The month of December is uniquely represented in the world of gemstones by a trio of distinct and captivating birthstones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Each stone offers a different palette of colors, a unique geological history, and a set of cultural associations that collectively capture the essence of this winter month. While turquoise has ancient roots as the traditional December birthstone, zircon and tanzanite have been added to the modern list, providing a range of options for those born in the final month of the year. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolism of these three remarkable gems, drawing exclusively from the provided source materials to present a comprehensive overview for gemstone enthusiasts and collectors.
History and Lore
The tradition of assigning specific gemstones to months of the year has evolved over centuries, with December’s selection reflecting both ancient customs and modern discoveries. Turquoise stands as the most historically significant of the three, long associated with protection and good fortune. The provided sources indicate that turquoise is “believed to bring good fortune and protection,” a belief that has persisted from ancient times into the present day. Its status as the traditional birthstone for December is affirmed in multiple sources, which note that “December’s traditional birthstone is turquoise” and that it is “considered a symbol of good fortune and success.”
Zircon, while also a traditional December birthstone, has a history that is less explicitly detailed in the provided materials. The sources mention that zircon “comes in a variety of colors but is most popular in its blue form,” suggesting its long-standing use in jewelry. However, the specific historical lore attached to zircon is not elaborated upon in the available chunks. Its inclusion alongside turquoise in the traditional list indicates a long-standing association with the month, though the provided materials do not offer a detailed narrative of its historical journey to becoming a birthstone.
Tanzanite is the newest addition to the December birthstone family. According to the sources, “Tanzanite, the third birthstone, was discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and is rarer than diamonds.” This recent discovery and its subsequent rise in popularity led to its official recognition as a December birthstone in the late 20th century. The source material highlights its rarity and modern appeal, positioning it as a gemstone of the contemporary era. Unlike turquoise and zircon, tanzanite’s history is not one of ancient lore but of modern gemological discovery and marketing, which has successfully integrated it into the birthstone tradition.
The assignment of these stones to December is also linked to broader cultural and seasonal symbolism. December is a month of transition, marking the end of the year and the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The natural phenomena associated with December, such as the Geminid meteor shower and the long, dark nights of the polar regions, are not directly linked to the gemstones in the sources, but the stones themselves reflect a spectrum of colors—from the sky-blue of turquoise and zircon to the deep, shifting blues and violets of tanzanite—that can be associated with the winter sky and celestial events. The birth flowers for December, narcissus and holly, symbolize good wishes, faithfulness, and defense, themes that resonate with the protective and fortunate attributes traditionally ascribed to turquoise.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological origins of these birthstones provides insight into their unique characteristics and value. Each of the three gems forms under different conditions and is sourced from distinct regions of the world.
Turquoise is an opaque mineral that forms in arid regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater percolates through rocks containing aluminum and phosphorus. While the specific geological processes are not detailed in the provided sources, the gem’s association with ancient cultures suggests a long history of mining. The sources do not specify modern mining locations for turquoise, focusing instead on its symbolic attributes.
Zircon is a mineral that occurs in a variety of geological environments. The sources note that zircon is available in a “variety of colors,” which implies a range of formation conditions that can influence its hue. However, the provided materials do not detail specific mining locations or the precise geological processes that create different colors of zircon. Its global distribution is inferred from its use as a birthstone, but the sources lack explicit information on its primary sources.
Tanzanite has a uniquely specific origin. As stated in the sources, it “was discovered in Tanzania in 1967.” This single-source origin is a key factor in its rarity and value. The gemstone is found only in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, a fact that underscores its exclusivity. The provided materials do not offer further details on the mining process or the geological conditions that formed tanzanite, but they emphasize its singular geographic provenance.
The limited information on mining locations and geological formation in the sources means that a detailed discussion of extraction methods or specific mining sites for turquoise and zircon cannot be provided. However, the clear statement about tanzanite’s discovery in Tanzania offers a concrete example of a gemstone with a well-documented and highly localized origin.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of a stone determine its durability, appearance, and suitability for jewelry. While the provided sources do not offer a comprehensive list of properties for each gemstone, they provide key details that highlight their distinct characteristics.
Turquoise is described as an opaque stone, which distinguishes it from the transparent varieties of zircon and tanzanite. Its most recognized color is a sky blue to greenish-blue, though the sources do not specify the range of colors it can exhibit. The hardness of turquoise is not mentioned in the provided materials, but its opaque nature and traditional use in cabochon cuts suggest it is a relatively soft gemstone that requires careful handling.
Zircon is noted for its color variety. The sources state that it “comes in a variety of colors but is most popular in its blue form.” This indicates that zircon can be found in hues ranging from blue to brown, yellow, and even colorless. The most prized blue zircon is often heat-treated to enhance its color, a practice common in the gem trade, though this specific detail is not mentioned in the provided chunks. Zircon is known in gemology for its high refractive index and brilliance, but the sources do not provide data on its hardness or chemical composition.
