In the realm of gemology, few months possess the distinct distinction of December. While many months are assigned a single traditional gemstone, December stands apart with a quartet of officially recognized birthstones: Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite, and Blue Topaz. This unique abundance offers those born in the final month of the year a diverse palette of choices, ranging from ancient, sky-blue talismans to modern, vividly saturated violet gems.
The evolution of this list is a testament to both tradition and commerce. Historically, the month was primarily associated with Turquoise and Zircon. However, the standardized lists maintained by trade organizations have expanded over the decades to include Blue Topaz and, most recently, Tanzanite. This expansion was driven by a desire to offer consumers more affordable options and to celebrate new discoveries in the geological world.
What unites these four gems is a chromatic theme: they all reflect the cool, icy, and deep blues associated with the winter season. From the robin’s egg blue of Turquoise to the deep violet-blue of Tanzanite, these stones mirror the skies and twilight of December. This article provides a detailed examination of each of these four birthstones, exploring their geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and practical care, drawing exclusively from established gemological data.
The Historical Evolution of December's Gems
The tradition of associating specific gemstones with specific months is a practice with ancient roots, believed to have originated in Mesopotamia and later adopted by ancient Greeks and Romans. However, the specific list of birthstones for December has undergone significant changes over time.
Originally, the month was anchored by Turquoise and Zircon. These two stones were the traditional choices for centuries. The modern standardization began in 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers (now the Jewelry Industry Council of America) sought to create a cohesive list for the American market. This list combined historical customs with gemstones that were practical for jewelry companies to sell.
In 1952, the Council updated the list, adding Zircon (specifically the blue variety) to December’s roster. This was a significant step in distinguishing the month's options. The most recent addition occurred in 2002, when Tanzanite was officially added, reflecting the growing popularity and commercial appeal of this relatively new discovery.
Some industry observers note that the proliferation of birthstones for December—resulting in four official options—is unique among all months. While the exact reason is not definitively known, some sources suggest that it was a strategic move to add more affordable options to the market. As new gemstone discoveries were made and commercial offerings evolved, the list adapted to include these new treasures. Today, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recognizes Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon as the primary December birthstones, while Blue Topaz is widely accepted as a mainstream alternative.
Turquoise: The Ancient Talisman
Turquoise is arguably the most historically significant of the December stones, with a lineage that stretches back thousands of years. It is a mineral recognized for its unique sky blue or greenish-blue color, a hue that has captivated humanity since the earliest civilizations.
History and Lore The history of Turquoise is as colorful as the stone itself. Sources confirm that Turquoise dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was regarded as a sacred stone. Ancient Egyptians mined Turquoise in the Sinai Peninsula and used it to create jewelry, amulets, and burial masks. The stone was associated with the goddess Hathor and was believed to offer protection and good fortune.
Beyond Egypt, Turquoise has been a vital cultural element for Native American tribes in the Southwestern United States, as well as for peoples in Central Asia and the Middle East. In these cultures, Turquoise is often seen as a steadying force, a stone of protection, grounding, and calm. It is frequently used in spiritual practices to ward off negative energy and to connect the wearer to the natural world.
Gemological Properties Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum. Its distinctive color ranges from "robin’s egg blue" to sky blue or greenish-blue, depending on the amount of copper (blue) and iron (green) present in the chemical composition.
- Hardness: Turquoise is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, typically ranking between 5 and 6 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it somewhat susceptible to scratching and requires careful handling.
- Clarity and Structure: Turquoise is rarely transparent. It is typically opaque and often exhibits a "matrix"—a web-like pattern of host rock embedded within the gem. This matrix can be black, brown, or yellow, adding to the stone's unique character.
- Sources: While historically mined in Egypt and Iran, today the majority of commercial Turquoise comes from the United States (specifically Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada), as well as China and Tibet.
Care and Cleaning Due to its porosity and lower hardness, Turquoise requires specific care. It is sensitive to chemicals, including cosmetics, perfumes, and even skin oils, which can cause discoloration over time. Cleaning should be done with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are strictly avoided as they can fracture the stone or strip away any stabilizing treatments.
