December is unique in the birthstone calendar, holding not one, but three official gemstones recognized for their distinct shades of blue and rich histories. The traditional birthstone is the opaque, sky-blue Turquoise, while Tanzanite and Blue Zircon have been added as modern alternatives to provide a wider palette of color and style for those born in the final month of the year. These stones are more than just beautiful adornments; they carry centuries of lore, significant geological rarity, and specific gemological characteristics that define their value and care.
This guide provides a detailed exploration of December's three birthstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon. We will examine their historical journey from ancient tombs and mines to modern jewelry collections, analyze their scientific properties, and discuss the symbolism that has made them enduringly popular. We will also touch upon the December birth flower, the Narcissus, which shares the month's theme of renewal and rebirth. By understanding the origins, composition, and cultural weight of these gems, enthusiasts and collectors alike can appreciate the full scope of what it means to be born in December.
History and Lore of December's Gems
The history of December's birthstones is a timeline spanning thousands of years and multiple continents, with each stone telling a unique story of human culture and belief.
Turquoise: An Ancient Talisman
Turquoise is arguably the oldest and most historically significant of the three. Prized for over 6,000 years, it has been a symbol of status, protection, and prosperity across numerous civilizations. Some of the earliest known turquoise jewelry was discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 3000 BCE. The Egyptians called the stone mefkat, which translates to "joy" and "delight," and it was highly valued for its vibrant color and perceived power.
The allure of Turquoise extended to the cradle of civilization in ancient Mesopotamia. During the 13th century BCE, Persian turquoise from what is now Iran was a major trade commodity, known for its vivid "Persian blue" color that remains highly coveted today. In the Americas, the Aztecs used turquoise extensively in their elaborate mosaic art and ceremonial jewelry, a practice that amazed the Spanish conquistadors who witnessed royalty decked in the gem. Furthermore, turquoise holds immense ceremonial significance for many Native American tribes across North America, where it is often considered a piece of the sky that fell to earth.
The name "Turquoise" itself has a European origin, derived from the French phrase pierre turquoise, meaning "stone of Turkey." This name was given because the gem was brought to Europe from Turkish bazaars. While its name is tied to trade routes, its identity as a birthstone is deeply rooted in its long and diverse cultural heritage.
Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel
In stark contrast to Turquoise's ancient lineage, Tanzanite is a very recent addition to the world of gemstones. It was discovered only in 1967 in Tanzania, East Africa, which gives the stone its name. Its discovery in a single, small mining area has made it geologically unique and highly sought after. The stone quickly gained fame for its mesmerizing blue-violet color, which shifts depending on the angle of light, a phenomenon known as pleochroism.
Tanzanite's rapid rise to prominence was bolstered by its promotion by major jewelry houses, and it was officially recognized as a birthstone for December in 2002. This addition provided a modern, vibrant alternative to the more traditional gems. Its symbolism is often linked to transformation and new beginnings, a fitting representation for a gemstone that burst onto the scene in the latter half of the 20th century.
Zircon: The Misunderstood Heir
Zircon is a gemstone with a long history that is often overshadowed by modern confusion. It is crucial to distinguish natural zircon from cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant that bears a similar name but is entirely different in composition and origin. Natural zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, and for centuries, it was a primary source of diamond simulant due to its high refractive index and brilliance.
Historically, zircon has symbolized wisdom, honor, and wealth. Blue zircon, in particular, became popular during the Victorian era and is the variety most commonly associated with December birthdays. Its journey to becoming a December birthstone is one of rediscovery and appreciation for its natural beauty and durability, separating it from its synthetic namesake.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding how and where these gemstones form provides insight into their rarity and value. Each of the December stones has a distinct geological origin.
Turquoise Formation and Sources
Turquoise is a secondary mineral formed by the percolation of groundwater through existing rock. This water becomes enriched with copper and aluminum from the bedrock. Over vast periods, these elements react with phosphorous to form the opaque turquoise mineral. The presence of copper is what gives the stone its characteristic blue color, while traces of iron or chromium can create greenish hues.
The dark lines and shapes often seen within turquoise are known as matrix. This is actually fragments of the surrounding host rock (often iron pyrite or sandstone) that became incorporated into the turquoise during its formation. High-quality turquoise is rare, and its sources are geographically specific.
- Iran: Historically the source of the finest "Persian blue" turquoise, known for its pure sky blue color without significant green overtones.
- Southwestern United States: States like Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada are significant sources, producing turquoise that is often used in Native American jewelry.
- Egypt: The ancient source of the stone used by the Pharaohs.
- China: A modern source for large quantities of turquoise.
Tanzanite Formation and Sources
Tanzanite's formation is a geological rarity. It is found in only one place on Earth: the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The gem is a variety of the mineral zoisite and owes its unique color to heat and radiation acting on the rock during its metamorphic process. The specific geological conditions required for its formation have not been replicated elsewhere, making its source extremely localized and finite.
