December wraps itself in festive cheer, and its three distinctive birthstones – Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon – mirror the month’s vibrant, hopeful spirit. Each gem boasts unique beauty, deep-rooted history, and symbolic meaning, giving those born in this magical month a wonderful array of choices to celebrate their identity.
This guide takes you on a deep dive into the enchanting world of Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon. We’ll explore their origins, hidden symbolism, and the one-of-a-kind traits that make them perfect gifts for anyone marking a December birthday, as the year draws to a warm and memorable close.
What Are December’s Birthstones?
If you’re a December baby, you’re spoiled for choice with three stunning birthstones to pick from:
- Turquoise: Adored for its striking blue-green hues, this is one of the oldest gemstones known to humankind. For centuries, civilizations across the globe have cherished it for its natural allure and legendary protective powers.
- Tanzanite: A relatively new star in the gem world, it captivates with its mesmerizing deep blue-violet shades. What makes it even more special? It’s found only in the foothills of Tanzania’s iconic Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Zircon: Renowned for its dazzling brilliance and a rainbow of colors, ranging from vivid deep blues to warm autumnal yellows and fiery reds.
Together, these three gems encapsulate December’s essence – diverse, vibrant, and brimming with endless promise.
Turquoise
History & Origin
Turquoise holds the title of the oldest gemstone cherished by humanity, and its history is woven with tales of power, protection, and prestige that span millennia.
It carried unique significance across different civilizations: Ancient Egyptians adorned their pharaohs with Turquoise burial jewelry, believing it would guide the rulers into the afterlife. Persians regarded it as a sacred talisman, thought to shield wearers from harm. Native American tribes integrated Turquoise into ceremonial attire and jewelry, seeing it as a symbol of health, abundance, and a sacred connection to the earth.
Where Is Turquoise Found?
Turquoise forms in small veins within partially decomposed volcanic rocks, thriving in arid, dry climates. The most coveted Turquoise features a consistent, intense medium blue hue – a shade that has captivated gem lovers for ages.
Southwestern America is a major source, where this December birthstone has been mined for hundreds of years. Even older, premium deposits can be found in the Sinai Peninsula, Iran, and California, yielding some of the world’s finest Turquoise specimens.
Key Properties
- Vibrant Color Profile: Turquoise is instantly recognizable by its vivid blue-green tones. The exact shade shifts from sky blue to earthy green, depending on the levels of copper and iron present in the stone’s structure.
- Mental & Spiritual Wellness: Turquoise is a stone of balance, promoting emotional calm, inner peace, and serenity. It’s a go-to gem for anyone seeking mental clarity and spiritual harmony in their daily life.
- Protective Talisman: For centuries, Turquoise has been used as a lucky charm. It’s believed to ward off negative energy, repel harm, and bring good fortune to its wearer.
If you’re ready to welcome Turquoise’s soothing energy into your life, explore our curated collection at Solacely. Every piece is thoughtfully designed to harness the stone’s calming and revitalizing qualities, blending beauty with purpose.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a modern gemstone sensation, making its debut on the world stage in 1967. It was first discovered in northern Tanzania, nestled near the majestic slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. A Maasai tribesman stumbled upon clusters of vivid blue crystals in the Merelani Hills, initially mistaking them for valuable sapphires.
The discovery quickly sent ripples through the gemstone industry. Tiffany & Co. recognized its potential, naming it “Tanzanite” after its country of origin, and launched it to the global market with great fanfare – turning this rare African gem into an instant favorite.
Where Is Tanzanite Found?
Here’s what makes Tanzanite truly extraordinary: Mount Kilimanjaro’s foothills are the only place on Earth where it is mined. This singular geographic source severely limits its supply, making Tanzanite one of the rarest and most sought-after gemstones in the jewelry world.
Key Properties
- Stunning Color-Change Effect: Tanzanite is famous for its breathtaking blue-violet hues, ranging from deep ultramarine to soft violet-blue. The magic lies in its crystal structure: trace amounts of vanadium allow the stone to shift colors subtly under different lighting conditions, adding to its allure.
