December is a unique month in the gemological calendar, distinguished by its offering of not one, but four officially recognized birthstones: Tanzanite, Zircon, Topaz, and Turquoise. This abundance provides those born in the final month of the year with a remarkable spectrum of choice, from the icy sparkle of blue topaz to the earthy heritage of turquoise. These gemstones, united by their captivating shades of blue, carry distinct histories, origins, and properties that make them compelling subjects for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive guide delves into the characteristics, lore, and origins of each of these celebrated December birthstones, offering an expert perspective on their enduring appeal.
The Four Gems of December: An Overview
Unlike most months, which are typically associated with a single birthstone, December is graciously blessed with four distinct and meaningful gemstones: blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise. Each of these precious December birthstones brings its own unique and soulful charm to the world of handcrafted jewelry, making them treasured pieces sought after by devoted collectors and those with December birthdays who desire something genuinely meaningful. The allure of these gemstones lies in their vibrant colors and distinct properties, each telling a story of its own. While Blue Topaz dazzles with its sky-blue hues, Tanzanite captivates with its rare violet-blue shades. Zircon offers exceptional fire and brilliance, and Turquoise, on the other hand, has been cherished for its protective qualities and intense blue-green color since ancient times. Together, these stones offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of gemstones, each one a testament to nature’s incredible artistry.
Tanzanite: The Violet-Blue Marvel of a Single Source
Among the December birthstones, Tanzanite is a relatively modern discovery, yet it has rapidly ascended to become one of the most coveted gems of its color. This stunning bluish-purple stone is highly coveted for its lustrous shine and unique coloring. Its discovery is a 20th-century story, with the stone first unearthed in the 1960s. What makes Tanzanite exceptionally rare is its incredibly limited geographical origin. It is mined in Tanzania from a tiny 4.3 miles by 1.2 miles area in the Simanjiro District of the Manyara Region. This incredibly small mining area means that tanzanite is a truly finite mineral and something to be cherished. The gem's uniqueness is further underscored by its initial identification; though we know this beautiful indigo stone as tanzanite, it was originally called blue zoisite before it underwent a name change to better reflect its origin and market appeal. One of the most celebrated properties of tanzanite is its strong trichroism, which allows it to display three different colors—blue, violet, and redish-purple—from different crystallographic directions, adding to its mesmerizing depth of color.
Zircon: The Historical Gem with Exceptional Fire
Often confused with the synthetic cubic zirconia, natural zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth and a traditional December birthstone. Blue zircon, in particular, is prized for its icy sparkle and exceptional fire, a quality that rivals even diamond. This brilliance makes it a dazzling choice for jewelry. Its historical significance is profound, with uses dating back centuries. While the sources do not detail its specific mining locations, its inclusion as a primary December birthstone alongside Tanzanite and Turquoise highlights its importance in the gemological world. The gem's "icy sparkle" is a direct result of its high refractive index, which allows it to return light with remarkable intensity. For those seeking a birthstone with a classic feel and brilliant fire, blue zircon remains an exceptional and often overlooked choice.
Blue Topaz: The Versatile and Vibrant Favorite
Blue Topaz is frequently cited as the most popular and sought-after of the December birthstones, prized for its versatile sparkle and affordability. It dazzles with its clear, sky-blue brilliance and heartfelt versatility, making it a favorite for a wide range of jewelry designs. The color of blue topaz can range from a very light, almost ethereal blue (often called "Sky Topaz") to a deep, saturated "London Blue" topaz. This range of hues allows for significant creative freedom in jewelry design. Its "icy light blue" shade is particularly associated with the cool, crisp feel of winter. As a gemstone, it is durable and readily available in larger sizes, making it an accessible luxury for many. Its widespread appeal is a testament to its beautiful color and the way it complements both modern and traditional jewelry settings.
Turquoise: The Ancient Stone of Protection and Heritage
Turquoise is arguably the most historically significant of all the December birthstones. Described as a stone of mesmerising blue that makes it a highly desirable stone, especially in jewellery, its history spans millennia. It is one of the oldest known gemstones, having adorned jewellery for thousands of years. Unlike the other December stones, Turquoise is a phosphate mineral that is opaque, and its color is often matrixed with veins of other minerals, creating unique, web-like patterns. Its iconic blue-green hues carry a rich cultural heritage and timeless appeal that connects us to generations past. For centuries, it has been cherished for its protective qualities and has been said to bring calming energy, good luck, peace, and protection to the wearer. This deep-seated belief in its metaphysical properties has made it a staple in amulets and talismanic jewelry across numerous cultures.
