For those born in the final month of the year, the birthstone selection is uniquely expansive, offering a palette of blues that range from soft sky hues to deep, shifting violets. Unlike most months, which claim a single gem, December is traditionally associated with multiple stones, each carrying its own history, geological origin, and symbolic meaning. The primary recognized birthstones are Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon, with Blue Topaz frequently included in modern lists. This variety provides December babies with a remarkable flexibility in choice, allowing them to select a gem that resonates with their personal style, budget, and the specific qualities they wish to embody. The evolution of this list reflects both historical tradition and contemporary market trends, culminating in a diverse collection of gems that capture the cool, serene essence of winter.
The journey of December's birthstones to their current status is a story of cultural exchange, geological discovery, and commercial adaptation. Historically, Turquoise and Zircon were the cornerstones of December's gemstone identity. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) continues to list these two, alongside the more recent addition of Tanzanite, noting their varied blue-to-green and violet hues. Over time, the list expanded to include Blue Topaz, a gem that gained significant popularity in modern times and is now frequently treated as a mainstream December option. This expansion offers consumers greater flexibility in terms of price, durability, and style. The reasons for December's multiple stones are not definitively documented in historical records, but some sources suggest it was to provide more affordable options, allowing the tradition of birthstones to evolve with new gemstone discoveries and commercial offerings. The standardized list itself has a specific history: in 1912, the National Association of Jewelers in the United States formalized an unofficial list, and this was updated in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America to include Zircon. Tanzanite was added much later, in 2002, cementing its place as a modern December gem.
Understanding the distinct characteristics of each stone is essential for enthusiasts and buyers alike. From the ancient, protective talisman of Turquoise to the rare, modern allure of Tanzanite, each gem offers a unique narrative. This article will delve into the history, lore, geological formation, and gemological properties of these four primary December birthstones, providing a comprehensive guide for gemstone lovers, students of gemology, and those seeking the perfect piece of jewelry for a December birthday.
Historical Significance and Cultural Lore
The historical tapestry of December's birthstones is woven with threads of ancient trade, spiritual belief, and royal patronage. Each stone has been prized by different civilizations across millennia, accumulating layers of meaning that contribute to its modern identity.
Turquoise: The Ancient Protector Turquoise holds a venerable position as one of the oldest known gemstones in human history. Its name is derived from the French "pierre turquoise," meaning "Turkish stone," as it was introduced to Europe through gem markets in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). However, its origins lie further east. The earliest sources of Turquoise were in Persia (modern Iran) and along the Sinai Peninsula. From these regions, it traveled along trade routes, becoming a prized commodity in the ancient world.
Culturally, Turquoise was revered as a powerful amuletic stone. Its relative softness and fine grain made it ideal for carving into intricate shapes and inscribing with protective symbols. Across numerous cultures, it was believed to possess the power to ward off danger and attract good fortune. For lovers and married couples, it was considered a guardian of relationships, and when gifted, it was thought to preserve friendship. A common belief, noted in historical lore, was that the stone could warn its wearer of impending illness or danger by changing color, typically becoming pale.
The stone's significance extended across continents. In Tibet, Turquoise was not only a birthstone of fortune, health, and success but was also used as a form of currency. The ancient Incas and Mayas of the Americas offered Turquoise as a sacred gift to their gods. Among Native American tribes of the Southwestern United States, it was associated with youth and strength, often used in ceremonial objects and jewelry. This widespread veneration underscores Turquoise's role as a universal symbol of protection and well-being.
Zircon: The Stone of Clarity and Wisdom Zircon, one of December's traditional stones, has a history that is both ancient and sometimes misunderstood due to confusion with synthetic cubic zirconia. Natural Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some specimens dating back billions of years. Historically, Zircon has been valued for its brilliance and fire, often used as a diamond simulant in centuries past.
While the provided sources do not detail Zircon's ancient lore as extensively as Turquoise's, its modern symbolism is well-defined. It is associated with clarity, wisdom, and a sense of balance. This aligns with its physical property of high refractive index, which gives it exceptional sparkle. Zircon's journey to the modern birthstone list was formalized in 1952 when the Jewelry Industry Council of America added it to December's offerings, expanding the choices beyond Turquoise.
Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel Tanzanite is the newest member of December's birthstone family, with a history that is remarkably short but dramatic. It was not known to the gemological world until the mid-20th century. Its discovery is attributed to a single source: a small, tightly concentrated area in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. This geographic specificity makes it one of the rarest gemstones in the world, as all known commercial deposits are confined to this one location.
The gem was brought to international attention by the Tiffany & Co. jewelry company in the late 1960s, which marketed it heavily due to its stunning violet-blue color and relative scarcity. Its addition to the official birthstone list in 2002 recognized its rapid rise in popularity and its unique appeal. While it lacks the ancient history of Turquoise or Zircon, its symbolism is distinctly modern. Tanzanite is often linked to transformation, new beginnings, and heightened intuition. Some modern sources suggest it boosts intuition and decision-making, attracts prosperity, and strengthens spiritual awareness and healing, though these metaphysical claims are not part of formal gemological classification.
