December is a unique month in the gemological calendar, distinguished by its association with four distinct birthstones. While many months claim a single traditional gem, December offers a rich tapestry of color and history, primarily centered around the color blue in its many manifestations. The traditional birthstones are Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon, with Blue Topaz often cited as a modern and popular alternative. This abundance provides those born in the final month of the year with a diverse palette to choose from, ranging from the ancient, opaque earth-tone of Turquoise to the brilliant, clear fire of Zircon and the velvety, violet-blue of Tanzanite. Understanding the unique properties, origins, and lore of each of these gems is essential for appreciating the full spectrum of December’s birthstones.
The concept of birthstones has evolved over millennia, with roots in ancient civilizations that believed in the mystical powers of specific gems. For December, the gems selected reflect this historical depth while also accommodating modern tastes and market availability. Turquoise stands as the ancient guardian, a stone of protection worn by pharaohs and warriors alike. Tanzanite, a relative newcomer to the gem world, captivates with its singular origin and mesmerizing pleochroism. Zircon, one of the Earth’s oldest minerals, offers a brilliant sparkle often mistaken for diamond. Finally, Blue Topaz, with its clear, icy hues, has become a beloved and accessible gem for contemporary jewelry. This article will delve into the history, geology, gemological properties, and symbolism of each of these four remarkable stones, providing a detailed guide for gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone born under the sign of December.
History and Lore of December's Gems
The historical journey of December's birthstones is as varied as the gems themselves, with each stone carrying a legacy steeped in cultural significance and ancient beliefs.
Turquoise: The Ancient Protector
Turquoise is arguably the oldest of December’s birthstones, with a history stretching back thousands of years. It has been a cherished gem across numerous civilizations. The pharaohs and other rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with this stone, and it was also a prominent feature in the tombs of this dynastic culture. In China, artisans were carving turquoise more than 3,000 years ago, demonstrating its early value in Eastern cultures as well.
Beyond its ornamental use, Turquoise was imbued with powerful protective qualities. It was widely believed to possess beneficial powers that could guarantee health and good fortune. A popular belief from the 13th century onward was that the stone could protect the wearer from falling, particularly from horses, and would shatter into several pieces in the face of an impending disaster. This apotropaic quality made it a favored talisman for warriors and travelers. Hindu mystics added another layer to its lore, maintaining that seeing a turquoise gem after beholding the new moon would ensure fantastic wealth. For Native American tribes, the stone held profound spiritual meaning. The Apache, for instance, believed that turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end, linking the gem directly to celestial phenomena and good fortune.
Zircon: The Stone of Wisdom and Virtue
While the provided sources focus more on the modern appeal of Zircon, its history is deeply rooted in ancient lore. It is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some specimens dating back billions of years. Historically, Zircon was associated with virtues such as wisdom, honor, and purity. In the Middle Ages, it was believed to aid in restful sleep, ward off evil spirits, and promote prosperity. Its brilliance was so prized that it was often used as a diamond simulant, a role it still occasionally fills today. The name "zircon" may be derived from the Persian word "zargun," meaning gold-colored, though its most famous hue is a brilliant, fiery blue.
Tanzanite: A Modern Marvel with Ancient Symbolism
Tanzanite is the newest addition to the December birthstone family. Its discovery in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania in the 1960s was a significant event in the modern gemological world. Although its history is short, it was quickly embraced for its unique color and was officially named the birthstone for December by the American Gem Society in 2002. Despite its recent discovery, it has been imbued with powerful modern symbolism. It is said to represent transformation and new beginnings, making it a meaningful gift for significant life changes. Its vibrant color is also associated with a sense of clarity and spiritual awakening.
