The month of December is uniquely associated with three distinct and captivating birthstones: blue topaz, tanzanite, and turquoise. Each gemstone offers a unique palette of blues and violets, mirroring the crisp, serene, and sometimes vibrant hues of the winter season. These stones have been cherished for their beauty and symbolic meanings, making them popular choices for jewelry, particularly for December birthdays and holiday gifts. This article explores the characteristics, symbolism, and modern significance of these three December birthstones, drawing on available gemological and cultural information.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The tradition of assigning specific gemstones to each month has evolved over centuries. While the modern list of birthstones was standardized in the early 20th century, the stones themselves often have much older histories. For December, the three stones—blue topaz, tanzanite, and turquoise—each carry a rich legacy of symbolism and use across different cultures.
Turquoise is perhaps the most ancient of the three, with a history of use spanning thousands of years. It has been treasured by numerous cultures, including ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native American tribes, who valued it not only for its striking blue-green color but also for its perceived protective and healing properties. The stone's unique veining, often resembling spider webs, adds to its distinctive character.
Blue topaz, a variety of the mineral topaz, has been admired since antiquity. The name "topaz" is believed to derive from the Greek word "Topazos," an ancient name for a yellow stone. However, blue topaz, in its natural form, is relatively rare. The deep, saturated blues often seen in modern jewelry are typically the result of irradiation and heat treatment of colorless or pale topaz. Despite this, blue topaz has become a beloved gemstone, symbolizing wisdom and honesty, and is associated with the month of December.
Tanzanite is a more recent addition to the world of gemstones. Discovered in the 1960s in Tanzania, this gemstone is prized for its captivating trichroic nature, displaying shades of blue, violet, and burgundy depending on the viewing angle. Its discovery and subsequent promotion by the jewelry industry have made it a popular choice for modern jewelry, symbolizing positivity and truth. As a relatively new gemstone, its lore is less ancient but is rooted in its unique origin and mesmerizing color.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological origins of these gemstones provides insight into their rarity and value.
Turquoise is a secondary mineral formed in arid regions where acidic water, containing dissolved copper, percolates through aluminum-rich rocks. The process can take millions of years, and the resulting turquoise often contains a matrix of the host rock, creating the characteristic veins or webbing. Major sources of turquoise include the United States (particularly Arizona and New Mexico), Iran, and China. The color and quality of turquoise can vary significantly based on its source.
Blue Topaz is a crystalline mineral that forms in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. While topaz can be found in many locations, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Russia, the majority of the blue topaz available in the market is treated. Natural blue topaz is exceptionally rare. The treatment process involves irradiating colorless topaz, often followed by heating, to induce the blue color. This makes blue topaz an affordable and accessible gemstone for jewelry.
Tanzanite is found in only one location in the world: the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. This gemstone is a variety of the mineral zoisite and is formed by the intense heat and pressure of tectonic activity. Its single-source origin adds to its allure and value. The gemstone is typically treated with heat to stabilize its color and enhance its blue and violet tones, making it more durable and suitable for jewelry.
Gemological Properties
The physical and optical properties of a gemstone determine its durability, appearance, and care requirements. The following table summarizes key gemological data for the three December birthstones, based on standard gemological knowledge. (Note: Specific data such as hardness and chemical composition are not explicitly detailed in the provided sources but are included here as standard gemological information to meet the article's comprehensive scope.)
| Property | Blue Topaz | Tanzanite | Turquoise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂ | Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH) | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic | Orthorhombic | Triclinic |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 | 6.5 - 7 | 5 - 6 |
| Refractive Index | 1.609 - 1.629 | 1.691 - 1.700 | 1.610 - 1.650 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.53 - 3.56 | 3.35 | 2.60 - 2.90 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous to Pearly | Waxy to Vitreous |
Blue Topaz is a relatively hard gemstone (Mohs 8), making it durable and suitable for everyday wear in rings, earrings, and pendants. Its vitreous luster gives it a brilliant sparkle when cut and polished. However, it is important to note that the deep blue color in most commercial blue topaz is achieved through treatment.
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it somewhat more susceptible to scratching than topaz. It is often recommended for earrings or pendants rather than rings that might experience hard knocks. Its trichroic property—showing blue, violet, and reddish tones—is one of its most defining characteristics, and skilled cutters orient the stone to display its best color.
Turquoise is the softest of the three, with a hardness of 5 to 6. It is porous and can be susceptible to damage from chemicals, heat, and prolonged exposure to water or lotions. Turquoise is often stabilized (treated with a resin or wax) to enhance its durability and color. The stone's waxy to vitreous luster and unique color make it a favorite for statement jewelry, especially in Southwestern and bohemian styles.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical beauty, these gemstones are imbued with symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs, which have contributed to their popularity as birthstones and talismans.
Turquoise is widely regarded as a stone of protection, luck, and healing. Many cultures have believed it can ward off negative energy and bring good fortune to the wearer. Its association with the sky and water has led to beliefs in its calming and balancing properties. For those born in December, turquoise is thought to promote wisdom, tranquility, and emotional stability.
Blue Topaz symbolizes wisdom, clarity, and honesty. It is often associated with calmness and communication. In metaphysical circles, blue topaz is believed to aid in expressing one's thoughts and feelings clearly and to foster a sense of peace and relaxation. Its icy blue tones are linked to the throat chakra, which governs communication.
Tanzanite, with its vibrant and shifting colors, is associated with transformation, positivity, and truth. It is believed to stimulate intuition and spiritual awareness, helping the wearer to see situations from a higher perspective. Some also associate tanzanite with the crown chakra, relating to higher consciousness and enlightenment. As a modern gemstone, its symbolism is often linked to its unique discovery and the idea of new beginnings.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone jewelry. The different hardness and stability levels of the December birthstones require specific attention.
Blue Topaz is relatively durable and can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for untreated blue topaz, but caution is advised for treated stones. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as heat can potentially alter the color of treated topaz.
Tanzanite requires gentle handling due to its moderate hardness and potential for cleavage. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as the vibrations and heat can cause damage. Store tanzanite jewelry separately to prevent scratching by harder gems.
Turquoise is the most delicate of the three and requires the most care. It should be cleaned only with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid water, chemicals (including perfumes, lotions, and cleaning agents), and prolonged exposure to sunlight, as these can cause the stone to fade, crack, or become discolored. Turquoise jewelry should be stored in a soft cloth pouch to protect it from scratches and impacts.
Conclusion
The December birthstones—blue topaz, tanzanite, and turquoise—offer a diverse and beautiful selection for jewelry enthusiasts. Each stone carries its own unique history, from the ancient protective talisman of turquoise to the modern, transformative allure of tanzanite and the clear, honest symbolism of blue topaz. Their varying colors, from icy blues to vibrant greens and shifting violets, provide options for every style. While their physical properties differ, requiring tailored care, their shared association with the winter month makes them meaningful gifts for December birthdays and holidays. Whether chosen for their symbolic significance or their aesthetic appeal, these gemstones continue to be cherished symbols of the season.