December Birthstones

Uncover the enchanting world of December's birthstones, featuring turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon, and their captivating significance for individuals born in this month. Explore the allure and symbolism of these precious gemstones tied to December birthdays.

Key Takeaways

• December Birthstones: The primary birthstones for December are Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon, each offering unique beauty and benefits.

• Turquoise Stone: Known for its sky-blue or greenish-blue hues, turquoise supports the immune system and aids in detoxification.

• Tanzanite Stone: This rare gem from Northern Tanzania improves skin and hair health while fostering compassion and calmness.

• Zircon Stone: With colors ranging from colorless to yellow-gold and blue, zircon enhances restful sleep, attracts wealth, and promotes wisdom.

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December Birthstones Explained

December boasts a distinctive trait among the months, as it is adorned with not one but three traditional birthstones, each bestowing its unique charm upon those born during this period.

The birthstones for December are an assortment of exquisite gems, namely the vibrant Turquoise, the captivating Tanzanite, and the sparkling Zircon. Each gem radiates a distinct allure and holds a fascinating mystique.

For individuals commemorating their birth in December, these three birthstones present a diverse array of choices.

Whether one finds solace in the calming blue-green tones of Turquoise, is mesmerized by the deep blue-violet hues of Tanzanite, or dazzled by the fiery brilliance of Zircon, these gems offer a rich selection, ensuring a fitting symbol of their unique character and personality.

Traditional December Birthstones

Turquoise Stone

Turquoise, with its history dating back to ancient Egyptians, has always been regarded as a sacred stone.

With its vivid color and beneficial properties, turquoise is a perfect December birthstone that adds a pop of color to the winter season.

• Description: A mineral recognized for its unique sky blue or greenish-blue color.

• Color: Robin’s egg blue to sky blue or greenish-blue. The bright robin's egg blue turquoise is considered the most valuable and desirable in the market.

• Physical Benefits: Supports the immune system and aids in detoxification.

• Metaphysical Benefits: Provides protection and promotes communication.

• Chakra: Throat Chakra.

Tanzanite Stone

Tanzanite’s rareness is due to its limited availability, mostly sourced from Northern Tanzania.

This stunning stone is a testament to the beauty of the natural world, making it an enticing choice for those celebrating December birthdays.

It got its name from the French expression “Pierre Tourques,” which translates to “Turkish stone.”

• Description: A variety of the mineral zoisite, is known for its rich blue color.

• Color: From blue to violet, often exhibiting a deep and saturated color.

• Physical Benefits: Improves skin and hair health.

• Metaphysical Benefits: Fosters compassion, calmness, and harmony.

• Chakra: Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra, and Crown Chakras.

Zircon Stone

This December birthstone has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Its varied color palette, most notably the popular heat treated blue zircon, mirrors the cool blues of December.

• Description: A brilliant and vibrant gemstone known for its captivating azure hue.

• Color: While most zircon ranges from colorless to yellow-gold, heat treatment can transform this gem into stunning blue stones, from sky blue to rich Swiss and London. Zircon stones come in various shapes and cuts, with clarity and color often influenced by the presence of radioactive elements.

• Physical Benefits: Enhances restful sleep, attracts wealth, and promotes wisdom.

• Metaphysical Benefits: Brings honor and prosperity.

• Chakra: Solar Plexus Chakra and Sacral Chakra.

Alternative December Birthstones

While turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon are the traditional December birthstones, gem enthusiasts have several alternative choices among colored stones.

These stones, like their traditional counterparts, embody the cool blues and rich history characteristic of December’s gemstones.

Lapis Lazuli Birthstone

Since ancient times, Lapis Lazuli, a deep blue gem, has been treasured for its intense celestial color.

• Description: An enchanting stone that has been prized since ancient times.

• Color: Intense blue, often with golden specks of pyrite.

• Physical Benefits: Cures respiratory and nervous system issues.

• Metaphysical Benefits: Enhances wisdom and inner truth.

• Chakra: Third Eye Chakra.

Blue Topaz Birthstone

Topaz is a radiant gemstone available in a spectrum of colors, symbolizing love, abundance, and strength, making it a cherished and versatile choice for elegant jewelry and meaningful gifts.

• Description: A transparent, brilliant, and durable gemstone with a vivid blue hue.

• Color: Sky blue to Swiss blue and London blue.

• Physical Benefits: Helps digestion and combats eating disorders.

• Metaphysical Benefits: Brings prosperity and protection.

• Chakra: Throat Chakra.

Cubic Zirconia Birthstone

Cubic Zirconia is a brilliant and affordable gemstone with a diamond-like sparkle, representing clarity, purity, and enduring beauty, making it a popular and accessible choice for various jewelry styles.

• Description: A diamond simulant that displays remarkable brilliance and fire.

• Color: Colorless but can be made in a wide variety of colors.

• Physical Benefits: Inspires strength and improve focus.

• Metaphysical Benefits: Promotes prosperity and drives away negative energy.

• Chakra: All Chakras.

