I’m excited to explore December's birthstone with you, highlighting the four gemstones that represent this month: blue topaz, turquoise, blue zircon and tanzanite. Let’s explore the history, symbolism, and practical styling tips for the four December birthstones to help you make informed choices when adding them to your jewellery collection.
December Birthstones Key Points Summary
The December birthstones are three blue stones and a purple stone; blue topaz, turquoise, blue zircon and tanzanite.
Physical Properties and Sources: Each December birthstone varies in its geological formation and appearance.
Symbolism and Healing Properties: These stones possess unique metaphysical qualities, representing joy, prosperity, and tranquility.
Famous Stones and Cultural Impact: December’s birthstones, including turquoise, topaz zircon and tanzanite, have notable examples offering historical significance, cultural symbolism, and a connection to modern jewellery.
Styling Tips: With their vibrant blue and purple hues, these stones pair beautifully with different metals for various jewellery designs.
December Birthstone #1: Blue Topaz
Physical Properties and Sources
Blue topaz, the best-known December birthstone, is a beautiful pure blue color. Naturally occurring blue topaz is rare, but it can be treated from colorless or pale yellow topaz using heat and irradiation.
This process creates distinct shades like Swiss blue (light) and London blue (deep). The stone ranks at 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for everyday jewelry. Key mining locations include Brazil, Russia, and the United States.
Symbolism and Healing Properties
Throughout history, blue topaz has symbolized love, loyalty, and deep emotional connection. It's believed to inspire clarity of thought and relaxation, often worn for protection while traveling.
The Shades of Blue Topaz
The December birthstone Blue topaz is not only admired for its sparkling clarity but also for its range of captivating blue tones. Each shade offers a distinct mood and aesthetic, making blue topaz a versatile choice for various jewelry designs.
Sky Blue Topaz
Sky Blue Topaz is the lightest of the blue topaz varieties. It exhibits a gentle, clear blue that is reminiscent of a clear, sunny sky.
This subtle hue makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a soft and understated gemstone that still displays the tranquil and soothing qualities associated with blue topaz.
Sky Blue topaz is often chosen for pieces where a delicate touch of colour is desired, perfect for everyday wear.
Swiss Blue Topaz
Swiss Blue Topaz has a vivid, almost electric blue colour. This striking shade is more intense than Sky Blue but not as deep as London Blue, making it a popular choice for statement jewelry.
Its brilliant blue hue catches the light beautifully, making it a favorite for engagement rings, pendants, and earrings that are meant to draw attention. Swiss Blue's richness enhances both casual and formal attire, bridging the gap between everyday wear and special occasions.
London Blue Topaz
London Blue Topaz is the darkest of the three and is valued for its deep, rich blue that can almost appear steely or greyish. This depth of colour adds a sophisticated and luxurious element to any piece of jewelry.
London Blue topaz is often preferred by those looking for a dramatic, eye-catching gemstone. It pairs beautifully with lighter metals like white gold or platinum, which complement its deep blue tones and create a striking contrast.
Famous Stones and Cultural Impact
Topaz has captivated collectors for centuries. The "Braganza Diamond", an alleged diamond in the Portuguese crown jewels, is believed to be topaz due to its colour. The El-Dorado Topaz, weighing over 31,000 carats, is another famous stone prized for its size and clarity.
Styling Tips
For birthstone jewellery, blue topaz pairs elegantly with Sterling silver, white gold or platinum. If you prefer a striking contrast, choose blue topaz rings, pendants, or earrings set in rose or yellow gold. These metals bring out the brilliance of London blue and Swiss blue topaz hues.
December Birthstone #2:Turquoise
Physical Properties and Sources
Turquoise is a blue-green mineral and a classic December birthstone known for its striking appearance. As one of the earliest gemstones known to humanity, it is often found in Iran, the United States, and China.
Turquoise is relatively soft, scoring 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it more susceptible to scratches and damage. To enhance its durability and maintain its beauty, turquoise is often stabilized.
This process involves filling the pores of the turquoise with a clear resin or epoxy, which strengthens the stone and helps preserve its vibrant colour against wear and chemicals. Persian and American turquoise are particularly prized for their colour quality.
Symbolism and Healing Properties
Turquoise has long been associated with protection, strength, and communication. Ancient cultures wore turquoise amulets for peace and emotional balance. Today, it is still believed to bring good fortune and is often given as a friendship gift. Some even consider it a symbol of enduring love.
Famous Stones and Cultural Impact
Turquoise has significant cultural relevance due to its connection with Native American jewellery. Pieces like the Squash Blossom Necklace remain symbols of craftsmanship and heritage. The Iranian Turquoise, mined in the Nishapur district, is especially valued for its intense hue.
Styling Tips
Turquoise pairs beautifully with warm metals like yellow gold for a vintage-inspired look. If you prefer a modern contrast, pair turquoise with sterling silver to accentuate its cool tones. Rings, necklaces, and bracelets in sterling silver or gold, particularly those with intricate metalwork, can make standout accessories.
December Birthstone #3:Blue Zircon
Physical Properties and Sources
Blue zircon, another December birthstone, is a naturally occurring mineral (zirconium silicate) with high refractive properties, giving it a brilliant sparkle. Although sometimes confused with cubic zirconia, it's distinct in its natural formation and color spectrum.
Blue zircon is created through natural heat and geological processes, resulting in its striking blue colour. Another variety, colorless zircon, is a clear version of the stone that showcases the same brilliance.
