For individuals born in the final month of the year, the birthstone selection is as varied and vibrant as the winter sky. December is uniquely represented by three official birthstones—Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon—along with a popular alternative, Blue Topaz. This "blue trio" offers a spectrum of colors ranging from the classic robin's-egg blue of Turquoise to the vivid violet-blue of Tanzanite. These gemstones are not merely aesthetic choices; they are steeped in geological rarity, ancient history, and metaphysical symbolism. This article provides an in-depth exploration of these four remarkable gemstones, examining their origins, gemological properties, and the lore that has secured their place as the guardians of the twelfth month.
History and Lore
The history of December's birthstones spans millennia, with Turquoise standing as the ancient patriarch of the group, while Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz represent more modern additions to the birthstone calendar.
Turquoise: The Ancient Talisman Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones in human history, prized for thousands of years across diverse cultures. Historical records indicate that it was a favorite of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, who adorned their burial masks with this distinctive blue stone. Its name derives from the French phrase pierre turquoise, meaning "stone of Turkey," a reference to the trade routes through which the stone was brought to Europe from Turkish bazaars. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Turquoise was historically viewed as a protective talisman. It was believed to safeguard the wearer from falls and negative energy, a belief held by various civilizations including the Native Americans, who integrated it heavily into their jewelry and spiritual practices. Today, it symbolizes wisdom, tranquility, and friendship.
Tanzanite: The Gemstone of a Generation In stark contrast to Turquoise’s ancient lineage, Tanzanite is a very recent discovery. It was first unearthed in 1967 in Tanzania, East Africa, which naturally lends the stone its name. Geologically, it is a variety of the mineral zoisite. Its rise to prominence was swift, capturing the attention of the global jewelry market due to its striking color and rarity. It is often cited as the most important gemstone discovery of the 20th century. Because it is found in only one small area near the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, it is considered one of the rarest gemstones on earth.
Zircon and Blue Topaz: The Modern Alternatives Blue Zircon and Blue Topaz have emerged as popular modern choices for December. While Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, its use as a prominent birthstone is a more contemporary classification. It is frequently confused with the synthetic cubic zirconia, but natural Zircon is a distinct and valuable gem. Blue Topaz, specifically, is cited as the alternative December birthstone and the primary Zodiac birthstone for Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21). Its popularity has surged in recent decades due to its excellent clarity and availability in large carat sizes.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the formation of these gemstones reveals why they are so distinct and, in some cases, why they are so rare.
Turquoise Formation and Mining Locations Turquoise is an opaque mineral that forms in arid regions where acidic groundwater containing copper seeps into the bedrock. Over long periods, this copper-rich water reacts with minerals containing aluminum and phosphorus. This process creates veins of Turquoise within the host rock. The dark lines and shapes often visible within the stone are actually remnants of the surrounding rock, known as matrix. Turquoise is primarily mined in areas with copper-rich geological formations. The most significant sources include: * The Southwestern United States (notably Arizona and New Mexico) * Iran (historically the source of the finest "Persian Turquoise") * Egypt * China * Mexico * Parts of Central Asia and Africa
Tanzanite: The Single Source Rarity Tanzanite’s geological story is unique. It is found exclusively in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This geographic limitation makes it thousands of times rarer than Diamond. The formation of Tanzanite is linked to specific weather conditions and geological events that facilitated the metamorphism of the parent rock, zoisite, into the violet-blue variety we see today.
Zircon and Topaz Sources While the provided sources do not detail the specific mining locations for Zircon and Topaz as extensively as they do for Turquoise and Tanzanite, they are generally sourced from a variety of global locations. Zircon is found in places like Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Australia, while Blue Topaz is often sourced from Brazil, though it is frequently treated to achieve its deep blue color.