Hessonite Garnet Birthstone

Hessonite Garnet is a mesmerizing gemstone with a warm orange-brown to reddish-brown hue, symbolizing strength, vitality, and protection, making it a distinctive and meaningful choice for jewelry with a touch of earthy elegance.

• Description: known as "cinnamon stone," is a variety of grossular garnet.

• Color: from honey-yellow to orangy brown.

• Physical Benefits: regulates the hormone production.

• Metaphysical Benefits: brings courage and confidence.

• Chakra: Sacral Chakra.

In essence, these alternative December birthstones offer a rich spectrum of choices for those seeking something different.

Each stone, be it the calming blues of topaz, the fiery brilliance of cubic zirconia, or the warm tones of hessonite garnet, has unique attributes making them beautiful additions to any birthstone jewelry.

Health Benefits of All December Birthstones

The stunning December birthstones are not just about beauty and rich history. These stones have been long associated with various health benefits. Here are some potential perks that have been linked to these gems:

• Boosts immune system: Turquoise is believed to support the immune system, helping your body fight off illnesses.

• Improves skin and hair health: Tanzanite is said to improve skin and hair health, promoting a youthful glow.

• Aids in sleep: Zircon is thought to help with sleeping problems, promoting a restful night.

• Helps respiratory and nervous system: Lapis Lazuli is believed to aid in respiratory and nervous system issues, promoting overall wellbeing.

• Supports digestion: Blue Topaz is said to be beneficial for digestion and can help combat eating disorders.

• Improves focus: Cubic Zirconia is known to improve focus and inspire strength.

• Regulates hormone production: Hessonite Garnet is believed to aid in regulating hormone production, promoting physical balance.

In conclusion, each December birthstone, both traditional and alternative, offer a host of believed health benefits.

Whether it’s supporting the immune system or promoting a good night’s sleep, these gems can be considered not just beautiful accessories but also potential allies for health and wellness. For regular cleaning and care, gently wash these stones with mild soap and warm water.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the December Birthstones

December birthstones, be it the traditional ones or the alternatives, possess unique characteristics that can influence the wearer in various ways.

Understanding their strengths and weaknesses can help you choose the perfect December birthstone for you.

Strengths

• Enhanced communication: Stones like blue topaz and turquoise promote clear and open communication, making it easier to express your thoughts and feelings.

• Increased wisdom and inner truth: With a December birthstone in your collection, you may experience heightened wisdom and an awakening of your inner truth.

• Prosperity and good fortune: Both blue topaz and cubic zirconia are believed to bring prosperity and good luck, making them your lucky charm.

• Aids relaxation and calmness: The cool blues of these stones, especially tanzanite and turquoise, are believed to promote calmness and relieve stress.

Weaknesses

• Overdependence on intuition: While birthstones boost intuition, reliance on intuition alone can sometimes lead to unbalanced decisions.

• Potential energy overload: With the intense energy of zircon, some people might feel overwhelmed.

• Avoidance of practical reality: The calming and spiritual nature of these stones may distract some from dealing with the practical aspects of life.

• Unwanted attention: The brilliance and stunning colors of these stones can sometimes draw unwanted attention.

In summary, while these birthstones offer many potential benefits, understanding their weaknesses can help ensure a balanced and beneficial experience.

Choose your birthstone thoughtfully, embracing the strengths and respecting the potential downsides for a harmonious blend of spiritual and practical benefits.

December’s Birthstone Jewelry

Each December birthstone makes an exquisite pieces of jewelry, their rich blues and violet hues a perfect match for the wintry month. Here’s a brief overview of some birthstone jewelry you might consider:

• Turquoise ring: An eye-catching piece, the vibrant blue-green hues of a turquoise birthstone ring make a bold statement.

• Blue Topaz pendant: Perfect for daily wear, a blue topaz pendant can serve as a constant reminder of your resilience and potential for growth.

• Zircon earrings: With their brilliance, zircon earrings can add a touch of elegance to any outfit. It is important to regularly clean zircon jewelry to maintain its sparkle and protect it from environmental factors.

• Tanzanite bracelet: A tanzanite bracelet offers a stylish way to incorporate this special gem into your wardrobe.

• Lapis Lazuli necklace: With its deep blue color, the necklace exudes a sense of wisdom and truth.

In conclusion, December birthstone jewelry offers a wide range of options. Whether you prefer the rustic appeal of a turquoise ring, the fiery sparkle of zircon earrings, the profound blues of a blue topaz pendant, there’s a piece to suit every style.

How to Keep the Birthstones Clean

Proper care can maintain the allure of your December birthstone jewelry for a lifetime. Here are some cleaning suggestions to keep these precious gemstones at their sparkling best:

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Protect your jewelry from cleaning agents and harsh chemicals, as these can damage your stones.

• Use a soft brush: For a gentle cleanse, use a soft brush and lukewarm soapy water, ensuring the surface of the stone isn't scratched.

• Consider ultrasonic cleaners: For tougher dirt, ultrasonic cleaners can be used on harder stones like topaz and zircon. However, softer stones such as turquoise should not be cleaned this way.

• Steam cleaning: Another option for more robust stones like zircon is steam cleaning, but always avoid this method for softer and more porous stones like turquoise.

