Have you ever wondered why certain months are associated with specific gemstones? It's a tradition steeped in history and symbolism, and December is no exception. Birthstones are more than just pretty rocks; they carry unique meanings and are often believed to bring good luck, protection, or even healing properties to those born in their corresponding month. Understanding the colors and characteristics of December's birthstones can help you choose the perfect gift, connect with your birth month on a deeper level, or simply appreciate the beauty and significance of these fascinating gems.
Knowing the color of your birthstone can be particularly important when selecting jewelry, planning a color scheme for a special event, or even decorating your home. The colors associated with December birthstones evoke a sense of wintery charm and can be a source of inspiration. Whether you're a December baby yourself or searching for a meaningful present for someone who is, knowing the color of these gems unlocks a deeper understanding of their beauty and significance.
What are the shades of December's birthstones and what do they represent?
What color are the December birthstones?
The December birthstones primarily come in shades of blue. Specifically, the three birthstones for December are Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon, each offering unique variations within the blue color spectrum.
While all December birthstones are associated with blue, their specific hues differ significantly. Turquoise is known for its opaque, vibrant blue-green color, often featuring matrix patterns of brown or black veining. Tanzanite, a much rarer stone, exhibits a rich, deep blue-violet color, intensified by heat treatment and pleochroism (displaying different colors from different angles). Zircon, available in a wide range of colors, is commonly found and used as a December birthstone in its vibrant blue form, ranging from a light sky blue to a deeper, more intense blue. These variations allow individuals born in December to choose a birthstone that resonates with their personal preferences. The diverse shades of blue, from the earthy tones of Turquoise to the regal hues of Tanzanite and the brilliance of blue Zircon, offer a spectrum of options to suit any style. Each stone also carries its own unique history and symbolism, further enriching the experience of wearing a December birthstone.Are all December birthstones the same shade of blue?
No, the December birthstones are not all the same shade of blue. While all are decidedly blue, they range from the light, icy blue of Zircon to the vibrant, intense blue of Tanzanite and the greenish-blue of Turquoise. Each stone has its unique chemical composition and crystal structure, resulting in its distinct hue.
The variation in blue shades stems from the specific elements present within each gemstone and how they interact with light. For example, Tanzanite's intense blue is due to the presence of vanadium, while Zircon's lighter blue can result from heat treatment. Turquoise, an opaque stone, gets its color from copper and other trace elements, often resulting in a more muted, greenish-blue hue. The availability and popularity of these December birthstones have shifted over time. Turquoise was the traditional December birthstone, but as Tanzanite and Zircon became more readily available and widely appreciated, they were added as alternative options. This provides individuals with December birthdays a range of beautiful blue gemstones to choose from, each offering a unique aesthetic.What causes the different colors in December birthstones?
The diverse range of blue hues found in December birthstones – primarily turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite – arise from varying trace elements and geological conditions during their formation. These elements interact with the gemstone's crystal structure to absorb certain wavelengths of light, reflecting the colors we perceive.
The color of turquoise, for example, is mainly due to the presence of copper. The amount of copper, along with the presence of iron, influences the specific shade of blue-green. Zircon's blue color, often achieved through heat treatment, is attributed to impurities and structural changes within the crystal lattice. Before treatment, zircon is often colorless, brown, or reddish. Heating modifies the crystal structure, allowing it to absorb wavelengths of light in such a way that it appears blue. Tanzanite owes its vibrant blue and violet hues to the presence of vanadium. The intensity and pleochroism (displaying different colors from different angles) are influenced by the concentration of vanadium and the specific geological conditions during its formation in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The geological conditions under which these gemstones form also play a crucial role. Pressure, temperature, and the availability of specific elements during crystallization all influence the resulting color. Small variations in these factors can lead to a wide spectrum of shades within each gemstone type, making each December birthstone unique in its color profile. This explains why you might find turquoise ranging from a bright sky blue to a deeper, more greenish-blue, or tanzanite exhibiting more violet or intense blue shades.Do December birthstones ever come in other colors besides blue?
Yes, while blue is the most well-known color associated with December birthstones, not all of them are exclusively blue. Turquoise, one of December's primary birthstones, can range from a vibrant sky blue to a greenish-blue depending on the presence of minerals like copper and iron. Furthermore, Zircon, another December birthstone, occurs in a wide spectrum of colors, including blue, but also colorless, brown, yellow, orange, red, green, and even purple.
