Ever wondered why some months have multiple gemstones associated with them? December, the month of cozy fires, festive celebrations, and the winter solstice, is a prime example! Not just one, but a trio of beautiful gems lays claim to being the official birthstone for those born in this magical month: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon. Each carries its own unique history, symbolism, and captivating charm, making the selection process all the more intriguing.
Understanding birthstones isn't just about knowing which gem to wear. It's about connecting with history, appreciating the artistry of nature, and perhaps even discovering a gemstone that resonates with your personality or brings a touch of luck. Whether you're searching for the perfect December birthday gift, exploring the lore behind these beautiful minerals, or simply curious about the origins and significance of birthstones, knowing the details about these gems can add a layer of meaning and enjoyment to your life.
What are the key differences between Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon?
What birthstones represent December?
December is represented by three beautiful birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. Each stone offers a unique color and history, providing a range of options for those born in the final month of the year.
While turquoise is perhaps the most historically associated with December, tanzanite and zircon offer more modern and diverse choices. Turquoise, with its distinctive blue-green hue, has been prized for centuries by cultures around the world, often associated with protection and good fortune. Tanzanite, a relatively recent discovery in Tanzania, showcases a vibrant blue-violet color and is known for its rarity and trichroism (displaying different colors from different angles). Zircon, available in various colors including blue, white (colorless), and red, is known for its brilliance and can be a more affordable alternative to diamonds. The availability of three distinct birthstones allows individuals to choose a gem that resonates with their personal style and preferences. Whether you prefer the ancient mystique of turquoise, the modern elegance of tanzanite, or the sparkling versatility of zircon, December's birthstones offer a wide array of aesthetic and symbolic options.What are the different color variations of December birthstones?
December boasts three beautiful birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. While turquoise is known for its opaque, vibrant blue-green shades often featuring matrix patterns, tanzanite is celebrated for its trichroism, displaying blue, violet, and burgundy hues depending on the viewing angle. Zircon, the most versatile of the three, comes in a wide array of colors including blue, yellow, orange, red, brown, green, and colorless.
Turquoise, an opaque stone, typically ranges from blue to green, with the most desirable shades being an intense, even blue. However, the presence of matrix, the webbing or veins of the host rock visible within the turquoise, significantly impacts its appearance. The color and pattern of the matrix can vary, ranging from brown and black to gold and white, creating unique and individual stones. Lighter blue and greenish turquoise varieties are also common, and some may even exhibit a chalky or faded appearance depending on the stone's quality and treatment. Tanzanite, a relatively recent addition to the birthstone family, owes its captivating color to the presence of vanadium. Its most prized color is a deep, saturated blue, comparable to fine sapphire. However, tanzanite's trichroic nature means it can display different colors when viewed from different angles, often showcasing flashes of violet and even reddish-burgundy. Skilled gem cutters carefully orient the stone during cutting to maximize the display of the desirable blue hue. Heating is almost universally applied to tanzanite to enhance its color, removing brown undertones and intensifying the blue. Zircon, often confused with cubic zirconia (a synthetic diamond simulant), is a natural gemstone with remarkable brilliance and fire. While colorless zircon can resemble diamond, blue zircon is the most popular variety, particularly for December birthdays. However, zircon also occurs in a rainbow of other colors including red, orange, yellow, green, and brown. These colors arise from trace elements within the crystal structure and exposure to natural radiation. The wide variety of colors available makes zircon a versatile and affordable choice.What are the believed properties or meanings of December birthstones?
December boasts three beautiful birthstones: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite. Each gem is believed to possess unique properties and meanings, often associated with good fortune, wisdom, and spiritual well-being. Turquoise is thought to bring protection and healing, Zircon is associated with prosperity and honor, and Tanzanite is believed to facilitate spiritual awareness and transformation.
December's trio of birthstones offers a range of blues and blue-violet hues, each carrying its own symbolic weight. Turquoise, with its opaque blue-green color, has been revered for centuries by various cultures as a sacred stone. It is believed to promote inner peace, protect against negative energies, and enhance communication. Some cultures also associate it with physical healing properties. Zircon, available in a variety of colors, including blue, is thought to bring prosperity, honor, and wisdom to its wearer. Blue zircon specifically is often associated with calming energies and improved sleep. In ancient times, it was believed to ward off evil spirits and promote restful sleep. Tanzanite, the most recently discovered of the three, and only found in Tanzania, is a vibrant blue-violet gem believed to facilitate spiritual growth and transformation. It's said to connect the wearer to higher realms of consciousness and enhance intuition. It’s also associated with compassion, understanding, and new beginnings.How do the December birthstones compare in price and availability?