Gemological Properties and Comparison
Understanding the physical properties of these gemstones is crucial for both collectors and wearers. Durability, measured on the Mohs scale, is a key factor in determining a gem's suitability for different types of jewelry, especially items like rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear.
The following table summarizes key gemological properties of the December birthstones based on the information available:
| Gemstone | Typical Color(s) | Known Origin(s) | Key Property / Lore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzanite | Bluish-purple, violet-blue | Tanzania (Single Source) | Strong trichroism, extremely rare |
| Zircon | Icy Blue | Not specified in sources | Exceptional fire and brilliance |
| Topaz | Sky Blue, Icy Light Blue, Deep Blue | Not specified in sources | Most popular, affordable, versatile |
| Turquoise | Greenish-Blue, Blue-Green | Not specified in sources | One of the oldest gemstones, protective qualities |
While the sources do not provide specific hardness ratings or chemical formulas for each stone, it is generally known within the gemological community that Zircon is relatively hard but can be brittle, Topaz is quite durable, and Turquoise is a softer stone (typically 5-6 on the Mohs scale) that is porous and can be susceptible to damage from chemicals and prolonged exposure to water. Tanzanite, with a hardness of around 6.5 to 7, requires careful handling. The sources emphasize that the beauty of these stones is paramount, and their unique characteristics—whether it's the finite nature of Tanzanite or the ancient heritage of Turquoise—add to their value.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism attached to these gemstones is as varied as their colors. Across the sources, a consistent theme is the representation of wisdom, peace, and prosperity. The turquoise birthstone is said to bring calming energy, good luck, peace, and protection. Its lore is rich with tales of it being a stone for warriors and travelers, offering safety and warding off negative energy.
Tanzanite, as a modern discovery, has developed its own symbolism, often associated with transformation and uniqueness due to its single-point origin. Its mesmerizing violet-blue tones are said to touch the soul and open the mind to new possibilities.
Blue Topaz, with its clear, sky-blue brilliance, is associated with purity, innocence, inner peace, and wisdom. Its cool elegance is seen as a reflection of calm and clear communication.
Blue Zircon, with its fiery sparkle, is believed to bring joy to the beholder and is associated with prosperity and honor.
These metaphysical beliefs, passed down through generations in the case of Turquoise and developed more recently for Tanzanite, add a layer of personal meaning that makes these stones particularly popular for birthstone jewelry and sentimental gifts. Whether for a birthday, Christmas, or as a "something blue" for a winter wedding, these gemstones carry intentions that resonate deeply with the wearer.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone. Given the diverse properties of the December birthstones, specific care instructions are important. While the provided sources do not offer detailed cleaning instructions, general gemological knowledge, combined with the properties highlighted in the sources, allows for some informed guidance.
Turquoise, being a porous and relatively soft stone, should be protected from chemicals, perfumes, and prolonged exposure to water or sunlight, which can cause discoloration. It is best cleaned with a soft, dry cloth.
Tanzanite, while harder than turquoise, can be susceptible to chipping due to its cleavage properties. It is advisable to clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning.
Blue Topaz and Blue Zircon are generally more durable. They can typically be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. However, Zircon can be brittle, so it should be handled with care to avoid hard knocks that could cause fracture.
Given that these stones are often set in precious metals like 9ct or 18ct gold (white or yellow), as mentioned in the sources for pieces like bracelets and pendants, it is also important to care for the setting. Regular checks to ensure stones are secure in their settings are a wise practice for any piece of jewelry.
Conclusion
The December birthstones—Tanzanite, Zircon, Topaz, and Turquoise—offer an unparalleled selection for those born in this celebratory month. From the singular, rare beauty of Tanzanite, sourced from a tiny region in Tanzania, to the ancient, protective heritage of Turquoise, each gem provides a unique narrative. Blue Topaz captivates with its versatile and vibrant blue, while Blue Zircon dazzles with its historic fire. Together, they form a quartet of gems that are not only visually stunning but are also rich in symbolism and history. Their varying properties, origins, and lore ensure that there is a perfect December birthstone for every individual, whether they are a collector, a jewelry buyer, or someone simply fascinated by the wonders of the natural world. These gems are more than just beautiful objects; they are tokens of wisdom, peace, and prosperity, making them cherished possessions that can be passed down through generations.