Zircon’s diverse color palette makes it a particularly versatile option for those born in December. The blue variety is very popular due to its brilliance and resemblance to diamonds, but those seeking a warmer tone could opt for a golden or reddish-brown zircon. The color variations arise from trace impurities within the zircon's crystal structure. Heat treatment can also be used to enhance or change the color of zircon, commonly transforming brownish zircon into the popular blue hue. Similarly, while many associate turquoise with its iconic blue-green shade, the presence of iron can cause turquoise to lean towards a greener color, while higher copper content results in more vibrant blues. Veins of matrix running through turquoise can also influence its overall appearance, adding brown, black, or yellowish hues, contributing to the unique character of each stone. Therefore, while blue is the defining color, December birthstones offer a surprising range of options to suit individual preferences.Is there a specific meaning associated with the December birthstone colors?
Yes, the December birthstones, which are typically blue or blue-green, each carry unique symbolic meanings. These meanings often relate to qualities like peace, tranquility, clarity, and protection, reflecting the serene and calming nature of the winter season.
While the exact interpretations can vary slightly, the common thread is a connection to positive attributes that are often associated with the cool hues of December's birthstones. Turquoise, with its opaque blue-green coloring, has been revered for centuries as a symbol of protection and good fortune. It is also associated with wisdom, tranquility, and hope. Zircon, particularly the blue variety, is believed to bring prosperity, honor, and wisdom to its wearer. It's also thought to promote restful sleep and ward off negative energies. Tanzanite, the more recently discovered December birthstone, is linked to transformation, intuition, and spiritual insight. The association of specific meanings with gemstones is a tradition that stretches back centuries, with different cultures attributing various properties to different stones. These beliefs, combined with the aesthetic appeal of the blue and blue-green December birthstones, contribute to their popularity and enduring significance. The colors themselves evoke a sense of calm and reflection, appropriate for the time of year when many people focus on introspection and preparing for the new year.How does the color of December birthstones affect their value?
The color of December birthstones, which are typically various shades of blue, significantly impacts their value. Deeper, more saturated blues, especially in stones like Tanzanite and Blue Zircon, command higher prices due to their rarity and desirability. Lighter, less intense blues are generally less valuable. In Turquoise, a vibrant robin's-egg blue is most prized, while greenish or chalky hues diminish its value.
The specific shades within the blue spectrum also play a crucial role. For example, with Tanzanite, the more trichroic (displaying three colors) a stone is, showing vibrant blue, violet, and red hues depending on the viewing angle, the greater its value. Similarly, for Blue Zircon, a vivid and pure blue is highly valued, especially when combined with brilliance and clarity. In Turquoise, the presence and pattern of the matrix (the host rock material) also affect value, with some collectors preferring intricate spiderweb patterns over a uniformly colored stone. The intensity, purity, and distribution of color are all assessed when determining a December birthstone's worth. Ultimately, the subjective preferences of the buyer play a role, but the market generally favors those stones exhibiting the most aesthetically pleasing and rare color characteristics. Gemological laboratories grade gemstones based on color alongside clarity, cut, and carat weight. These color grades help to establish a stone’s value within the gem trade.Which December birthstone has the most intense color?
Among the December birthstones – turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon – tanzanite often exhibits the most intense and vibrant color, typically a deep, saturated blue-violet. While the other stones can be beautiful, the pleochroism in tanzanite, displaying different colors from different angles, allows for exceptional depth and richness when properly cut.
Tanzanite's color intensity is influenced by several factors. Heating the raw tanzanite crystals is a common practice that enhances its blue and violet hues, removing undesirable brown or yellow undertones. The quality of the cut also dramatically impacts color perception. A skilled gem cutter will orient the stone to maximize the display of the most desirable colors. Additionally, larger tanzanite stones tend to exhibit more saturated color than smaller ones, allowing for a greater depth of hue. While turquoise has a distinctive and valued blue-green color, its intensity is usually softer and more opaque. Zircon, available in a range of colors, including blue, can sometimes achieve a vivid hue, but it rarely matches the unique, saturated violet-blue that is characteristic of high-quality tanzanite. The rarity and pleochroic properties of tanzanite contribute significantly to its reputation for intense color, making it a sought-after December birthstone.So, there you have it! December's birthstones are a beautiful trio of blues, each with its own unique charm. Hopefully, this has cleared things up and maybe even sparked a bit of gift-giving inspiration! Thanks for stopping by, and we hope you'll come back and learn more about all things gemstone with us soon!