Zircon: The Diamond Impostor
Zircon is one of the oldest traditional birthstones for December. Despite its beauty and historical significance, it is often confused with the synthetic cubic zirconia, a confusion that unfortunately detracts from its value in the eyes of some consumers. However, natural Zircon is a distinct and valuable gemstone with excellent optical properties.
History and Lore Zircon dates back to ancient times, where it was believed to possess powerful properties. According to historical lore, Zircon was used as a protective talisman for travelers, warding off injury and illness. It was also associated with wisdom and wealth. In the Middle Ages, Zircon was believed to induce sleep, promote wisdom, and ward off evil spirits.
Gemological Properties Zircon is a mineral composed of zirconium silicate. It is known for its high refractive index, which is higher than that of a diamond, giving it exceptional brilliance and fire. However, it is important to note that most Zircon used in jewelry is heat-treated to achieve a stable blue color; natural blue Zircon is rare.
- Color: Zircon occurs in a wide range of colors, including colorless, yellow-gold, green, brown, and blue. The blue variety is the most popular for December birthstones.
- Hardness: Zircon is relatively hard, ranking between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale. However, it is somewhat brittle and can be prone to chipping if struck hard.
- Optics: Its high refractive index and strong dispersion (fire) make it one of the most brilliant of all natural gemstones.
Care and Cleaning Zircon is durable enough for most jewelry types but should be protected from hard knocks. It is sensitive to extreme heat and rapid temperature changes, which can cause cracking. Cleaning can be done with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe, but caution is advised for stones that may have fractures.
Tanzanite: The Rare Violet-Blue Discovery
Tanzanite is the newest addition to the December birthstone family, having been added to the official list in 2002. It is a gemstone defined by its rarity and its stunning violet-blue hue, which is unlike any other gem.
History and Lore Tanzanite’s history is brief but dramatic. It was discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Northern Tanzania—hence its name. The gem was introduced to the market by Tiffany & Co., which recognized its unique beauty and marketed it heavily. Because it is found in only one location on Earth, it is estimated to be at least a thousand times rarer than Diamond.
In terms of metaphysical beliefs, Tanzanite is often linked to transformation, growth, and fresh chapters in life. Its blue-violet tone is said to reflect the feeling of stepping into something new with clarity and curiosity. Some sources also suggest it fosters compassion and calmness and may improve skin and hair health, though these latter claims are more speculative.
Gemological Properties Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite. Its distinctive color is the result of heat treatment (either natural or applied in a lab), which transforms the naturally brownish zoisite into the vivid blue-violet desired by the market.
- Color: The gem exhibits a unique blue-violet hue. The most valuable stones are those with a deep, saturated blue color with a distinct violet flash.
- Hardness: Tanzanite ranks between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale. While suitable for jewelry, it requires care to prevent scratching and chipping.
- Pleochroism: Tanzanite is strongly pleochroic, meaning it displays different colors when viewed from different crystallographic directions. It typically appears blue in one direction and violet in another.
Care and Cleaning Tanzanite is somewhat brittle due to its crystal structure. It should not be subjected to ultrasonic cleaning or steam cleaning, as the heat and vibrations can cause internal fractures. It is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Given its rarity and value, protective settings are recommended for rings.
Blue Topaz: The Durable Winter Blue
Blue Topaz is the most durable of the December birthstones and has become increasingly popular as an affordable, brilliant blue gem. While Topaz occurs naturally in many colors, the blue variety is specifically associated with December.
History and Lore The historical origin of Blue Topaz is somewhat obscure, as Topaz has been found throughout history, often confused with other yellow or golden stones. However, the modern blue variety has carved out its own identity. It is the official state gem of Texas, a nod to its significance in the United States.
Gemological Properties Topaz is a silicate mineral containing fluorine and aluminum. Natural blue Topaz is rare; most of the blue Topaz on the market is produced by irradiating and heat-treating colorless Topaz.
