The month of December is uniquely associated with three distinct birthstones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Each gemstone offers a different interpretation of the color blue, ranging from the opaque, earthy tones of turquoise to the brilliant fire of zircon and the captivating violet-blue of tanzanite. This diversity provides individuals born in December with a wide array of choices, allowing them to select a stone that best aligns with their personal style and preferences. These gems are mined across the globe, and each carries its own rich history, geological origin, and set of gemological properties. Understanding the characteristics of turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite is essential for appreciating their significance as birthstones and for making informed decisions when selecting or caring for jewelry featuring these stones.
History and Lore
The history of December's birthstones spans millennia, with each stone carrying a unique narrative. Turquoise holds one of the oldest histories among all gemstones, having been used as a gem for thousands of years. In the southwestern United States, Native Americans were utilizing turquoise over 2,000 years ago. Ancient artists in the region produced beads, pendants, inlay work, and small sculptures from the stone. This deep-rooted cultural connection remains vital today, as turquoise continues to be an important part of Southwestern culture.
Zircon is another gem with a long and storied past. It is a bright gem known for its high luster, and many specimens produce a colorful fire that is often compared to that of a diamond. This similarity in visual appeal has contributed to its enduring popularity as a gemstone.
Tanzanite is the most recent addition to the trio of December birthstones. Its journey to becoming a recognized gemstone is a modern story. The discovery of tanzanite is attributed to a specific event in the mid-20th century, leading to its rapid rise in the gem market. Its inclusion on modern birthstone lists reflects its contemporary appeal and the evolving nature of birthstone traditions.
The concept of birthstones itself has evolved over time. The modern birthstone lists, which include these three December stones, are not static. Jewelers and gemological organizations have continued to add options to the modern chart over the years. For example, spinel, citrine, and tanzanite are cited as recent modern additions. In the United States today, people often draw freely from both traditional and modern lists, selecting stones based on personal preference, availability, and cost. Some traditional gems, like turquoise, may be less expensive or more readily available than their modern counterparts, which helps maintain their popularity. The modern birthstone for December, as listed in some sources, is specifically blue topaz, though the trio of turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite is widely recognized. The traditional list for December includes turquoise and lapis lazuli.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological origins of these birthstones provides insight into their unique characteristics and the regions where they are found.
Turquoise is a blue to blue-green to yellowish green mineral. It is an opaque gemstone, which influences how it is cut and set in jewelry. The formation of turquoise is linked to specific geological processes, and significant deposits have been identified in various parts of the world. The Southwestern United States is a historically important source, particularly for its cultural significance to Native American communities. Beyond the U.S., turquoise is also mined in other global locations, though the specific countries are not detailed in the provided materials. The gem's formation results in a material that is often cut into cabochon shapes, frequently freeform, to maximize the use of the rough stone rather than being cut into standardized, calibrated shapes and sizes.
Zircon is a gemstone known for its high luster and fiery brilliance. While the provided sources do not detail its specific geological formation process, they confirm that it is mined around the world. Zircon's occurrence is global, contributing to its accessibility and presence in the gem market. The stone's ability to produce a colorful fire similar to diamond is a key geological and optical property that defines its character.
Tanzanite is also mined around the world, according to the sources. Its formation is tied to a specific geological event, but the details of this process are not elaborated upon in the provided materials. What is clear is that tanzanite's origins are relatively recent in the context of gemology, and its mining locations contribute to the variety of blue tones available in the gemstone market.
The global mining of all three December birthstones ensures a steady supply, allowing for a range of options in terms of color, size, and price point for consumers.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite are fundamental to understanding their value, durability, and appropriate use in jewelry.
Turquoise is characterized by its opacity and a color range that spans from blue to blue-green to yellowish green. Bright blue turquoise is the most preferred color by consumers. Due to its opacity, it is typically cut into cabochon shapes. In terms of durability, turquoise has a low hardness, which makes it susceptible to scratching. This property necessitates careful handling and cleaning to maintain its appearance. It is often set in sterling silver jewelry, a pairing that complements its earthy, opaque nature.
Zircon is a bright gem with high luster. Its most notable optical property is its ability to produce a colorful fire, which is often compared to the fire of a diamond. This makes zircon a popular choice for those who appreciate brilliance and sparkle in gemstones. While the specific hardness of zircon is not provided in the sources, it is noted as a gem that can be prone to breakage, similar to other stones like emerald, opal, and peridot. This suggests a need for careful setting and wear, particularly for faceted zircon jewelry.
