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December Birthstones: A Trio of Jewels for the Year’s End
十二月诞生石 - 坦桑石、锆石和绿松石
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December is one of two months with three birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon, particularly blue zircon.

The month of December gets its name from the Latin decem, meaning “ten,” because it used to be the tenth month.

Modern December celebrations include Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve.

The month symbolizes change, camaraderie, and warm reunions during chillier days.

Today, we’ll discuss the symbolism, history, properties, and value of the three December birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.

december birthstones turquoise tanzanite and zirconCheck out our video on December Birthstones on Youtube!

Historical & Cultural Significance of December Birthstones

December has three birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.

But why does December have 3 birthstones? Birthstone lists have changed, and December’s gemstones have arguably changed the most.

The earliest birthstones, inspired by Biblical gemstone lists, designated ruby for December.

The modern birthstone list timeline for December stones:

  • 1870: Turquoise; From Tiffany & Co’s “Gregorian Birthstone Poems” pamphlet

  • 1912: Turquoise (primary), lapis lazuli (alternative); From National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America)

  • 1952: Zircon added to 1912 list; From Jewelry Industry Council of America

  • 2002: Tanzanite added

So, what is the real birthstone for December? Turquoise has been listed most consistently, but each birthstone has its own lore and appeal.

ancient egyptian turquoise and gold pendantPictured above: Gold and turquoise Egyptian pendant, 21st Dynasty 1069-713 BC; Displayed at Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA | Image credit: Daderot, Public domain

Turquoise’s Revered Status in Ancient Civilizations

Turquoise was among the earliest gems. In fact, a 5500-BC Egyptian turquoise bracelet is among the oldest jewelry.

Ancient Egyptians mined turquoise — called mefkat for “joy” — since at least 3000 BC. They wore it for protection and status, associating it with sky & motherhood goddess Hathor.

Ancient Persian turquoise — called pērōzah, meaning “victory” — was purer, so they believed it was heavenly. They’d set turquoise in turbans, weapons, and mosques.

Ancient Greeks and Romans called turquoise callais and made turquoise beads, necklaces, and rings. Another early name was the Aztec chalchihuitl.

Aztecs viewed turquoise as sacred, passed down from the deity Quetzalcoatl. They believed it embodied fire, burying rulers with turquoise in their mouth..

Similarly, Native American tribes prized turquoise as ceremonial items, talismans, and currency. The Apache tribe attached turquoise to bows to ensure accurate aim.

Turkish travelers introduced Persian turquoise to medieval Europe, which became popular after the 14th century and more so in the Victorian Era. The name “turquoise” dates back to the 1300s, derived from the French turquois, meaning “Turkish.”

queen of kilimanjaro tanzanite tiaraPictured above: The Queen of Kilimanjaro, "whe world's largest faceted tanzanite", set in a tiara adorned with diamonds and tsavorite garnets; From a display in the Mineral Gallery in the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto | Image credit: Mala C, Flickr, CC-BY-SA-2.0

Tanzanite’s Modern Discovery & Historical Connections

Tanzanite’s history is much shorter but no less interesting. Many gemologists cite tanzanite as the most significant gemstone discovery since alexandrite in 1834.

This December birthstone was discovered in Tanzania in 1967 by Indian tailor and prospector Manuel de Souza.

De Souza believed it was olivine; others considered dumortierite or cordierite. He called on American geologist Dr. John Saul. Saul tasked his father, Hyman Saul, with taking specimens back to New York. Saul had the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) analyze them. They found that it was a new vanadium-bearing zoisite variety.

Hyman and Saul worked with Tiffany & Co gem buyer Henry Platt to develop a marketing plan. Platt coined the name “tanzanite.”

17th to 19th century zircon amulet from nepalPictured above: Nepal amulet case with Vishnu Riding Garuda, featuring gold, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, pearls, zircon, coral, lapis lazuli, and turquoise; Dated 17th–19th century; Displayed at Metropolitan Museum of Art | Image credit: Met Museum, Public domain

Zircon’s Fascinating History

Zircon is not only the oldest December birthstone, but it’s also the oldest known mineral on Earth based on Australian specimens dated over 4.4 billion years old!

The name “zircon” may come from the Arabic zarkun, meaning “vermillion,” or the Persian zargun, meaning “gold-colored.”

Warm-colored zircons were called hyacinth or jacinth, after the hyacinthus flower, by ancient Greeks. Another plant connected to zircon is the Kalpa Tree, a wish-granting tree in ancient Indian mythology said to bear green zircon leaves.

