The month of December holds a unique distinction in the world of gemology; it is the only month officially associated with four distinct birthstones. This abundance provides individuals born in the final month of the year with a remarkable spectrum of choices, ranging from the ancient, opaque allure of Turquoise to the brilliant, diamond-like fire of Zircon, the modern vibrancy of Tanzanite, and the accessible clarity of Blue Topaz. Each of these gemstones carries its own rich history, geological origin, and symbolic meaning, reflecting the diverse and complex nature of the winter season itself. For the gemstone enthusiast, jewelry buyer, or student of gemology, understanding the individual character of these four stones is essential to appreciating their collective significance.
The tradition of assigning gemstones to specific months has roots that extend back to ancient civilizations, with the modern list largely evolving from historical religious texts and commercial developments in the 20th century. The December birthstones, in particular, exemplify this evolution. While Turquoise and Zircon have long been recognized as traditional gems for the month, the list expanded to include Blue Topaz and, most recently, Tanzanite in 2002. This expansion offers a wider palette of colors and styles, yet all four stones are united by their predominant blue hues, a visual nod to the cool tones of winter and the calmness associated with the season. This article will provide a comprehensive exploration of each of December’s four official birthstones, delving into their historical lore, geological formation, gemological properties, and practical care, drawing exclusively from the provided source materials to present an expert overview.
History and Lore of the December Birthstones
The historical journey of December’s birthstones is a testament to the evolving nature of gemstone traditions. The most ancient of these is Turquoise, a stone that has been prized for millennia. Its very name reveals a chapter of its history, originating from the French phrase pierre turquoise, meaning "stone of Turkey." This nomenclature arose because the gem was brought to Europe from Turkish bazaars, creating an association with that region. For centuries, Turquoise has been a symbol of success, happiness, and prosperity, valued for its distinctive color and unique matrix patterns.
Zircon also boasts a long history, though its name is sometimes confused with the synthetic cubic zirconia, a common point of confusion in the modern market. Alongside Turquoise, Zircon was one of the original birthstones for December. It is a gem associated with clarity, wisdom, and a sense of balance, attributes that have contributed to its enduring appeal.
The 20th century brought significant changes to the official list of birthstones, driven by both new discoveries and commercial interest. Blue Topaz emerged as a popular alternative and later an official stone, valued for its brilliant, clear blue color and greater durability compared to some of its counterparts. Its inclusion provided a more accessible and resilient option for jewelry.
The most recent addition to the December family is Tanzanite, which was officially added to the modern birthstone list in 2002. Discovered in the 20th century in a single, limited geographic location, Tanzanite quickly captivated the market with its rich, pleochroic violet-blue hue. It is a stone that embodies modernity and is symbolically linked to transformation and new beginnings, a fitting meaning for a gem that represents the start of a new year.
The reason December has four official birthstones is to offer a greater variety of choices in terms of color, style, and price. This expansion ensures that everyone born in December can find a gemstone that resonates with their personal preference and personality, whether they are drawn to historic significance, brilliant sparkle, or unique color.
Geological Formation and Mining Sources
Understanding the geological origins of these gemstones reveals why they possess such distinct characteristics. Each stone forms under unique conditions, and their sources are geographically diverse, with some being exceptionally rare.
Turquoise is an opaque mineral formed by a specific geological process involving groundwater. As explained in the sources, Turquoise is created when groundwater containing copper seeps into the bedrock. Over time, chemical reactions with other minerals form the opaque stone, resulting in its stunning range of blues and greens. The dark lines and shapes visible within the gem are remnants of the surrounding rock, known as matrix, which makes each piece of Turquoise entirely unique. While historical trade routes brought it from Turkey, modern sources are primarily located in arid regions where these specific geological conditions occur.
Zircon is a mineral with a high refractive index, giving it a brilliance that can rival that of a diamond. It is formed in a variety of geological environments, typically in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The sources do not specify the exact mining locations for Zircon, but its presence as a traditional December stone indicates a long history of extraction.
Tanzanite has the most specific and limited source of all December’s birthstones. It is found in only one place on Earth: the Merelani Hills of Northern Tanzania. This extreme geographic limitation makes the stone exceptionally rare and contributes significantly to its value. The geological conditions required for its formation are unique to this small area, meaning its supply is finite.
Blue Topaz, while found in various locations globally, is often associated with sources in Brazil, though the provided materials do not specify mining locations. Its formation typically occurs in igneous rocks, and its famous blue color is often the result of irradiation and heat treatment, which enhances the natural color of the crystal.
Gemological Properties
The physical and optical properties of a gemstone determine its durability, brilliance, and overall suitability for jewelry. The four December birthstones exhibit a wide range of these characteristics, from relative softness to exceptional hardness.