Blue Topaz: The Durable Alternative Blue Topaz entered the December birthstone scene more recently, gaining mainstream acceptance in the latter part of the 20th century. Its historical origin is unclear, with sources noting it has been found throughout history. Unlike the other stones, Blue Topaz is not naturally found in a vivid blue color in significant quantities. Most of the blue Topaz available in the market is the result of treating colorless or pale Topaz, typically through irradiation and heat. This process is stable and permanent, making the treated stones durable and consistent in color.
Blue Topaz is mined in several locations worldwide, including Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States. It holds the distinction of being the official state gem of Texas, reflecting its significance in American culture. While it lacks the ancient protective lore of Turquoise, its value lies in its affordability and exceptional durability, making it an excellent choice for everyday jewelry.
Geological Formation and Sources
The origins of these gems are as varied as their histories, spanning different continents and geological environments. Understanding where and how they form adds a layer of appreciation for their uniqueness.
Turquoise Formation and Sources Turquoise is a secondary mineral that forms in the near-surface environment through the interaction of water carrying dissolved copper and aluminum with pre-existing rocks containing phosphorus. It typically occurs in arid regions as vein fillings or as nodules in host rocks like limonite or sandstone. The color, which ranges from sky blue to greenish-blue, is primarily determined by the amount of copper (blue) and iron (green) present.
Major sources of Turquoise, as identified in the provided materials, include Iran (historically the most prized), the United States (particularly the Southwestern states like Arizona and New Mexico), Tibet, and India. Each locale produces Turquoise with distinct characteristics; for example, Persian Turquoise is renowned for its robin's-egg blue color, while American varieties often exhibit a greener hue and distinctive matrix patterns.
Zircon Formation and Sources Zircon is a zirconium silicate mineral that crystallizes from magma in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is a common accessory mineral in many rock types and is highly resistant to weathering, which is why it is often found in sedimentary deposits as well. The gem-quality Zircon used in jewelry is primarily mined from placer deposits, where it has been concentrated by water action.
While the sources do not specify particular countries for Zircon mining, it is known to be sourced from various locations globally, including Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Australia. The blue variety, which is most relevant to December, is often heat-treated to achieve its desired color from brownish or greenish crystals.
Tanzanite Formation and Sources Tanzanite's formation is exceptionally rare, linked to a specific geological event. It is found in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, within a small area of only a few square kilometers. The gem forms in the metasomatic alteration of the host rock, a process involving hot, mineral-rich fluids that transform the original minerals into new ones, including the zoisite variety that gives Tanzanite its color. The presence of vanadium and chromium is responsible for its signature violet-blue hue. Its confined source makes it rarer than diamond, adding to its value and allure.
Blue Topaz Formation and Sources Topaz is a silicate mineral that crystallizes in igneous rocks, particularly in pegmatites and high-temperature veins. Natural blue Topaz is extremely rare; the vast majority of blue Topaz in the market is colorless or pale Topaz that has been treated. The treatment involves irradiation, which creates color centers, followed by heating to stabilize the color. Major mining sources for Topaz include Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States (notably in Texas, Utah, and California).
Gemological Properties
A scientific understanding of these gems is crucial for appreciating their beauty, durability, and value. The following table summarizes key gemological properties for the primary December birthstones, based on data from the provided sources.
| Gemstone | Mineral Group | Mohs Hardness | Typical Colors | Chemical Composition (Implied) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Phosphate | 5 – 6 | Sky blue, greenish-blue | Hydrated copper aluminum phosphate | Often porous; color can vary; may show matrix patterns. |
| Zircon | Silicate | 6.5 – 7.5 | Bright, clear blue (treated) | ZrSiO₄ | High refractive index; excellent brilliance and fire. |
| Tanzanite | Zoisite (Silicate) | 6.5 – 7 | Rich violet-blue, color-shifting | Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH) | Pleochroic (shows different colors from different angles); often heat-treated to enhance color. |
| Blue Topaz | Silicate | 8 | Bright, clear blue | Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂ | Very durable; color is almost always the result of treatment. |
Detailed Property Analysis:
Turquoise: With a Mohs hardness of only 5 to 6, Turquoise is relatively soft and susceptible to scratching and chemical damage. It is a phosphate mineral, specifically a hydrated copper aluminum phosphate. Its porous nature means it can absorb oils and liquids, which can affect its color and stability. Care must be taken to avoid exposure to cosmetics, perfumes, and harsh cleaning agents. Its value is often determined by color (even, vibrant blue being most prized), matrix presence, and country of origin.
Zircon: Zircon is significantly harder than Turquoise, with a Mohs hardness ranging from 6.5 to 7.5, making it suitable for all types of jewelry, including rings. As a silicate mineral (zirconium silicate), it has a high refractive index, which gives it exceptional brilliance, often exceeding that of diamond. Blue Zircon is typically a light to medium blue, and its color is usually achieved through heat treatment of brownish crystals. It is important to note that Zircon is not to be confused with cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant.