Zircon Formation and Sources
Zircon is a mineral that crystallizes from magma in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is highly durable and resistant to weathering, which is why it is often found in sedimentary deposits as well. Blue zircon, the variety used for December's birthstone, is typically heat-treated from brown zircon to achieve its desirable blue color. While zircon is found in many locations worldwide, including Australia, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka, the specific sources for gem-quality blue zircon are more limited.
Gemological Properties
The physical and chemical properties of a gemstone determine its appearance, durability, and value. The December birthstones vary significantly in these characteristics.
Turquoise
Turquoise is an opaque phosphate mineral of copper and aluminum. Its beauty lies in its color and unique matrix patterns, rather than transparency or brilliance.
- Chemical Composition: Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum.
- Color Range: Various shades of blue, blue-green, and green, depending on the copper and iron content.
- Hardness: 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. This makes it relatively soft and susceptible to scratching.
- Luster: Waxy to dull.
- Durability: Turquoise is tough but can be fragile. It is porous and can be discolored by chemicals, sweat, and heat.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a transparent gemstone known for its strong pleochroism.
- Chemical Composition: Calcium aluminum hydroxyl sorosilicate (a variety of Zoisite).
- Color Range: Blue to violet-blue. Its signature feature is the dramatic color shift between blue and violet under different lighting conditions.
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
- Clarity: Typically eye-clean, though inclusions can occur.
- Durability: It has fair to good durability but is relatively brittle and can be susceptible to chipping and abrasion if not handled with care.
Zircon
Zircon is a brilliant and fiery gemstone, often valued for its diamond-like appearance.
- Chemical Composition: Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄).
- Color Range: Occurs in a wide variety of colors, but blue is the most associated with December. The blue color is typically the result of heat treatment.
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
- Refractive Index: High (1.92-2.01), giving it exceptional brilliance and fire.
- Durability: Good durability, but it can be brittle. It is important to avoid rough handling to prevent chipping.
Summary of Properties
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs) | Color Range | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum | 5 - 6 | Blue, blue-green, green | Opaque, often contains matrix |
| Tanzanite | Calcium aluminum hydroxyl sorosilicate | 6.5 - 7 | Blue to violet-blue | Strong pleochroism (color shift) |
| Zircon | Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄) | 6.5 - 7.5 | Blue (treated), brown, green | High refractive index, brilliant fire |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Across cultures and centuries, these gemstones have been imbued with powerful meanings and are believed to offer various benefits to their wearers.
- Turquoise: Universally, turquoise is seen as a stone of protection, good fortune, and healing. It was traditionally worn by warriors and travelers as a talisman against harm and to ensure a safe journey. It is also associated with wisdom, tranquility, and balance. For many Native American cultures, it is a sacred stone that connects the wearer to the spiritual world.
- Tanzanite: As a relatively new stone, its metaphysical beliefs are more modern. It is often called the "stone of transformation" and is believed to facilitate a higher consciousness, intuition, and spiritual perception. It represents new beginnings and is thought to help in breaking old patterns and embracing positive change.
- Zircon: This stone has long been associated with wisdom, honor, and wealth. It is believed to promote spiritual growth and protect the wearer from negative energy. Blue zircon, in particular, is thought to bring peace and restful sleep, and to aid in achieving clarity of thought.
Care and Cleaning
Due to their differing levels of hardness and stability, each of the December birthstones requires specific care to maintain its beauty.
- Turquoise: As the softest of the three, turquoise is susceptible to scratches, chemicals, and heat. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and harsh chemicals like perfume or hairspray. It should be stored separately to prevent scratching.
- Tanzanite: While harder than turquoise, tanzanite is still somewhat brittle. It is best to clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid sudden temperature changes and ultrasonic cleaners. Due to its relative fragility, it is best suited for earrings or pendants rather than rings that receive daily wear.
- Zircon: Zircon can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is generally safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner, but it is best to avoid steam cleaning due to potential temperature sensitivity. Because it can be brittle, care should be taken to avoid hard impacts.
The December Birth Flower: Narcissus
In addition to its three official gems, December is associated with the Narcissus as its birth flower. Also known as the paperwhite narcissus, this flower is known for its clusters of fragrant white blossoms that bloom in winter, often around the winter solstice. Its ability to bloom during the darkest time of the year has made it a powerful symbol of rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings. In the Victorian Language of Flowers, the narcissus symbolizes grace, modesty, and caring for others, despite its association with the Greek myth of Narcissus and vanity. The ancient Egyptians also saw the paperwhite as a symbol of renewal, making it a fitting floral counterpart to the gemstones of the month.
Conclusion
December's birthstones offer a remarkable diversity of color, history, and character. From the ancient, opaque, and protective Turquoise to the modern, vibrant, and transformative Tanzanite, and the brilliant, wise, and resilient Zircon, each gem provides a unique connection to the natural world and human culture. Their distinct gemological properties—from the soft, matrix-rich turquoise to the pleochroic tanzanite and the fiery zircon—demand specific care but reward the owner with enduring beauty. Together, they form a trio that captures the essence of the year's final month: a time of reflection, renewal, and brilliant light against the winter dark.