December is unique among the months in that it lays claim to a diverse and extensive array of birthstones. While many months are associated with a single primary gem, December’s list spans nine distinct varieties, reflecting a rich tapestry of historical calendars, modern designations, and cultural traditions. This multitude of choices offers a wide spectrum of colors, properties, and price points, from the ancient, earthy tones of turquoise to the modern, brilliant sparkle of blue zircon. The primary modern birthstones for December are Turquoise and Tanzanite, while Zircon and Blue Topaz are also widely recognized, particularly in the United States. The traditional list includes Bloodstone, Ruby, Zircon, and Lapis Lazuli, with ancient calendars adding Chrysoprase and the Tibetan calendar contributing Onyx. The Indian calendar even lists Cat’s Eye. This article will explore these nine gemstones, delving into their history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance, providing a thorough guide for enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone born in the month of December.
The Modern and Traditional Birthstones
The modern recognition of December's birthstones is a result of the 1952 revision by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), which solidified the list to provide a wider range of options for consumers. This list includes both traditional and newly designated stones, creating a bridge between historical precedent and contemporary taste.
Turquoise: The Ancient Guardian
Turquoise stands as the most ancient and traditional birthstone for December, with a history that stretches back to the old Polish and Russian calendars. Its significance predates its calendar inclusion, as it was originally a zodiac stone for Sagittarius, a sign that falls partly in December. This opaque gemstone is prized for its distinctive color palette, which ranges from sky blue to green, often interspersed with a matrix of host rock, creating a unique, web-like pattern in each stone. The December birthstone color is, for many, unequivocally blue, and turquoise is a primary contributor to this tradition.
The lore surrounding turquoise is extensive and protective. It is believed to relieve mental tension and increase luck. In Egyptian culture, turquoise was a symbol of life, used in jewelry and amulets for protection. For Native American tribes, it is a sacred stone, believed to bring balance, spiritual grounding, and the power to shield the wearer from negative energies. In terms of value, the market for turquoise is broad. The price of turquoise normally ranges from $1 to $10 per carat, but can vary dramatically from $0.005 to $1000 per carat. This vast range is determined by factors such as color, hue, and the pattern of its matrix. High-quality, uniform turquoise with a desirable blue color and minimal matrix commands the highest prices.
Tanzanite: The Modern Marvel
Tanzanite is a recent addition to the December birthstone family, having been added to the modern list in 2002. Its history is brief but fascinating; the gemstone was discovered in 1967 in a single, small area of Tanzania—hence its name—and was later popularized by Tiffany & Co. Due to its exclusive origin, tanzanite is considered exceptionally rare, which contributes to its desirability and value among collectors and celebrities.
Tanzanite is a transparent gemstone that exhibits a captivating trichroic effect, meaning it can appear blue, violet, or burgundy depending on the viewing angle and lighting. Under standard artificial light, it often appears violet, while under fluorescent light, it can show a more pronounced blue. The raw, rough stones frequently contain brownish-burgundy hues, which are typically removed through a heating process to enhance the stone’s blue and violet colors permanently.
This December stone is believed to promote calmness, helping the wearer make better decisions in work and life. Some traditional beliefs even attribute healing properties to tanzanite, suggesting it can help with eye and ear problems. In terms of value, tanzanite is a premium gemstone. A high-quality tanzanite can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500 per carat or even more, a reflection of its rarity and unique beauty.
Zircon: The Sparkling Traditionalist
Zircon is a gemstone of significant historical importance and is a traditional birthstone for December. In 1952, it replaced lapis lazuli as a modern birthstone in the United States, a role it still holds today. While zircon occurs in a rainbow of colors, the variety most popularly accepted as the December birthstone is the blue zircon. This transparent stone is believed to bring peace of mind and prosperity to its wearer.
Historically, zircon has been used as an amulet against the Black Death plague in Europe, and in India, it was believed that zircon had greater potency if set in gold. Geologically, zircon is a mineral that forms as a primary crystal in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The major sources of gem-quality zircon are Australia and South Africa, which together produce about 70% of the world’s supply. Other notable sources include Sri Lanka and India.
The demand for blue zircon saw a notable increase in 2019, during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people turned toward spirituality. The gem’s ability to release sparkles due to its dark color makes it highly desired. Superfine blue zircon can retail for $100 to $150 per carat or more, while lower grades may sell for less than $1 per carat.
