For those born in the final month of the year, the question "What is the birthstone for December?" yields a remarkably diverse answer. Unlike most months with a single gemstone, December boasts a unique quartet of celebrated stones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz. This abundance offers December birthdays a palette of blue hues, from the soft, sky-like tones of turquoise to the vivid violet-blue of tanzanite and the brilliant, clear blues of zircon and topaz. Each stone carries its own distinct history, geological origin, and symbolic meaning, providing a wealth of options for personal expression through jewelry.
The modern list of December birthstones reflects a fascinating evolution. Traditionally, Turquoise and Zircon were the recognized gems for the month. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) still lists Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon as December's primary birthstones, acknowledging their varied blue-to-green and violet hues. Over time, the list expanded to include Blue Topaz, which gained significant popularity in modern times and is now frequently treated as a mainstream December birthstone. This expansion offers consumers greater flexibility in terms of price, durability, and style, ensuring that every December-born individual can find a gemstone that resonates with their personality and preferences.
History and Lore: A Journey Through Time and Culture
The historical narrative of December's birthstones is as rich and varied as the stones themselves, with each gem carrying centuries of cultural significance and mythological weight.
Turquoise stands as one of the oldest known gemstones, cherished for millennia. Its name is derived from its journey to Europe through the gem markets of Constantinople, Turkey, having been originally found in Persia and along the Sinai Peninsula. From the earliest times, turquoise was a favored gem for amulets, prized for its relative ease in being cut into different shapes and inscribed upon. It was considered a stone of protection, believed to guard against danger and bring good fortune. This birth gem was particularly revered by lovers and married couples as a protector of relationships and a preserver of friendship when gifted. Ancient beliefs held that turquoise could warn its wearer of approaching illness or danger by becoming pale in color. In Tibet, turquoise was considered a birthstone of fortune, health, and success, and was so valued it was often used as currency. The Incas and Mayas offered turquoise as a gift to their gods, while Native Americans of the Southwest associated the gemstone with youth and strength.
Zircon, one of December's traditional stones, also has a deep historical lineage. While specific ancient lore from the provided sources is limited, its enduring presence on birthstone lists for centuries speaks to its long-standing value and appeal. It is consistently associated with clarity, wisdom, and a sense of balance.
Tanzanite is a relative newcomer to the gemological world, which lends it a modern, transformative narrative. Sources describe it as a modern alternative, representing transformation and new beginnings. Its discovery in the 20th century in a single location in Tanzania gives it an air of rarity and contemporary significance.
Blue Topaz, while a popular modern addition, is not without its own historical weight. In ancient times, topaz was believed to have protective qualities, and its name may be derived from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning "fire." However, its specific lore as a December birthstone is primarily tied to its recent popularity, where it has come to symbolize clarity, communication, and calmness.
The journey to the standardized lists we know today is also complex. The modern birthstone lists are largely based on historical foundations, such as the gemstones on Aaron's breastplate in the Bible or the gems from the foundation of New Jerusalem. These ancient lists were later adapted into monthly birthstones. The inclusion of multiple stones for December, as noted in the sources, is a deliberate choice to offer a variety of colors and styles, giving individuals more options for personal preference.
Geological Formation and Sources: A Global Tapestry
The origins of these gemstones span the globe, from ancient sedimentary deposits to recent volcanic formations, each requiring specific geological conditions to form.
Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, forming in arid regions where acidic water passes through rocks containing these minerals, often in the presence of phosphorus. The provided sources identify its major origin countries as Iran (historically the most famous source), the USA (particularly the Southwest), Tibet, and India. Its formation is often linked to specific geological events, such as the weathering of copper-bearing rocks.
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, colored by trace amounts of vanadium. It is formed by the metamorphism of aluminous rocks, a process that requires very specific geological conditions. The sources state that tanzanite is found in a single location in Tanzania, which adds to its rarity and value. Its formation is believed to be linked to a unique geological event that occurred millions of years ago.
Zircon is a zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄) and is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some crystals dating back billions of years. It forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks. While the sources do not specify mining locations for zircon, it is known to be mined in various countries, including Australia, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. Its durability and resistance to weathering make it a common accessory mineral in many rock types.
Blue Topaz is a silicate mineral (Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂) and a variety of the topaz species. Natural blue topaz is relatively rare; most of the vibrant blue topaz seen in jewelry is the result of treating colorless topaz with radiation and heat. The sources do not specify mining locations for topaz, but it is commonly found in igneous rocks like granites and rhyolites, with notable sources including Brazil, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.
Gemological Properties: A Scientific Comparison
Understanding the physical and optical properties of these gemstones is crucial for both collectors and jewelry enthusiasts, as it directly impacts their durability, appearance, and care requirements.
