December Birthstones: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise

What Is The Birthstone For December?

Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise are the three possibilities for December birthstones. The birthstone for December is blue, which comes in a variety of colours depending on the gemstone. While zircon comes in various colours, blue is the most popular, particularly as a winter birthstone.

 Zircon is the oldest of the three December birthstones; turquoise was the first gemstone mined, while Tanzanite was the most recently discovered. The stones are becoming acceptable alternatives to diamond jewellery as they provide affordable birthstone jewellery options.

Tanzanite Birthstone

Tanzanite receives its name from Tanzania, which is home to the world's only mining location. Unlike the birthstones for the other months, the December birthstone has a shorter history, having just been found in 1967.

 Despite its recent discovery and absence of historical history, Tanzanite is one of the most popular gemstones in the modern world due to its rich colour and tremendous beauty. In addition, Tanzanite is likely to be passed down for generations as a valuable treasure due to its rarity and limited availability.

Tanzanite Symbolism and Meaning

Spiritual and intellectual enlightenment are the meanings of the tanzanite birthstone. Tanzanite is a gemstone that represents wisdom and truth. Through self-reflection, persons who wear Tanzanite are said to acquire deep new meaning.

 Tanzanite Color

The birthstone tanzanite is blue in colour. Tanzanite is a vibrant blue gem formed from the mineral zoisite that can only be found in one area on the planet. The blue colour is created when tiny amounts of the mineral vanadium are combined with high temperatures. As a result, the colour of the December birthstone varies, although it usually includes purple and lavender tones. While some tanzanite does have brown tints, the gemstones are typically cut and treated to eliminate them.

 Tanzanite is slightly less durable than other gemstones, measuring between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Tanzanite can be worn daily as earrings and necklaces, but rings should be reserved for special events. The life and beauty of tanzanite jewellery can be extended with proper care.

 Tanzanite Origins

The brilliant blue stones were unexpectedly discovered in the Merelani Hills in Arusha, Tanzania, by Maasai herders in 1967. The herders told Manual d'Souza, a local fortune hunter, about their find, and he filed the spot with proper mining claims. Within a few kilometres of this initial deposit, Tanzanite is found only once in a lifetime.

December's primary birthstone, Tanzanite, is a rare and valuable gem because it is only found in a small area of the Earth.

Tanzanite Birthstone Jewelry

Before purchasing tanzanite birthstone jewellery, you should consider a few qualities of the gemstone. Cut, carat weight and size, colour, and clarity are all crucial factors to consider.

While diamonds are cut to emphasize their conventional hue and shape, Tanzanite is shaped to highlight its distinct colour and beauty. As a result, each Tanzanite is cut in a way that brings out the gemstone's intrinsic beauty and brilliance.

The carat size of Tanzanite varies, as do its dimensions, and is determined by the gemstone's weight and face-up proportions.

Each tanzanite gemstone is also distinct in colour, with two different colours often visible simultaneously. These hues are usually blue, although they can also be a blend of blue and violet.

Tanzanite's blue tint is especially striking in a ring. For example, consider a cushion cut with a halo setting or a rose gold setting with a pear-shaped stone.

In addition, most tanzanite gemstones do not contain any visible inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye.

Because of the limited geographic distribution of Tanzanite, it is significantly rarer than diamonds. It is also not as tough or durable as other gemstones; therefore, while wearing Tanzanite in various kinds of jewellery, it is critical that you take caution when wearing it and protect it from hitting anything, or it may be easily destroyed.

Zircon: Secondary Birthstone

Zircon is a beautiful December gemstone that is an alternative to Tanzanite. While zircon comes in several colours, the blue type is more commonly connected with the month of December.

Zircon: Symbolism and Meaning

The birthstone zircon is associated with intelligence, fortune, and self-assurance. Zircon represents these qualities and is said to improve sleep quality as well as ward off evil spirits.

This December birthstone was a treasured gem during the Victorian era, and it was frequently used in necklaces and other decorative pieces. Heat treatment became popular in the early twentieth century as a means to improve the blue hue of zircon for jewellery.

Zircon Birthstone Jewellery

Zircon isn't as well-known as other gemstones. It is, however, a naturally gleaming gemstone that can be likened to diamonds in a variety of ways. Green zircon is the most sought-after colour and also the most difficult to come by.

 Because of its dispersion and light performance, you should examine the cut of zircon while acquiring it. A brilliant-cut can assist maximize and enhance its appearance and beauty, making it look practically indistinguishable from diamonds.

When it comes to zircon, you'll notice higher degrees of clarity, and only minor flaws are typical, and they're often only noticeable under magnification. Heat-treated zircon is also available, which improves its overall transparency. 

Rings, necklaces, bracelets, stud earrings, and pendants are just a few of the gorgeous jewellery alternatives available in zircon's magnificent colour.

 Turquoise: Tertiary Birthstone

December babies are blessed with not just two gorgeous jewels but also a third blue beauty: turquoise.

Turquoise: Symbolism and Meaning

 Turquoise is a birthstone associated with good health and fortune. In addition, turquoise is thought to offer good luck and financial and personal security to those who wear it.

 Turquoise has been revered since ancient times as one of the oldest and most popular gemstones. Pharaohs in Egypt wore turquoise stones around their necks, while Native Americans wore them on specific clothing items. The Aztecs, like many other civilizations' kings and warriors, used turquoise in their ceremonial masks and weaponry.

 Turquoise Birthstone Jewellery

 It's essential to know the difference between real turquoise and imitation turquoise while shopping for turquoise. Genuine turquoise will have a waxy gloss and a more opaque look.

Because turquoise is such a fragile stone, it must be stabilized before being utilized in jewellery. The stone will harden as a result of the stabilizing chemical it is submerged in. Treatments might also be performed to improve its appearance.

Before buying turquoise, the December birthstone, make careful to ask about any treatments that have been applied to the stone and confirm that it is genuine turquoise.

Turquoise jewellery is available in a variety of sizes, colours, and designs. Almost every setting looks fantastic with a turquoise pendant.