The final month of the year is uniquely graced with three distinct and celebrated birthstones: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite. Each of these gems offers a unique palette of color, history, and character, providing a wealth of choices for those born in December. While they differ significantly in composition and origin, they are united by their captivating beauty and their role as cherished symbols for individuals seeking personal adornment and meaningful gifts. This article explores the distinct qualities of each stone, offering insights into their properties, lore, and modern significance, drawing upon consumer perspectives and market observations to guide enthusiasts and collectors.
Turquoise: An Ancient Stone of the Earth
Turquoise is perhaps the most historically significant of the December birthstones, a timeless gem revered for its distinctive sky-blue to greenish-blue hue. Its name, derived from the French "pierre tourquoise" or "Turkish stone," reflects its origin in the trade routes that brought the stone from Persian mines to Europe. This opaque mineral, a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, has been a cornerstone of jewelry and ceremonial objects for millennia.
History and Lore
The history of Turquoise is as rich and varied as its color. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans, held this stone in the highest esteem. It was not merely an ornament but a powerful talisman. Pharaohs and other powerful figures were often buried with Turquoise inlay, believing it offered protection and guidance in the afterlife. For many Native American tribes of the American Southwest, the stone is considered a piece of the sky that has fallen to earth, a sacred element connecting the wearer to the heavens and the spiritual world. It has been used for centuries in everything from intricate mosaic art to ceremonial shields and, most prominently, jewelry.
Gemological Properties
Turquoise is prized for its unique color and opacity. Unlike many gemstones that are valued for their transparency, the finest Turquoise is a uniform, intense "robin's egg" blue with no matrix (the host rock fragments often visible within the stone). Its chemical formula is CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O. On the Mohs scale of hardness, Turquoise is relatively low, typically ranging from 5 to 6. This makes it durable enough for jewelry but susceptible to scratching and breakage if not handled with care. It is also porous, meaning it can absorb oils and chemicals, which can alter its color over time.
Modern Significance and Market
In the contemporary jewelry market, Turquoise remains a perennial favorite. Its appeal often transcends fleeting trends, resonating with those who appreciate vintage, bohemian, and Southwestern styles. Consumers frequently seek out Turquoise for its perceived calming properties and its connection to nature. As noted in customer reviews of popular jewelry collections, pieces featuring this stone are often described as "beautifully made" and are cherished for their timeless quality. The gem's durability, when properly cared for, ensures that it can be passed down as a family heirloom, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Zircon: The Sparkling Impostor and Historic Gem
Often confused with the synthetic cubic zirconia, natural Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth and a gem of exceptional brilliance and fire. It should not be mistaken for its lab-created counterpart; natural Zircon is a legitimate and highly valued gemstone with a history that stretches back centuries. It occurs in a variety of colors, but the blue variety is the most popular and recognized as a December birthstone.
History and Lore
Zircon's history is marked by both admiration and confusion. For centuries, it was used as a protective talisman, believed to encourage prosperity and honor. The name "Zircon" may be derived from the Arabic "zarkun," meaning "vermilion" or "gold-colored," which points to its occurrence in brown and gold hues. However, its most celebrated form, the blue Zircon, gained immense popularity during the Victorian era. Queen Victoria herself was a great admirer of the gem, and her fondness for it helped cement its place in the jewelry of the 19th century. Despite its beauty, Zircon has often been the "impostor" gem, mistaken for more expensive stones like diamond or, in modern times, confused with cubic zirconia.
Gemological Properties
Zircon is a zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄) and is the oldest mineral on the planet, with some specimens dating back over 4.4 billion years. It is known for its exceptional hardness, rating at 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable for jewelry. However, its most remarkable property is its high refractive index (1.92-2.01), which is higher than that of a diamond. This gives Zircon an extraordinary brilliance and "fire," the dispersion of light into spectral colors that is second only to diamond. Most blue Zircon on the market today is created by heating brownish Zircon from sources in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, or Thailand to achieve a stable blue color.
