The month of December is uniquely associated with three distinct birthstones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Each of these gems offers a different interpretation of the color blue, allowing for a personalized choice based on individual style and preference. While turquoise has been a cultural touchstone for millennia, zircon provides a brilliant fire reminiscent of diamonds, and tanzanite offers a modern, vivid hue. This article explores the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and care requirements of these three December birthstones, drawing from established gemological sources.
History and Lore
The historical narratives of these three gemstones span ancient civilizations, royal collections, and modern discoveries.
Turquoise
Turquoise possesses one of the longest histories as a gemstone, having been used for thousands of years. In the Southwestern United States, Native American cultures utilized turquoise over 2000 years ago. Ancient artists in this region crafted beads, pendants, inlay work, and small sculptures from the stone. Turquoise remains a vital element of Southwestern culture today.
Zircon
Zircon is an ancient gemstone, though its specific historical lore in the provided sources is less detailed than that of turquoise. The sources highlight its physical properties, noting it is a bright gem with high luster and produces a colorful fire similar to diamonds. This optical characteristic has made it a valued gem throughout history, though its specific historical narratives are not elaborated upon in the provided materials.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a more recent addition to the gemstone world. According to the provided sources, the American Gem Trade Association added tanzanite as a December birthstone, marking the first change to the official birthstone list in 50 years. This indicates its relatively modern origin and rapid acceptance into the gemological and jewelry communities.
Evolution of the Modern Birthstone Chart
The inclusion of these three stones as December birthstones is part of a broader evolution of birthstone lists. The National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) established the first official birthstone chart in the United States. The list has undergone several revisions. The first major update added alexandrite to June, citrine to November, and pink tourmaline to October. Later, tanzanite was added as a December birthstone. Spinel was also added as an additional birthstone for August. These updates reflect a trend toward offering more color options and affordable alternatives. The modern chart for December includes blue zircon, blue topaz, and tanzanite, while the traditional list includes turquoise and lapis lazuli. Today, people in the United States often draw freely from both lists, selecting stones that appeal to them personally.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding where these gems are found and how they form provides insight into their availability and characteristics.
Turquoise
Turquoise is an opaque mineral. The sources indicate that turquoise is mined around the world. While specific mining locations are not detailed in the provided chunks, the cultural reference to the Southwestern United States suggests a significant historical and ongoing source in that region.
Zircon
Zircon is mined around the world. The sources do not specify particular countries or mines for zircon, but they note that it is a gem that serves as a birthstone for December and is mined globally.
Tanzanite
Like the other December birthstones, tanzanite is mined around the world. The sources do not provide specific geographic locations for its extraction but confirm its global mining presence.
Geological Context
The sources provide limited specific information on the geological formation processes for each stone. However, they do offer a general note on the availability and cost of some gemstones. For instance, the discovery of large deposits of topaz in Brazil has greatly reduced its price, and most citrine also comes from Brazil. This illustrates how new mining discoveries can impact the market and accessibility of gemstones. Similarly, new finds of amethyst have made it more affordable. While not directly about December stones, this pattern suggests that mining discoveries play a key role in the market dynamics of gemstones, including those associated with December.
Gemological Properties
The physical and optical properties of a gemstone determine its durability, appearance, and care requirements. The following table summarizes key properties for turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite based on the provided sources.
| Gemstone | Key Properties | Color | Hardness & Durability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Opaque mineral. | Blue to blue-green to yellowish green. Bright blue is most preferred. | Low hardness; easily scratched. |
| Zircon | Bright gem with high luster. | Not specified in provided sources, but known for its fire. | Prone to breakage. |
| Tanzanite | Not specified in provided sources. | Not specified in provided sources. | Has perfect cleavage and will break easily. |
Detailed Properties
Turquoise Turquoise is a blue to blue-green to yellowish green mineral. It is opaque, which dictates its common cutting style. Because it is opaque, it is usually cut into cabochon shapes, often freeform to take full advantage of the rough, rather than being cut into calibrated shapes and sizes. Its hardness is low, making it susceptible to scratching.
Zircon Zircon is described as a bright gem with high luster. A key characteristic is that many specimens produce a colorful fire that is similar to diamond. This optical property, known as high dispersion, contributes to its brilliance. The sources note that zircon is prone to breakage.
