December is unique with three beautiful birthstones: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite. Each gemstone carries its own unique beauty, history, and symbolism. Turquoise symbolizes protection and healing, Zircon represents virtue and wisdom, while Tanzanite is known for its transformation and spiritual awakening. Having three birthstones for December allows for a diverse range of choices, catering to different tastes and styles. This comprehensive guide will explore the allure of these three gemstones, including their history, meanings, and fun facts, making your appreciation of these December birthstones even deeper.
The Allure of Turquoise
Color and Varieties: Turquoise is known for its distinctive blue to green color, often with veins of matrix running through it. The most prized turquoise is a vivid sky blue with no matrix, known as "robin's egg blue" or "Persian blue."
Meanings and Symbolism:
- Protection: Turquoise is believed to provide protection and bring good fortune to the wearer.
- Healing: Known as a healing stone, turquoise is thought to promote physical and emotional well-being.
- Communication: Turquoise is associated with clear communication and self-expression.
Historical Significance: Turquoise has been valued for thousands of years. It was used by ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, and Persians in jewelry and amulets. The Egyptians believed turquoise could protect against evil and bring prosperity. Native Americans considered turquoise a sacred stone, using it in rituals and as a talisman for protection.
Fun Fact: The name "turquoise" comes from the French word "turquois," meaning "Turkish," because the stone was first brought to Europe from Turkey.
Turquoise in Modern Jewelry
Fashion and Design: Turquoise's vibrant color and unique patterns make it a popular choice in modern jewelry. It pairs beautifully with various metals, including silver and gold, and can be found in various jewelry pieces, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Turquoise Rings: Turquoise rings are favored for their bold and striking appearance. The gemstone's dynamic color can make a statement in any setting.
- Engagement Rings: Turquoise engagement rings offer a unique and colorful alternative to traditional diamonds. The stone symbolizes protection and communication, making it a meaningful choice for couples.
- Birthstone Rings: Turquoise birthstone rings are a popular choice for December-born individuals. These rings can be personalized with additional gemstones or unique settings to create a one-of-a-kind piece.
Healing Properties: Turquoise is not only beautiful but also believed to have various healing properties:
- Emotional Healing: Turquoise is thought to bring emotional balance and calmness, promoting peace and harmony.
- Physical Healing: Some believe turquoise can boost the immune system and improve respiratory health.
Fun Fact: Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones used in jewelry, with artifacts dating back over 7,000 years.
The Allure of Zircon
Color and Varieties: Zircon comes in a variety of colors, including blue, green, yellow, brown, and colorless. Blue zircon is the most popular, known for its bright and vibrant hue.
Meanings and Symbolism:
- Virtue: Zircon is believed to bring virtue and wisdom, promoting a sense of morality and integrity.
- Prosperity: Known as a stone of prosperity, zircon is thought to attract wealth and success.
- Energy: Zircon is associated with boosting energy levels and promoting vitality.
Historical Significance: Zircon has been valued for centuries and was used in ancient times as a talisman for protection and prosperity. The ancient Greeks believed zircon could ward off evil spirits and bring wealth. During the Middle Ages, zircon was thought to promote restful sleep and drive away nightmares.
Fun Fact: The name "zircon" comes from the Persian word "zargun," meaning "gold-colored," although zircon comes in many colors.
Zircon in Modern Jewelry
Fashion and Design: Zircon's brilliant sparkle and wide range of colors make it a popular choice in modern jewelry. It pairs beautifully with various metals, including gold and platinum, and can be found in various jewelry pieces, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Zircon Rings: Zircon rings are highly sought after for their vibrant colors and brilliant sparkle. The gemstone's dynamic appearance can make a statement in any setting.
- Engagement Rings: Zircon engagement rings offer a unique and colorful alternative to traditional diamonds. The stone symbolizes wisdom and prosperity, making it a meaningful choice for couples.
- Birthstone Rings: Zircon birthstone rings are a popular choice for December-born individuals. These rings can be personalized with additional gemstones or unique settings to create a one-of-a-kind piece.
Healing Properties: Zircon is not only beautiful but also believed to have various healing properties:
- Emotional Healing: Zircon is thought to bring emotional balance and calmness, promoting peace and harmony.
- Physical Healing: Some believe zircon can boost the immune system and improve overall physical health.
Fun Fact: Zircon is often used as a substitute for diamonds due to its high refractive index and brilliant sparkle.
The Allure of Tanzanite
Color and Varieties: Tanzanite is known for its stunning blue to violet color, which can vary depending on the angle of the light. The most prized tanzanites are those with a deep, vivid blue or blue-violet hue.
Meanings and Symbolism:
- Transformation: Tanzanite is believed to bring transformation and spiritual awakening, promoting personal growth.
- Healing: Known as a healing stone, tanzanite is thought to bring physical and emotional healing.
- Intuition: Tanzanite is associated with enhancing intuition and psychic abilities.
Historical Significance: Tanzanite was discovered relatively recently, in the 1960s, in the Mererani Hills of Tanzania. It quickly gained popularity for its unique and vibrant color, becoming one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Tanzanite is considered rarer than diamonds and is only found in one location, making it highly valuable.
Fun Fact: Tanzanite was named by Tiffany & Co. after Tanzania, the country where it was discovered.
Tanzanite in Modern Jewelry
Fashion and Design: Tanzanite's mesmerizing color and brilliance make it a popular choice in modern jewelry. It pairs beautifully with various metals, including white gold and platinum, and can be found in various jewelry pieces, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Tanzanite Rings: Tanzanite rings are highly sought after for their captivating blue to violet color. The gemstone's dynamic nature can make a statement in any setting.
- Engagement Rings: Tanzanite engagement rings offer a unique and rare alternative to traditional diamonds. The stone symbolizes transformation and spiritual growth, making it a meaningful choice for couples.
- Birthstone Rings: Tanzanite birthstone rings are a popular choice for December-born individuals. These rings can be personalized with additional gemstones or unique settings to create a one-of-a-kind piece.
Healing Properties: Tanzanite is not only beautiful but also believed to have various healing properties:
- Emotional Healing: Tanzanite is thought to bring emotional balance and calmness, promoting peace and harmony.
- Physical Healing: Some believe tanzanite can boost the immune system and improve overall physical health.
Fun Fact: Tanzanite is often referred to as the "gemstone of a generation" due to its relatively recent discovery and growing popularity.
How to Care for Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite Jewelry
Cleaning: Each of these gemstones requires special care:
- Turquoise: Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid exposing turquoise to water for extended periods, as it can absorb moisture and crack.
- Zircon: Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes.
- Tanzanite: Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as tanzanite can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes.
Storage: Store turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite jewelry separately from harder gemstones to avoid scratches. Keep them in a soft cloth or a jewelry box with individual compartments.
Fun Fact: Both turquoise and tanzanite are relatively soft gemstones, so they should be handled with care to maintain their beauty.
Fun and Fascinating Facts About Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite
- Turquoise's Ancient Use: Turquoise has been used in jewelry and artifacts for thousands of years, with some of the oldest pieces found in ancient Egyptian tombs.
- Zircon's Age: Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some crystals dating back over 4.4 billion years.
- Tanzanite's Unique Source: Tanzanite is found only in one place on Earth, the Mererani Hills of Tanzania, making it one of the most exclusive gemstones.
Conclusion
December's birthstones, Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite, offer a unique blend of protection, virtue, and transformation. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant colors of turquoise, the brilliance of zircon, or the captivating hues of tanzanite, these gemstones provide a rich history, diverse meanings, and fascinating lore. Embrace the beauty and power of these December birthstones and let their unique energies enhance your life.