- Color: Blue Topaz ranges from a very light, almost transparent blue (Sky Blue) to a medium blue (Swiss Blue) and a deep, saturated blue (London Blue).
- Hardness: Blue Topaz ranks 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the hardest and most durable of the December birthstones. It is excellent for everyday wear, including rings and bracelets.
- Sources: Major sources of Blue Topaz include Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States.
Care and Cleaning Due to its high hardness and lack of cleavage, Blue Topaz is very durable and easy to care for. It can be cleaned safely with warm, soapy water, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners. However, care should be taken with fracture-filled stones, though this is less common with Topaz than with other gems.
Comparative Gemological Data
To better understand the physical properties of these four gems, the following table summarizes their key characteristics based on the provided data.
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Mohs Hardness | Typical Color | Primary Source Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Hydrous Phosphate of Copper & Aluminum | 5 - 6 | Sky Blue, Greenish-Blue | USA, China, Iran, Egypt |
| Zircon | Zirconium Silicate | 6.5 - 7.5 | Blue, Colorless, Yellow | Australia, Thailand, Cambodia |
| Tanzanite | Calcium Aluminum Silicate (Zoisite) | 6 - 7 | Blue-Violet | Tanzania (Merelani Hills) |
| Blue Topaz | Silicate of Aluminum & Fluorine | 8 | Light to Deep Blue | Brazil, Sri Lanka, USA, Mexico |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
While gemological properties are rooted in science, the allure of these stones is often amplified by the symbolic meanings attached to them. Each of the December birthstones carries a distinct metaphysical profile:
- Turquoise is widely regarded as a protective stone. It is believed to absorb negative energy and to promote emotional balance. For those born in December, it serves as a grounding force during the chaotic holiday season.
- Tanzanite is associated with the crown chakra and is believed to facilitate a higher consciousness and spiritual awakening. It is a stone of transformation, encouraging the wearer to embrace change.
- Zircon is linked to mental clarity and focus. It is said to sharpen the mind, promote wisdom, and attract wealth. Historically, it was also believed to aid in restful sleep.
- Blue Topaz is often associated with calmness, clarity, and communication. It is believed to help articulate thoughts and feelings and to bring a sense of peace and relaxation.
It is important to approach these metaphysical claims with an understanding that they are based on tradition and popular belief rather than scientific fact. However, for many jewelry buyers, these meanings add a layer of personal significance to their purchase.
Care and Maintenance for December Birthstones
Selecting the right gemstone involves understanding not just its beauty but also its durability and care requirements. For those born in December, the choice of stone may depend on lifestyle.
- Everyday Wear: For rings, bracelets, or jewelry that will be subjected to daily knocks, Blue Topaz is the superior choice due to its hardness of 8. Zircon is also a good option but requires slightly more care to avoid chipping.
- Occasional Wear: Tanzanite and Turquoise are best suited for earrings, necklaces, or pendants where they are less likely to be struck. They are also excellent for cocktail rings worn on special occasions.
General care tips for all December stones include: 1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep stones away from household cleaners, cosmetics, and perfumes. This is particularly critical for porous Turquoise. 2. Temperature Stability: Avoid exposing stones to extreme heat or rapid temperature changes, especially Tanzanite and Zircon. 3. Safe Cleaning: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush for all stones. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners for Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon unless you are certain of the stone's integrity.
Conclusion
December offers a unique luxury in the world of birthstones: the freedom of choice. Whether one is drawn to the ancient, protective history of Turquoise, the brilliant, diamond-like fire of Zircon, the rare, transformative violet of Tanzanite, or the durable, icy blue of Blue Topaz, there is a gem to suit every preference and lifestyle.
These four stones collectively represent the cool beauty of the winter season. They have evolved from ancient talismans to modern commercial staples, yet each retains a unique identity. For the gemstone enthusiast, student, or jewelry buyer, understanding the distinct geological origins, gemological properties, and historical lore of these stones allows for an appreciation that goes beyond mere aesthetics. In the end, the December birthstone is not just a gem; it is a piece of the earth’s history, colored by the sky, and waiting to be worn.