Tanzanite: Tanzanite, a variety of the mineral zoisite, has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. It is prized for its strong pleochroism, meaning it displays different colors—typically blue, violet, and burgundy—when viewed from different crystal directions. This property is carefully managed during cutting to maximize the desirable violet-blue hue. Most Tanzanite is heat-treated to remove brownish tones and enhance its blue color, a process that is permanent and stable. Its rarity, due to its single-source location, contributes significantly to its high market value.
Blue Topaz: Blue Topaz is the hardest of the December stones, with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it exceptionally durable for everyday wear. Its chemical composition is aluminum silicate with fluorine and hydroxyl groups. As mentioned, the vivid blue colors seen in jewelry (such as Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, and London Blue) are the result of irradiation and heat treatment of colorless Topaz. This treatment is standard and does not affect the stone's durability. Its affordability and toughness make it a popular choice for larger statement pieces.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical properties, these gemstones are rich in symbolic meaning and metaphysical lore, which have been passed down through generations and continue to influence their appeal today.
Turquoise: The Protective Talisman As detailed in historical sources, Turquoise's symbolism is deeply rooted in protection. It was worn as an amulet to guard against evil and misfortune. For ancient cultures, it was a stone of good fortune and health. In relationships, it symbolized loyalty and enduring love, making it a popular gift among friends and spouses. The belief that it could warn of illness by changing color adds a layer of interactive mystique to the stone. In Tibetan culture, it represented fortune and success, while for Native Americans, it was a symbol of life, energy, and the sky.
Zircon: The Stone of Wisdom and Balance Modern interpretations associate Zircon with clarity of thought, wisdom, and spiritual balance. Its brilliant sparkle is seen as a reflection of inner light and mental acuity. It is believed to help in decision-making and to bring a sense of order and calm to the wearer. While less documented in ancient lore compared to Turquoise, its modern symbolism aligns with its physical brilliance and the clarity of its facets.
Tanzanite: The Gem of Transformation Tanzanite's metaphysical properties are distinctly contemporary. It is often called the "stone of transformation," believed to facilitate spiritual awakening and encourage a higher consciousness. It is associated with new beginnings and is thought to boost intuition and decision-making. Some believe it attracts prosperity and good luck while strengthening spiritual awareness and healing. These attributes make it a popular choice for those seeking personal growth or marking a significant life change.
Blue Topaz: The Communicator's Stone While the sources do not provide extensive metaphysical details for Blue Topaz, it is commonly associated with calmness, clarity, and communication in broader gemological literature. Its soothing blue color is linked to tranquility and peaceful expression. Its durability is sometimes metaphorically linked to emotional resilience and steadfastness.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone jewelry. The varying hardness and stability of December's birthstones require specific attention.
Turquoise Care: Due to its low hardness and porous nature, Turquoise requires gentle handling. * Cleaning: Use only mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and any chemicals, including ammonia, bleach, and acetone. Never use commercial jewelry cleaners. * Storage: Store separately to avoid scratches from harder gems. Keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme heat, which can cause fading or cracking. * Wear: Apply cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays before putting on Turquoise jewelry to prevent chemical damage.
Zircon Care: Zircon is relatively durable but can be brittle. * Cleaning: Safe to clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe, but caution is advised due to potential inclusions that could cause fracturing. Avoid sudden temperature changes. * Storage: Store in a soft cloth or separate compartment to prevent scratching.
Tanzanite Care: Tanzanite is sensitive to pressure and heat. * Cleaning: Use only warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as the vibrations and heat can cause fractures in the stone. * Wear: Due to its moderate hardness and cleavage, Tanzanite is best suited for pendants, earrings, and occasional-wear rings rather than daily-wear rings that may receive impacts.
Blue Topaz Care: As the hardest of the December stones, Blue Topaz is the easiest to care for. * Cleaning: It can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water, a soft brush, and even an ultrasonic cleaner (though check with the jeweler if the stone has any fractures). * Storage: It can be stored with other jewelry but is best kept separate to prevent scratches on other softer stones.
Conclusion
December's birthstones offer a remarkable diversity that is unmatched by any other month. From the ancient, protective talisman of Turquoise to the rare, transformative allure of Tanzanite, the brilliant wisdom of Zircon, and the durable, vibrant blue of Topaz, each gem tells a unique story. This variety is not merely a modern convenience but a reflection of a rich history that spans continents, cultures, and geological epochs. The expansion of the birthstone list over time—from the traditional Turquoise and Zircon to include Tanzanite and Blue Topaz—demonstrates how the tradition of gemstones evolves, embracing new discoveries while honoring ancient legacies.
For the December-born individual, this abundance of choice allows for a personal connection to a stone that resonates with their aesthetic, lifestyle, and the symbolic meanings they hold dear. Whether seeking the protective history of Turquoise, the modern rarity of Tanzanite, the brilliant clarity of Zircon, or the dependable beauty of Blue Topaz, there is a perfect blue gem to celebrate a December birthday. Understanding the geology, history, and properties of these stones enriches the experience of owning and wearing them, transforming a piece of jewelry into a wearable narrative of earth's artistry and human culture.