December is a month of contrasts, marked by the deep cold of winter and the warm glow of celebration. This duality is perfectly reflected in its birthstones, which offer a stunning palette of cool blues, vibrant violets, and earthy greens. While many months are associated with a single gem, December boasts a unique collection of stones, each with its own distinct character, history, and geological origin. The primary traditional birthstones for December are Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon, with Blue Topaz widely recognized as a popular modern alternative. This article delves into the rich tapestry of these December gems, exploring their gemological properties, historical significance, and the lore that has made them cherished symbols for centuries.
The diversity of December’s birthstones provides a wide array of choices for jewelry enthusiasts, from the opaque, sky-blue charm of Turquoise to the fiery brilliance of Zircon and the shifting blues of Tanzanite. Understanding the unique qualities of each stone is essential for selecting a piece that is not only beautiful but also suited to the wearer's lifestyle. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of each gemstone, detailing its formation, sources, symbolic meanings, and practical care instructions, all based on established gemological knowledge and historical records.
History and Lore
The history of December’s birthstones is as varied as the gems themselves, spanning ancient civilizations and modern discovery. Each stone carries a legacy of symbolism and belief that has evolved over millennia.
Turquoise: The Ancient Talisman Turquoise is perhaps the most historically significant of the December stones. It is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that ranges from blue to green, often featuring distinctive veins of matrix—the remnants of the host rock in which it formed. This December birthstone has been cherished for millennia. The pharaohs and other rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with it, and Chinese artisans carved it more than 3,000 years ago. Its protective qualities are deeply ingrained in its lore. From the 13th century onward, it was believed to protect the wearer from falling, particularly off horses, and would break into several pieces at the approach of disaster. This belief underscores its role as a talisman. Hindu mystics maintained that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon ensured fantastic wealth, linking the gem to prosperity and good fortune. Turquoise also played an important role in the lives of Native Americans; the Apache believed turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end, a testament to its spiritual and earthly connection. Across cultures, Turquoise has been a symbol of friendship, protection, and good fortune, making it a timeless gift for those born in December.
Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel In stark contrast to Turquoise’s ancient origins, Tanzanite is a relatively recent addition to the gemological world. It was first discovered in the 1960s in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. This single-source gemstone quickly captivated the world with its unique violet-blue hue. While it does not have the millennia of history that Turquoise does, it has rapidly developed its own modern lore. It is often associated with transformation and new beginnings, a fitting symbolism for a gemstone that represents a unique moment in geological and human history. Its journey from discovery to becoming a birthstone is a story of modern gemology and marketing, yet its beauty and rarity have secured its place as a cherished December stone.
Zircon: The Fire and Wisdom Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with crystals dating back billions of years. It should not be confused with cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant. Natural Zircon is a brilliant gem known for its exceptional fire and brilliance. Historically, it has been associated with wisdom, clarity, and balance. It was believed to promote honor and purity in its wearer. The gem’s name is thought to derive from the Persian word zargun, meaning "gold-colored," though it is most prized for its fiery blue shades, which are often achieved through heat treatment. Zircon’s long history on Earth is mirrored in its enduring appeal as a gemstone of wisdom and spiritual insight.
Blue Topaz: The Modern Alternative Blue Topaz has emerged as a popular modern birthstone for December, particularly in the United States. Its history is somewhat muddled; the name "Topaz" is believed to come from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire, and the Greek word Topazios, the ancient name of an island in the Red Sea. Ironically, the stones from this island were later discovered to be Peridot, not Topaz. Historically, Topaz was associated with strength and protection. In modern times, Blue Topaz, with its clear, sky-blue to deep London Blue shades, is known as the blue birthstone of December, representing love and fidelity, making it a perfect choice for romantic gifts. Its vibrant, icy blue color provides a modern and brilliant alternative to the more traditional stones.
Geological Formation and Sources
The formation and sourcing of these gemstones are as diverse as their histories, ranging from single-source localities to widespread global deposits.
Turquoise Formation and Sources Turquoise is a phosphate mineral that forms in arid regions where acidic, copper-rich water percolates through rocks containing aluminum and phosphorus. This process can take millions of years. The gem is often found in veins or nodules within its host rock, which is why matrix is frequently present. Major sources of Turquoise include Iran, the United States (particularly Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada), Tibet, and India. The distinct characteristics and colors of Turquoise from different regions are highly prized by collectors and jewelers.
Tanzanite: A Single Source Gemstone Tanzanite’s geological story is unique. It is a variety of the mineral zoisite and is found only in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, an area covering just a few square kilometers. This extreme rarity is a key factor in its value. The gem forms through a complex geological process involving intense heat and pressure, which transforms the mineral into its vibrant blue-violet form. No other location on Earth has been found to produce gem-quality Tanzanite, making it a true geological treasure.
Zircon Sources Zircon is a common mineral found in many types of rocks, but gem-quality crystals are rarer. They are primarily sourced from placer deposits, where they have been eroded from their original host rock and concentrated by water. Key sources for gem Zircon include Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Australia. These locations are known for producing Zircon crystals that can be cut into brilliant faceted gems, showcasing their exceptional fire.