The following table, compiled from information across the provided sources, offers a direct comparison of the key gemological properties for each December birthstone:
| Gemstone | Mineral Group | Chemical Formula (Implied) | Mohs Hardness | Color & Varieties | Key Optical Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Phosphate | Hydrous copper aluminum phosphate | 5 – 6 | Sky blue, greenish-blue (often opaque with matrix) | Opaque to translucent, often banded or mottled. |
| Tanzanite | Zoisite | Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH) | 6 – 7 | Violet-blue to deep blue | Strong pleochroism (displays different colors from different angles). |
| Zircon | Zirconium Silicate | ZrSiO₄ | 6.5 – 7.5 | Brilliant blue (also multi-color) | High refractive index, giving exceptional brilliance and fire. |
| Blue Topaz | Topaz (Silicate) | Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂ | 8 | Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, London Blue | Typically transparent, with a vitreous luster. |
Turquoise has a relatively low hardness (5–6 on the Mohs scale), making it softer and more delicate than many other gemstones. Its opacity and characteristic matrix (the host rock remnants) are key identifiers.
Tanzanite is slightly harder (6–7), but its defining feature is pleochroism. When viewed from different angles, a single tanzanite crystal can show three different colors: blue, violet, and burgundy. This property is a critical factor in gem cutting, as cutters orient the stone to display its most desirable blue-violet hue.
Zircon is notable for its high refractive index, which gives it exceptional brilliance and fire, often rivaling that of diamond. Its hardness (6.5–7.5) makes it a durable choice for jewelry, though it can be brittle and prone to chipping if struck.
Blue Topaz is the hardest of the December stones, with a Mohs hardness of 8. This makes it exceptionally durable and resistant to scratching, ideal for rings and pieces that will see daily wear. Most blue topaz in the market is treated, with "London Blue" being a deeply saturated blue achieved through irradiation and heat treatment.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical beauty, each December birthstone is imbued with a rich tapestry of symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs, often rooted in their historical lore.
- Turquoise is universally associated with protection, healing, and friendship. Across cultures—from ancient Persia to Tibet and the American Southwest—it has been viewed as a talisman against harm, a bringer of good fortune, and a stone that preserves relationships. Its perceived ability to change color to warn of danger adds to its mystical reputation.
- Tanzanite, as a modern gem, carries symbolism of transformation, intuition, and spiritual growth. Its unique formation in a single location and its captivating color shift are seen as metaphors for change and seeing multiple perspectives in life.
- Zircon is linked to wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Its clarity and brilliance are thought to mirror a clear mind and a balanced life, making it a stone for those seeking mental and spiritual equilibrium.
- Blue Topaz symbolizes clarity, communication, and calmness. Its cool blue hues are believed to promote tranquility and honest expression, making it a popular stone for those in need of emotional balance and clear communication.
These meanings, while not scientifically proven, add a layer of personal significance that many wearers cherish, connecting them to ancient traditions and personal aspirations.
Care and Cleaning: Preserving the Beauty
The varying hardness and structural properties of December's birthstones necessitate different care approaches to ensure their longevity.
Turquoise, with its low hardness and potential porosity, requires the most gentle handling. It should be protected from chemicals, perfumes, and prolonged exposure to water, which can damage its surface and cause discoloration. Cleaning should be done with a soft, dry cloth. It is best stored separately to avoid scratches from harder stones.
Tanzanite is also relatively delicate. While harder than turquoise, it can be brittle and prone to cleavage (splitting along internal planes). It should be protected from sharp blows and extreme temperature changes. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners and steam, which can cause fractures.
Zircon, though fairly hard, is also brittle. It is susceptible to chipping if knocked against hard surfaces. It is generally safe to clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, but ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended due to the risk of fracture. It should be stored carefully to prevent damage.
Blue Topaz, being the hardest of the group (8 on the Mohs scale), is the most durable and easiest to care for. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, and it is generally safe for ultrasonic cleaners. However, as most blue topaz is treated, it is still advisable to avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures to preserve its color.
Conclusion
The December birthstone collection is a remarkable testament to nature's diversity, offering a spectrum of blue gems with distinct histories, properties, and meanings. From the ancient, protective Turquoise to the modern, transformative Tanzanite, the brilliant Zircon, and the durable Blue Topaz, each stone provides a unique avenue for personal expression. This multiplicity of choice allows December-born individuals to select a gem that not only captures their aesthetic preference but also aligns with their values, whether they seek the historical depth of turquoise, the rare beauty of tanzanite, the clarity of zircon, or the everyday resilience of blue topaz. In this rich variety lies the true sparkle of December's birthstones, ensuring that every birthday celebration can be adorned with a gem as unique as the person it represents.