The month of December is uniquely associated with three distinct gemstones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. This trio represents a fascinating spectrum of geological formation, historical significance, and cultural lore. While turquoise is the traditional birthstone with ancient roots, zircon offers a history of mistaken identity and brilliant fire, and tanzanite provides a modern narrative of rarity and discovery. Each stone carries its own set of symbolic meanings and physical properties, making December's birthstones a compelling subject for gemstone enthusiasts and collectors alike. This article delves into the history, geological origins, gemological characteristics, and symbolic beliefs surrounding these three remarkable gemstones, drawing exclusively from the provided factual sources.
History and Lore of December's Birthstones
The concept of birthstones is deeply embedded in cultural tradition, with December’s stones reflecting a blend of ancient symbolism and modern classification.
Turquoise: The Traditional Stone Turquoise is identified as December’s traditional birthstone. Historically, it is considered a symbol of good fortune and success. This association with positive outcomes has made it a favored talisman across various cultures. Its use dates back to ancient times, where it was valued not only for its color but also for its perceived protective qualities. The sources note that holly, a December birth flower, was also believed by the Celts to bring good luck and protection, suggesting a shared thematic element of safeguarding within December’s traditional symbolism.
Zircon: A Gem of Many Colors Zircon is listed as one of the December birthstones alongside turquoise and tanzanite. While its history is not detailed in the provided sources, its inclusion in the modern list of birthstones highlights its enduring appeal. The sources specify that zircon comes in a variety of colors but is most popular in its blue form, which aligns with the color palette often associated with winter months. Its presence among December’s stones adds a layer of complexity to the month’s gemological identity.
Tanzanite: The Modern Discovery Tanzanite is the third December birthstone, with a notably modern origin story. According to the sources, it was discovered in Tanzania in 1967. This recent discovery makes it one of the youngest gems in the birthstone canon. The sources further claim that tanzanite is rarer than diamonds, a statement that underscores its value and desirability. Its inclusion as a December birthstone, alongside the ancient turquoise, illustrates how birthstone lists have evolved to incorporate new and significant gemological finds.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding where these gemstones originate provides insight into their rarity and unique characteristics. The provided sources, however, offer limited information on specific geological formations and mining locations for these stones.
Turquoise The sources do not provide details on the geological formation or specific mining locations of turquoise. The factual information is confined to its symbolic meaning and its status as a traditional birthstone. Therefore, any discussion of turquoise's origin beyond its historical use is not supported by the provided materials.
Zircon Similarly, the sources do not contain information regarding the geological formation or primary sources of zircon. The focus is on its variety of colors and its popularity as a blue gemstone for December. Without corroborating data from the sources, it is not possible to elaborate on its formation or specific mining regions.
Tanzanite The sources provide a critical piece of information about tanzanite: its discovery location. It was found in Tanzania in 1967. This specific geographic origin is a key part of tanzanite's identity. The sources do not, however, describe the geological conditions that lead to its formation or the specific mines within Tanzania where it is found. The claim that it is "rarer than diamonds" is presented as a fact within the sources, but the geological or market data to support this claim is not provided. Consequently, this statement must be accepted as a popular belief or a claim made within the source material, without independent verification from the provided chunks.
Gemological Properties
The physical and optical properties of a gemstone determine its durability, brilliance, and suitability for jewelry. The provided sources offer minimal direct gemological data, focusing instead on broader characteristics like color and perceived rarity.
Color and Appearance * Turquoise: Described as a symbol of good fortune, its characteristic blue-to-green color is implied by its name and cultural association, though not explicitly detailed in the sources. * Zircon: The sources explicitly state that zircon comes in a variety of colors but is most popular in its blue form. This indicates that while blue is the most recognized color for December’s zircon, other hues are possible. * Tanzanite: The sources do not describe the color of tanzanite. Given its recent discovery and association with December, it is commonly known for its blue-to-violet hues, but this information is not contained in the provided materials. Therefore, a description of its color cannot be included based solely on the sources.
Hardness and Durability None of the provided sources mention the Mohs hardness, cleavage, or specific durability characteristics of turquoise, zircon, or tanzanite. This critical information for gemstone care and jewelry selection is absent from the factual data. Consequently, any advice on hardness or care must be omitted, as it would be speculative and not supported by the sources.
Chemical Composition and Optical Properties The sources do not provide the chemical formulas, refractive indices, specific gravities, or other standard gemological data for any of the three December birthstones. All factual claims are limited to their status as birthstones, their symbolic meanings, and, for tanzanite, its discovery date and location.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism attached to gemstones often enhances their cultural value and personal significance.
Turquoise As noted, turquoise is considered a symbol of good fortune and success. This belief is presented as a traditional view, making it a stone associated with positive outcomes and prosperity.
Zircon The sources do not attribute any specific symbolic meaning or metaphysical belief to zircon. Its inclusion is based on its gemological identity and color, not on any documented lore within the provided materials.
Tanzanite Similarly, the sources do not mention any symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with tanzanite. Its narrative is one of geological rarity and modern discovery rather than ancient lore.
Shared December Symbolism While the individual stones have their own associations, the month of December itself is linked to themes of light and celebration. St. Lucia’s Day on December 13 is associated with festivals of light, and the Winter Solstice on December 21 marks the rebirth of the sun, celebrated historically through Yule. These cultural events of light and renewal may indirectly influence the perceived symbolism of the month’s gemstones, though a direct link is not made in the sources.
Care and Cleaning
The proper care of gemstones is essential for maintaining their beauty and longevity. This advice is typically based on the gem’s hardness, toughness, and stability. However, the provided sources contain no information on the care, cleaning, or specific vulnerabilities of turquoise, zircon, or tanzanite. Without data on their hardness, cleavage, or sensitivity to chemicals, heat, or light, it is impossible to provide any factual guidance on their maintenance. Any recommendations would be purely speculative and outside the bounds of the provided information.
Conclusion
The birthstones for December—turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite—offer a diverse representation of the gem world. Turquoise stands as the traditional stone, embodying ancient beliefs in good fortune and success. Zircon contributes a variety of colors, with blue being the most popular for the winter month. Tanzanite introduces a modern element, with a specific discovery in Tanzania in 1967 and a reputation for rarity. While the provided sources confirm their status as December’s gems and offer some historical and symbolic context, they lack detailed gemological data, specific geological origins, and care instructions. For enthusiasts and buyers, these stones symbolize a blend of tradition, variety, and modernity, making them a meaningful choice for those born in the final month of the year.