The month of December is uniquely associated with a quartet of captivating blue gemstones: turquoise, tanzanite, zircon, and topaz. Unlike most months, which are linked to a single birthstone, December offers a diverse palette of blue hues, from the soft, sky-blue of turquoise to the vivid, violet-blue of tanzanite. This abundance provides a variety of choices for those born in the winter month, each stone carrying its own distinct history, geological origin, and symbolic meaning. The evolution of December’s birthstones is a reflection of both tradition and modern commerce, with new stones added over time to meet market demands and celebrate newly discovered gems. Understanding these four stones—turquoise, tanzanite, zircon, and topaz—requires an exploration of their geological formation, gemological properties, historical lore, and their journey to becoming recognized birthstones.
The concept of birthstones is ancient, with roots tracing back to civilizations such as ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where gemstones were believed to possess mystical and healing properties. The modern list of birthstones, however, was standardized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers in the United States. This list was updated over the years, with zircon added in 1952 and tanzanite in 2002, illustrating how the birthstone tradition adapts to include new and significant gemstones. For December, this has resulted in a collection that offers a range of colors, styles, and price points, making it easier for individuals to find a personal and meaningful connection to their birth month. Each of these stones—turquoise, tanzanite, zircon, and topaz—holds a unique place in gemology and culture, and their collective story is one of color, rarity, and enduring appeal.
History and Lore
The historical narratives of December’s birthstones are as varied as their colors, spanning millennia and continents. Turquoise, the oldest of the group, has been cherished for thousands of years. Its use can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where pharaohs and other rulers adorned themselves with the stone. Chinese artisans were carving turquoise more than 3,000 years ago, demonstrating its early significance in Eastern cultures. The name “turquoise” is believed to derive from the French phrase pierre turquoise, meaning “Turkish stone,” as the stone was first brought to Europe from Turkish bazaars. This historical trade route highlights the stone’s long-standing value and the interconnectedness of ancient commerce.
Turquoise is rich in folklore and metaphysical beliefs. Across different cultures, it has been associated with protection, good fortune, and health. From the 13th century, it was believed to protect the wearer from falling, particularly from horses, and was thought to break into several pieces when disaster was approaching. Hindu mystics believed that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon would ensure fantastic wealth. In Native American cultures, particularly among the Apache, turquoise was thought to be found by following a rainbow to its end, and it was believed to be a living entity that would change color to reflect the wearer’s health. The stone also carries symbolism in literature; Shakespeare referenced the belief that a turquoise ring, when received as a gift, symbolized affection and could win love, as depicted in The Merchant of Venice. This blend of historical use and symbolic meaning solidifies turquoise’s status as a stone of protection and prosperity.
Zircon’s history is equally deep, though its identity has sometimes been confused with other gemstones, most notably cubic zirconia. The name “zircon” may come from the Persian word zargun, meaning “gold-colored,” though today it is most prized for its blue varieties. As a birthstone, zircon was officially added to December’s list in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, a move that expanded the options for those born in the month. Historically, zircon has been valued for its brilliance and fire, which rivals that of diamond. Its association with clarity, wisdom, and balance adds a layer of intellectual and spiritual significance to its physical beauty.
Tanzanite is a relative newcomer to the world of gemstones, both geologically and historically. It was discovered in the 1960s in Tanzania, Africa, and was quickly recognized for its unique and vivid color. Its addition to the official list of birthstones in 2002 reflects the modern evolution of the tradition, acknowledging a stone that had gained immense popularity and value in a short period. The symbolism of tanzanite is often linked to transformation and new beginnings, mirroring its own rapid ascent in the gemological world. As the rarest of the December stones, mined only in a specific region of Tanzania, it carries an aura of exclusivity and modern luxury.
Blue topaz, while often considered a modern birthstone for December, has a history that is both ancient and somewhat obscured. The name “topaz” is derived from the Greek word Topazios, the ancient name of an island in the Red Sea. However, the stones mined on that island were later identified as peridot, not topaz, yet the name persisted. The exact historical origin of blue topaz is unknown, as it has been found throughout history, but its use as a December birthstone is a more recent development. It is often associated with calmness, peace, loyalty, and love. As the most durable of the December birthstones, it is practical for everyday wear, which has contributed to its popularity in modern jewelry.
Geological Formation and Sources
The geological origins of December’s birthstones are as diverse as their histories, each forming under distinct conditions and located in specific regions of the world. Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, forming in arid and semi-arid environments where groundwater leaches chemicals from adjacent rock. It is typically found near water tables, and its color is influenced by its chemical composition: copper produces a sky-blue tone, while iron contributes to a greener hue. The stone is often semi-translucent to opaque and can contain veins of matrix, which are remnants of the host rock in which it formed. Turquoise deposits are found in various locations, though specific countries are not detailed in the provided sources.
Zircon is a mineral belonging to the nesosilicate group, with a chemical formula of ZrSiO₄. It forms in a variety of geological settings, including metamorphic and igneous rocks. The sources do not specify the mining locations for zircon, but its global distribution means it can be found in many parts of the world. As a gemstone, it is prized for its high refractive index and brilliance, which make it a popular alternative to diamonds.
