December has three birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon. Each of these gemstones carries its unique beauty and historical significance, offering a variety of choices for those born in this festive month.
This blog post will delve deep into the fascinating world of Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon, exploring their origins, symbolism, and the unique qualities that make them treasured gifts for those celebrating birthdays at the year's end.
What is the December Birthstone?
Those who are Born in December, have the option of 3 Birthstones to choose from :
- Turquoise, with its striking blue hues, is one of the oldest known gemstones. It was cherished for centuries across civilizations for its natural beauty and supposed protective properties.
- Tanzanite is a more recent discovery, mesmerizing with its deep blue-violet colors, exclusive to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Zircon is celebrated for its brilliance and diverse colors. It ranges from deep blues to warm autumnal yellows and reds.
Together, these stones carry the essence of December's spirit—varied, vibrant, and full of promise.
Turquoise
History and Origin
Turquoise is believed to be the oldest gemstone known to humanity. The stone's historical journey is rich with tales of power, protection, and prestige.
It had different significance for various civilizations: ancient Egyptians who adorned their pharaohs with it, Persians who believed it offered protection. Native Americans used it in ceremonial dress and jewelry to represent health and abundance.
African Turquoise Bracelet - 8mm Beads
Where is it Found
Turquoise is formed in small veins in a partially decomposed volcanic rock in arid climates. The most prized color of turquoise is an even, intense, medium blue.
Turquoise is found in Southwest America, where this December birthstone has been extracted for hundreds of years. The Sinai Peninsula, Iran, and California are other prime locations, which are even older, and the finest Turquoise are extracted from here.
Properties
- Vibrant Color: Turquoise is instantly recognizable by its vibrant blue-green color, which can range from sky blue to green depending on the amount of copper and iron within the stone.
- Healthy Mind: Turquoise promotes emotional balance, peace, and serenity, making it a valuable stone for those seeking mental and spiritual well-being.
- Protection: Turquoise is often used as a talisman for protection, believed to ward off negative energy and bring good luck.
If you're looking to incorporate Turquoise into your life, explore at Solacely. Each piece in this collection is thoughtfully designed to harness the soothing and energizing qualities of turquoise.
Turquoise Bracelet - 4mm Beads
Turquoise Chip Bracelet
Owl - Wall & Car Hanging with Crystal Chips
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively new gem on the market. It was first excavated in 1967 in Northern Tanzania, near the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. A Maasai tribesman stumbled upon the vibrant blue crystals in the Merelani Hills, initially thinking they were sapphires. The discovery quickly captured the attention of the gemstone world, and Tiffany & Co. named it "Tanzanite" after its country of origin, introducing it to the global market with great fanfare.
Where is it Found
Mount Kilimanjaro is the only place in the world where it is found. This singular geographic source limits the supply of Tanzanite, making it a rare and sought-after gemstone.
Properties
- Beautiful Color: Tanzanite is renowned for its stunning blue-violet color, a unique hue that ranges from deep ultramarine to light violet blue. This is due to the presence of vanadium in the crystal structure which can change under different lighting conditions.
- Rare: Tanzanite is limited in availability, as it comes from a single geographic location. This exclusivity has made Tanzanite a highly prized gemstone in the jewelry world.
- Self Acceptance: This December Birthstone helps those with low Self esteem , It fills with an individual with Self Love and Compassion.
- Creativity: It promotes intellectual curiosity and artistic talent. It also enhances intuition and psychic talents.
Zircon
Historical Significance
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with samples dating back over 4.4 billion years. It has been historically attributed with protective properties and was often used as a talisman against evil. In the Middle Ages, Zircon was believed to induce sleep, promote prosperity, and ward off spirits.
Where is it Found
Zircon often suffers from a case of mistaken identity, primarily due to its name being similar to synthetic cubic zirconia. Zircon is a natural gemstone, Unlike cubic zirconia, a lab-created material, Zircon is mined from the Earth
Properties
- Color Variety: One of Zircon's most striking features is its color variety. It can be found in various colors, including blue, red, yellow, orange, brown, and green. The most prized color is the vibrant blue
- Deals with Losses: This Beautiful stone helps individuals deal with grief and losses. It also attracts beneficial people to your life.
- Spiritual Awareness: It is often used in Meditation. It energizes the mind and enhances spiritual awareness and intuition.
Choosing Your December Birthstone
With three stunning options—Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon—choosing your December birthstone can be a profoundly personal decision, influenced by your taste, the energies you seek to attract, and the meanings behind each stone. To find the birthstone that genuinely resonates with you:
- Consider Your Color Preference: Each December birthstone offers a unique palette. If you're drawn to blues, Tanzanite's deep blue-violet might appeal to you, while Turquoise offers vibrant shades of blue and green. Zircon, with its array of colors, offers versatility.
- Reflect on the Stone's Energy and Meaning: Consider what you want the stone to bring into your life. Turquoise is known for protection and healing, Tanzanite for transformation and intuition, and Zircon for grounding and prosperity.
- Personal Style and Lifestyle: Choose a stone that complements your style and fits your daily activities. If you lead an active lifestyle, the durability of Zircon might be appealing. For those who prefer statement pieces, the striking color of Tanzanite could be a perfect fit.
Maintenance and Care of December Crystal
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid exposing Turquoise to chemicals, cosmetics, and high temperatures, as these can damage the stone's surface. Cleaning should be done gently with a soft, dry cloth; avoid using water and soap.
- Cleaning: Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone, ranking 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it can scratch easily. Cleaning should be done using warm, soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
- Storage: Store Tanzanite jewelry separately in a fabric-lined box to protect it from scratches. With proper care, Tanzanite jewelry can continue to captivate with its unique color and sparkle for generations.