Market and Consumer Perception
Navigating the market for Zircon requires an educated eye. Consumers are often advised to differentiate it from cubic zirconia, a common and inexpensive simulant. Reputable jewelers and gemological institutions like the GIA provide guidance on this distinction. As reflected in the provided materials, consumer reviews for jewelry sold through major retailers often focus on quality, style, and value. For example, reviews for birthstone jewelry at Target emphasize satisfaction with the product's look and feel, and the ease of finding a gift. This suggests that for many buyers, the key is finding a trustworthy source where the gemstone's authenticity is assured, allowing its natural sparkle to be the main attraction.
Tanzanite: The Generational Gem of a Single Source
The youngest of the three, Tanzanite, is a relative newcomer to the world of gemstones. Its discovery in the 20th century and its exclusive origin make it one of the most fascinating and sought-after gems of our time. It is celebrated for its mesmerizing, saturated violet-blue hue, a color unlike any other gemstone.
History and Lore
Tanzanite's story is a modern-day treasure hunt. It was first discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Northern Tanzania, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Maasai tribesmen who first found the crystals recognized their beauty and spiritual significance, and it quickly gained prominence in the local community. The stone was brought to international attention by the Tiffany & Co. jewelry company, which recognized its potential and named it "Tanzanite" after its country of origin, launching it as a major gemstone in 1968. In a short time, it has become a symbol of unique and exotic beauty. Some gemologists even refer to it as a "generational gemstone," as it is found in only one small area of the world, and its supply is finite.
Gemological Properties
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, with the chemical formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH). Its most defining characteristic is its trichroism, meaning it can display three different colors when viewed from three different crystallographic directions: blue, violet, and a reddish-brown or burgundy. The finest stones show a deep, rich violet-blue. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, it is slightly softer than Zircon but suitable for jewelry, though it requires more care than harder gems like diamond or sapphire. Most Tanzanite is heat-treated to remove the brownish component and enhance the desirable blue-violet color, a standard and permanent practice in the trade.
Symbolism and Market Value
Tanzanite is often associated with a sense of individuality and transformation, reflecting its unique journey from discovery to the global stage. As a relatively rare gem, its value is tied to its origin and the intensity of its color. For the discerning buyer, Tanzanite represents a modern classic—a gem with a clear history and a spectacular color that stands out in any jewelry setting. The market for Tanzanite is built on its story as much as its beauty, making it a popular choice for significant jewelry pieces and for those born in December who desire a gem with a contemporary narrative.
Choosing and Caring for Your December Birthstone
Selecting a December birthstone often comes down to personal preference for color and lifestyle. Turquoise offers a classic, earthy appeal; Zircon provides brilliant sparkle; and Tanzanite delivers a modern, sophisticated hue.
Practical Care and Maintenance
Proper care is essential to preserve the beauty of these gems, especially given their varying hardness and properties.
- Turquoise: Due to its porosity and lower hardness, Turquoise should be protected from chemicals, cosmetics, and even skin oils. Clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning.
- Zircon: While relatively hard, Zircon can be brittle and prone to chipping. It is best cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Tanzanite: With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, Tanzanite is more delicate than many other popular gemstones. It is susceptible to chipping and scratching and should be stored carefully away from other jewelry. It is also sensitive to heat, so avoid high temperatures and ultrasonic cleaners.
When purchasing, it is wise to seek out reputable jewelers who can provide information about the stone's origin and any treatments it has undergone. As consumer reviews indicate, the quality and craftsmanship of the jewelry setting are as important as the gem itself. A well-made piece, whether a simple bracelet or an elaborate ring, ensures that the birthstone can be enjoyed for years to come.
Conclusion
The birthstones of December—Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite—offer a remarkable trio of options, each with a distinct identity. Turquoise connects us to ancient traditions and the natural world with its opaque, serene blue. Zircon dazzles with a fire and brilliance that rivals the most prized of gems, carrying a history that spans millennia. Tanzanite, the modern marvel, captivates with its singular origin and unique trichroic color. Together, they provide a rich palette for those celebrating a December birthday, allowing for a choice that is not only beautiful but also rich in personal and historical meaning. Whether chosen for its lore, its sparkle, or its contemporary allure, a December birthstone is a timeless and significant treasure.