December is unique in the calendar of birthstones, offering a quartet of distinct gemstones rather than a single stone. This abundance provides a spectrum of colors, origins, and meanings, allowing those born in the final month of the year to choose a gem that resonates with their personal style and values. The primary December birthstones are Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, and Zircon. Each possesses a rich history, specific gemological properties, and cultural significance. This article delves into the geological origins, physical characteristics, historical lore, and practical care of these four remarkable gems, with a particular focus on their application in jewelry, especially rings, as highlighted by contemporary market trends.
History and Lore
The journey of December’s birthstones spans millennia, from ancient civilizations to modern gemological discovery.
Turquoise stands as one of the oldest known gemstones used in jewelry. Its use dates back thousands of years, cherished by ancient cultures for its distinctive blue-to-green hue. Across history, Turquoise has been a universal symbol of protection, friendship, and healing. Its lore is deeply rooted in the belief that it brings good fortune and wards off negative energy, a sentiment that has persisted through the ages.
In contrast, Tanzanite is a very recent addition to the gemstone world. It was discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania, East Africa, which gives the stone its name. Initially identified by a Masai herder, its commercial viability and stunning color were recognized by Tiffany & Co., which introduced it to the global market in 1968. Due to its rarity and unique violet-blue hue, it was quickly prized for its symbolism of spiritual growth and transformation, aligning with the transformative era of its discovery.
Blue Topaz has a longer history but gained widespread popularity as a birthstone in more modern times. While topaz in its natural form has been known since antiquity, the vibrant, treated blue varieties that are now mainstream in the U.S. market became popular in the latter half of the 20th century. This expansion of the December birthstone list offered consumers more flexibility in price, durability, and style. Blue Topaz is associated with clarity, communication, and calmness, making it a favored choice for jewelry meant to convey personal meaning.
Zircon has a history of confusion, often mistaken for diamond due to its exceptional brilliance and fire. The word "zircon" itself has debated origins, possibly derived from the Arabic zarkun (meaning "cinnabar") or the Persian zargun ("gold colored"), a fitting description given the gem's broad color palette. In the Middle Ages, Zircon was believed to induce deep sleep and ward off evil spirits. In Hindu tradition, it is one of the nine gems of the navaratna, believed to bring wealth, wisdom, and health when worn together. The Victorians particularly favored blue Zircon, further cementing its place in jewelry history.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the origins of these gems enhances their appreciation, though the provided sources offer limited details on specific mining locations beyond a few key points.
Tanzanite is exceptionally rare, found in only one known location in the world: the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. Its formation is linked to a unique geological event, making it significantly rarer than diamond. The sources emphasize its status as a "rare violet-blue gemstone," a direct result of its singular source.
Turquoise is an opaque mineral that forms in arid regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater interacts with aluminum and phosphate-bearing minerals. While the sources do not specify modern mining locations, they note that Turquoise is "one of the oldest gemstones used in jewelry," implying a long history of sourcing from various ancient deposits, likely in regions like the Middle East, the Southwestern United States, and China.
Blue Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine. The sources do not detail its natural occurrence but focus on the treated varieties available in the market. The popular shades—Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, and London Blue—are typically the result of irradiation and heat treatment applied to colorless or pale blue natural topaz. This process is standard and permanent, enhancing the stone's appeal without compromising its durability.
Zircon is a zirconium silicate mineral found in many parts of the world, including Australia, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. The sources highlight its natural status, distinguishing it from synthetic cubic zirconia, and note its "excellent brilliance and fire" as a natural gemstone. Its formation typically occurs in metamorphic rocks or as a detrital mineral in sedimentary deposits.
Gemological Properties
The physical and optical properties of each December birthstone dictate its use in jewelry, its value, and its care requirements. The following table synthesizes key data from the provided sources.
| Gemstone | Color & Varieties | Mohs Hardness | Chemical Composition (from sources) | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Blue to green (often opaque, sometimes with matrix) | 5 – 6 | Not specified | Opaque, can be porous. |
| Tanzanite | Violet-blue to deep blue (pleochroic) | 6 – 7 | Not specified | Pleochroic (shows different colors from different angles). |
| Blue Topaz | Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, London Blue | 8 | Not specified | Durable, suitable for daily wear. |
| Zircon | Brilliant blue (also multi-color) | 6.5 – 7.5 | Not specified | High refractive index, excellent fire, can be brittle. |
Turquoise is prized for its opaque, waxy luster. Its hardness (5-6 on the Mohs scale) makes it relatively soft and susceptible to scratching and chemicals. It is often found with a "matrix" (the host rock) incorporated into the stone, which can add to its character. Due to its porosity, it requires careful handling to avoid discoloration.
