Birthstones have captivated human imagination for centuries. These precious and semi-precious gemstones, each associated with a specific month, hold deep symbolic meanings and are often believed to bring protection, prosperity, and positive energy to those who wear them. From January’s vibrant garnet to December’s rare tanzanite, each birthstone reflects the unique qualities of its corresponding month and carries a rich history of cultural, geological, and metaphysical significance. December stands out with a trio of celebrated gemstones: tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. Each offers a distinct shade of blue, from the vivid violet-blue of tanzanite to the serene sky-blue of turquoise and the brilliant sparkle of zircon, providing a palette of choice for those born in the last month of the year.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of December's modern and traditional birthstones. It explores their historical roots, gemological properties, symbolic meanings, and practical care tips, drawing from authoritative sources in the gemology and jewelry industries. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or simply curious about your birthstone, this guide will offer you valuable insights into the world of December's gems.
History and Lore of Birthstones
The concept of birthstones dates back thousands of years. One of the earliest known references is found in the biblical Book of Exodus, which mentions the twelve gemstones adorning the High Priest’s breastplate—each believed to represent a different tribe of Israel. These stones were thought to possess divine powers and were used for spiritual guidance and protection. Over time, the practice evolved. In ancient times, people believed that gemstones could influence the planets and align with the zodiac signs.
The modern list of birthstones, which standardizes gemstones for each month, is largely a product of 20th-century commercialization. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) published a standardized list to create consistency in the jewelry trade. This list has been updated several times, most notably in 1952 and again in 2002 with the addition of tanzanite for December. The traditional list, however, is older and often includes stones that are more historically accessible or culturally significant, such as turquoise for December. Today, individuals often draw from both lists, choosing stones that appeal to them in terms of color, price, and personal meaning.
December's Modern Birthstones: A Trio of Blue
December is unique in having three modern birthstones, all celebrated for their stunning blue hues. This variety offers a wide range of options for jewelry, from the rare and valuable tanzanite to the more affordable and abundant turquoise. The three stones—tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon—each have distinct origins, properties, and lore.
Tanzanite: The Blue-Violet Marvel
Tanzanite is the newest addition to the December birthstone family, officially added to the modern list in 2002. Its discovery is a relatively recent geological event, making it one of the most sought-after gems of the 21st century.
Discovery and Sources Tanzanite was first discovered in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania in 1967. It is found in only one location on Earth, making it rarer than diamond on a volume basis. The gem was brought to international prominence by the jewelry company Tiffany & Co., which named it after its country of origin and launched it as a major gemstone in 1968. The specific geological conditions required for its formation are unique to this small area, contributing to its rarity and value.
Gemological Properties Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite. Its most striking feature is its strong trichroism, meaning it can display three different colors depending on the viewing angle: blue, violet, and burgundy-red. Most tanzanite on the market is heat-treated to enhance its blue-violet color, a standard and permanent practice. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it durable enough for jewelry but requiring some care to avoid scratches. Its chemical composition is calcium aluminum hydroxyl silicate. The gem is typically found in sizes larger than many other colored gemstones, often exceeding 10 carats.
Symbolism and Lore Tanzanite is often associated with transformation, intuition, and spiritual perception. Due to its relatively recent discovery, it does not have the ancient lore of other gemstones. However, modern metaphysical beliefs attribute it with the ability to open the mind and facilitate a higher consciousness. It is also considered a stone of communication, believed to help articulate feelings and ideas clearly.
Care and Cleaning With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, tanzanite is moderately durable but should be protected from hard blows and extreme temperature changes. It is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided, as they can cause the stone to fracture.
Turquoise: The Ancient Sky Stone
Turquoise is the traditional birthstone for December and has been cherished for millennia across numerous cultures. Its distinctive blue-green color has made it a symbol of protection, wisdom, and good fortune.
Historical Significance Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, with a history dating back over 6,000 years. It was used extensively by ancient Egyptian, Persian, and Chinese civilizations. The stone was often buried with the dead as a protective amulet and was believed to change color to warn of danger or illness. In the Americas, turquoise holds profound significance for Native American tribes, particularly the Navajo, Zuni, and Pueblo peoples, who have incorporated it into their jewelry and spiritual practices for centuries.
Gemological Properties Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, with its color ranging from sky blue to blue-green, influenced by the presence of copper (blue) and iron (green). It is an opaque stone with a waxy to vitreous luster. A key characteristic of natural turquoise is the presence of a matrix—the host rock in which it formed, often appearing as dark brown or black veins or patches. Turquoise has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, making it relatively soft and susceptible to scratching and chemical damage. It is porous and can absorb oils and liquids, which can alter its color over time.
