December is a month defined by contrasts—the crisp chill of winter and the warm glow of celebration. For those born in this month, the birthstones reflect this duality, offering a spectrum of cool, vibrant blues and captivating violets. Unlike most months, which are assigned a single gem, December is unique in its association with multiple stones: Tanzanite, Turquoise, Zircon, and the often-included Blue Topaz. This abundance provides a rich palette for personal expression, from the earthy, ancient allure of Turquoise to the modern, shifting brilliance of Tanzanite.
These gemstones are more than just beautiful adornments; they are steeped in geological wonder, historical significance, and cultural lore. They represent qualities of serenity, wisdom, and protection, making them deeply meaningful gifts. This article provides a detailed exploration of December's birthstones, examining their origins, gemological properties, and the symbolism that has made them cherished for millennia. We will navigate the distinct characteristics of each stone to help enthusiasts, collectors, and jewelry buyers appreciate the full spectrum of what these gems have to offer.
History and Lore
The tradition of birthstones is a practice that has evolved over centuries, with roots in ancient civilizations. The belief that specific gems possess mystical and healing properties can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The modern list of birthstones, however, was standardized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers in the United States, with subsequent updates. December’s collection of stones is a testament to both tradition and modernity.
Turquoise: The Ancient Talisman
Turquoise is arguably the most historically significant of the December stones, with a legacy spanning thousands of years. This semi-translucent to opaque gem, ranging from sky blue to greenish-blue, has been a universal symbol of protection and good fortune. The pharaohs and other rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with turquoise jewelry, and Chinese artisans were carving it more than 3,000 years ago. Its importance is also deeply woven into the fabric of Native American culture, particularly among the Apache, who believed turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end.
The stone’s protective powers were widely believed in. From the 13th century onward, it was thought to safeguard the wearer from falls, particularly from horses, and was said to break into several pieces at the approach of disaster, thereby sacrificing itself to protect its owner. Hindu mystics believed that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon would ensure fantastic wealth. Across cultures, from the Persian empire to the Americas, Turquoise has been revered not just as an ornament but as a sacred stone imbued with profound spiritual meaning.
Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel
In stark contrast to Turquoise’s ancient origins, Tanzanite is a relative newcomer to the world of gemstones, making its public debut in 1969. This vivid blue-to-violet gem is found in only one location on Earth: the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. Its discovery is a modern geological story, and its rapid ascent to prominence is a testament to its exceptional beauty. Tiffany & Co. recognized its potential and named it after its country of origin, launching it onto the global stage as a "gemstone of the 20th century."
Culturally, Tanzanite is often associated with transformation and new beginnings, a fitting symbolism for a stone that has so dramatically changed the landscape of the modern gem market. Its unique color, which appears to shift between different shades of blue and violet depending on the light and viewing angle (a phenomenon known as pleochroism), lends it an air of mystery and elegance. It has quickly become a symbol of individuality and sophisticated taste.
Zircon: The Stone of Clarity and Wisdom
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with deposits dating back billions of years, yet it remains one of the most underappreciated gems. Historically, colorless Zircon was a popular diamond simulant in the 19th century, often overshadowing its own identity. However, its brilliance and fire are remarkable in their own right. In the Middle Ages, Zircon was believed to promote honor, wisdom, and prosperity. It was said to help the wearer achieve wisdom and peace of mind and to protect against evil spirits and nightmares. The association with clarity and wisdom makes it a meaningful birthstone for those seeking focus and insight.
Blue Topaz: The Icy Alternative
While not one of the original three traditional stones, Blue Topaz has earned its place as a popular modern birthstone for December, particularly in the United States. Its history is somewhat muddled; the name "Topaz" is believed to derive from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning fire, or from the Greek "Topazios," the ancient name for an island in the Red Sea where the stone was supposedly found. However, the gemstones mined on that island were later identified as Peridot, not Topaz.
