Due to their identical names and mutual use as diamond substitutes, manufactured cubic zirconia and the underappreciated gemstone zircon are frequently mistaken. Zircon is a magnificent natural gemstone that comes in a range of colors, yet few people are aware of this.
The Persian word zargun, which means “gold-colored,” is probably where the name “zircon” originates. Others link it to the Arabic word zarkun, which means “vivid red. Given that it has a diverse color palette that includes red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and brown, both origins are conceivable.
Zircon typically appears as brownish red, which is attractive due to its earthy tones. However, the majority of gemstones are heated until they are colorless, golden, or blue (the most popular color). The alternate birthstone for December is particularly blue zircon.
Zircon has impurities that can vary in color and some of them, like uranium, may have a small amount of radioactivity. In order to stabilize the radioactivity, these jewels are additionally heated.
Radiation is an important factor in radiometric dating even though it can damage zircon’s crystal structure. The oldest mineral on Earth, zircon, holds significant information about how our planet was created.
Zircon, also known as Matura Diamond, is colorless but exhibits brilliance and flashes of many colors “a fire as brilliant as a diamond. But there is one significant distinction: Zircon is more fragile. The faceted edges might chip even though it is 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Australian zircon has a 4.4 billion year age. With 37% of the world’s supply, Australia continues to lead the world in zircon mining. Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Cambodia, Canada, and the United States are further sources.
In This Article...
What exactly is the December birthstone?
Blue to green in color, turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that frequently has matrix veins (remains of the rock it formed in) running through it. For millennia, people have treasured the birthstone for December. It was used to embellish the pharaohs and other ancient Egyptian kings. It was sculpted by Chinese artists more than 3,000 years ago.
The birthstone of turquoise was believed to have numerous positive properties, such as ensuring health and fortune. It was thought, starting in the 13th century, that it would shatter into numerous pieces as tragedy approached and would shield the wearer from falling (particularly off horses). According to Hindu mystics, seeing a turquoise after viewing the new moon guaranteed incredible fortune.
Native Americans also placed a high value on this birthstone of turquoise. The Apache believed that by traveling to the end of a rainbow, one may find turquoise. Additionally, they thought that securing the birthstone for December to a bow or gun improved one’s marksmanship. The Hopi believed that lizards crawling across the earth generated the jewel, whereas the Pueblo insisted that turquoise’s color came from the sky.
Which three stones are December’s birthstones?
Due to its alluring bluish colour, many individuals adore birthstones for the month of December. Turquoise, blue zircon, and tanzanite are the three gemstones for December, and they all feature lovely blue sparkles instead of the conventional Christmas colors of red and green.
What is the name of the birthstone for December?
Turquoise is opaque as opposed to translucent, unlike many other gems. Its blue-green hue can range from pale green or greenish gray to sky blue or greenish blue.
Are there two birthstones for December?
Zircon, Tanzanite, and turquoise are the three gemstones that are associated with December birthdays. These gemstones all have distinctive blue tones, making them ideal December birthstones for Minnesota’s chilly winters. Zircon comes in a range of hues, but blue is by far the most popular.
What hue does December represent?
Topaz, the birthstone for December. Blue is the birthstone for December. The traditional birthstone for December is the blue zircon, but there are a number of gemstones that are also said to be symbolic of the month, such as turquoise, blue topaz, and tanzanite.
Blue zircon is what kind of stone?
Describe Blue Zircon. The synthetic diamond substitute known as cubic zirconia is mistakenly believed to be connected to blue zircon. In actuality, zircon is a mineral that occurs naturally and is also referred to as zirconium silicate. Zircon can also be red, yellow, orange, green, brown, and colorless in addition to blue.
Is zircon a valuable gemstone?
Zircon is a significant gemstone that comes in a variety of colors and has been utilized for thousands of years. Although it is occasionally perceived as a cheap imitation of a diamond, it can actually be a precious jewel.
What gemstone represents the Sagittarius born in December?
Turquoise is the traditional birthstone for people who were born in the final month of the year. Additionally, the birthstone for the sign of Sagittarius is turquoise. It is the rashi ratna for Sagittarius and Pisces and is known to strengthen Jupiter (Brihaspati) in Indian astrology. The abilities of Jupiter are bestowed upon the bearer of a turquoise stone, which also gives wealth, education, wisdom, and well-being.