There are zircon references in the Bible, but translations vary — the Hebrew shoham likely meant chrysolite and ligyrion could be zircon, amber, or tourmaline.

The name “zircon” came in 1783, but the earliest names were lyncurion (Theophrastus around 300 BC) and chrysolithos (Pliny the Elder in 37 AD).

Zircon gemstone mining goes back to the 1st century AD if not earlier. In Italy and Greece, zircon uses go back to 500 AD.

White zircons being sold as diamond substitutes goes back to when faceting began in the 1300s. By the Victorian era, blue zircon jewelry was favored in mourning jewelry and English estate jewelry.

Geological Marvel: The Formation of Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon

Next, we’ll look at each December birthstone’s formation and mineralogy.

tumbled turquoise beaded necklacePictured above: Tumbled turquoise beaded necklace

Turquoise Properties

Turquoise is a hydrated copper aluminum phosphate that’s porous, making its Mohs hardness oscillate between 5 to 6. Almost all turquoise is microcrystalline, like chalcedony.

The December birthstone forms as a secondary mineral when copper-rich water alters phosphorus- and aluminum-bearing minerals.

Turquoise is often found mixed with copper minerals like:

China and the US are turquoise’s top sources.

violet blue tanzanite crystal roughPictured above: Rough tanzanite crystal

Tanzanite Properties

Tanzanite is a variety of the calcium aluminum silicate zoisite, with a hardness of 6 to 7. Tanzanite is also the rarest birthstone for December, only found in a small area near the Mererani Hills.

Geologists estimate tanzanite formed 585 million years ago. The formation involved tectonic activity, heat, and Tanzania’s unique underground environment.

reddish brown zircon crystal roughPictured above: Rough red zircon crystals

Zircon Properties

Zircon is a natural zirconium silicate mineral often confused with the zirconium dioxide cubic zirconia, which is usually synthetic.

Among the December birthstones, zircon has the highest Mohs hardness at 7.5. Another unique trait? Containing traces of radioactive substances like uranium. This allows zircon’s properties to change over time and helps geochronologists study ancient geologic events using zircon.

Gem-quality zircons mostly come from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

robins egg blue turquoise cabochonPictured above: Robin's egg blue turquoise cabochon

Turquoise's Timeless Charm: Unveiling the Sky Stone

Color is the primary feature of turquoise. The December birthstone’s color can be turquoise, blue, green, yellowish-green, and even yellow.

Blues are from copper in the mineral’s formula. Greens come from chromium or vanadium impurities. Yellows come from iron impurities. Rarely, strontium impurities create purple undertones.

You’ll often see colored remnants of the host rock where turquoise formed, present as veins or patches called a “matrix.” The patterns can also be other minerals, like dark limonite webbing or golden pyrite flecks.

Certain sources produce distinct types of turquoise, such as:

  • Persian-Grade: Iran; Robin’s egg blue, no visible matrix

  • Sinai or “Egyptian”: Egypt; Usually greener, more translucent

  • Lynch Station: Virginia; Only source of transparent turquoise

  • Sleeping Beauty: Top American turquoise mine in Arizona; Solid sky blue to deep blue, little to no visible matrix

  • Kingman: Arizona; High-quality usually medium blue with black “water web” or “spiderweb” matrix

  • Bisbee: Arizona; Top-quality royal blue with brownish-red matrix

  • Sonoran Gold: Mexico; High-quality baby blue & lime green with yellow web matrix

  • Mohave: Arizona; Mosaicked with vivid purple, pink, blue, green, and red with bronze veining

Additionally, “turquoise” is sometimes a misnomer:

  • White Buffalo Turquoise: Gray, white, or dyed dolomite

  • African Turquoise: Teal, spotted jasper

  • Bone Turquoise / Occidental Turquoise: Fossil bone containing blue apatite

  • Kallait / Callais / Turquenite: Usually dyed howlite or magnesite

How does tanzanite’s color compare?

deep blue tanzanite faceted gemstonePictured above: Faceted tanzanite

Tanzanite's Mesmerizing Blue and Violet Beauty

Tanzanite’s color ranges from blue to purple, usually bluish-violet. Cool lighting will emphasize blues while warmer lighting brings out purples.

The December birthstone’s pleochroism is notable, shifting hues at different angles. Natural tanzanite can shift from violet to blue to yellow-green, brown, or green. Heat treatments cause only blue-to-violet shifts. Rarely, tanzanite is also color-changing.