Tanzanite is the third December birthstone, known for its unique blue color. The sources indicate that tanzanite has perfect cleavage, meaning it will break easily if struck. This is a significant property that requires jewelers and owners to be cautious. The hardness of tanzanite is not explicitly stated in the provided materials, but its cleavage is a critical factor in its care. The color of tanzanite is described as a unique take on blue, often with violet undertones, distinguishing it from the blue of turquoise or the fire of zircon.
To summarize the key properties of these birthstones where information is available:
| Birthstone | Primary Color | Transparency | Key Durability Note | Preferred Cut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Blue to Blue-Green | Opaque | Low hardness; easily scratched | Cabochon (often freeform) |
| Zircon | Colorful, Fire-like | Varies | Prone to breakage | Faceted (for brilliance) |
| Tanzanite | Blue/Violet | Transparent | Perfect cleavage; breaks easily | Faceted |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Across cultures and history, gemstones have been attributed with symbolic meanings and metaphysical powers. The December birthstones are no exception, each carrying its own set of beliefs.
Turquoise has been revered for millennia. In the Southwestern United States, its use by Native Americans over 2,000 years ago imbued it with cultural and spiritual significance. While the specific metaphysical beliefs are not detailed in the provided sources, its long-standing role in art and adornment suggests it was valued for more than just its aesthetic appeal. It is often associated with protection and healing in various cultural traditions, though the sources focus more on its historical and cultural use rather than specific symbolic meanings.
Zircon is often associated with wisdom and prosperity. Its brilliant fire and clarity have led to beliefs that it can enhance spiritual growth and bring good fortune. The stone's historical comparison to diamond also links it to concepts of purity and strength, though these are more modern interpretations. The sources emphasize its visual similarity to diamond, which is a key aspect of its appeal and perceived value.
Tanzanite, as a newer gemstone, has quickly developed its own symbolism. It is often associated with transformation, intuition, and spiritual awakening. Its unique violet-blue color is linked to the crown and throat chakras in some metaphysical systems, promoting communication and higher consciousness. However, it is important to note that many of these specific metaphysical associations are not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, which focus more on its gemological properties and market history. The sources do mention that modern birthstones like tanzanite are chosen for their personal style fit, which may reflect their symbolic appeal to the wearer.
The symbolic meanings of gemstones are deeply personal and can vary widely. While the provided sources offer historical context and general associations, the choice of a birthstone often resonates on an individual level, combining aesthetic preference with personal belief.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of any gemstone jewelry. The physical properties of turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite dictate specific care requirements.
Turquoise requires careful handling due to its low hardness. It is easily scratched, so it should be stored separately from harder gemstones and other jewelry that could abrade its surface. Cleaning should be done with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners, as these can damage the stone and its porous surface. It is also best to remove turquoise jewelry before engaging in activities that could cause impact or expose it to lotions, perfumes, or extreme temperatures.
Zircon is prone to breakage, as noted in the sources. While it has a relatively high hardness, its cleavage can make it vulnerable to sharp blows. It is best to store zircon jewelry in a soft cloth or padded box to prevent contact with other gems. Cleaning can be done with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, but it should be dried thoroughly. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as thermal shock can cause fractures in zircon.
Tanzanite has perfect cleavage, meaning it will split easily along certain planes if struck. This makes it one of the more delicate gemstones, requiring significant care. It should never be subjected to ultrasonic cleaners or steam, as the vibrations and heat can cause it to fracture. Cleaning should only be done with a soft brush, mild soap, and lukewarm water, followed by gentle drying. When setting tanzanite, jewelers often use protective settings to minimize the risk of impact. Owners should remove tanzanite jewelry before any physical activity or household chores.
General advice for all birthstone jewelry includes removing pieces before swimming (chlorine and saltwater can be damaging), applying cosmetics, or engaging in strenuous activities. Regular inspection of settings is also recommended to ensure stones are secure.
Conclusion
The birthstones for December—turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite—offer a remarkable spectrum of the color blue, each with a distinct history, geological origin, and set of properties. Turquoise, with its ancient roots in Southwestern American culture, is an opaque stone prized for its sky-blue to green hues but requires gentle care due to its softness. Zircon, a gem of brilliance and fire, has been admired for its diamond-like sparkle and is mined globally, though it is susceptible to breakage. Tanzanite, the modern addition, captivates with its violet-blue color and is a product of a specific geological event, but its perfect cleavage demands careful handling. Together, they provide December-born individuals with a diverse selection of gemstones that are not only beautiful but also rich in meaning and history. Understanding their unique characteristics—from formation and sourcing to symbolism and care—allows for a deeper appreciation of these gems and ensures they can be enjoyed for generations.