December is one of the most amazing months when it comes to birthstones. December has three beautiful gems as birthstones - Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise- creating a beautiful dance of blue colors and shades! Let's wait no longer and explore the essential information about these December birthstones - from December birthstone meaning and colors to history and more.
The Fascinating Glimpses of History of December Birthstone Stones
When it comes to history, all gemstones and crystals on the planet have their share of tales, including our trio. Let's explore the key historical points for all three birthstones:
Tanzanite
Tanzanite gemstone has been around for quite a while, but the iconic blue variety was only found in 1967. It was Manuel de Souza, a part-time gold prospector who made the first discovery in Tanzania. Once the transparent blue-purple crystals were found, there were a lot of assumptions and studies of the crystal.
After dismissing the idea that it was the Peridot or blue topaz gemstone, it was identified as a new crystal variety.
And while this might seem like recent history, the geological footprints of Tanzanite take us 585 million years back when tectonic plate activity started forming Mount Kilimanjaro - the only place where Tanzanite can be found.
Zircon
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on the planet (4.4 billion years old!), and its history is as rich as it gets. Zircon survived many erosions, pressure shifts, and many more geological events thanks to its complex chemical composition. Think of Zircon like a time machine containing some of the most valuable information on Earth!
Many civilizations and cultures throughout time admired the stone. In the Medieval Ages, Zircon was believed to attract more wisdom and prosperity while improving sleep. However, the Blue Zircon variant emerged as the true superstar during Victorian times and later in the 20th century when it was cherished for its beauty in jewelry and decorations.
Turquoise
While Zircon had a significant natural history, the Turquoise is all about the cultural impact. The beautiful hues of Turquoise captivated many great cultures of the past. These include Ancient Egypt, the Persian empire, the Aztecs, Native Americans, ancient dynasties of China, and so much more!
Aztecs are one of the best examples of how versatility and Turquoise went hand in hand. They used gemstone with quartz, malachite, jade, gold, coral, shells, and other materials and crystals to create ceremonial items, masks, shields, knives, mosaic objects, and other important cultural things.
December Birthstone Colors
As blue dominates the December stone color profile, it's not all blue. The intriguing composition of these three crystals allows for unique shades and hues in each of December birthstone:
Tanzanite
Tanzanite color ranges from solid ultramarine with hints of violet to pale blue and blue-purple. This range of colors emerges due to traces of vanadium mixing with extreme heat.
The same Tanzanite stone can also display different colors when viewed from various angles. And for this to happen, the stone has to be cut properly to highlight violet and blue colors and reduce any brown tones.
Zircon
The stone's name is closely associated with its colors as it comes from the Persian word "zargun," meaning "gold-colored." Other sources trace Zircon's origin to the Arabic word "zarkun," meaning "vermillion."
Both versions are possible due to the variety of Zircon colors - from green, brown, and blue to red and yellow! These color differences are caused by impurities, which can be slightly radioactive.
Turquoise
With its mesmerizing colors, Turquoise has captivated people since ancient times. The striking sky blue color was loved and admired by Ancient Egypt, and the gemstone can be found plenty in their carvings, engravings, and jewelry.
Ancient Persians also wore Turquoise gemstone jewelry, especially in their turbans, mainly because they believed Turquoise could protect them from apocalyptic events and the end of the world.
Meanwhile, Apache Indians used to integrate Turquoise gemstone into their bows. They were confident that it could improve the hunter's accuracy.
Moh's Scale of Hardness
These December birthstones can be used for many reasons, including crafting a jewelry piece of your own. But these stones are different in their capability to withstand wear and tear.
The Mohs scale shows mineral hardness and the scratch resistance of crystals and stones through their ability to scratch softer material in a qualitative ordinal scale, from 1 to 10. Let's see how durable December birthstones are:
Tanzanite
Tanzanite scores around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This score indicates reliable durability; however, jewelry wearing and keeping should be approached with more care than usual. Tanzanite can be scratched accidentally and lose its appeal - that's why Tanzanite is better suited for earrings and pendants than rings.
Zircon
Zircon is the most durable among the December birthstones, with a score of 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. But there's one crucial thing to keep in mind when wearing Zircon - the stone is brittle and can lose its facet shape when worn often.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a sensitive stone and ranks only 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. The stone's color and material are vulnerable to direct sunlight and solvents such as natural oils, perfume, or makeup. Extra care and caution are required when wearing and using Turquoise.
Spirituality with December Birthstones
All three December birthstones are full of healing properties, symbolism, and positive energies and are suited well for spiritual work, And here's why:
Tanzanite
Out of all the birthstones, Tanzanite is probably the most spiritually profound. The stone is for those who seek to stimulate their intuition and higher consciousness. Tanzanite's energy works directly with the throat and third eye chakras; therefore, creating a perfect combination to expand your mind and improve communication.
The Tanzanite gemstone can also contribute to a more peaceful and calm life by helping solve disagreements and fights better. Simply put, Tanzanite can help you become a better version of yourself in a profound emotional, spiritual and intellectual way.
Zircon
Many believe Zircon to be a highly energetic stone that can elevate your enthusiasm and passion for hobbies, work, and life in general! But it can also soothe and relax mentally to promote better meditation, sleep, and clear negative energies.
Zircon also has a strong protective aura that will allow you to build solid relationships and have more self-confidence without negative energies affecting you.
Turquoise
Turquoise is perfect for those searching for emotional balance and peaceful life. It's an incredibly soothing and healing stone on an emotional level. It can relieve stress and expand your awareness of your true self.
Turquoise can instill harmony in any routine and keep your boundaries clear of harmful energy with those mesmerizing colors no matter your lifestyle and circumstances!
A Spotlight On December Birthstone Jewelry
We have to spotlight December birthstone jewelry because it is as beautiful and versatile as it can get with birthstones!
Tanzanite Jewelry
While Tanzanite is better suited for earrings and pendants than rings, this stone is particularly trendy in engagement rings! Accompanied by real gold or diamonds, it can look stunning! So, if you're looking for December birthstone rings with a truly special meaning, look no further than Tanzanite!
Similar goes for other Tanzanite jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Many of the luxurious details are often incorporated; thus, making Tanzanite jewelry on the expensive side. However, cheaper Tanzanite jewelry with a quality sterling silver material can also be found for everyday wear.
Zircon Jewelry
Zircon also boasts a touch of luxury in its jewelry, even though it is relativity affordable and durable compared to Tanzanite. Colorless Zircon is often cut and shaped into a brilliant-like form to look and appear as a diamond.
Zircon jewelry can come in various shapes, ranging from radiants, trilliants, pears to rounds, ovals, and emerald steps!
Turquoise Jewelry
When it comes to Turquoise stones and Turquoise jewelry, it mostly dominates the bohemian market. The stone's vibe and colors perfectly match the carefree layers and textures of the Bohemian style.
Turquoise easily creates a bohemian feel full of dreamy and peaceful vibes. This type of jewelry is the most affordable compared to other December birthstones.
Conclusion
Are you ready to make a special connection with these December birthstones? Maybe you have a loved one born in December who loves crystals? Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise can create a beautiful and extra special gift for anyone born in December!