- Rarity Factor: Its exclusive single-source origin makes Tanzanite incredibly scarce. This rarity has cemented its status as a highly prized gem, beloved by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.
- Boosts Self-Acceptance: For those struggling with low self-esteem, Tanzanite is a stone of empowerment. It’s said to fill the wearer with self-love, compassion, and a renewed sense of self-worth.
- Ignites Creativity & Intuition: Tanzanite sparks intellectual curiosity and nurtures artistic talent. It also enhances intuitive abilities and psychic awareness, helping you tap into your inner wisdom.
Zircon
Historical Significance
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on our planet, with some specimens dating back over 4.4 billion years – that’s almost as old as the Earth itself! Throughout history, it has been revered for its protective properties, often used as a talisman to ward off evil spirits and negative forces.
In the Middle Ages, Europeans believed Zircon held powerful magic: it was thought to induce restful sleep, attract prosperity and wealth, and shield homes from harm.
Where Is Zircon Found?
Zircon often falls victim to mistaken identity, and the culprit is its name – it’s frequently confused with cubic zirconia, a lab-created imitation gem. Make no mistake: Zircon is a completely natural gemstone, mined directly from the earth’s crust, while cubic zirconia is a man-made alternative.
Key Properties
- Dazzling Color Variety: Zircon’s biggest draw is its wide spectrum of colors. You can find it in vivid blues, fiery reds, sunny yellows, warm oranges, rich browns, and even lush greens. The most prized variety is the brilliant, vibrant blue Zircon.
- Eases Grief & Loss: Zircon is a comforting stone for those navigating grief or loss. It’s believed to soothe emotional pain, help process sorrow, and bring a sense of peace during difficult times. It also attracts positive, supportive people into your life.
- Enhances Spiritual Awareness: Zircon is a popular choice for meditation practices. It energizes the mind, sharpens focus, and deepens spiritual awareness, helping you connect with higher realms of consciousness and trust your intuition.
How to Choose Your Perfect December Birthstone
With three stunning options – Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon – choosing your December birthstone is a deeply personal journey. Let your personal taste, the energies you want to attract, and the symbolic meaning behind each stone guide your decision:
- Follow Your Color Preference: Each gem offers a unique palette. If you’re drawn to cool, calming blues, Tanzanite’s deep blue-violet or Turquoise’s sky-blue shades might be your match. Zircon, with its rainbow of hues, is perfect if you crave versatility.
- Align with the Stone’s Energy: Think about what you want to invite into your life. Turquoise is ideal for protection and healing, Tanzanite for transformation and intuition, and Zircon for grounding energy and attracting prosperity.
- Match Your Style & Lifestyle: Pick a stone that fits your daily routine and personal style. If you lead an active lifestyle, Zircon’s impressive durability makes it a practical choice. If you love bold, eye-catching jewelry, Tanzanite’s striking color is sure to turn heads.
Care & Maintenance Tips for December Birthstones
To keep your gemstones sparkling for years to come, follow these simple care guidelines:
- Turquoise Care: Turquoise is a relatively soft and porous stone. Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, cosmetics, perfumes, and high temperatures – these can damage its surface and fade its color. Clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth; never use water or soap, as they can seep into the stone and cause discoloration.
- Tanzanite Care: Tanzanite ranks 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it can scratch easily. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, then pat it dry. Steer clear of harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners, which can damage the stone.
- Zircon & General Storage Tip: Store all your birthstone jewelry separately in a fabric-lined box or soft pouch. This prevents scratches from harder gemstones and keeps your pieces safe from dust and damage. With proper care, your Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon jewelry will continue to shine brightly for generations.
December’s birthstones – Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon – are more than just beautiful gems. Each carries its own unique story, energy, and appeal, offering a world of options for December-born individuals or anyone drawn to their special qualities. Whether you’re drawn to Turquoise’s protective aura, Tanzanite’s transformative power, or Zircon’s grounding presence, exploring these gemstones will deepen your appreciation for their timeless value and significance.