Vanadium impurities that are heated (naturally or artificially) cause tanzanite’s colors.

faceted blue zircon gemstonePictured above: Faceted blue zircon

Zircon's Colorful Spectrum and Brilliance

Unlike turquoise and tanzanite, zircon December birthstones are more varied. The most popular color, however, is blue zircon.

Zircon’s gemstone colors and causes:

  • Blue: Usually greenish undertones; Almost always heat-treated; Trade names “starlite” or “stremlite”

  • Green: Incredibly rare; Usually brownish, bright green best; May be heat-treated to lighter shade; Trade name “beccarite”

  • “Gold” (Yellow to Orange): More affordable; Heated to be golden-yellow; Trade names “jargon” for light yellow and “melichrysos”

  • Red: Range in shades, usually reddish-brown; Trade name “hyacinth/jacinth” for reddish-brown & transparent

  • Purple: Caused by natural irradiation, lightened by sunlight and heat

  • Colorless / White: Little to no impurities (natural) or heat-treated colored zircons; Affordable alternative to diamond

  • Brown to Black: Most common natural color; Caused by iron oxide impurities

Radioactive elements in zircons can cause decay (metamictization) over time, changing their crystalline structure, colors, and other properties.

“Low zircon” is the oldest and most changed, usually cloudy and orange, yellow, green, or brownish-green. “High zircon” is the least changed and usually blue, colorless, or brownish-orange. Jewelry usually contains high zircon.

Color is just one part of the December birthstones’ grading.

Evaluating Quality: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon Characteristics

Gemstone quality is typically graded on color, cut, clarity, carat weight, and treatments.

Turquoise is a bit unique, graded on color, matrix, and texture. Dense textures have better polish luster; coarser textures have worse polish luster.

Color

Turquoise: The most valuable turquoise color is bright “robin’s egg” or “sky” blue with even distribution and no undertones. Green or greenish-blue turquoise is more affordable.

Medium-dark tones are the most valuable, as medium tones bring out turquoise’s vibrance best. Darker tones are usually more dull-looking.

Color-zoning usually lowers value, but one exception is the rare “bird’s eye” pattern.

Tanzanite: Tanzanite can be purple to blue. The most valuable colors are vibrant pure blue, but bright purplish-blue and violet-blue are also sought-after. The best tone is 75 to 85 percent. Strong pleochroism or color-changes are value boosters.

Zircon: Despite the range of zircon colors, the priciest and most popular is blue. Browns and reddish-browns are common, while vivid greens and reds are more valuable.

blue zircon december birthstone ringPictured above: Blue zircon ring with cubic zirconia accent stones

Cut

Turquoise: Most turquoise becomes cabochons. Inlay, carvings, or beads are also common.

Tanzanite: Many gem cutters prioritize retaining tanzanite’s weight in faceted cuts, so the resulting gems are usually more purple than blue. Common shapes are cushion and oval cuts.

Zircon: Faceted zircons are usually cut to maximize their luster, brilliance, and dispersion. Challenges include avoiding facet doubling (high birefringence) and chipping. Common shapes are brilliant rounds, ovals, step, or mixed cuts.

Cat’s eye zircons or tanzanites must be cut as cabochons.

Clarity, Transparency & Matrix

Clarity describes the degree of visible inclusions, which lowers transparency and value. Inclusions that cause chatoyancy, rare “cat’s eye” tanzanites and zircons, are exceptions.

Turquoise: Turquoise is typically opaque, so rare transparent to translucent specimens are pricier. Top-value turquoise birthstones have no visible matrix, but some matrix patterns like dark “spider-webs” are sought-after.

Tanzanite: Tanzanites have Type I clarity, so visible inclusions are uncommon and will lower value. Fractures can lower durability and value.

Zircon: Zircons have Type II clarity, so minor visible inclusions are expected outside of high-quality specimens. Untreated zircons may look cloudy.

tibetan spiderweb turquoise cabochonPictured above: Untreated Tibetan turquoise cabochon with spider-web pattern

Carat Weight

Turquoise: Turquoise birthstones come in various sizes. Larger specimens often have more apparent matrices, so big, matrix-free turquoise specimens are pricier.

Tanzanite: Tanzanite is available in various sizes, but price-per-carat jumps for gems over 1 carat and 3 carats. Oddly, tanzanites usually have better coloring in larger sizes.

Zircon: Size ranges vary by zircon’s color. Rarer colors like purple and red are smallest, yellow and orange go up to 5 carats, while blue and green go up to 10 carats. Larger size often means lower quality.

Treatments

Turquoise: Treatments for turquoise are often done to enhance their color, durability, and/or shine. Oil and wax coatings are most common. Other turquoise treatments include dyeing, soaking (Zachery treatment), or stabilizing the birthstone.