Blue Topaz: The Silicate Strengthener
Topaz is listed as a modern December birthstone in the West, with the specific variety designated for December being the blue topaz. It is also the birthstone for December in the Hindu calendar. As a transparent silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine, topaz is a durable and attractive gemstone. The December gemstone is believed to increase both physical and spiritual strength.
Blue topaz, like blue zircon, is often specified to be blue to fit the traditional color theme of December’s birthstones. Its clarity and ability to be cut into large, brilliant facets make it a popular choice for jewelry, offering an affordable yet striking blue gem option.
The Traditional and Ancient Birthstones
Beyond the modern quartet, December’s birthstone list includes several gems with deep historical roots, many of which were designated in various ancient calendars.
Bloodstone (Heliotrope): The Courageous Protector
Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is a traditional birthstone for December dating back to at least the 15th century. This opaque gemstone is a variety of chalcedony, characterized by a dark green body color speckled with red inclusions, which are typically red jasper. The contrast between the green and red gives the stone its distinctive appearance and name.
The lore of bloodstone is centered on courage and vitality. It is believed to enhance courage as well as physical strength, making it a talisman for warriors and those facing adversity. Its historical use as an amulet further cements its reputation as a protective stone.
Lapis Lazuli: The Stone of Purity
Lapis lazuli is a traditional birthstone for December and was a modern birthstone in the United States until February 2013, when it was replaced by zircon by the American Gem Trade Association. It is also the planetary stone for Capricorn, another sign that shares the month of December. Lapis lazuli is an opaque, deep-blue gemstone, mottled with yellow and white flecks of pyrite and calcite, which together create a celestial night-sky effect.
The metaphysical beliefs surrounding lapis lazuli are profound. It is thought to heighten awareness, expand perspective, and free a person of negativity. Its rich blue color has been prized since antiquity, used by ancient civilizations like Egypt for jewelry and ceremonial objects.
Ruby: The Ancient Red Corundum
Ruby is an ancient birthstone for December, appearing in the old Arabic, Hebrew, Italian, Roman, and Indian (Ayurvedic) calendars. Before its adoption as a December birthstone, it was the zodiac stone for Capricorn. Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum; if it were any other color, it would be classified as a sapphire. This gemstone is believed to strengthen the mind and bestow courage, aligning with its vibrant, powerful color.
Chrysoprase: The Apple-Green Chalcedony
Chrysoprase is a birthstone for December found in the old Russian calendar. It is a variety of chalcedony, a fibrous form of quartz, and is prized for its color, which ranges from apple green to deep green. This December gemstone is believed to enhance emotional balance and prevent depression, making it a stone associated with emotional healing and tranquility.
Onyx: The Grounding Banded Stone
Onyx is the designated birthstone for December in the old Tibetan calendar. It is also the zodiac stone for Capricorn and its talismanic stone. Onyx is a banded chalcedony, typically featuring layers of black and white, though the solid black variety is the most popular and widely recognized. As a grounding stone, onyx is believed to protect its wearer from negativity, providing stability and strength.
Cat’s Eye: The Indian Representative
The Indian calendar lists Cat’s Eye as a birthstone for December. While the provided sources do not offer detailed information about this specific gemstone in the context of December, its inclusion highlights the cultural diversity in birthstone traditions. Cat’s Eye typically refers to chrysoberyl, a gemstone known for its unique optical phenomenon, a band of light that moves across the stone's surface, resembling a cat’s eye.
Gemological Properties and Comparative Overview
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of these gemstones is crucial for appreciation, selection, and care. The following table summarizes key gemological data for the primary December birthstones as derived from the sources.