Turquoise is an opaque phosphate mineral with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. This relatively low hardness, combined with its porosity, makes it susceptible to damage from heat, chemicals, and even prolonged exposure to skin oils and lotions. Its color ranges from soft sky blue to greenish hues, often interrupted by a brown or black matrix.
Zircon is a zirconium silicate and is one of the hardest of the December stones, with a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its high refractive index and strong dispersion, which gives it a "fire" comparable to diamond. The sources specify that Blue Zircon is the variety associated with December, typically appearing as a bright, clear blue.
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it more durable than Turquoise but still requiring care. Its most remarkable property is its strong pleochroism—the ability to display different colors (blue, violet, and burgundy) when viewed from different crystallographic directions. The sources describe its color as a rich violet-blue that can shift depending on the light.
Blue Topaz is a silicate mineral with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it the most durable of the four stones and an excellent choice for jewelry that will be worn daily. It is known for its clarity and brilliant, clear blue color. The sources note that all three of the primary stones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon—are shades of blue, offering a cohesive color theme for the month.
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Key Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Phosphate mineral | 5 - 6 | Opaque, often features matrix |
| Zircon | Zirconium Silicate | 7.5 | High brilliance and "fire" |
| Tanzanite | Calcium Aluminum Silicate | 6.5 - 7 | Strong pleochroism (color shift) |
| Blue Topaz | Aluminum Silicate Fluoride/Hydroxide | 8 | High clarity and durability |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical beauty, gemstones have long been imbued with symbolic meaning and metaphysical beliefs. The December birthstones each carry powerful and distinct associations that have evolved over time.
Turquoise is perhaps the most historically significant in terms of protective powers. It is widely linked to protection and good fortune, a belief that has persisted across many cultures for centuries. Its reputation as a talisman for travelers and a shield against negative energy is legendary.
Tanzanite, as a newer discovery, has been assigned meanings that reflect its modern appeal and unique appearance. It is said to represent transformation and new beginnings, making it a powerful symbol for those embarking on a new chapter in their lives. Its vibrant, shifting colors are seen as a reflection of this dynamic energy.
Zircon is associated with clarity, wisdom, and balance. It is believed to help clear the mind and promote spiritual and emotional equilibrium. These attributes make it a popular choice for those seeking focus and stability.
While not an official birthstone for the month, Blue Topaz is often cited as an alternative and is associated with love and affection. This belief imbues the brilliant blue stone with a romantic and heartfelt significance.
For those born on December 11 specifically, the zodiac sign is Sagittarius. Individuals born on this date are described as courageous, bold, and independent. The ruling planet for Sagittarius is Jupiter, which imparts a sense of generosity and fortune. The sub-ruler for the second decan of Sagittarius (which includes December 11) is Mars, adding heightened energy, focus, and determination to the personality. The primary zodiac birthstone for Sagittarius is Topaz, which is associated with love and affection, while Turquoise is listed as a secondary stone. This specific astrological connection provides another layer of meaning for those born in mid-December.
Care and Cleaning
Given the varied durability of December’s birthstones, proper care is essential to maintain their beauty and integrity. The gemological properties, particularly hardness and sensitivity to chemicals, dictate the appropriate cleaning methods.
Turquoise is the most delicate of the four stones. Due to its relative softness (5-6 on the Mohs scale) and inherent porosity, it should not be exposed to heat, harsh chemicals, or even prolonged contact with skin oils and lotions, which can cause discoloration. Cleaning should be done gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. It is best to store Turquoise jewelry separately to avoid scratches.
Tanzanite, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7, is more durable than Turquoise but is still considered fragile. It is susceptible to chipping and breaking if struck against a hard surface. Like Turquoise, it should be protected from harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are recommended for cleaning.
Zircon, at 7.5 on the Mohs scale, is relatively hard but can be brittle. It is important to avoid sharp blows that could fracture the stone. It is generally safe to clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
Blue Topaz is the most resilient of the group with a hardness of 8. It can withstand more rigorous wear but should still be protected from hard blows. It is generally safe to clean with warm, soapy water, a soft brush, and even an ultrasonic cleaner, though steam cleaning is not recommended due to potential sensitivity to heat.
For all four stones, the safest and most effective cleaning method is warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, gently agitated with a soft brush, followed by thorough rinsing and drying with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Conclusion
The four official birthstones of December—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz—offer a rich and diverse selection that is unmatched by any other month. From the ancient protective talisman of Turquoise to the single-source rarity of Tanzanite, the brilliant fire of Zircon, and the durable clarity of Blue Topaz, each gem provides a unique combination of history, beauty, and meaning. Their shared blue color palette evokes the cool tranquility of winter, while their individual stories reflect a dynamic evolution from ancient traditions to modern discoveries. Whether chosen for its historical lore, symbolic power, or aesthetic appeal, a December birthstone is a timeless and significant gem, perfectly suited to represent the complexities of those born in this final, celebratory month.