Tanzanite: Almost all tanzanite gems are heat-treated. A less desirable, rarer treatment is chemical coating.

Zircon: Heat treatments for zircon are routine and stable. Heating can make “low” zircon less metamict, improve clarity, or alter coloring. Most often, brown zircons are heated to become blue. Heat can also create colorless, yellow, light green, red, or golden zircons.

floral tanzanite carvingPictured above: Tanzanite carving

December Birthstones’ Meanings

The stone color of December is blue, so all December birthstones have the soothing and harmonizing properties of blue gemstones. But each birthstone has unique mystical qualities!

Turquoise Meanings

Many ancient societies believed turquoise was protective, including Persians, Apaches, and Aztecs. Other interpretations said turquoise symbolized heaven, purification, and hope.

Spiritually, Tibetan Buddhists wear malas (meditation beads) with turquoise representing spirituality and good luck.

Crystal healers recommend turquoise for treating inflammation, deflecting negativity, and promoting friendship.

Tanzanite Meanings

Tanzanite’s meaning largely revolves around transformation and communication. This December birthstone is believed to help you communicate wisely with compassion, especially in relationship disputes.

This healing stone is nicknamed the “Stone of Transformation” and “Stone of Magic.”

Spiritually, tanzanite is a third eye or crown chakra stone, boosting intuition and spiritual awareness.

Zircon Meanings

Historically, zircon was believed to grant good luck, better sleep, and protection during medieval times. Today, zircon symbolizes success, wisdom, and positivity.

The Greek myth of Hyacinth symbolizes rebirth, attaching this meaning to zircon’s “hyacinth” moniker. White zircon is seen as symbolic of purity, while yellow zircon is nicknamed the “Stone of Prosperity.”

blue topaz earrings - alternative december birthstonePictured above: Blue topaz earrings with white accent diamonds

Alternative December Birthstones

Not even three semi-precious gems fully cover December birthstones. Besides the historical lapis lazuli, many consider blue topaz a December birthstone.

Astrologically, Sagittarius signs fall before the 21st while Capricorn falls after. Sagittarius birthstones include amethyst, beryl, and lapis lazuli.

What is the birthstone for Capricorn? Beneficial Capricorn stones include iolite, corundum, and black tourmaline.

Personalized December Birthstone Gifts

Do you have a December-born loved one? Then December birthstone jewelry is a great gift that’s thoughtful and personalized!

Once you know their favorite birthstone, you can opt for a minimalist December birthstone ring or a customized December birthstone necklace that includes your own birthstone. You can even incorporate the daffodil (narcissus) birth flower into the design!

light blue tanzanite december birthstone ringPictured above: Faceted tanzanite ring

Celebrate the Best Winter Holiday With December Birthstones!

Being born around the holidays can be a drag, but having beautiful birthstones makes the dark days brighter. Do you love southwestern turquoise, modern tanzanite, or diverse zircon? The best birthstone is what makes you feel your best!

Find traditional and alternative December birthstones from our hundreds of gemstones available!



十二月生日石 - 坦桑石锆石和绿松石杰克弗罗斯特咬你的鼻子?那就尽情享受这些十二月生日石吧!这些冷色调的珠宝中的每一个都反映了冬天的寒冷温度,但都闪耀着自己的活力和光芒。

如果您曾经对成为 12 月的婴儿感到不满,并且将生日与假期混为一谈,那么您的安慰是,您有三种华丽的生日石可供选择:坦桑石、绿松石和锆石。这些十二月生日石中的每一颗都呈现出冬日般的蓝色。但请不要误会:他们每个人都是独一无二的。

例如,绿松石的石头般的水色印花提供了一种朴实的魅力。与此同时,坦桑石和锆石都闪耀着光芒四射的光芒。

重点是:你有选择。当我们在太阳附近接近一年的结束和节日庆祝活动时,请考虑将 12 月生日石添加到您的节日愿望清单中。

准备好了解更多关于这些蓝色宝石的信息了吗?我们以为你永远不会问!准备好了解十二月蓝色生日石的物理特性和整体属性。


坦桑石诞生石

让我们用来自非洲国家的蓝紫色宝石坦桑石开始这个 12 月的生日石派对。猜猜是哪个国家的?我们会给你一个提示:它实际上就是名字!没错,坦桑石来自坦桑尼亚的乞力马扎罗山脚下。坦桑石的独特之处在于,与来自世界各地的其他宝石不同,坦桑石完全来自坦桑尼亚。

