Are you a December baby, or shopping for someone who is? Everyone loves to feel special, and birthstones are a unique way to connect with our birth month and celebrate our individuality. These gems have been associated with different months for centuries, carrying symbolic meanings and believed to possess special properties.
Knowing your birthstone isn't just about picking a pretty piece of jewelry. It's about understanding the history and lore surrounding these gemstones, connecting with traditions that span cultures, and potentially even tapping into the unique energies they are thought to possess. Whether you're a believer in their powers or simply appreciate their beauty, birthstones offer a personal touch and a fascinating insight into cultural history.
What are the December birthstones and what do they symbolize?
What are the December birthstones?
December boasts three beautiful birthstones: turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Each offers a unique hue, ranging from the opaque sky-blue of turquoise to the vibrant blue and violet shades of tanzanite and zircon, giving those born in December a wonderful selection to choose from.
Turquoise is arguably the most well-known December birthstone, revered for its opaque, vibrant blue-green color. For centuries, it has been prized by cultures around the world, from Native American tribes to ancient Egyptians, who used it in jewelry, ornaments, and even in burial rituals. It's believed to bring good fortune, protection, and peace, making it a popular choice for jewelry and talismans.
Zircon, often confused with cubic zirconia (a synthetic diamond simulant), is a natural gemstone with a brilliant sparkle. While zircon comes in a variety of colors, blue zircon is the designated December birthstone. Its vibrant blue hue, combined with its high refractive index, gives it a dazzling appearance. Historically, zircon has been believed to promote wisdom, honor, and prosperity.
Tanzanite is the most recently discovered of the December birthstones, found only in Tanzania in the late 1960s. Its striking pleochroism – meaning it displays different colors when viewed from different angles – makes it a truly unique gemstone. Typically, tanzanite exhibits shades of blue, violet, and even burgundy, depending on the viewing angle and lighting. It is often associated with transformation, intuition, and heightened awareness.
What colors are associated with December birthstones?
December birthstones are associated with a range of blue hues, from light and airy to deep and intense. Specifically, the birthstones for December are Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite, and their associated colors range from robin's egg blue, sky blue, and blue-green to vibrant violet-blue and deep indigo.
While all three December birthstones share a general color family, each possesses its own unique shade. Turquoise is known for its opaque, robin's egg blue to greenish-blue color, often displaying a matrix of veins. This gives each Turquoise stone a distinct appearance. Zircon, on the other hand, comes in various colors, but blue Zircon is a popular December birthstone, showcasing a brilliant, light sky blue. Tanzanite, the most recently recognized December birthstone, displays a rich, violet-blue color. This pleochroic gemstone can also exhibit shades of red and purple depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. All in all, the blues of December represent serenity and protection.What are the properties and meanings of the December birthstones?
December boasts three beautiful birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. Turquoise, known for its opaque blue-green color, is believed to bring good fortune and protection. Tanzanite, a more recently discovered gem, showcases a vibrant violet-blue hue and is associated with transformation and new beginnings. Zircon, available in a range of colors including blue, is thought to promote wisdom, prosperity, and honor.
Turquoise, one of the oldest known gemstones, has been treasured for centuries by various cultures. Native American tribes, for instance, have long revered turquoise for its spiritual and protective qualities, often using it in jewelry and ceremonies. Its association with tranquility and protection is thought to stem from its calming blue-green color, reminiscent of the sea and sky. Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, meaning it contains water as part of its chemical structure. This makes it relatively soft compared to other gemstones, typically ranging from 5 to 6 on the Mohs hardness scale. Tanzanite, discovered in Tanzania in the late 1960s, is a relatively new addition to the gemstone world. Its intense violet-blue color, caused by the presence of vanadium, is highly prized. Tanzanite is pleochroic, meaning it displays different colors when viewed from different angles. It’s associated with heightened awareness, intuition, and spiritual growth, making it a popular choice for those seeking personal transformation. Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite and typically ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Zircon, while often confused with cubic zirconia (a synthetic diamond simulant), is a naturally occurring gemstone. It comes in a wide array of colors, including blue, red, yellow, orange, brown, and green. Blue zircon, specifically, is a popular December birthstone and is known for its brilliance and fire, sometimes rivaling diamonds. It's believed to bring wisdom, honor, and prosperity to the wearer. Zircon is a silicate mineral and has a relatively high refractive index, which contributes to its sparkle. It generally ranges from 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.How much do the December birthstones typically cost?
The cost of December birthstones—Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise—varies widely depending on the specific gemstone, its quality (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight), and the setting it's in. Turquoise is generally the most affordable, with prices ranging from a few dollars to hundreds per carat for high-quality, natural stones. Zircon can also be relatively inexpensive, with colorless varieties mimicking diamonds at lower price points, while colored Zircon, especially blue, can command higher prices. Tanzanite is usually the most expensive of the three, with prices dependent on color saturation and size, potentially reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars per carat for exceptional specimens.