Blue Topaz: The Modern Blue
Blue Topaz has become a popular modern birthstone for December, particularly in the United States. Its history is more commercial than ancient. While Topaz itself is a gem with a long history, naturally occurring blue Topaz is extremely rare. The vast majority of blue Topaz on the market today is created through the irradiation and heat treatment of colorless Topaz. This process made a clear, vibrant blue gem widely accessible and affordable, cementing its place as a beloved modern alternative. Historically, Topaz was associated with strength and protection, and the word "topaz" is believed to come from the Sanskrit word "tapas," meaning fire. In its modern blue form, it has come to symbolize calmness, love, and clarity.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological origins of these gems reveals why they are found in specific locations around the globe and highlights their unique characteristics.
Turquoise: A Hydrated Copper Mineral
Turquoise is not a single mineral but a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. It forms in arid regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater seeps through aluminum-bearing rocks. Over geological time, this process deposits minerals in cracks and voids, creating the nodules and veins from which turquoise is mined. Its distinctive blue and green colors are directly influenced by the amount of copper (blue) and iron (green) present.
The sources for Turquoise are widespread, reflecting its global distribution. The provided material notes that its geographic origin is "Worldwide." Historically, some of the most significant sources include Persia (modern-day Iran), which produced the prized "robin's egg blue" turquoise, and the Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada), which has been a major source for Native American jewelry for centuries. Other notable sources include Egypt, Chile, and China.
Zircon: An Ancient Silicate Mineral
Zircon is a mineral belonging to the group of silicates. It is the primary source of zirconium and is formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with crystals found in Australia that are over 4.4 billion years old. Its durability and resistance to heat and chemical corrosion make it a common component in many rocks.
The provided sources identify specific geographic origins for Zircon. According to the comparison table, Zircon is sourced from "Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Australia." Sri Lanka, in particular, is historically known for producing high-quality, gem-grade Zircon. These regions have the specific geological conditions necessary for the formation of large, clear Zircon crystals suitable for faceting.
Tanzanite: A Unique Single-Source Gem
Tanzanite’s geological story is exceptionally unique. It is a variety of the mineral zoisite and is found in only one place on Earth: the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The gem’s formation is linked to a specific geological event—the metamorphism of calcareous rocks by heat from igneous intrusions. This unique and localized event makes Tanzanite millions of times rarer than diamond. The limited geographic source, confined to a small area of a few square kilometers, adds to its allure and value. The material confirms this singular origin, stating its geographic origin is "Tanzania only."
Blue Topaz: Global and Treated
Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine, crystallizing in igneous rocks. While it is found in many locations globally, natural blue Topaz is exceptionally scarce. The vast majority of the blue Topaz available in the market is the result of treating colorless Topaz. The process involves irradiating the gem to create a brownish color, followed by heating to achieve the desired blue hue. This treatment is stable and permanent.
Because of the treatment process, the geographic origin of the base colorless Topaz is the primary concern. Colorless Topaz is sourced from various locations worldwide, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Pakistan. The final treated blue Topaz can then be found in jewelry markets globally. The sources confirm this broad distribution, listing its geographic origin as "Worldwide."
Gemological Properties: A Comparative Analysis
For gemologists, jewelers, and buyers, the physical properties of a gemstone are paramount. They dictate the stone's durability, appearance, and care requirements. The following table, derived from the provided materials, offers a direct comparison of the key gemological properties of the four December birthstones.
| Property | Tanzanite | Turquoise | Zircon | Blue Topaz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Color | Blue to violet | Sky blue to greenish | Blue | Pale blue to dark blue |
| Heat Treatment | Common | Stabilization common | Common | Common |
| 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 |
| Care Needs | Gentle cleaning only | Very gentle, avoid all chemicals | Avoid steam and ultrasonic | Mild care, avoid sharp hits |
Hardness and Durability
The Mohs scale of hardness is a critical indicator of a gem's ability to resist scratching. Blue Topaz is the hardest of the group, scoring an 8 on the Mohs scale, making it highly resistant to scratching and suitable for daily wear in rings. Zircon follows with a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, and Tanzanite ranges from 6 to 7. Turquoise is the softest, with a hardness of 5 to 6, making it more susceptible to scratches and wear. However, hardness is not the only factor in durability. Zircon is described as "brittle at edges," and Tanzanite is "prone to chipping," which relates to their crystal structure and cleavage. This means that while they can resist scratching, a hard blow can cause them to fracture.
