Turquoise and Tanzanite: The Dual Gems of December and Sagittarius

The month of December is uniquely represented by a vibrant array of blue-hued gemstones, offering a celestial palette for those born under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. While historically the domain of gems like Lapis Lazuli and Ruby, the modern identification of December birthstones has crystallized around Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Blue Zircon. Among these, Turquoise stands as the primary traditional birthstone, embodying the adventurous and optimistic spirit of the Sagittarian archer. Recently, Tanzanite has been added as a modern alternative, providing a distinct violet-blue hue that complements the fiery nature of this air sign. This article explores the rich history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural symbolism of these December gems, offering a comprehensive guide for gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry buyers.

The Adventurous Spirit of Sagittarius

Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac, governs those born between November 22 and December 21. Symbolized by the Archer, Sagittarians are characterized by their insatiable thirst for adventure and exploration. They possess an innate curiosity that drives them to seek new horizons and embrace the unknown. Ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion and wisdom, Sagittarians are often drawn to intellectual pursuits and philosophical ponderings. Their boundless optimism and contagious enthusiasm allow them to find the silver lining in any situation, inspiring others with their vibrant energy.

The connection between the Sagittarian personality and their birthstones is profound. Turquoise, with its calming blue tones, is said to bring peace to the busy mind of the Sagittarian traveler. It is often referred to as a "traveler's stone," offering protection during long journeys—a fitting talisman for a sign known for its wanderlust. Tanzanite, a newer addition to the birthstone family, resonates with the Sagittarian quest for higher consciousness and spiritual awareness. Together, these stones reflect the multifaceted nature of Sagittarius: the grounded protector and the spiritual seeker.

History and Lore of December Gems

The history of December birthstones is a shifting landscape, reflecting evolving trade practices and discoveries. Prior to the 20th century, a variety of gems were linked to the month. Lapis Lazuli, a deep blue stone prized since antiquity, held the position of a December birthstone until 1952. During this year, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) recognized Zircon as a primary birthstone for the month. The landscape shifted again in 2002 when Tanzanite was officially added as a birthstone for December by the AGTA, solidifying its place alongside Turquoise.

Turquoise Turquoise boasts an exceptionally long history of use, stretching back thousands of years. Ancient shamans revered it as a talisman, believing it offered protection, prosperity, and good luck. The stone’s name is derived from the French "pierre tourques," or "Turkish stone," referencing the trade routes that brought the gem from Persian mines to Europe. Throughout history, Turquoise has been a symbol of wealth and status in many cultures, particularly in ancient Egypt, Persia, and the Americas. It is considered a sacred stone in many cultures, carrying peace, wisdom, and happiness—gifts that Sagittarius brings to the world.

Tanzanite Tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery, found in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania in 1967. Its discovery is often attributed to a Masai herder who noticed blue crystals in the area, leading to commercial mining operations by Tiffany & Co., who named the stone after its country of origin. Due to its rarity and single-source location, Tanzanite quickly gained popularity. Its official recognition as a birthstone in 2002 marked a significant moment in the modern history of gemstones, offering a contemporary alternative to the traditional blue stones.

Geological Formation and Sources

Understanding the geological origins of these gemstones highlights their distinct characteristics and rarity.

Turquoise Sources Turquoise is an opaque mineral that forms near the surface of the earth in arid regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater percolates through aluminum-bearing rock. This process occurs over millions of years, depositing minerals in veins and nodules.

Major Origin Countries: According to trade data, the primary sources of Turquoise include Iran, the United States, Tibet, and India.
Iranian Turquoise: Historically, the mines in Nishapur, Iran, have produced some of the finest "robin's egg blue" Turquoise, highly prized for its color and durability.
American Turquoise: The Southwestern United States, particularly Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico, is home to famous Turquoise mines. These deposits often produce stones with a matrix (a web-like pattern of host rock), which can add to the stone's character.

Tanzanite Sources Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite. It is pleochroic, meaning it displays different colors when viewed from different angles—typically blue, violet, and burgundy. This property is usually enhanced through heat treatment to stabilize the color and remove the brownish undertones often found in rough material.

Single Source: Tanzanite is found exclusively in a small mining area in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. This geographic limitation makes it significantly rarer than Diamond, contributing to its value and allure.

Gemological Properties

The physical and chemical properties of a gemstone determine its durability, appearance, and care requirements. The following table summarizes key data for Turquoise and Tanzanite based on standard gemological references.

