Birthstones are gemstones that hold special significance for individuals born in a particular month. These gems are beautiful and believed to bring luck, protection, and unique qualities to their wearers. In the case of December, those fortunate enough to call it their birth month have not one but three captivating birthstones to choose from: Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise.
This article will delve into the enchanting world of December birthstones, exploring their origins, meanings, historical significance, and much more. Get ready to be captivated by the mesmerizing allure of these gems that make December birthdays truly special.
1. Zircon: A Gem of Many Colors
Photo credit: pinterest.com
Zircon, one of the December birthstones, boasts a rich history of centuries. This gem derives its name from the Arabic word “zargun,” meaning “gold-colored,” a nod to one of its most sought-after hues. Zircon has adorned jewelry and ornaments for thousands of years, with historical records suggesting its use in ancient civilizations like the Sumerians and Egyptians. Its luminous sparkle and stunning array of colors have consistently captivated jewelry enthusiasts throughout time.
One of the remarkable features of Zircon is its incredible range of colors. While the golden variety is well-known, Zircon can be found in a spectrum of shades, including blue, green, red, and even colorless. Each hue holds its unique significance and symbolism. Blue Zircon, for instance, represents wisdom and spiritual growth, while red Zircon symbolizes passion and energy. Colorless Zircon is often associated with purity and clarity. This diversity of colors makes Zircon a versatile gemstone, suitable for various jewelry designs and personal expressions.
2. Tanzanite: A Rare and Exquisite Gem
Photo credit: pinterest.com
Tanzanite, a relative newcomer to the world of birthstones, is making a remarkable mark with its extraordinary attributes. This gem, which joined the prestigious list of December birthstones only in 2002, stands out for its enchanting beauty and intriguing origins. What differentiates Tanzanite from other gemstones is its remarkable discovery and exclusive geographical origin, nestled deep within the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Tanzanite’s story began in the late 1960s when a Tanzanian tribesman stumbled upon its glistening blue-violet crystals while prospecting for other minerals. This discovery, later identified as Tanzanite, ignited a gemstone rush in the region. Unlike most gemstones with millennia-old histories, Tanzanite’s relative youth adds to its allure. It’s a testament to the fact that even in the modern age, nature still has surprises in store.
One of the most captivating features of Tanzanite is its exceptional color-changing property, known as pleochroism. In natural light, it can display a range of hues from vibrant sapphire blue to lush violet, making it a true chameleon of the gemstone world. This unique quality ensures that no two Tanzanite gemstones are exactly alike, making each one a distinct work of art crafted by the forces of the Earth itself.
3. Turquoise: A Symbol of Serenity
Photo credit: pinterest.com
Turquoise, one of the enchanting December birthstones, boasts a rich historical background that stretches back centuries. Its significance can be traced to ancient civilizations, from the Egyptians and Persians to the Native Americans and Aztecs. The name “turquoise” itself has its roots in the French term “Pierre turquoise,” meaning “Turkish stone,” as it was initially introduced to Europe through trade routes that passed through Turkey. This captivating gemstone’s journey through time has left an indelible mark on its cultural and spiritual importance.
Turquoise’s allure extends beyond its spiritual significance, as it has also made its mark in art and fashion. Renowned artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe incorporated Turquoise into their creations, inspired by its mesmerizing color palette. In the realm of fashion, Turquoise jewelry has graced the necks, wrists, and fingers of countless celebrities and fashionistas. Its vibrant blue-green hues effortlessly complement many styles, making it a timeless and versatile accessory.
More: Top 10 Largest Diamonds in the World
4. The Spiritual and Healing Properties
Photo credit: pinterest.com
Delving into the metaphysical realm, Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise each possess unique spiritual and healing properties that have captivated enthusiasts for centuries. Zircon, often associated with clarity and brilliance, is believed to promote mental clarity, enhance creativity, and aid in spiritual growth. It’s thought to help individuals find their inner purpose and dispel negative energies. Zircon is also associated with balancing one’s emotions and improving self-esteem, making it a gemstone of choice for those seeking inner peace and self-discovery.
With its mesmerizing blue-violet hue, Tanzanite is considered a stone of transformation and spiritual enlightenment. It stimulates the third eye and crown chakras, facilitating a deeper connection with higher consciousness. Tanzanite enhances psychic abilities, intuition, and spiritual insight, making it a favored choice for meditation and self-reflection. It’s also associated with emotional healing, helping individuals overcome past traumas and embrace a brighter future.
