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.
In This Article...
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.
Which three stones are December’s birthstones?
Because of their 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 birthstone for December is most popular?
Zircon is a gorgeous December gemstone that can be used as a substitute to tanzanite. Zircon comes in a variety of hues, but the blue version is frequently used as a supplemental birthstone for December.
Zircon: Symbolism and Meaning
The meanings of the zircon birthstone are knowledge, fortune, and assurance. Zircon represents these qualities and is said to promote restful sleep and ward off evil spirits.
This December birthstone was a treasured gem during the Victorian era and was frequently used to ornament necklaces and other decorative items. Early in the 20th century, heat treatment emerged as a common technique for enhancing the blue hue of zircon for jewelry.
Zircon: Color
Blue is the birthstone for zircon. The gemstones can have green undertones and range in color from pale to vivid blue. Zircon does occur in several hues, but blue is the most typical color for a birthstone for December.
Zircon: Origins
abundant in the crust of the Earth and older than 4 billion years The nesosilicate mineral zircon is abundantly accessible. Cambodia, Tanzania, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the United States, and Canada are among the countries with zircon deposits. Despite the fact that Australia has the greatest deposit (which accounts for 37% of the global supply). It has a Mohs hardness rating of 7.5, making it durable enough for everyday jewelry.
Zircon Birthstone Jewelry
Zircon is less widespread than certain other gems. It can, however, be contrasted to diamonds in many other ways because it is a naturally sparkling gemstone. The most sought-after and most difficult to find color of zircon is green.
Zircon’s dispersion and light performance make the cut of the stone important to take into account when buying. Its appearance and beauty can be maximized and enhanced with the right cut into a dazzling shape, making it look practically identical to diamonds.
Higher levels of clarity are also frequent in zircon, and the few little flaws that are present are typically only noticeable under magnification. Zircon that has undergone heat treatment to increase its overall transparency is also available.
Numerous gorgeous jewelry items, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, stud earrings, and pendants, can be made using zircon’s brilliant color.
Taking Care of Zircon Birthstone Jewelry
Every few months, wash your zircon jewelry in warm, soapy water. Before storing, dry it with a soft cloth and make sure it is completely dry. Zircon can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners, so stay away from them. The birthstone for December is far less resilient than diamonds.
To prevent scratches, place your zircon jewelry in a soft fabric bag or container. Avoid wearing zircon or leaving it in the sun for extended periods of time because it is sensitive to UV and sunlight. Remove your zircon jewelry before undertaking any manual labor, such as gardening and housecleaning, to prevent damage.
Is blue topaz the birthstone for December?
The most common color of topaz and the birthstone for December, blue topaz represents sincerity, intense emotional attachment, and emotional clarity. The fourth anniversary present idea is blue topaz, the birthstone for December. Because blue topaz is such a lovely stone, it makes everyone on your list feel radiant, even if you are stuck for a present idea to offer a friend or loved one or simply run out of ideas. We have a wide selection of blue topaz jewelry at Joseph’s Jewelry to suit every taste and price range.
Are there two birthstones for each month?
Although each month has a single birthstone traditionally, certain months have numerous birthstones. This fact does cause some confusion, but the variety of possibilities for some months was developed to give customers a choice of less expensive selections in addition to the more typical, pricey stones.
Is tanzanite a birthstone for December?
The rare blue-purple form of the mineral zoisite called tanzanite is only found in one region of the world. Tanzanite, so named because of its narrow geographic origin in Tanzania, has rapidly gained prominence since it was only recently discovered.
Before this unusual blue variant of zoisite was discovered in 1967, the mineral had been existing for more than a century and a half. The blue-purple tint, which varies from light blue to vivid ultramarine with violet overtones, is caused by trace levels of vanadium combined with tremendous heat.
Tanzanite exhibits pleochroism, which allows it to change color according on the angle at which it is seen. To draw attention away from the unwanted brown tones and emphasize the more desirable blue and violet colours, stones must be cut properly.
The majority of tanzanite on the market today has undergone heat treatment to lessen its naturally occurring brown hues and to increase its sapphire-competing blue hues.
Only a small area of Tanzania, close to the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, contains tanzanite. Its cost and availability are intimately correlated with the region’s mines, the majority of which are currently sharply reducing production.
Tanzanite is not quite as hard as the sapphire it frequently replaces, measuring only 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Tanzanite is better suited for earrings and pendants rather than rings because of its susceptibility to scratching and abrasion with regular wear.
Even if your birthday is not in December, tanzanite is prized by many due to its deep blue hue and scarcity.
Is zircon a birthstone for December?
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 “vermillion. 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 blue zircon in particular.
Zircon has impurities that can vary in color and some of them, like uranium, may have a small amount of radioactivity. To stabilize the radioactivity, these jewels are additionally heated.
Radiation is an essential component of radiometric dating despite the fact that 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. Despite being 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, its faceted edges can chip.
Australian zircon has a 4.4 billion year age. 37 percent of the world’s zircon supply is still produced in Australia, which continues to lead the industry. Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Cambodia, Canada, and the United States are further sources.
Is tanzanite or turquoise the birthstone for December?
There are not one, not two, but three lovely birthstones for December! Of the three gemstones, turquoise is arguably the most generally accessible, whereas zircons and tanzanites, in particular, are thought to be rarer and hence more expensive in comparison.
Composition and mineral makeup of the December birthstones
The opaque, moderately soft gemstone turquoise is created from worn rock that contains copper elements. Its well-known turquoise color ranges from a deep sky blue to a lighter shade of duck egg blue or green. Tiny brown or black veins can be found in turquoise, and these intrusions from adjacent rock fragments are what cause them to form.
Zircon, which is composed of zirconium silicate, is a fascinating and significant gemstone, but it isn’t very well recognized. Although the two are occasionally mistaken for one another, they are completely different materials. Zircon is a naturally occurring gemstone, whereas Cubic Zirconia is a man-made synthetic substance. Zircon comes in a variety of hues, with blue zirconone of the birthstones for Decemberbeing the most popular.
What does the birthstone for December look like?
birthstone color for December Turquoise is opaque rather than translucent, unlike many other jewels. Its blue-green hue can range from pale green or greenish gray to sky blue or greenish blue. Bluer stones are more precious and have more copper in them.
What is the diamond for December?
A unique collection of ornaments is available from December Diamonds. Each ornament is a special design of ours that is meticulously created by hand. They’ll rapidly become customers’ favorites; cherished companions who will continue to delight and amuse them.
We add new pals to our collection every year while also saying goodbye to some of our old faves. Retirements encourage your clients to buy the final two or three ornaments they have been debating before it’s too late!
Our online shop will give you with an easy way to acquire both the newest designs and your top movers from previous seasons, as well as up-to-date information on which “Diamonds” are now available.
Please click on Find A Store above if you are a consumer looking to buy these items for your own use or as a gift.