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, and its formation is exceptionally rare. It is found only in a specific region of Tanzania, Africa, near Mount Kilimanjaro. This limited geographic occurrence makes tanzanite one of the rarest gemstones on Earth. Its vivid violet-blue color is the result of heat treatment, which is applied to most tanzanite on the market to enhance its color. The stone’s rarity and exclusive origin contribute significantly to its high value and desirability.
Blue topaz is a variety of the mineral topaz, which is a silicate of aluminum and fluorine. Natural blue topaz is rare, and most of the blue topaz available in the market has been treated to achieve its color, typically through irradiation and heat. The sources indicate that blue topaz is mined in several countries, including Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States. It is also noted as the official state gem of Texas, underscoring its significance in the U.S. gem trade. Blue topaz is the hardest of the December birthstones, with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it the most durable for everyday jewelry wear.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of these stones is essential for appreciating their value, durability, and care requirements. The following table summarizes key properties based on the provided sources:
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Mohs Hardness | Typical Colors | Notable Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Hydrated phosphate of copper & aluminum | Relatively soft (not specified) | Sky blue to greenish hues, often with matrix | Semi-translucent to opaque; can be discolored by oils and pigments. |
| Tanzanite | Calcium aluminum silicate (zoisite) | Not specified | Rich violet-blue, color-shifting | Rare, mined only in Tanzania; often heat-treated for color. |
| Zircon | Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄) | Not specified | Bright, clear blue (also rainbow varieties) | High brilliance and fire; associated with clarity and wisdom. |
| Blue Topaz | Silicate of aluminum & fluorine | 8 (hardest of December stones) | Pale, translucent to rich aqua/blue | Most durable for everyday wear; most blue topaz is treated. |
Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone, which makes it susceptible to scratches and breakage. Its porous nature means it can be easily discolored by oils, pigments, and water loss, which can alter its color. This necessitates careful handling and cleaning.
Tanzanite is also considered fragile, which is a key consideration for jewelry design. While its hardness is not specified, its rarity and value mean it is often set in protective settings. The color shift of tanzanite is a defining characteristic, with its violet-blue hue changing under different lighting conditions.
Zircon is not assigned a specific hardness in the sources, but it is noted for its durability and sparkle. Its association with clarity and wisdom is a metaphysical attribute, but its physical properties make it a suitable gemstone for jewelry, provided it is handled with care.
Blue Topaz stands out for its durability, with a Mohs hardness of 8. This makes it resistant to scratching and ideal for rings and bracelets that are worn daily. Its hardness, combined with its appealing blue color, makes it a practical and popular choice for modern jewelry.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with December’s birthstones add a layer of depth to their physical beauty. Each stone carries its own set of attributes, believed to influence the wearer in various ways.
Turquoise is predominantly linked to protection and good fortune. Its historical use as a talisman against falls and disasters underscores its role as a protective stone. The belief that it changes color to reflect the wearer’s health adds a personal, almost sentient quality to the stone. In some cultures, it is also considered a symbol of success and prosperity, making it a meaningful gift for those seeking good luck.
Tanzanite symbolizes transformation and new beginnings. This is fitting for a stone that was relatively unknown until the 1960s and has since become a prized gem. Its unique color and rarity make it a symbol of individuality and modern elegance.
Zircon is associated with clarity, wisdom, and balance. These attributes make it a stone for those seeking mental clarity and emotional equilibrium. Its brilliance is often linked to an inner light or wisdom, making it a popular choice for individuals who value intellectual and spiritual balance.
Blue Topaz is believed to bring calmness, peace, loyalty, and love to its wearer. Its serene blue color is thought to have a soothing effect, making it a stone for emotional healing and stability. Its association with loyalty and love also makes it a meaningful stone for relationships.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is crucial for maintaining the beauty and integrity of these gemstones, given their varied physical properties.
Turquoise requires gentle handling due to its relative softness and porosity. It should be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth and stored separately from harder gemstones to avoid scratches. Avoid exposing turquoise to chemicals, oils, or excessive water, as these can discolor or damage the stone.
Tanzanite should be handled with care due to its fragility. It is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners and steam, which can cause damage. Given its rarity and value, it is advisable to store tanzanite jewelry in a padded box.
Zircon can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. While it is durable, it is important to avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause fractures. Store zircon jewelry separately to prevent scratches from other gems.
Blue Topaz, with its hardness of 8, is the most durable of the December stones. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is resistant to most chemicals, but it is still best to avoid harsh cleaners. Its durability makes it suitable for everyday wear, but it should be stored carefully to maintain its polish.
Conclusion
The birthstones of December—turquoise, tanzanite, zircon, and blue topaz—offer a remarkable diversity of color, history, and symbolism. From the ancient protective talisman of turquoise to the modern rarity of tanzanite, each stone tells a unique story. Their geological origins span the globe, from the arid regions where turquoise forms to the exclusive mines of Tanzania for tanzanite. Gemologically, they range from the soft and porous turquoise to the hard and durable blue topaz, each requiring specific care to preserve their beauty. Symbolically, they represent protection, transformation, wisdom, and calm, providing a meaningful connection for those born in December. This quartet of blue gems not only reflects the winter season but also showcases the rich tapestry of gemstone history and culture, making them cherished possessions for generations.