Turquoise, the stone of protection and wisdom, has been revered by many cultures for its spiritual significance. It’s believed to provide spiritual grounding, dispelling negative energy and promoting inner calm. Turquoise is often used to enhance communication, self-expression, and self-confidence, making it a valuable aid for those seeking to speak their truth and connect with their higher selves. Additionally, it’s said to offer protection from psychic attacks and negative influences, serving as a spiritual shield for its wearers.
5. Famous Celebrities with December Birthstones
Photo credit: pinterest.com
December birthstones, including Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise, have found their way into the lives and styles of numerous celebrities born in this festive month. These gemstones hold sentimental value and add an exquisite touch to their fashion choices and accessories. One notable celebrity who shares the December birthstone Zircon is the renowned actress and style icon Scarlett Johansson. Known for her elegance and glamour on the red carpet, Scarlett has been spotted wearing Zircon-adorned jewelry, including stunning Zircon earrings and necklaces, which beautifully complement her outfits. The gem’s brilliant sparkle and various colors make it versatile for enhancing any ensemble.
Another December-born celebrity, Taylor Swift, shares the birthstone Tanzanite. The pop sensation has been seen donning Tanzanite jewelry several times, showcasing her fondness for this unique and enchanting gem. Taylor’s choice of Tanzanite rings and pendants adds a mesmerizing blue-violet hue to her outfits, reflecting her distinct style and individuality.
Turquoise, the birthstone of December, has also made its mark in celebrity fashion. Hollywood icon and philanthropist Brad Pitt shares this birthstone and has been seen wearing Turquoise accessories, such as bracelets and rings. His choice to incorporate Turquoise into his wardrobe not only exhibits a connection to his birthstone but also serves as a testament to his appreciation for its cultural significance and soothing color.
6. The Role of December Birthstones in Jewelry
Photo credit: pinterest.com
Jewelry artisans have long cherished Zircon for its brilliance and versatility. Its wide range of colors, including blue, green, and various earthy tones, allows creative freedom in designing pieces that suit any style. Zircon’s dazzling sparkle makes it a popular choice for engagement rings, and its affordability relative to other precious stones is an attractive feature.
Tanzanite, on the other hand, captivates with its mesmerizing blue-violet hue. Its rarity and unique color symbolize elegance and sophistication in jewelry, often seen in pendants, earrings, and statement rings. Lastly, Turquoise’s enchanting blue-green shades evoke feelings of tranquility and wisdom. This gemstone is frequently incorporated into southwestern and bohemian-style jewelry, creating pieces that exude a sense of adventure and cultural richness.
When selecting birthstone jewelry, consider the occasion, personal style, and the gem’s significance. With its range of colors, Zircon can be adapted for casual and formal wear. Tanzanite’s deep blue-violet shade is perfect for adding a touch of luxury to evening attire. Turquoise complements a more relaxed and free-spirited style with its earthy and vibrant hues. Whether choosing a gift or indulging yourself, December birthstone jewelry offers a meaningful and timeless way to celebrate life’s special moments.
More: 10 Incredible Facts About October Birthstones: Tourmaline and Opal
7. Care and Maintenance of December Birthstones
Photo credit: pinterest.com
Proper care is essential when it comes to preserving the beauty and longevity of your December birthstone jewelry. To maintain the luster of Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise jewelry, cleaning them regularly but gently is crucial. To remove dust and debris, begin by wiping the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth. For a more thorough cleaning, create a mild solution of lukewarm water and a few drops of gentle dish soap.
Soak your jewelry briefly, then use a soft brush, like a toothbrush, to delicately scrub around the gemstone settings and crevices. Finally, rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaning, as they can damage these delicate gemstones.
To protect your Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise jewelry, it’s crucial to be mindful of a few precautions. First, keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes, which can cause color fading and damage. Store your jewelry in a padded box or pouch to prevent scratching and minimize exposure to air and moisture.
Additionally, avoid wearing your birthstone jewelry during activities that may expose it to chemicals, harsh cleaning agents, or physical impact, as these can harm the gemstones or their settings. Lastly, remove your jewelry before swimming or using hot tubs, as exposure to chlorine or high temperatures can adversely affect their appearance and durability.
8. Mythological and Folklore Connections
Photo credit: pinterest.com
Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise, the enchanting December birthstones, have captivating mythological and folklore connections that span centuries. In the case of Zircon, this gemstone has been linked to ancient Indian mythology, where it was believed to possess the power to bring wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment. The Sanskrit word “jarkan” refers to Zircon, translating to “gold-colored.” According to Hindu mythology, Zircon adorned the armor of the warrior god Indra, signifying its divine protection and strength.