December has three birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. Turquoise is generally the most affordable and widely available, with prices varying based on color, matrix patterns, and size. Zircon is also relatively accessible and reasonably priced, especially in its blue variety. Tanzanite, being the rarest of the three and only found in Tanzania, is typically the most expensive and can be harder to find in larger, high-quality stones.
While turquoise has been mined for centuries in various locations, its value is largely determined by the intensity of its blue color and the presence or absence of matrix (the webbing of other minerals within the stone). Highly saturated, uniformly blue turquoise is more valuable. Lower-quality turquoise that is heavily treated or dyed is very affordable. Zircon, often confused with cubic zirconia (a synthetic material), is a natural gemstone available in a range of colors, with blue being a popular choice for December birthdays. Its price point generally sits between turquoise and tanzanite, making it an attractive alternative for those seeking a brighter blue gem. Tanzanite's value stems from its rarity and pleochroism (displaying different colors from different angles). The most desirable tanzanite exhibits a vivid blue or violet-blue hue. Due to its limited supply, prices can escalate significantly as carat size and color saturation increase. Ethical sourcing is also a growing concern and factor affecting tanzanite's availability and price. Therefore, depending on your budget and preferences for color, rarity, and origin, December birthstones offer a spectrum of options.Is there an alternative birthstone for December besides the most common one?
Yes, besides the most common birthstone for December, which is turquoise, there are also alternative birthstones including tanzanite, zircon (specifically blue zircon), and sometimes blue topaz.
While turquoise is widely recognized as the primary December birthstone, tanzanite and zircon offer beautiful blue alternatives. Tanzanite, with its vibrant violet-blue hue, was discovered relatively recently in Tanzania and quickly gained popularity. Zircon, available in a range of colors, is often found in a desirable blue shade for December babies. These gemstones provide a broader selection for those who may not be drawn to turquoise or prefer a different style. The existence of alternative birthstones often stems from historical variations, regional traditions, and the availability of gemstones. In some cases, older birthstone lists included stones that were more readily accessible at the time. While modern gemological standards tend to favor specific gemstones for each month, the variations allow for personal preference and connection. Ultimately, the "best" birthstone is the one that resonates most with the individual.How do I care for jewelry containing December birthstones?
December boasts three beautiful birthstones: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise. Each requires specific care to maintain its brilliance and integrity. Generally, avoid harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and ultrasonic cleaners. Clean your jewelry regularly with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, and store it separately to prevent scratches.
For Tanzanite, due to its relatively soft nature, handle it with extra care. Avoid wearing Tanzanite jewelry during activities that could cause impact or abrasion. Clean it gently with a soft brush and warm, soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as they can damage the stone. Zircon, though harder than Tanzanite, can still be scratched. Follow similar cleaning instructions as Tanzanite – gentle cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Turquoise, being a porous stone, is particularly susceptible to damage from oils, lotions, and chemicals. Avoid wearing Turquoise jewelry while using these products. Clean it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid soaking it in water or using any cleaning solutions, as this can alter its color or cause it to crack. Store Turquoise separately to prevent scratches and protect it from humidity. Regular professional cleaning is advisable for all December birthstones to maintain their beauty and longevity.What is the historical significance of December birthstones?
The historical significance of December birthstones, which are typically blue gemstones like turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon, lies in their connection to ancient traditions associating specific gems with astrological signs and months. These beliefs, tracing back to the Breastplate of Aaron in the Bible and evolving through various cultures, attributed unique powers and characteristics to each stone, offering protection, good fortune, or spiritual benefits to those born in December who wore them.
The practice of associating gemstones with months gained momentum in the 1st century AD with the writings of Flavius Josephus, who linked the twelve stones in Aaron's breastplate to the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac. However, the modern concept of wearing a single birthstone for the month of one's birth didn't fully solidify until the 18th century in Poland. This custom gradually spread throughout Europe and eventually to America. The standardization of birthstones, including those for December, was largely driven by the jewelry industry in the early 20th century. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers officially adopted a list of birthstones, which, while modified over time to reflect availability and consumer preferences, solidified the association of turquoise with December. Later additions, such as tanzanite (discovered in the late 1960s) and zircon, offered more variety and price points within the blue gemstone family, while also catering to evolving tastes and trends. Their historical significance is thus layered, drawing from ancient lore, astrological beliefs, and modern commercial influences.So, there you have it! Now you know all about December's birthstones – from the icy beauty of Blue Zircon to the vibrant allure of Tanzanite and Turquoise. Hopefully, this has been helpful and maybe even sparked some gift-giving inspiration! Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll come back and explore more birthstones with us soon!