Those born in December are uniquely blessed with a quartet of stunning blue gemstones: blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise. While the query regarding a Christmas Day birthstone points directly to the stones of December, the available sources clarify that there is no specific gemstone assigned solely to December 25th; instead, the month's traditional and modern birthstones apply. This article explores the rich history, distinct geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of these four remarkable stones, providing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone captivated by the cool allure of winter's gems.
The selection of December's birthstones has evolved over time, reflecting both historical traditions and modern discoveries. The list includes the ancient turquoise, the resilient blue topaz, the fiery blue zircon, and the recent addition of tanzanite. Each stone offers a unique shade of blue, from the soft sky tones of turquoise to the deep, inky hues of London blue topaz, mirroring the diverse palette of the winter sky. Understanding the individual characteristics of these gems is essential for appreciating their value and making informed choices for jewelry.
History and Lore: From Ancient Talismans to Modern Lists
The tradition of birthstones is a complex tapestry of ancient beliefs, commercial evolution, and cultural standardization. For December, this history is particularly layered, encompassing stones that have been revered for millennia and others that entered the market only recently.
Turquoise stands as the most ancient of the December birthstones. Sources indicate it has been "treasured as an ornamental stone for thousands of years across many cultures." Its long history is tied to numerous civilizations, though the provided materials do not specify which ancient cultures used it. The journey to its modern status was formalized through the standardization of birthstone lists. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers in the United States created the first official list, which primarily included traditional stones. Turquoise was a clear choice for December, given its deep historical roots. The list has since been updated; in 1952, the Jewelry Industry Council of America added blue zircon to December’s offerings, and most recently, in 2002, tanzanite was added to the lineup.
The reasons for December's abundance of birthstones are not definitively stated in the sources, but one theory is suggested: "Some believe that it was to add more affordable options." This aligns with the commercial evolution of birthstones, where new gemstone discoveries and market demands have influenced the lists. The inclusion of blue topaz, a gem that can be produced in large quantities through treatment, certainly adds a more accessible option to the December selection.
Blue topaz itself has an "unknown" exact historical origin, as it has been found throughout history. Its name derives from the Sanskrit word for "fire," a historical tidbit that connects it to ancient linguistic roots. Blue zircon, despite its name, has no historical connection to the cubic zirconia of modern jewelry; the sources emphasize that "zircon and cubic zirconia are completely different!" Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, and its use in jewelry dates back centuries, though the specific blue variety's historical prominence is not detailed in the provided chunks.
Tanzanite’s history is brief and dramatic. Discovered in 1967, it was initially mistaken for sapphire. Gemologists soon identified it as a previously unknown variety of the mineral zoisite. Its market potential was recognized by Tiffany & Co., which named it after its country of origin, Tanzania, to promote consumer recognition. Its rapid rise from a new discovery to an official birthstone in 2002 is a testament to its captivating beauty and savvy marketing.
Geological Formation and Sources
The geographic origins of these December birthstones are as varied as their colors, spanning the globe from Africa to the Americas.
Turquoise is a hydrated copper phosphate and aluminum mineral with a distinct tri-clinic structure. It forms in arid regions where acidic water percolates through rocks containing copper and aluminum, depositing the mineral in veins and nodules. While the sources do not list specific modern mining locations, its historical use across cultures implies it was found in regions where these geological conditions occurred.
Blue Topaz is mined in several countries today. Sources list Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States as modern producers. Notably, it is the official state gem of Texas. While the exact geological formation process is not described in the provided materials, it is a silicate mineral composed of aluminum and fluorine. Most of the blue topaz on the market is not naturally blue; the source states that "most commercially available blue topaz is produced by irradiating naturally colorless topaz." This process enhances the color, creating the popular London Blue, Swiss Blue, and Sky Blue varieties.
Blue Zircon is also a natural gemstone, distinct from the synthetic cubic zirconia. The sources do not specify its mining locations, but its presence in the December birthstone list since 1952 confirms its status as a natural gemstone available in the market.
Tanzanite is the rarest of the four, with a very specific and limited geographic source. It is "only mined in a specific region of Tanzania." This geographical restriction is a primary factor in its rarity and high value. The gem is a variety of the mineral zoisite and is prized for its unique pleochroic properties, displaying different shades of blue and violet from various viewing angles.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and optical properties of these gems is crucial for both appreciation and practical use in jewelry. The following table summarizes key data from the sources.