• Wipe with a soft cloth: After cleaning, dry and polish your jewelry with a soft cloth to restore its shine.

• Store properly: To prevent color fading, store your jewelry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

To sum up, keeping your December birthstones clean can be easy with the right methods. With gentle care, appropriate cleaning tools like soft brushes or ultrasonic cleaners, and proper storage, you can preserve the lasting radiance of these stunning stones.

How to Use December Birthstones in Daily Life

Whether it's the vibrant blue topaz, the grounding zircon, or the mystical turquoise, December birthstones can be incorporated into daily life to promote well-being. Each December birthstone can be worn as a birthstone ring or jewelry. Here are some ways to do it:

• Mindfulness: Holding these gemstones during mindfulness practice can enhance focus and tranquility.

• Chakra Meditation: Both turquoise and blue topaz are connected to the throat chakra, promoting clear communication during meditation.

• Journaling: Let these stones inspire your daily reflections.

• Gratitude: As symbols of joy and prosperity, these stones can remind you to cultivate gratitude daily.

• Positivity: Their cool blue hues can instill calm and positive thinking.

• Resilience: As these stones have endured in the earth for millions of years, they can serve as symbols of resilience.

• Decor: Place these stones around your home or office as a constant reminder of their beauty and symbolic significance.

In summary, by combining the unique attributes of December birthstones with daily practices, we can foster mindfulness, resilience, and positivity. These stones are more than just jewelry; they can be instrumental in promoting personal growth.

History and Location of December Birthstones

The history and location of December’s birthstones—turquoise tanzanite and zircon—are captivating and diverse, each carrying its unique narratives and geographies.

Starting with turquoise, a stone with a deep history, it has been cherished since ancient times, signifying power and immortality. Unearthed in ancient egypt in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs, it represented eternal life and ward of evil spirits.

In the Native American culture, this stone was a ceremonial gem and a medium of exchange. Today, it is often associated with the hues of the sky and water, symbolizing life, joy, and abundance.

Turquoise mines are spread across the globe but are primarily found in arid regions such as Iran (formerly Persia), known for Persian blue or robin’s blue egg blue turquoise, the southwestern United States, and Mexico.

Zircon, another December birthstone, has a story as old as the earth itself. With a history that spans over 4.4 billion years, it is one of the oldest minerals found on earth. A common misconception is its comparison with cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant. The colorless zircon or blue zircon has a stunning brilliance that often leads to this confusion.

Blue Zircon is a gift from the global landscape, with its deposits found in numerous locations. Australia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam are significant sources contributing to most of the commercial production.

Finally, we have tanzanite, the baby among December birthstones, with its discovery dating only as far back as 1967. This gem, a variant of the mineral zoisite, mesmerizes with its blue shades and is one of the most exhilarating finds of the 20th century.

Named after Tanzania, the country where it was discovered, it has a highly localized source. The Merelani hills, on the slops of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania continue to be the only known tanzanite mining location in the world, enhancing its appeal and value.

In essence, each of these December birthstones, turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite, boasts a history as fascinating as their color spectrum, from sky blues, intense blues to violet hues. The uniqueness of their origins also adds a special dimension to their appeal, making them true geological wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions About December Birthstones

Why Does December Have Three Birthstones?

The American Gem Trade Association added tanzanite birthstone in 2002 to join zircon and turquoise, acknowledging its growing popularity.

is December Blue Topaz?

Blue topaz is often associated with December due to its vibrant blue color, but it's not one of the traditional birthstones.

is December Birthstone Turquoise or Tanzanite?

Both! December is represented by both turquoise and tanzanite, in addition to zircon.

What Color Stone is Sagittarius?

The zodiac sign Sagittarius, which falls partly in December, is often associated with the blue color of turquoise and topaz.

Is December's Birthstone connected to Tarot cards?

Yes, December's birthstones have connections to various Tarot cards due to their attributes and symbolism.

1. The Star: Turquoise, with its calming blue-green hues, aligns with The Star card, symbolizing hope, tranquility, and divine guidance.

2. The Hierophant: Tanzanite, known for its deep blue-violet color and spiritual properties, resonates with The Hierophant card, embodying wisdom, spiritual growth, and guidance.

3. The World: Zircon, with its brilliance and diverse color palette, connects with The World card, representing completion, accomplishment, and fulfillment.

References

Turquoise - Wikipedia

Tanzanite - Wikipedia

Zircon - Wikipedia

Gemstone Healing: How to choose and use the right crystal and healing technique

Crystal Therapy

Crystal healing and gem therapy - "using energy vibrations to heal and harmonise" : complementary and alternative medicine | SA Pharmaceutical Journal

Health benefits of pendant from the viewpoint of Persian medicine

Crystal Power: 12 Essential Crystals for Health & Healing

Healing with quartz crystals: An exploratory study of nine crystal healers' beliefs and practices

Crystal Basics: The Energetic, Healing, and Spiritual Power of 200 Gemstones

Disclaimer

The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related changes or if you have any questions or concerns about your health.  Anahana is not liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences that may occur from using the information provided.