Property	Turquoise	Tanzanite (Blue Zoisite)
Chemical Composition	Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum (CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O)	Calcium aluminum silicate hydroxide (Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH))
Crystal System	Triclinic	Orthorhombic
Hardness (Mohs Scale)	5 – 6	6.5 – 7
Refractive Index	1.610 – 1.650	1.691 – 1.700
Specific Gravity	2.60 – 2.90	3.35
Transparency	Opaque	Transparent to Translucent
Color	Sky blue, greenish-blue	Blue, violet (often heat-treated)

Turquoise Properties Turquoise is a phosphate mineral with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. This makes it relatively soft compared to other gemstones like Sapphire or Diamond. Its opacity is a defining characteristic, though the quality of the color is the primary factor in determining its value. The most desirable color is an even, intense, medium blue or "sky blue." Turquoise is often found with a matrix, which is the remnant of the host rock. While some purists prefer matrix-free stones, "spiderweb" matrix patterns can be highly valued, particularly in American Turquoise.

Tanzanite Properties Tanzanite is a member of the epidote mineral group. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for jewelry, though it requires some care to avoid chipping or abrasion. Its most striking feature is its strong trichroism—the ability to show three different colors: blue, violet, and red-brown. The vibrant blue to violet hues seen in the market are almost always the result of heat treatment, which is a standard and permanent practice. Unheated rough material is often a brownish color, rendering the gem unrecognizable as Tanzanite.

Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs

Gemstones have long been attributed with powers beyond their physical beauty. For Sagittarians, their birthstones serve as tools for personal growth and protection.

Turquoise: The Protector and Healer Turquoise is widely regarded as a stone of protection, truth, and calmness. Its energy is said to align all the chakras, stabilizing and balancing the user's mood. For the adventurous Sagittarian, it is considered a "traveler's stone," offering safety during long journeys and warding off negative energy. It promotes inner peace and wisdom, helping the often-restless Sagittarian to stay focused and grounded. Some modern sources suggest that Turquoise can foster friendship and good fortune, aligning with the optimistic and sociable nature of the archer.

Tanzanite: The Stone of Transformation As a more modern discovery, the metaphysical properties of Tanzanite are often linked to spiritual awakening and higher consciousness. It is believed to promote spiritual awareness and enhance psychic abilities, resonating with the Sagittarian quest for knowledge and truth. Sources suggest that Tanzanite can aid in emotional balance and transmute negative energy into positive, supporting the Sagittarian's optimistic outlook. It is often used in meditation to open the mind to new possibilities and deepen one's connection to the universe.

Alternative Stones While Turquoise and Tanzanite are the primary birthstones for December, other gems are sometimes associated with Sagittarius. Blue Zircon and Blue Topaz are also recognized as December stones. Additionally, some crystal healing practitioners recommend stones like Amethyst and Citrine for Sagittarians. Amethyst is believed to support the quest for knowledge and inner peace, while Citrine is associated with abundance and joy, further amplifying the Sagittarian's natural enthusiasm.

Care and Cleaning

Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and integrity of gemstone jewelry. The different hardness levels and stability of these stones dictate specific cleaning methods.

Caring for Turquoise Due to its hardness of only 5 to 6, Turquoise is relatively soft and porous. It is susceptible to damage from heat, chemicals, and even prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can cause discoloration. * Cleaning: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as the heat and vibrations can damage the stone. Never use bleach or harsh household cleaners. * Storage: Store Turquoise separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching. Keep it in a cool, dark place to protect it from fading.

Caring for Tanzanite Tanzanite is harder than Turquoise but can still be brittle due to its cleavage properties (the tendency to break along flat planes). * Cleaning: Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are safe for cleaning Tanzanite. As with most colored gemstones, ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended, as the vibrations and heat can cause damage or fracture the stone. * Storage: Store Tanzanite jewelry in a soft cloth or padded box to prevent scratches and impact damage. It is best to keep it away from harder stones like Diamonds and Sapphires.

Conclusion

The birthstones of December, Turquoise and Tanzanite, offer a rich tapestry of color, history, and meaning that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Sagittarius. Turquoise serves as the ancient guardian, a stone of protection and peace that has accompanied travelers for millennia. Its soft, sky-blue hues provide a calming influence for the energetic archer. Tanzanite, the vibrant newcomer, reflects the modern Sagittarian's quest for spiritual depth and transformation, offering a unique violet-blue brilliance found nowhere else on earth. Together, they provide a versatile and meaningful choice for those born in December, serving as both beautiful adornments and powerful symbols of optimism, exploration, and truth.