| Gemstone | Mineral Family | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Key Characteristics | Durability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Topaz | Silicate (Aluminum, Fluorine) | 8 (Hardest among December stones) | Glass-like luster, deep cleavage, color range from light to deep blue. | Fairly durable but can be brittle due to cleavage. |
| Blue Zircon | Silicate (Zirconium) | Up to 7.5 | Exceptional brilliance and fire, often resembling diamonds. | Brittle; can chip easily. Best in protective settings. |
| Tanzanite | Zoisite | Not specified in sources | Pleochroic (blue and violet hues), richly colored, multidimensional appearance. | Not specified, but as a zoisite variety, it is moderately durable. |
| Turquoise | Hydrated Copper Phosphate | Not specified in sources | Opaque, blue-green color, waxy to glassy to dull appearance. | Relatively poor wearability; highest grades used for inlay and carving. |
Blue Topaz is noted for its hardness, ranking an 8 on the Mohs scale, making it the most durable December birthstone for everyday wear. However, it has "deep cleavage," which makes it somewhat delicate and susceptible to chipping if struck hard. Its color is not always natural; the deep blues are typically achieved through irradiation treatment of colorless topaz.
Blue Zircon ranks up to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, which is fairly hard. Despite this hardness, the sources explicitly warn that it "is brittle and can chip easily." This means that while it can withstand scratching, it is vulnerable to impact. Its key visual appeal is its "exceptional brilliance and fire," which is why it is often compared to diamonds.
Tanzanite's hardness is not specified in the provided materials. As a variety of zoisite, it is generally considered to have a hardness of around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which is moderate. Its defining gemological property is its strong pleochroism, displaying different colors (blue, violet, purple) depending on the viewing angle.
Turquoise is described as an "opaque blue-green mineral." Its wearability is noted as "relatively poor," which is why "the highest grades are typically reserved for inlay work and carving." For jewelry, especially rings and bracelets worn daily, protective settings like a bezel are strongly recommended. The sources do not provide a specific Mohs hardness for turquoise, but it is known to be relatively soft (typically 5-6 on the Mohs scale) and porous.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism associated with these gemstones ranges from ancient protective talismans to modern interpretations of spiritual growth.
Turquoise has a long history as a protective stone. While the sources do not detail specific ancient beliefs, its millennia of use across cultures suggests it was valued for its perceived power to ward off harm or bring good fortune. Its color, reminiscent of water and sky, often symbolizes tranquility and protection in many cultures.
Blue Topaz's symbolism is not explicitly covered in the provided sources. However, its name, derived from the Sanskrit word for "fire," hints at an ancient association with passion or energy. In modern crystal healing, blue topaz is often linked to calmness, communication, and clarity, but these specific beliefs are not stated in the chunks.
Blue Zircon's symbolism is also not detailed in the provided materials. Historically, zircon has been associated with wisdom and honor, but the sources do not confirm these associations for the blue variety. Its diamond-like appearance may have contributed to it being seen as a stone of clarity and light.
Tanzanite is the only December stone for which the sources provide a clear description of modern metaphysical beliefs. It is said to "represent spiritual growth, emotional vitality, and intuitive wisdom." Its mix of blue and violet is believed to connect to the Crown Chakra, symbolizing "both serenity and strength." This interpretation aligns with its recent discovery and integration into modern spiritual practices.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone, and the December birthstones each have specific requirements due to their physical properties.
Blue Topaz, despite its hardness of 8, requires careful handling due to its cleavage. It should be protected from hard blows and extreme temperature changes, which can cause cleavage or fracture. Cleaning can be done with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding ultrasonic and steam cleaners, which might exacerbate existing inclusions or cleavage.
Blue Zircon is brittle and "can chip easily." It is best set in protective settings, especially for rings. Cleaning should be gentle; avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth are recommended.
Tanzanite's care is not explicitly detailed in the sources. Given its moderate hardness, it is less durable than topaz or zircon. It should be protected from sharp blows and stored separately to avoid scratches. Gentle cleaning with a soft brush and mild detergent is advisable. As a relatively soft stone, it is not ideal for daily-wear rings unless set in a protective design.
Turquoise is the most delicate of the four due to its poor wearability and porous nature. It is susceptible to chemicals, perfumes, lotions, and even sweat, which can cause discoloration or damage the stone's surface. It should be the last item put on and the first taken off. Cleaning should be done with a soft, dry cloth; avoid water and chemicals. For jewelry with turquoise, a strong setting like a bezel is crucial to protect the stone from impact and abrasion.
Conclusion
The December birthstones—blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise—offer a remarkable diversity within the cool blue spectrum. From the ancient, opaque turquoise to the brilliant, diamond-like blue zircon, each gem has a unique story, formation, and set of properties. Their inclusion in the December birthstone list is a result of centuries of tradition, modern gemological discovery, and commercial evolution. For those born in December, this selection provides a wealth of choices, allowing for personal expression through the selection of a stone that resonates with individual taste, lifestyle, and appreciation for history and science. Whether chosen for its durability, rarity, color, or symbolic meaning, each of these blue gems carries the distinct and enchanting aura of winter.