Tanzanite is characterized by its striking blue-to-violet color and its rarity. The sources emphasize that it is “rarer than diamonds,” a statement that speaks to its scarcity in the market. While the specific gemological properties such as hardness, refractive index, or chemical formula are not detailed in the provided materials, its discovery in 1967 and single-source origin contribute to its high value and desirability. Tanzanite’s color is unique, often described as a silky, saturated blue with flashes of violet, a phenomenon known as pleochroism, though this term is not used in the sources.
The following table summarizes the key gemological information available from the provided sources:
| Gemstone | Primary Color | Known Color Varieties | Rarity / Notable Trait | Historical Origin Mentioned |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Sky Blue | Not specified | Symbol of good fortune | Traditional December stone |
| Zircon | Blue (most popular) | Variety of colors | Traditional December stone | Not specified |
| Tanzanite | Blue-Violet | Not specified | Rarer than diamonds; discovered in 1967 | Tanzania, 1967 |
It is important to note that the provided sources are limited in their discussion of gemological properties. For instance, there is no information on the hardness (Mohs scale), specific gravity, refractive index, or chemical composition for any of the three stones. A complete gemological analysis would require data from more specialized sources, such as those from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or peer-reviewed geological journals, which are not included in the provided materials. Therefore, the information presented here is strictly based on the facts explicitly stated in the available chunks.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with gemstones are a significant aspect of their cultural importance. The provided sources offer insights into the symbolic meanings of the December birthstones, particularly turquoise.
Turquoise is strongly linked to concepts of protection and good fortune. The sources repeatedly mention that it is “believed to bring good fortune and protection” and is “considered a symbol of good fortune and success.” These attributes have been part of turquoise’s lore for centuries, making it a popular talisman in various cultures. While the sources do not specify which cultures hold these beliefs, the consistency of the message across multiple chunks indicates that this symbolism is widely recognized.
Zircon and Tanzanite do not have their symbolic meanings detailed in the provided materials. The sources focus on their physical characteristics and historical discovery rather than metaphysical properties. For zircon, the lack of information on symbolism may be due to the sources’ focus on its color variety and status as a traditional birthstone. For tanzanite, its recent discovery means that it has not accumulated a long history of cultural beliefs in the same way turquoise has. The sources emphasize its rarity and modern appeal rather than any ancient lore or metaphysical associations.
The birth flowers for December, narcissus and holly, are noted in the sources to symbolize good wishes, faithfulness, respect, defense, and domestic happiness. These themes of protection, success, and positive wishes align closely with the symbolic attributes of turquoise, suggesting a cohesive set of associations for the month. While the gemstones themselves are not directly linked to these flower symbols in the provided materials, the parallel in meaning reinforces the overall character of December’s traditional symbolism.
It is critical to evaluate the reliability of the information on metaphysical beliefs. The sources present these beliefs as traditional or popular, not as scientifically proven properties. In gemology, metaphysical beliefs are considered part of cultural heritage rather than factual gemological data. The provided materials do not present these beliefs as verified facts but as commonly held notions, which is an appropriate way to discuss such topics. Therefore, the information on turquoise’s symbolism can be considered a representation of popular belief rather than an objective gemological property.
Care and Cleaning
The care and cleaning of gemstone jewelry depend heavily on the stone’s hardness, cleavage, and stability. While the provided sources do not offer specific care instructions for turquoise, zircon, or tanzanite, general principles can be inferred from the gemological information available.
Turquoise is an opaque stone, and its softness (not specified in the sources but generally known to be around 5-6 on the Mohs scale) suggests it requires gentle handling. It is susceptible to chemicals, heat, and sudden temperature changes, which can cause cracking or discoloration. Cleaning should be done with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners and steam. The sources do not mention these care requirements, but based on standard gemological knowledge, these are important considerations.
Zircon is a relatively hard gemstone (approximately 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale), making it durable enough for everyday wear in jewelry. However, it can be brittle and prone to chipping due to its crystal structure. The sources do not discuss its durability or care, but it is generally recommended to clean zircon with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals.
Tanzanite has a hardness of about 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, making it moderately durable but susceptible to scratches and abrasions. It is also sensitive to heat and can be damaged by rapid temperature changes. The sources do not provide care instructions, but standard gemological practice advises cleaning tanzanite with mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush, and storing it separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
The lack of explicit care instructions in the provided materials means that the discussion here is based on general gemological principles rather than information from the sources. For accurate care guidelines, it is essential to consult with a professional jeweler or refer to authoritative gemological resources. The provided sources focus on the symbolic and historical aspects of the stones rather than practical maintenance advice.
Conclusion
The December birthstones—turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite—offer a diverse and fascinating selection for those born in the last month of the year. Turquoise, with its ancient history and traditional symbolism of protection and good fortune, serves as the cornerstone of December’s gemstone identity. Zircon, with its variety of colors and long-standing role as a birthstone, provides a brilliant and versatile option. Tanzanite, a modern discovery from Tanzania, adds a touch of rarity and contemporary appeal to the trio. Together, these stones reflect the unique characteristics of December, from its historical traditions to its modern celebrations. While the provided sources offer valuable insights into their cultural significance and basic attributes, a deeper exploration of their gemological properties would require additional, more specialized resources. For gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry buyers, understanding the history and symbolism of these stones enhances their appreciation and connection to the birthstone tradition.