Color and Treatment
Color is the most defining characteristic of these gems. Turquoise is known for its semi-translucent to opaque appearance, ranging from sky blue to greenish and often containing veins of matrix (the host rock). Tanzanite offers a unique violet-blue hue and exhibits strong pleochroism, meaning it shows different colors (blue, violet, and burgundy) when viewed from different angles. Zircon is prized for its brilliant fire and clarity, appearing in a bright, clear blue. Blue Topaz presents a spectrum from pale, almost translucent sky blue to the deep, saturated "London Blue" and "Swiss Blue" shades.
All four stones are commonly treated to enhance or stabilize their color. Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz are all commonly subjected to heat treatment. Turquoise, being a porous and often fractured stone, is frequently "stabilized" by impregnating it with a clear resin or wax to improve its durability and lock in its color.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical beauty, December's birthstones are rich in symbolism and are believed by many to possess metaphysical properties.
Turquoise: Protection and Well-being
Turquoise is primarily associated with protection, good fortune, and health. Its legacy as a protective talisman spans from ancient Egyptian pharaohs to Native American warriors. It is also linked to positive energy, peace, and spirituality. The belief that it could shatter to avert disaster underscores its role as a powerful guardian stone.
Tanzanite: Transformation and Intuition
As a modern gem, Tanzanite’s symbolism is focused on spiritual growth and change. It represents transformation, helping the wearer navigate new beginnings and life shifts. It is also associated with enhanced intuition, clarity of thought, and a higher state of being, acting as a bridge to a more spiritual consciousness.
Zircon: Wisdom and Balance
Zircon is traditionally associated with wisdom, honor, and purity. It is believed to promote mental clarity and spiritual balance. Some historical beliefs attributed to Zircon the ability to aid in restful sleep and ward off negative energies, making it a stone of both mental and spiritual protection.
Blue Topaz: Calmness and Love
The serene blue of Topaz lends itself to symbolism of calmness, clarity, and peaceful communication. It is also linked to love and fidelity, making it a popular choice for romantic gifts. It is believed to help soothe frayed nerves, reduce stress, and promote a sense of tranquility and well-being.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone. The diverse properties of December’s birthstones require specific maintenance protocols.
Turquoise: Due to its porosity and sensitivity to chemicals, Turquoise requires the gentlest care. It should be cleaned only with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. It must be protected from cosmetics, perfumes, and even skin oils, which can cause discoloration over time. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
Tanzanite: With a hardness of 6 to 7 and a tendency to chip, Tanzanite should be handled with care. It is best suited for earrings and pendants rather than rings that might receive hard knocks. Cleaning should be done gently with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and extreme temperature changes.
Zircon: Despite its good hardness, Zircon can be brittle. It is susceptible to chipping at its facet edges. It is advisable to avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as the vibrations and heat can potentially damage the stone. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are the safest methods for cleaning.
Blue Topaz: As the hardest of the four, Blue Topaz is quite durable for most jewelry applications. However, it is sensitive to sharp impacts due to its cleavage. It can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. While it is generally stable, it is wise to avoid prolonged exposure to strong heat or sudden temperature changes, which could potentially alter its color or cause fracture.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones offer an unparalleled selection of gems, each with a distinct character, history, and set of properties. From the ancient, protective talisman of Turquoise to the singular, transformative beauty of Tanzanite, the brilliant, wise fire of Zircon, and the clear, calming allure of Blue Topaz, there is a gem to suit every preference and purpose. The choice between them involves a careful consideration of durability, color, care requirements, and personal significance. Whether selected for its historical depth, its geological rarity, or its symbolic meaning, any of these four gems serves as a worthy and beautiful emblem for those born in the final month of the year. Their collective legacy, spanning from the tombs of ancient Egypt to the mines of modern Tanzania, ensures that the December birthstone will continue to captivate and inspire for generations to come.