Despite this historical confusion, Blue Topaz has carved out a modern identity. Historically, Topaz in general was associated with strength and protection. Today, Blue Topaz is specifically known for representing love and fidelity, making it a popular choice for romantic gifts. Its clear, icy blue shades—from sky blue to deep London Blue—offer a brilliant and accessible alternative to the other December stones.
Geological Formation and Sources
The diverse appearances of December’s birthstones are a direct result of their unique geological origins and formation processes.
Turquoise: An Aquatic Mineral
Turquoise is a secondary mineral that forms when acidic, copper-rich water seeps through pre-existing rocks containing aluminum and phosphorus. This process occurs in arid regions, and as the water evaporates, turquoise deposits are left behind in veins or nodules. This is why it is often found with a "matrix"—veins of the host rock (such as limonite or sandstone) running through it, which is a hallmark of its natural formation.
Major sources for Turquoise are found worldwide. The most historically significant and highly prized deposits are in Iran, which produce the famous "Persian turquoise" known for its uniform, sky-blue color without a matrix. In the United States, turquoise has been mined for centuries by Native American tribes, with notable deposits in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. Other significant sources include Tibet and India, where the stone holds deep spiritual significance.
Tanzanite: A Singular Phenomenon
Tanzanite’s geological story is exceptionally rare. It is a variety of the mineral zoisite and is formed by the intense heat and pressure of mountain-building processes in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. This specific set of geological conditions, which occurred roughly 585 million years ago, has not been found anywhere else in the world, making Tanzanite’s source truly singular. The stones are mined on a small, four-square-kilometer plot of land at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. This extreme rarity is a key factor in its value and allure.
Zircon: An Ancient Crystalline Mineral
Zircon is a mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates. It is the primary source of zirconium and is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. As one of the oldest minerals on Earth, some zircon crystals have been dated to over 4.4 billion years old, providing crucial information about the formation of our planet. While Zircon occurs in many colors, the blue variety used as a December birthstone is typically created by heat-treating brownish zircon. Major sources for gem-quality Zircon include Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Australia.
Blue Topaz: A Gem Transformed
Topaz is a silicate mineral of fluorine and aluminum. It forms in pegmatites and vapor cavities in rhyolite lavas. Natural blue topaz is extremely rare; the vast majority of the vibrant blue Topaz seen in jewelry today is the result of treating colorless Topaz with radiation and heat. This process is stable and permanent, and it allows for the consistent production of beautiful blue gems. While Topaz is found worldwide, the United States is a notable source for the material that is later treated to become Blue Topaz, with deposits in Texas, Utah, and California. Texas even recognizes Blue Topaz as its state gem.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of these gemstones is crucial for appreciating their unique characteristics and for their proper care.
Hardness and Durability
Hardness, measured on the Mohs scale, is a key indicator of a gem's ability to withstand scratching. This is a critical factor for jewelry that will be worn regularly, especially in rings.
- Blue Topaz is the most durable of the group with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it resistant to scratching and suitable for all types of jewelry, including daily-wear rings.
- Zircon has a hardness ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. While it is relatively hard, it can be brittle and prone to chipping at the edges, so protective settings are recommended for rings.
- Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7. It is more sensitive than Topaz or Zircon and is prone to chipping. It is best used in jewelry that is less likely to receive hard knocks, such as earrings and pendants.
- Turquoise is the softest of the group, with a hardness of only 5 to 6. It is relatively porous and sensitive to chemicals, moisture, and heat. Its delicate nature means it is often stabilized (treated with a resin) to improve its durability for use in jewelry.
Color and Appearance
The color of each stone is its most defining feature.
- Turquoise: Ranges from sky blue to greenish-blue, often featuring a distinctive matrix of veins from the host rock. Its color is opaque to semi-translucent.
- Tanzanite: Exhibits a mesmerizing blue-to-violet color, with pleochroism causing it to display different shades from different viewing angles. The most desired color is a rich, deep violet-blue.
- Zircon: The blue variety of Zircon is known for its high brilliance and fire, which can rival that of a diamond. Its color is typically a bright, clear blue.