Symbolism and Lore Turquoise is universally regarded as a stone of protection, healing, and tranquility. It is believed to ward off negative energy, promote emotional balance, and bring peace to the wearer. In many cultures, it is associated with the sky and water, symbolizing life and renewal. The stone is also thought to enhance communication and creativity.
Care and Cleaning Due to its softness and porosity, turquoise requires careful handling. It should be protected from chemicals, perfumes, and cosmetics. Clean it only with a soft, dry cloth; avoid water and ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the stone and its finish. To maintain its color, it is advisable to store it away from direct sunlight and heat.
Zircon: The Sparkling Legacy
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with crystals dating back billions of years. It is often confused with the synthetic cubic zirconia, but natural zircon is a distinct and valuable gemstone with exceptional brilliance.
Historical and Geological Significance Zircon has been used for centuries, and its name is derived from the Persian word "zargun," meaning gold-colored. It is found in a variety of geological environments, including metamorphic and igneous rocks. Major sources include Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, and the United States. The stone's durability and resistance to heat make it useful in scientific applications, such as geochronology for dating rocks.
Gemological Properties Zircon is a zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄) and comes in a range of colors, including blue, yellow, green, red, and brown. The blue variety is the most popular for December jewelry. Zircon is known for its exceptional refractive index and dispersion, which gives it a brilliant sparkle that can rival diamond. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, making it durable for jewelry. However, it can be brittle and may cleave if struck hard. Natural zircon is often heat-treated to produce blue or colorless varieties, a process that is permanent and widely accepted.
Symbolism and Lore Zircon is associated with wisdom, honor, and purity. In medieval times, it was believed to promote rest and ward off evil spirits. The blue variety is thought to bring peace and tranquility, while the stone as a whole is linked to prosperity and success. Its brilliant sparkle is often seen as a symbol of clarity and enlightenment.
Care and Cleaning Zircon is relatively hard but can be brittle, so it should be protected from sharp impacts. It is safe to clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes, which can cause fractures. Store zircon jewelry separately to prevent scratching by harder stones.
Comparison of December's Birthstones
The three birthstones for December offer a range of options in terms of color, durability, price, and symbolism. The following table summarizes their key characteristics:
| Property | Tanzanite | Turquoise | Zircon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Blue-violet (trichroic) | Sky blue to blue-green | Blue, yellow, green, red, brown |
| Chemical Composition | Calcium aluminum hydroxyl silicate | Hydrated copper aluminum phosphate | Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄) |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 - 7 | 5 - 6 | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic | Triclinic (amorphous) | Tetragonal |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | Opaque | Transparent |
| Luster | Vitreous | Waxy to vitreous | Adamantine |
| Typical Treatments | Heat treatment (standard) | Stabilization, dyeing (common) | Heat treatment (common) |
| Symbolism | Transformation, intuition | Protection, healing | Wisdom, honor, purity |
| Care | Avoid ultrasonic, steam cleaners | Avoid water, chemicals, ultrasonic | Avoid ultrasonic, sudden temperature changes |
The Traditional Birthstone for December
While the modern list includes three stones, the traditional birthstone for December is turquoise. This association is deeply rooted in history and cultural significance, particularly in the Americas and the Middle East. Turquoise's long-standing connection to December may stem from its color, which evokes the cold, clear skies of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Its historical use as a protective talisman aligns with the festive and reflective nature of the holiday season. For those who prefer a single, historically significant option, turquoise remains the quintessential December gem.
Care and Maintenance for December Birthstones
Proper care is essential to preserve the beauty and longevity of any gemstone. Due to their varying hardness and chemical properties, the three December birthstones require different maintenance approaches.
General Care Tips: * Storage: Store each stone separately in a soft cloth or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches. Zircon and tanzanite, with their higher hardness, can scratch softer stones like turquoise. * Cleaning: Always remove jewelry before engaging in activities that could expose it to chemicals, impacts, or extreme temperatures. * Professional Check-ups: For valuable pieces, have the jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler annually to check for loose settings or damage.
Specific Cleaning Instructions: * Tanzanite: Use a soft brush with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. * Turquoise: Wipe gently with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid water, as it can penetrate the porous surface and cause damage. Never use chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. * Zircon: Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Dry carefully. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes, which can cause thermal shock.
Conclusion
December's birthstones—tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon—offer a captivating spectrum of blue gems, each with a unique story and set of characteristics. Tanzanite, the rare newcomer, dazzles with its vivid trichroic colors and modern allure. Turquoise, the ancient stone of protection, carries millennia of cultural weight and a serene, earthy beauty. Zircon, the ancient sparkler, provides brilliant fire and a legacy of wisdom and honor. Together, they provide December-born individuals with a rich selection of gemstones that are not only beautiful but also steeped in history and symbolism. Whether chosen for their color, durability, or metaphysical properties, these three stones ensure that the last month of the year is celebrated with a gem of exceptional character and charm.