坦桑石是一种相对较新的宝石发现,直到 1960 年代后期首次被发现时才出现在宝石雷达上。

不像蓝宝石那么蓝,也不像紫水晶那么紫,坦桑石在色谱上结合了两全其美。坦桑石不仅价格实惠,而且很容易切割成各种形状和尺寸。你知道那是什么意思吗?无尽的珠宝设计!坦桑石非常适合制作许多珠宝物品,包括项链吊坠、耳环和戒指。在这个假日季节,用坦桑石宝石为自己披上紫蓝色的面纱!
十二月诞生石 - 坦桑石了解更多关于坦桑石的信息

锆石诞生石

与坦桑石的深蓝紫色不同,锆石是一种鲜艳的水蓝色。虽然锆石有多种颜色,包括红色和橙色的暖色调,但蓝色是最受欢迎的。很容易看出为什么!这颗明亮耀眼的宝石来自泰国、柬埔寨和越南南部等亚洲国家。

亚洲宝石具有整体特性,锆石也不例外!佩戴锆石被认为可以缓解疼痛。此外,众所周知,锆石可以增强食欲并为旅行者提供保护。

近年来,仅仅因为它的名字,人们对蓝色锆石产生了一些混淆。许多人将锆石误认为立方氧化锆,一种实验室制造的钻石替代品。然而,两人在颜值、构成、价值上却相差无几。首先,立方氧化锆是无色的人造的。

另一方面,蓝色锆石是一种充满活力、郁郁葱葱的亮蓝色,是从硅酸锆矿床中有机开采的。在中世纪,锆石装饰着旅行者和战士,他们相信它有能力保护他们免受瘟疫、恶魔和道路伤害。底线:蓝色锆石是一种凶猛而火热的天然宝石。如果您想在闪闪发光的宝石首饰中装点自己,那么锆石就是您的名字!
十二月诞生石 - 锆石了解有关锆石的更多信息

绿松石诞生石

绿松石这个名字来自法语单词“土耳其石”,最早发现于 13 世纪。如果您曾经访问过美国西南部,那么您会偶然发现大量出售美洲原住民珠宝的绿松石供应商。这是因为绿松石是传统美洲原住民文化的重要组成部分。

这种重要而神圣的宝石被美洲原住民称为“生命之石”,因为它代表了所有生物。虽然带有沙色斑点的绿蓝色是绿松石的经典颜色,但它有多种颜色可供选择。因此,美洲原住民将其视为代表地球及其圣地鲜艳色彩的石头。绿松石对纳瓦霍人来说尤为重要,他们佩戴宝石来抵御邪恶。此外,纳瓦霍人讲述了不断变化的女人 Estsanatlehi,她用绿松石装饰自己。

在珠宝中,绿松石非常受欢迎,尤其是作为一种个性化的单品。它经常与其他宝石搭配使用,并且几乎总是镶嵌在 925 纯银中。一些最受欢迎的绿松石首饰是绿松石戒指和手镯。然而,这些宝石经常被放置在耳环、项链吊坠,甚至衣服和手袋中。

绿松石拥有如此多的神圣能量已不是什么秘密:它是世界上最古老的宝石之一!再加上充满活力的蓝绿色和图案的融合,您将拥有周围最独特的宝石之一!

十二月生日石 - 绿松石
了解有关绿松石的更多信息

十二月生日石首饰

诞生石首饰是完美的礼物。谁不想被他们自己的诞生石所迷惑呢?您将做出的最艰难的决定是决定购买哪种诞生石。好吧,谁说你必须选择?用绿松石戒指犒劳自己,或者用华丽的坦桑石吊坠为晚装增添一些浮华。或者,在您的生日清单上放一对令人惊艳的锆石耳环!

诞生石首饰最棒的地方在于,它是一种个性化的礼物,也恰好可以佩戴。这意味着无论您走到哪里,都可以佩戴您的十二月生日石首饰!

购买十二月生日石

如您所见,购买十二月生日石时,您有很多选择。谁说你必须选择一个?这是你的出生月份,对吧?那么,你不妨用你的生日石装饰一些有趣的东西!

随着天气的变化和庆祝活动的开始,请记住为您的生日准备一些特别的东西。或者,您可能想在假期的愿望清单中添加一颗宝石。毕竟,这是一年中最美好的时光!这听起来像是用十二月生日石犒劳自己的好时机。事实上,最好把它做成三个。

准备好购物了吗?我们是这么想的!浏览我们的坦桑石蓝色锆石绿松石系列,为您的生日寻找美丽的宝石。

购买 12 月生日石



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