, a standard practice that enhances its natural beauty and removes undesirable brown or gray undertones. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, it is reasonably durable but requires some care to prevent scratching or chipping.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs As a relatively new stone, Tanzanite’s symbolism is largely rooted in modern metaphysical beliefs. It is often associated with spiritual enlightenment and awakening, believed to open the "third eye" and enhance intuition. For individuals born on December 16, it is thought to be a stone of transformation, encouraging personal growth and helping one navigate life’s transitions with grace and resilience. Furthermore, Tanzanite is believed to stimulate clear communication and self-expression, aiding in the articulation of thoughts and emotions. It is also considered a protective stone, said to dispel negative energies and promote emotional and physical well-being.
Turquoise: An Ancient Stone of Protection and Royalty
In stark contrast to Tanzanite’s youth, Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, with a history that spans millennia and crosses numerous cultures. Its distinctive color has made it a symbol of power, protection, and status since antiquity.
History and Lore Turquoise has been treasured for thousands of years. Historical records and archaeological finds show it was used by ancient Egyptian pharaohs, who adorned their burial masks and jewelry with the stone. The name "Turquoise" itself is derived from the French pierre turquoise, meaning "Turkish stone," as the gem was first brought to Europe from Turkey via the Persian trade routes. Its significance extended to the Persian empire, where it was believed to be a bringer of good fortune and a protector against unnatural death. For centuries, it has been a cornerstone of Native American jewelry, particularly for the Zuni, Navajo, and Apache peoples, who revere it as a piece of the sky that fell to earth. Its status as a traditional December birthstone is long-established, representing the classic blue gemstone for the month.
Gemological Properties and Characteristics Turquoise is an opaque mineral with a distinctive color range from "robin's egg blue" to a greenish-blue. Unlike many other gemstones, it is valued for its opacity rather than its transparency. Its color is due to the presence of copper within its chemical composition. Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, and it often forms in the presence of water in arid regions. A key characteristic of Turquoise is the presence of a matrix, which is the host rock (often brown or black) that becomes embedded in the gem during its formation, creating unique web-like or spidery patterns. With a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, it is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, making it susceptible to scratches and damage from chemicals, lotions, and even skin oils, which can cause its color to change over time.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs The symbolism of Turquoise is deeply rooted in protection and healing. It is widely regarded as a master healing stone, believed to absorb negative energies and provide a shield against harm. Historically, it was worn by warriors and travelers as a talisman for safety and good fortune. It is also associated with wisdom, tranquility, and balance, thought to calm the mind and soothe emotions. For those born in December, Turquoise is said to promote spiritual grounding and connection to the natural world, fostering a sense of peace and well-being.
Zircon: The Dazzling Fire of a Misunderstood Gem
Often confused with the synthetic cubic zirconia, natural Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth and a gemstone of exceptional brilliance and fire. Its history is as multifaceted as its optical properties.
History and Geological Formation Zircon is a mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates, with a chemical composition of zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄). It is a primary source of the element zirconium and is found in many parts of the world, including Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia. As one of the oldest minerals on Earth, some zircon crystals have been dated to over 4 billion years old, providing crucial information about the planet's early geology. Despite its age and natural beauty, Zircon is one of the most misunderstood gemstones, largely due to its phonetic similarity to "cubic zirconia," a synthetic diamond simulant. Natural Zircon, however, is a distinct and valuable gemstone in its own right.
Gemological Properties and Characteristics The most remarkable property of Zircon is its exceptional dispersion, which is higher than that of diamond. This gives cut Zircon a dazzling fire, with flashes of spectral color that rival even diamond. It is available in a variety of colors, but the blue variety is the most popular for December birthstone jewelry. This blue color is typically achieved through a heat treatment process that transforms brownish zircon into a vibrant blue. Zircon has a Mohs hardness of 7.5, making it quite durable and suitable for jewelry, though its perfect cleavage in two directions means it can be susceptible to chipping if struck with force. Its high refractive index contributes to its brilliance, making it a sparkling and eye-catching gem.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs Zircon has long been associated with wisdom, wealth, and honor. In the Middle Ages, it was believed to promote honor and purity, and to help one achieve wisdom through sleep and the dreams it induced. It is considered a stone of grounding and protection, helping to clear negative energies and foster a sense of stability. For those born in December, Zircon is said to enhance self-confidence and aid in spiritual growth. Its brilliant fire is thought to ignite one's own inner light and creativity.
The Modern Birthstone Selection and Care
The inclusion of Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon as the primary birthstones for December is a relatively modern development. The tradition of assigning specific gemstones to months has evolved over centuries, but the current list was largely standardized in 1912 by the American Gem Society (AGS). This list has been updated occasionally, with Tanzanite being added as a modern birthstone for December in 2002, reflecting its growing importance in the gem market. Some sources also mention Blue Topaz as an alternative or modern choice for December.
Caring for these gemstones requires an understanding of their unique properties. - Tanzanite (Mohs 6.5-7): Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Store separately to avoid scratches. - Turquoise (Mohs 5-6): This is the most delicate of the trio. Avoid chemicals, lotions, and prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat. Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth; avoid water if possible, as it can damage the stone or the supporting jewelry. - Zircon (Mohs 7.5): While relatively hard, it has perfect cleavage, so avoid hard blows. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are generally safe, but warm, soapy water is the safest method.
For individuals born on December 16, the choice of birthstone is not merely aesthetic but deeply personal. Each stone offers a different energy and history, allowing the wearer to connect with a legacy of ancient protection, modern transformation, or brilliant wisdom. Together, Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon form a trinity of blue that beautifully represents the depth and diversity of the December-born personality.
Conclusion
The birthstones for December 16—Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon—offer a remarkable cross-section of gemological history and significance. From the ancient, protective power of Turquoise, cherished for millennia, to the brilliant, fiery wisdom of Zircon, one of Earth's oldest minerals, and the modern, transformative allure of Tanzanite, each gemstone tells a unique story. While their origins, properties, and lore differ, they are all united by their captivating blue hues and their enduring symbolism of strength, clarity, and spiritual depth. For the individual born on this date, these stones are more than mere adornments; they are a rich inheritance of science, history, and meaning.