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...
What color birthstone represents 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 a 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 December birthstone blue topaz is also the 4th anniversary present suggestion. 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.
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.
What birthstone falls on December 12th?
Turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite are the birthstones for December. The fortunate people born in this month have a choice of three exquisite blue hues. All of these stones are frequently used in jewelry.
Is lapis lazuli a birthstone for December?
December isn’t the only month that has multiple accepted birthstones, but it does have more birthstones than any other month. Traditional December birthstones included turquoise and lapis lazuli, another well-known blue gemstone. The most popular modern gemstones for December birthdays nowadays are zircon and the more brilliant blue topaz.
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.