Tanzanite, on the other hand, boasts a more recent but equally captivating history. This stunning blue-violet gemstone was discovered only in the late 20th century in Tanzania, and its folklore is intertwined with the Maasai tribe. The Maasai people believed that Tanzanite was a gift from the gods, sent to bless them with a connection to the spirit world. They regarded it as a talisman of protection, strength, and spiritual insight, enhancing their connection with nature and the divine.
Turquoise, with its captivating blue-green hue, holds a special place in the folklore of various ancient civilizations. Native American tribes, such as the Navajo and Pueblo, considered Turquoise a sacred stone, associating it with protection, healing, and wisdom. In Persian culture, Turquoise was believed to bring good fortune and guard against evil. Its popularity extended to ancient Egypt, where it was used to adorn jewelry and burial masks of pharaohs, symbolizing rebirth and protection in the afterlife. These mythological and folklore connections reveal the enduring significance and reverence of these December birthstones throughout history.
9. The Geological and Chemical Composition
Photo credit: pinterest.com
Zircon forms deep within the Earth’s crust through a metamorphic process known as regional metamorphism. It primarily consists of zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) and can come in various colors, including colorless, yellow, brown, blue, and green. Zircon crystals are typically tetragonal in structure, characterized by four-sided prisms and pyramids. What sets Zircon apart is its remarkable dispersion, which results in an impressive play of colors and fire when properly cut and faceted.
Conversely, Tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery, originating exclusively from the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. It is a variety of the mineral zoisite and owes its captivating blue-violet hue to the presence of vanadium and chromium impurities. The chemical composition of Tanzanite includes calcium aluminum silicate (Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)) with trace elements responsible for its striking coloration. Tanzanite’s crystal structure is orthorhombic, featuring three axes of unequal length. Its pleochroism, or ability to display different colors from different angles, adds to its allure.
Turquoise, often associated with ancient civilizations and protective properties, forms in arid regions through the interaction of copper-rich water with aluminum and phosphorus minerals. Chemically, it’s a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, represented as CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O. Turquoise exhibits a triclinic crystal system with an uneven fracture. Its renowned blue-green color comes from the presence of copper, while iron and other elements can influence its shades and patterns. The intricate web-like matrix patterns seen in some Turquoise stones are a result of the surrounding host rock’s influence during formation.
More: 12 Fascinating Facts About November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine
10. Rare and Valuable Varieties
Photo credit: pinterest.com
These unique gemstones have captured the attention of collectors and connoisseurs worldwide, not just for their beauty but also for their remarkable characteristics. Zircon, known for its brilliance and fire, has its rarest variety in the form of the blue-to-grayish-blue Cambodian Zircon. This variety showcases a stunning sapphire-like blue that’s highly sought after. Among Tanzanite varieties, the exceptionally rare AAA grade Tanzanite, characterized by its vivid blue-violet hue with minimal color zoning, commands top dollar in the market.
In the world of Turquoise, the Persian Turquoise from Iran is celebrated for its deep robin’s egg blue shade and intricate matrix patterns, making it one of the most coveted Turquoise varieties. Notably, some of these gemstones have broken records in size and value. For instance, the “Hope Diamond,” a famous blue Zircon, is known not only for its historical significance but also for its remarkable size and value.
On the Tanzanite front, the largest faceted Tanzanite on record weighs an astonishing 16,839 carats, and it’s considered a marvel in the gemstone world. When it comes to Turquoise, the “Turquoise Mountain,” a specimen from the United States, is regarded as one of the most valuable and largest Turquoise gemstones ever discovered. These extraordinary gems serve as a testament to the rare and valuable variations within the world of Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise, captivating gem enthusiasts and collectors alike.
So, In the world of gemstones, December truly stands out with its trio of stunning birthstones: Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise. These gems, each with its own unique beauty and symbolism, serve as a reminder of the enchanting diversity found in nature. Whether you were born in December or not, taking a moment to appreciate the significance of these birthstones can deepen your connection to the natural world and the rich tapestry of human culture.
The fiery brilliance of Zircon, the captivating allure of Tanzanite’s blue-violet hues, and the protective wisdom of Turquoise all hold stories waiting to be told and shared. So, whether you’re considering a piece of birthstone jewelry or simply admiring its beauty from afar, let these gems serve as a reminder of the extraordinary wonders that our planet offers, waiting to be explored and cherished.
Comments