Both colorless and blue zircon are rated around 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making them durable enough for everyday wear. Significant deposits of these stones are found in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
Symbolism and Healing Properties
Historically, the blue zircon gemstone was believed to ward off evil spirits and provide a calming effect. It was often worn to promote prosperity, optimism, and a strong sense of purpose. As a December birthstone, it represents tranquility and joy.
Famous Stones and Cultural Impact
Blue zircon saw significant popularity in Victorian-era jewelry, often used in birthstone rings and brooches. While less known than other blue stones, its brilliance and rarity have made it a growing favorite among collectors and jewelers.
Styling Tips
Pair blue zircon with white gold or sterling silver for a timeless and elegant look. Consider a blue zircon birthstone ring set in a halo design with diamonds for a glamorous statement piece. Alternatively, incorporate it into delicate earrings or pendants to accentuate its icy hue.
December Birthstone #4: Tanzanite
In addition to the well-known December birthstones such as blue topaz, turquoise, and blue zircon, Tanzanite is recognized as the fourth December birthstone. Though it was only discovered relatively recently in the 1960s, its subtle blue-violet hue has swiftly won the hearts of gemstone enthusiasts worldwide.
Physical Properties and Sources
Tanzanite is a member of the mineral zoisite family and displays a fascinating trichroic quality, meaning it can appear blue, violet, or burgundy depending on the viewing angle.
Its vivid colour results from trace amounts of vanadium and heat treatment, which enhances its brilliant blue-violet shades.
With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, Tanzanite requires gentle handling.
It is found only in one location on the planet: Tanzania, specifically near Mount Kilimanjaro in the Merelani Hills. This exclusivity has made Tanzanite a highly sought-after gemstone.
Symbolism and Healing Properties
As a December birthstone, Tanzanite symbolizes transformation, intuition, and spiritual enlightenment.
It's believed to help with meditation and foster calmness in those who wear it.
Some believe that it brings good fortune to travelers.
Famous Stones and Cultural Impact
Due to its relatively recent discovery, Tanzanite lacks historical stories but has quickly gained popularity. It became especially famous when Tiffany & Co. began marketing it extensively in the 1960s.
Tanzanite is widely recognized as one of the rarest gemstones, given its limited geographic source.
The largest cut Tanzanite is called the "Queen of Kilimanjaro," a 242-carat stone set in a tiara.
Styling Tips
Tanzanite's unique trichroic nature means it pairs beautifully with both warm and cool-toned metals. White gold and platinum enhance its cool blue shades, while yellow or rose gold bring out its violet undertones.
Its captivating blue-violet hues make it a show-stopping choice for birthstone rings, necklaces, and earrings, either as a solo gemstone or accompanied by diamonds.
Adding Tanzanite's brilliance to your collection is a wonderful way to complement December's other gemstones, offering something both timeless and distinctive for those who appreciate rich, layered colours.
December Birthstones
December's birthstones — blue topaz, turquoise, and blue zircon — offer a stunning range of hues and qualities that make them ideal for birthstone jewelry. From the radiant blue of blue topaz to the timeless elegance of turquoise, these stones are captivating for those born in December and beyond.
As a gemstone expert at Sennen Jewellery, I recommend exploring these gemstones in different settings to find your perfect match. Whether you're looking for modern birthstones for yourself or a loved one, these stones are sure to add joy and inspiration to your collection.
FAQs: December Birthstones
What is the Traditional December Birthstone?
The traditional December birthstone is turquoise. Known for its distinctive sky blue to green color, turquoise has been cherished for centuries across various cultures. It symbolizes wisdom, tranquility, and protection.
Often used in Native American and ancient Egyptian jewelry, turquoise remains a popular choice for birthstone jewelry, valued for both its beauty and cultural significance.
What is the Difference Between Blue Topaz and Blue Zircon?
Blue topaz is a silicate mineral, while blue zircon is a zirconium silicate. Topaz is typically created through heat and irradiation treatment, whereas blue zircon is naturally formed. Blue zircon often appears lighter in colour and has a higher refractive index than topaz, providing more sparkle.
How Do I Care for My December Birthstones?
Blue topaz: Clean with warm, soapy water. Avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners as they can damage the stone.
Turquoise: Use a soft cloth with mild soap. Avoid exposure to chemicals and excessive moisture.
Blue zircon: Clean with a soft cloth and warm water. It's sensitive to high temperatures, so avoid hot water and steam cleaning.
Is Zircon the Same as Cubic Zirconia?
No, zircon is not the same as cubic zirconia. Although their names sound similar, these two gemstones are distinctly different:
Zircon: This is a naturally occurring mineral with a wide color spectrum, including the popular blue zircon, which is one of December's birthstones. Zircon has high refractive properties, giving it exceptional sparkle. It is a naturally mined gemstone.
Cubic Zirconia: Cubic zirconia is a lab-created stone made from zirconium dioxide. It's synthesized to resemble diamond and is often used as a more affordable alternative in jewellery. While it shares some optical characteristics with zircon, it's not found in nature.
While the two stones may sound alike, they differ significantly in origin, value, and physical properties.
What are the differences between Lapis Lazuli and the December birthstones like Blue Topaz and Turquoise?
Lapis Lazuli, the dark blue gemstone often associated with the month of September, is distinctly different from the birthstones of December such as Blue Topaz and Turquoise. Here are the key differences:
Colour: Lapis Lazuli is known for its deep, intense blue often with flecks of Pyrite that resemble gold, giving it a starry appearance. This is quite distinct from the lighter and varied shades of Blue Topaz and the unique blue-green hue of Turquoise.
Composition: Lapis Lazuli is a rock formed from multiple minerals, primarily Lazurite, whereas Blue Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine, and Turquoise is a phosphate mineral that includes copper and aluminum.
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