The price differences between these December birthstones are significant due to their rarity and demand. Turquoise, though widely available, can be expensive in its natural and untreated form, especially stones exhibiting vibrant blues and intricate matrix patterns. Zircon offers a broader range of price points, with heat-treated blue Zircon being more valuable than the more common colorless variety. Tanzanite, found only in Tanzania, is valued for its trichroism (displaying different colors from different angles) and intense blue-violet hue. Larger, more deeply colored Tanzanite stones are particularly rare and thus significantly more expensive. Factors beyond the gemstone itself also influence the final price. The craftsmanship of the jewelry setting, the type of metal used (gold, silver, platinum), and any additional diamonds or other gemstones included in the design all contribute to the overall cost. When considering a December birthstone, it's essential to research different retailers, compare prices, and understand the grading and certification of the gemstone to ensure you're getting a fair value for your purchase.Is there any symbolism related to giving a December birthstone?
Yes, giving a December birthstone, most commonly turquoise, zircon, or tanzanite, often symbolizes good fortune, success, and protection from harm. These gemstones are associated with qualities like tranquility, wisdom, leadership, and healing, making them thoughtful gifts that express wishes for a positive future.
December's birthstones each carry unique symbolic weight. Turquoise, the most historical and widely recognized December stone, has been used for centuries as a protective amulet, believed to ward off evil and bring good luck. It's also associated with wisdom, nobility, and immortality. Zircon, particularly blue zircon, is linked to purity, honor, and prosperity, making it a symbol of sincere intentions and blessings for the recipient's well-being. Tanzanite, a more recently discovered gemstone, represents transformation, intellect, and intuition. Giving tanzanite suggests a belief in the recipient's potential and a wish for their personal growth. The symbolism behind gifting a December birthstone goes beyond mere aesthetics. It’s a gesture imbued with deeper meaning, reflecting the giver's hopes and aspirations for the recipient's life. The specific stone chosen may further personalize the message, allowing for a more nuanced expression of care and affection. Whether it’s protection, wisdom, or transformation, a December birthstone is a meaningful and lasting symbol of goodwill.What are some alternatives if I don't like the December birthstones?
If you dislike the traditional December birthstones (Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise), consider exploring alternative blue gemstones like blue topaz, aquamarine, or sapphire. You could also choose a gemstone based on its meaning or properties, select a stone based on your zodiac sign (Sagittarius or Capricorn), or even opt for a gemstone that simply appeals to you visually, regardless of birthstone associations.
Choosing a gemstone is a deeply personal decision, and birthstones are ultimately just a tradition. The meaning associated with gemstones throughout history offers another path to selection. For example, Lapis Lazuli, with its rich history dating back to ancient Egypt, is associated with wisdom and truth, while Iolite is believed to enhance intuition. Alternatively, you can explore gemstones linked to your zodiac sign. For Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21), stones like Citrine, Amethyst, and Peridot are often recommended. For Capricorn (December 22 - January 19), Garnet, Ruby, and Onyx are sometimes favored. Ultimately, the best gemstone is one that resonates with you personally. Don't feel constrained by birthstone conventions. Consider the color, clarity, cut, and carat weight of various gemstones and see which one sparks joy. Many jewelers are happy to help you explore different options and find a gemstone that fits your style and preferences, whether it's traditionally associated with December or not. A gemstone that makes you happy is far more valuable than one dictated by tradition.Are there different December birthstones based on the date in December?
No, there aren't different official December birthstones based on specific dates within the month. Traditionally, December is associated with three birthstones: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite. These stones are considered equally representative of the entire month, not assigned to particular days or weeks.
While there are no date-specific variations in official birthstones for December, some individuals might choose to associate with a particular December birthstone based on personal preference or the specific qualities they admire in each gem. For example, someone drawn to the calming blue hues might favor Turquoise, while another might prefer the brilliance of Zircon or the unique violet-blue of Tanzanite. The important thing is to select the stone that resonates most with you, regardless of your exact birthdate. Furthermore, it is crucial to remember that the concept of birthstones has evolved over time, with various cultures and gemological associations suggesting different stones for each month. While the modern list commonly accepted today includes Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite for December, older lists or alternative traditions might feature other gems. Therefore, it's always worthwhile to consider personal symbolism and meaning when choosing a birthstone, rather than strictly adhering to any single, rigid definition.So, there you have it! Now you know all about the beautiful birthstones for December. Hopefully, this has been helpful, and thanks for stopping by to learn more! We hope you'll come back soon for more fun facts and insights.