Blue Topaz Sources Naturally occurring blue topaz is exceedingly rare. The vast majority of blue topaz on the market today is produced by treating colorless or pale topaz with radiation and heat to induce a stable blue color. Topaz crystals are found in various locations worldwide, including the United States (Texas, Utah, California), Brazil, and Sri Lanka. The state gem of Texas is blue topaz, highlighting its significance in certain regions. The treatment process allows for a consistent supply of the vibrant blue shades desired by the jewelry market.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and optical properties of these gemstones is crucial for both identification and care. The following table summarizes the key gemological data for each December birthstone, based on information from the provided sources.
| Property | Turquoise | Tanzanite | Zircon | Blue Topaz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Group | Phosphate | Zoisite (a member of the epidote group) | Silicate | Silicate |
| Chemical Formula | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources |
| Mohs Hardness | 5 – 6 | 6 to 7 | 6.5 to 7.5 | 8 |
| Crystal System | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources |
| Refractive Index | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources | Not specified in sources |
| Common Treatments | Stabilization (impregnation with resin or wax) | Heat treatment (to enhance color and remove brownish tints) | Heat treatment (to improve color and clarity) | Irradiation and heat treatment (to produce blue color) |
| Typical Colors | Sky blue, greenish-blue, with matrix | Blue to violet, with pleochroism (showing different colors from different angles) | Blue (most prized), also colorless, yellow, brown, green | Pale blue to dark blue (London Blue, Swiss Blue) |
| Durability & Care | Sensitive to chemicals, moisture, and impacts. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Clean with mild, soapy water only. | Prone to chipping due to cleavage. Gentle cleaning only. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners. | Brittle at edges; can be damaged by sharp impacts. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners. | Sensitive to sharp impacts. Mild care is sufficient. Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. |
Turquoise is the softest of the group, with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It is porous and often treated with stabilization to improve its durability and color. Its opaque nature means clarity is not a grading factor; instead, color uniformity and the presence of matrix are evaluated.
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7, making it moderately durable but still susceptible to chipping due to its perfect cleavage in one direction. Its most remarkable optical property is its strong pleochroism, meaning it displays different shades of blue and violet when viewed from different crystal directions. This is why lapidaries carefully orient the stone during cutting to showcase its best color.
Zircon is a harder gemstone, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5. It is known for its high refractive index and strong dispersion, which gives it a fiery brilliance that can rival diamond. However, it is brittle and can be damaged by hard blows, so it is best set in protective jewelry like earrings or pendants.
Blue Topaz is the hardest of the December stones, with a hardness of 8, making it very durable and suitable for all types of jewelry, including daily-wear rings. Its transparency and clarity are key to its beauty, and it is typically cut into brilliant faceted shapes to maximize its sparkle.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolic meanings attached to these gemstones are a blend of ancient lore and modern interpretation.
- Turquoise is universally regarded as a stone of protection, truth, and calmness. It is believed to ward off negative energy and bring good fortune to the wearer. Its association with friendship makes it a popular gift to symbolize enduring bonds.
- Tanzanite, as a modern discovery, carries symbolism of transformation, spiritual awakening, and new beginnings. It is often linked to the throat and third-eye chakras, believed to facilitate clear communication and heightened intuition.
- Zircon is associated with wisdom, clarity, and balance. It is thought to promote mental and spiritual clarity, helping the wearer to see the truth of a situation. Its fiery energy is also linked to honor and purity.
- Blue Topaz symbolizes love, fidelity, and calm communication. Its serene blue color is associated with peace and emotional balance, making it a stone of gentle strength and affection.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone. The different hardness levels and sensitivities of the December stones require specific handling.
Turquoise is the most delicate. It should be protected from chemicals, cosmetics, and even prolonged exposure to water, which can damage its porous surface. Clean it only with a soft, damp cloth and mild, soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners entirely.
Tanzanite requires gentle handling due to its cleavage. It should be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended, as the vibrations and heat can cause the stone to crack or chip.
Zircon is relatively hard but brittle. It can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. However, it is advisable to avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as the vibrations and thermal shock can damage the stone, especially if it has been heat-treated.
Blue Topaz, with its hardness of 8, is the most durable of the group and can be cleaned with relative ease. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are suitable. While it is generally resistant to chemicals, it is still sensitive to sharp impacts, so care should be taken to avoid knocking it against hard surfaces.
For all gemstones, it is best to remove jewelry before engaging in physical activities, household chores, or swimming to prevent accidental damage or exposure to harmful substances.
Conclusion
The December birthstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Blue Topaz—offer a remarkable range of colors, histories, and properties. From the ancient, protective talisman of Turquoise to the modern, transformative allure of Tanzanite, the fiery brilliance of Zircon, and the durable, icy sparkle of Blue Topaz, there is a gemstone to suit every taste and occasion. Their diverse origins, from the single-source deposits of Tanzania to the widespread turquoise mines of the American Southwest, reflect the geological wonders of our planet. While their symbolic meanings vary, they all share a common thread of beauty and significance that has captivated humanity for centuries. Understanding their unique characteristics and care requirements ensures that these gems can be cherished for a lifetime, serving as enduring symbols of the festive and reflective month of December.