| Gemstone | Mineral Family | Chemical Composition | Typical Color(s) | Transparency | Notable Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Phosphate | Hydrated copper/aluminum phosphate | Blue to Green | Opaque | Often contains a matrix (host rock), unique to each stone. |
| Tanzanite | Zoisite | Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) | Blue, Violet, Burgundy | Transparent | Trichroic; heat treatment is standard to enhance color. |
| Zircon | Zircon | ZrSiO4 | Colorless, Blue, etc. | Transparent | High refractive index, often confused with cubic zirconia. |
| Blue Topaz | Topaz | Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 | Blue (treated) | Transparent | A silicate of aluminum and fluorine. |
| Bloodstone | Chalcedony | SiO2 (Quartz) | Green with red spots | Opaque | A variety of chalcedony with iron oxide inclusions. |
| Lapis Lazuli | Rock (aggregate) | Lazurite, Calcite, Pyrite | Deep Blue | Opaque | An aggregate of multiple minerals, not a single crystal. |
| Ruby | Corundum | Al2O3 (with Cr) | Red | Transparent to Translucent | Red variety of corundum; very hard (9 on Mohs scale). |
| Chrysoprase | Chalcedony | SiO2 (Quartz) | Apple Green to Deep Green | Translucent to Opaque | A green variety of chalcedony colored by nickel. |
| Onyx | Chalcedony | SiO2 (Quartz) | Black, Black & White | Opaque | A banded variety of chalcedony. |
Note: Hardness, refractive index, and specific gravity are not explicitly provided in the source materials for all gemstones and are therefore omitted from this table to adhere to the instruction of using only provided facts.
Metaphysical Beliefs and Cultural Lore
The metaphysical properties attributed to December’s birthstones are as varied as the stones themselves. These beliefs, drawn from various cultural traditions, often focus on emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
- Turquoise is a protective talisman, believed to shield against negative energy and promote success and luck.
- Tanzanite is associated with calmness and better decision-making, with some traditions linking it to spiritual awakening and even physical healing of the senses.
- Zircon is thought to bring peace of mind, prosperity, and spiritual abilities. Historically, it was used as a protective amulet against disease.
- Bloodstone is a stone of courage and physical strength, empowering the wearer to face challenges.
- Lapis Lazuli is believed to enhance awareness, expand perspective, and free the mind from negativity.
- Ruby is associated with strengthening the mind and bestowing courage.
- Chrysoprase is linked to emotional balance and the prevention of depression.
- Onyx serves as a grounding stone, protecting against negativity and providing stability.
It is important to note that these metaphysical claims are part of cultural and historical lore and are not supported by scientific evidence. They are presented here as a reflection of the stones' rich symbolic heritage.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care is essential to preserve the beauty and integrity of any gemstone. The durability of December’s birthstones varies significantly, influencing how they should be handled and cleaned.
- Hard Stones (Mohs 7-9): Ruby (Mohs 9) is exceptionally hard and durable, resistant to scratching and suitable for everyday wear. Zircon (Mohs 7.5) is also relatively hard but can be brittle and prone to chipping. Topaz (Mohs 8) is hard but has perfect cleavage, meaning it can split along internal planes if struck with force.
- Medium-Hard Stones (Mohs 6-7): Tanzanite (Mohs 6.5-7) is relatively soft and should be protected from hard blows. It is also sensitive to rapid temperature changes. Chrysoprase and Onyx (both Mohs 6.5-7) are varieties of chalcedony and require careful handling to avoid scratches and impacts.
- Soft and Opaque Stones (Mohs 5-6): Turquoise (Mohs 5-6) is a relatively soft and porous stone. It should be protected from chemicals, cosmetics, and prolonged exposure to water or sunlight, which can fade its color. Cleaning should be done with a soft, dry cloth. Lapis Lazuli (Mohs 5-5.5) is also soft and porous, susceptible to scratches and chemicals. Bloodstone (Mohs 6.5-7) is more durable than turquoise but should still be handled with care.
For all gemstones, the safest cleaning method is mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft brush, followed by thorough drying. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided for all stones except the most durable (like ruby), and even then, caution is advised for stones with fractures or inclusions.
Conclusion
December’s birthstone list is a testament to the gemstone’s multifaceted role in human culture. From the ancient, protective turquoise to the modern, exclusive tanzanite, and the historically significant ruby and lapis lazuli, these nine gemstones offer a remarkable range of choices for those born in the year’s final month. Each stone carries its own unique story, geological origin, and set of beliefs, allowing individuals to connect with a gem that resonates with their personal style and spiritual inclinations. Whether chosen for its beauty, durability, historical significance, or metaphysical properties, a December birthstone serves as a personal talisman, connecting the wearer to a deep and glittering tradition that spans centuries and continents.