Tanzanite is known for its pleochroism, a property where the stone shows different colors—typically blue, violet, and reddish-purple—from different viewing angles. This is a key identifying feature. Its hardness (6-7) is moderate, making it suitable for earrings and pendants but requiring protective settings for rings, especially for daily wear.
Blue Topaz is one of the hardest and most durable of the December stones, with a Mohs hardness of 8. This makes it exceptionally resistant to scratching and ideal for rings and other jewelry that will see frequent use. The vibrant blue colors are a result of permanent treatment, and the sources confirm there are "no additional durability concerns" from this process.
Zircon is renowned for its brilliance and "fire" (dispersion of light into spectral colors), which can rival that of a diamond. With a hardness of 6.5-7.5, it is moderately hard but can be brittle, meaning it is prone to chipping if struck. Its high refractive index gives it a dazzling sparkle, making it a popular choice for halo rings and accent stones.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each December birthstone carries a legacy of meaning, offering wearers a connection to ancient beliefs and personal intentions.
- Turquoise is deeply symbolic of protection, friendship, and healing. For centuries, it has been worn as an amulet against harm and to promote well-being. Its calming blue-green color is associated with tranquility and emotional balance.
- Tanzanite is a stone of spiritual growth and transformation. Its discovery in the 1960s aligns with its modern symbolism of awakening and higher consciousness. It is believed to facilitate communication with the spiritual realm and promote a sense of purpose.
- Blue Topaz embodies clarity, communication, and calmness. Its serene blue hue is thought to clear the mind, enhance truthful expression, and soothe stress. It is a stone for those seeking mental clarity and peaceful interactions.
- Zircon is linked to wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. Its historical use in the navaratna and its association with protection and sleep in medieval lore speak to its perceived power to bring wealth and health. Blue Zircon, in particular, is valued for its ability to inspire a sense of stability and prosperity.
Care and Cleaning
Proper maintenance is essential to preserve the beauty and longevity of any gemstone jewelry. The care instructions vary significantly based on each stone's physical properties.
Turquoise requires the most careful handling due to its softness and porosity. It should be cleaned only with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid all chemicals, including household cleaners, cosmetics, and even perfumes, as they can penetrate the stone and cause permanent discoloration. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are strictly forbidden.
Tanzanite is also relatively delicate. The best cleaning method is warm, soapy water with a soft brush. As with Turquoise, ultrasonic and steam cleaners are never recommended for Tanzanite, as they can cause damage. For rings, a protective setting is advised to minimize the risk of impact.
Blue Topaz, being harder and more durable, is easier to care for. It can withstand cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. While it is generally safe for everyday wear, it is still best to avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes to maintain its polish.
Zircon is durable but brittle. Cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush is safe. However, due to its brittleness, it should be protected from hard blows. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, as vibrations could potentially cause fractures in stones with existing inclusions or chips.
Practical Considerations for Jewelry
When selecting a December birthstone for a ring or other jewelry, durability and daily wear are key factors, as noted in the sources.
- For Daily Wear and Engagement Rings: Blue Topaz is the top recommendation due to its high hardness (8). It is resistant to scratches and can withstand the rigors of daily life. Many jewelry brands in the U.S. specifically suggest Blue Topaz for engagement rings among December options.
- For Special Occasion or Earrings/Pendants: Tanzanite and Zircon are excellent choices for items less exposed to impact. Their stunning colors and brilliance shine in earrings and pendants. While they can be set in rings, protective settings (like bezels) and careful wear are necessary.
- For Statement and Boho-Style Pieces: Turquoise is a classic choice for bold, artistic jewelry. Its opaque, unique character makes it perfect for statement rings, pendants, and boho-inspired designs. It is best worn in pieces that are not subjected to daily knocks and chemicals.
When purchasing, especially online, the sources advise: * Choosing sellers with clear return policies and positive customer reviews. * Confirming that certificates or gem reports accompany the purchase to verify authenticity and grading. * Ensuring shipping is insured and trackable. * Requesting detailed information on the gemstone's origin, any treatments, and the warranty.
Conclusion
The December birthstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, and Zircon—offer a remarkable diversity of color, history, and meaning. From the ancient protective talisman of Turquoise to the modern, transformative energy of Tanzanite, and the durable clarity of Blue Topaz to the brilliant fire of Zircon, there is a gem to suit every personality and preference. Understanding their unique gemological properties and historical contexts empowers individuals to make informed choices, whether for a meaningful gift, a personal treasure, or an enduring piece of jewelry. Their collective legacy not only celebrates the month of December but also showcases the incredible beauty and variety found within the Earth's crust.