Tanzanite The provided sources mention tanzanite in the context of birthstone lists and its addition to the modern chart. Specifically, it is noted that tanzanite has perfect cleavage and will break easily. This property is critical for understanding its durability and the care it requires.
Comparative Durability
The sources provide important information on the durability of various birthstones, which is relevant for December's gems. Emerald, opal, peridot, and zircon are all noted as being prone to breakage. Moonstone, topaz, and tanzanite have perfect cleavage and will break easily. Pearl, opal, and turquoise have a low hardness and are easily scratched. This highlights that all three December birthstones—turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite—require careful handling due to their respective vulnerabilities: turquoise is easily scratched, zircon is prone to breakage, and tanzanite has perfect cleavage.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
While the provided sources focus more on historical and practical aspects, they do touch upon some symbolic meanings and beliefs associated with birthstones.
General Birthstone Symbolism
The sources indicate that birthstones are associated with various positive emotions and attributes. For example, garnet symbolizes many different positive emotions. Amethyst is said to cure drunkenness and make one quick-witted in business. Aquamarine evokes blue skies and calming waters, while bloodstone represents health and strength. Sapphire is associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Topaz and citrine are known for their calming energies. These associations provide a cultural framework for understanding the perceived significance of gemstones, including those for December.
December Birthstones
The provided materials do not specify unique metaphysical beliefs or symbolism for turquoise, zircon, or tanzanite individually. However, the general context of birthstone symbolism suggests that these stones may be imbued with similar positive meanings. The choice between them may be influenced by personal preference for their color and appearance rather than specific traditional lore, as the sources emphasize the variety in hue.
Care and Cleaning
Given their specific gemological properties, the care for turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite must be tailored to their durability characteristics.
General Care Principles for Birthstones
The sources emphasize that the durability of a gemstone dictates how it should be cleaned and maintained. For example, emerald, opal, peridot, and zircon are prone to breakage, so they should be protected from hard blows. Moonstone, topaz, and tanzanite, with their perfect cleavage, require similar caution to avoid impact. Pearl, opal, and turquoise, with low hardness, are easily scratched and should be kept away from abrasive materials.
Specific Care for December Stones
Turquoise: Due to its low hardness, turquoise is easily scratched. It should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and stored separately from harder gemstones to avoid abrasion. Chemical cleaners should be avoided as they can damage the stone and any treatments it may have undergone.
Zircon: As a stone prone to breakage, zircon should be protected from knocks and sharp impacts. Cleaning should be done gently with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended due to the risk of fracture.
Tanzanite: With its perfect cleavage, tanzanite is particularly vulnerable to breaking from a sharp blow. It should be handled with care and stored in a padded jewelry box. Cleaning should be done with a soft brush and mild detergent in warm water. Avoid sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally not safe for tanzanite.
Purchasing and Disclosure
An important aspect of care and purchasing involves understanding the origin of the gemstone. The sources note that lab-created and imitation gems are used in some commercial birthstone jewelry. For instance, lab-created turquoise is available for cost-conscious shoppers. It is critically important for salespeople, product labeling, and receipts to clearly state that birthstones are man-made and not natural gems. This disclosure is vital because many consumers prefer natural gems, and selling synthetics without clear disclosure violates industry guidelines. When purchasing any of the December birthstones, buyers should inquire about whether the stone is natural, lab-created, or a simulant to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
The month of December is celebrated with three distinct birthstones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Each offers a unique shade of blue and possesses a rich history and set of characteristics. Turquoise is an ancient stone deeply rooted in Southwestern American culture, prized for its opaque, sky-blue color but requiring care due to its low hardness. Zircon is a brilliant gem known for its diamond-like fire, though it is prone to breakage. Tanzanite is a modern addition to the birthstone list, valued for its vivid color but needing careful handling because of its perfect cleavage. Together, these stones provide a diverse palette for December-born individuals, allowing for a choice that aligns with personal style, budget, and appreciation for geological history. Their inclusion in the modern birthstone list reflects the evolving nature of gemstone selection, blending tradition with contemporary preferences.