- Blue Topaz: Displays a spectrum of blue shades, from pale, almost translucent sky blue to the deep, saturated tones of "London Blue" Topaz. It is known for its clarity and icy sparkle.
Chemical Composition and Clarity
- Turquoise is a phosphate mineral (hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate). It is typically opaque due to its polycrystalline nature and inclusions.
- Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite, a calcium aluminum silicate. It is typically found with good clarity, though inclusions are possible.
- Zircon is a zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄). It is typically eye-clean, meaning it lacks visible inclusions.
- Blue Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine (Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂). It is known for its high clarity, with most gems being eye-clean.
Comparative Properties Table
The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of the primary December birthstones, based on information from the provided sources.
| Property | Tanzanite | Turquoise | Zircon | Blue Topaz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Color | Blue to violet | Sky blue to greenish | Blue | Pale blue to dark blue |
| Mohs Hardness | 6 to 7 | 5 to 6 | 6.5 to 7.5 | 8 |
| Best For | Occasional rings, earrings, pendants | Earrings, pendants, beads | Earrings, pendants, and protected rings | Daily wear rings, all jewelry |
| Sensitivity | Prone to chipping | Sensitive to chemicals and moisture | Brittle at edges | Sensitive to sharp impacts |
| Treatment | Common heat treatment | Stabilization common | Common heat treatment | Common radiation/heat treatment |
| Geographic Origin | Tanzania only | Worldwide | Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Australia | Worldwide |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical beauty, December’s birthstones are rich in symbolism and are believed by many to hold metaphysical powers.
- Turquoise is widely regarded as a stone of protection, truth, and calmness. It is believed to bring good fortune and health and to shield the wearer from negative energy. Its spiritual meaning is deeply connected to wisdom and tranquility.
- Tanzanite symbolizes transformation, intuition, and spiritual awakening. As a relatively new stone, it is associated with new beginnings and the idea of seeing the world with a fresh perspective. It is also linked to the throat chakra, promoting clear communication.
- Zircon is associated with clarity, wisdom, and balance. It is believed to help organize one's thoughts and achieve a sense of peace and mental clarity. It is also thought to promote honor and prosperity.
- Blue Topaz is known as a stone of love, affection, and fidelity. It is believed to promote calmness, clarity, and good health. Its soothing blue color is thought to have a calming effect on the wearer, reducing stress and anxiety.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of these gemstones, especially given their varying levels of hardness and sensitivity.
- Turquoise: Due to its softness and porosity, Turquoise requires the most care. It should be cleaned only with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid all chemicals, including perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners, as they can damage or discolor the stone. It should also be protected from prolonged exposure to moisture and heat.
- Tanzanite: Clean Tanzanite with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as the heat and vibrations can cause fractures. Given its tendency to chip, it should be stored carefully to avoid contact with harder gems.
- Zircon: While relatively hard, Zircon is brittle. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning. It is best to store it in a soft cloth or separate compartment to prevent damage to its edges.
- Blue Topaz: As the most durable of the group, Blue Topaz is easier to care for. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. While it is hard, it can still be damaged by sharp impacts, so it is wise to handle it with reasonable care, especially in rings.
Conclusion
The birthstones of December offer an unparalleled range of color, history, and meaning. From the ancient, protective talisman of Turquoise to the singular, transformative beauty of Tanzanite, each gem tells a unique story. Zircon provides a classic sparkle and a connection to the wisdom of the ages, while Blue Topaz offers a durable and brilliant icy blue that is both modern and timeless.
This diverse selection allows those born in December to choose a stone that truly resonates with their personality—whether they are drawn to the earthy, grounding energy of Turquoise or the shifting, ethereal hues of Tanzanite. More than just beautiful objects, these gems are carriers of history, symbols of personal attributes, and enduring treasures. Their legacy is a rich tapestry woven from geological marvels, ancient beliefs, and modern admiration, ensuring their place as cherished gems for generations to come.