Gemological Properties
The physical and optical properties of these gemstones vary significantly, dictating how they should be worn, cared for, and valued. Below is a summary of the key characteristics derived from the sources.
| Gemstone | Mineral Family | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Transparency | Key Optical Feature | Color Palette |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Phosphate | 5 - 6 | Opaque | Matrix patterns (veining) | Robin's-egg blue to green-blue |
| Tanzanite | Zoisite | Not explicitly stated | Transparent | Trichroism (blue, purple, burgundy) | Violet-blue |
| Zircon | Zirconium Silicate | Not explicitly stated | Transparent / Opaque | High Refractive Index (Brilliance) | Blue (various shades) |
| Blue Topaz | Silicate | Not explicitly stated | Transparent | Clarity / Large sizes | Sky blue to deep blue |
Turquoise: Durability and Structure With a hardness of approximately 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, Turquoise is relatively soft compared to other jewelry gemstones. This lower density and scratchability mean that Turquoise jewelry requires careful handling. Its opacity and the presence of matrix (the host rock remnants) are natural characteristics and are often used to authenticate the stone.
Tanzanite: The Trichroic Wonder Tanzanite is celebrated for its remarkable trichroism. This optical phenomenon means that the stone displays three different colors when viewed from three different crystallographic directions: blue, purple, and burgundy. This dynamic color play makes it a favorite among gem cutters who orient the stone to maximize its blue hue. While the sources do not list its hardness, it is generally known to be softer than Sapphire or Diamond.
Zircon and Topaz: Brilliance and Clarity Zircon is known for its high refractive index, which gives it exceptional brilliance and fire, often rivaling that of Diamond. Blue Topaz is prized for its crystal-clear transparency and the depth of its blue color, which is often enhanced through irradiation and heat treatment. Both stones are generally harder and more durable than Turquoise, making them excellent choices for rings worn daily.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The allure of these gemstones extends beyond their physical beauty into the realm of spiritual and metaphysical beliefs.
Wisdom, Protection, and Spiritual Growth Collectively, the blue trio of Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon symbolizes wisdom, protection, and spiritual growth. The cool blue hues are said to evoke a sense of calm and clarity, making them ideal for those seeking inner peace.
Turquoise: The Stone of Success Turquoise is specifically linked to success, happiness, and prosperity. Historically, it was thought to change color to warn the wearer of impending danger or illness. It remains a stone of good fortune and positive energy.
Tanzanite: Higher Consciousness As a relatively new stone, Tanzanite has quickly acquired metaphysical associations. It is believed to facilitate a higher consciousness and spiritual awakening. Its ability to display multiple colors is often interpreted as a symbol of versatility and the ability to see the world from different perspectives.
Blue Topaz: Love and Affection Blue Topaz, particularly associated with the Sagittarius Zodiac sign, is linked to love and affection. It is believed to promote emotional balance and calmness, serving as a stone of true love and good fortune.
Care and Cleaning
Given the variation in hardness and stability among these gemstones, proper care is essential to maintain their beauty.
Caring for Turquoise Because Turquoise ranks only 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, it is susceptible to scratches and abrasions. It should be stored separately from harder stones like Diamonds or Sapphires. Turquoise is also sensitive to chemicals, including cosmetics, perfumes, and even sweat, which can cause discoloration over time. It should be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning are not recommended.
Caring for Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz While specific cleaning instructions for Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz are not detailed in the provided sources, general gemological principles apply. These stones are generally harder than Turquoise but may have cleavage planes (Zircon) or treatments (Topaz) that require caution. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are usually safe for cleaning these stones. However, as with all fine jewelry, it is advisable to remove pieces before engaging in heavy physical activity to prevent impact damage.
Conclusion
The birthstones of December offer a rich tapestry of color, history, and meaning. From the ancient, protective talisman of Turquoise to the modern, trichroic brilliance of Tanzanite, each stone provides a unique connection to the natural world. For those born in December, the choice between Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz allows for a personal expression of identity, whether one prefers the classic blue-green of the desert or the vivid violet-blue of the African savanna. Regardless of the choice, these gemstones serve as enduring symbols of wisdom, protection, and the beauty of the winter season.