What Is The Birthstone For December? December boasts not one, but four stunning gemstones: Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise. This comprehensive guide on WHAT.EDU.VN explores each gem, delving into their unique characteristics, meanings, and origins. Discover the perfect December birthstone to celebrate a special someone’s birthday or add a touch of elegance to your jewelry collection, considering the various gemstone options and their individual appeal.
1. December Birthstone Options: An Overview
December is unique in that it has multiple birthstones associated with it. This offers those born in December a wider range of choices to suit their personal preferences and styles. Each of these gemstones carries its own unique beauty and symbolism, making them all wonderful options for December birthdays.
- Blue Topaz
- Blue Zircon
- Tanzanite
- Turquoise
2. Blue Topaz: The Clarity Stone
2.1. What Is Blue Topaz?
Blue Topaz, a modern birthstone for December, is a silicate mineral comprising aluminum and fluorine. Its glassy luster and perfect cleavage make it a delicate yet captivating gem. The color of Blue Topaz ranges from light to dark blues, including Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, and London Blue, each having a slightly different shade. These colors are often achieved through irradiation of colorless topaz. This treatment makes blue topaz a versatile, affordable, and readily available choice for jewelers and designers.
2.2. What Is the Blue Topaz Birthstone Month?
Blue Topaz is one of the recognized birthstones for December. Its availability, affordability, and range of blue hues make it a popular choice for December birthday gifts. While natural blue topaz exists, the vibrant blue shades seen in most jewelry are typically the result of treating colorless topaz.
2.3. What is London Blue Topaz?
London Blue Topaz is a specific variety of Blue Topaz known for its deep, inky medium blue color. It’s the darkest and most saturated blue topaz available. The name “London Blue Topaz” comes from London, the home of the largest blue topaz ever discovered. This giant gemstone, weighing 9,381 carats, is on display at the UK Natural History Museum. The strong color is achieved through heat treatment, sometimes with a subtle green tinge.
2.4. What Is the Meaning of Blue Topaz?
Blue Topaz is known as the “clarity stone,” thought to stimulate open communication and action. It symbolizes deep, honest, and genuine feelings. The stone is associated with wisdom and success, believed to bring good fortune to the wearer. Additionally, some believe it redirects good energies, relieves stress and physical ailments.
2.5. Where Does Blue Topaz Come From?
Natural blue topaz was first discovered on Topazios Island in the Red Sea by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. Today, it is found in the USA (Texas), Russia’s Ural Mountains, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China.
2.6. Is Blue Topaz Durable?
Blue Topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it harder than many other gemstones. However, it’s brittle due to its perfect cleavage and should be handled with care to avoid scratches and chips. London Blue Topaz is especially prone to chipping.
2.7. Where Can I Buy Blue Topaz Jewelry?
Blue Topaz jewelry is widely available online at James Allen, Blue Nile, CustomMade, Angara, and White Flash, as well as in brick-and-mortar stores.
2.8. Blue Topaz FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Blue Topaz a modern birthstone for December? | Yes, Blue Topaz is one of the modern birthstones for December. |
| What is the difference between London Blue Topaz and Swiss Blue Topaz? | London Blue Topaz has a deeper, inky blue color, while Swiss Blue Topaz is a brighter, sky blue. |
| Is Blue Topaz expensive? | Prices vary based on size and quality. Natural blue topaz is rare and costly, but treated blue topaz is more affordable and widely available. |
| What are the benefits of wearing Blue Topaz? | Blue Topaz is believed to promote communication, wisdom, and success. |
| How can I care for my Blue Topaz jewelry? | Clean with mild, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Store separately to prevent scratches. |
| I have many questions and would like to speak to a professional. | At WHAT.EDU.VN, we understand the importance of having your questions answered promptly and accurately. Our team of experts is available to provide free consultations and answer any questions you may have about gemstones or other topics. Simply visit our website at WHAT.EDU.VN, or contact us via WhatsApp at +1 (206) 555-7890. You can also visit us at 888 Question City Plaza, Seattle, WA 98101, United States for personalized assistance. |
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3. Blue Zircon: The Diamond Alternative
3.1. What Is Blue Zircon?
Blue Zircon, another modern December birthstone, is a natural gemstone known as zirconium silicate. It is not to be confused with cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant. Zircon possesses a tetragonal crystal structure and a high refractive index, giving it exceptional brightness and fire. It can often resemble a diamond, making it a popular alternative.
3.2. What Color Is Blue Zircon?
Zircons frequently form with a brown color, which can transform into blue after heat treatment. These heated stones exhibit stable and vivid blue or sky-blue colors. The finest blue zircons have hues with strong green components and medium tones. Some blue zircons are marketed under trade names like starlites or stremlites.
3.3. What is Blue Zircon’s Symbolic Meaning?
Blue Zircon is associated with wisdom, confidence, and prosperity. It’s believed to ward off evil spirits, aid sleep, enhance intuition, and provide protective auras. Additionally, it’s said to aid in meditation and organization.
3.4. Who Can Wear Blue Zircon?
According to Western astrology, those with zodiac signs Cancer, Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn, or Aquarius can benefit from Blue Zircon. Indian astrology suggests that Libra and Taurus signs can also wear it. Writers, painters, and musicians can wear Blue Zircon to boost their creative energy.
3.5. Where is Blue Zircon Found?
Blue Zircons are extremely rare in nature. Virtually all gem-quality blue zircons get their color through heat treatment. Cambodia and Myanmar produce the zircons best suited to turn blue with heat. Malawi has recently emerged as a possible new source.
3.6. Is Blue Zircon Durable?
Zircons have a hardness of up to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making them resistant to scratching and suitable for jewelry. However, they are very brittle and prone to chipping and breaking from impacts. Protective settings are highly recommended.
3.7. Where to Buy Blue Zircon Jewelry
Blue Zircon is relatively hard to find in brick-and-mortar stores but available from online retailers like James Allen, Blue Nile, and Angara. Prices vary based on size, hue, and tone.
3.8. Blue Zircon FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Blue Zircon more expensive than Blue Topaz? | Generally, yes. Zircon mimics diamond’s luster and fire better than topaz. |
| Is Blue Zircon rarer than diamond? | Yes, but it is often perceived as less valuable due to confusion with cubic zirconia. |
| How can I tell the difference between zircon and cubic zirconia? | Zircon is a natural gemstone, while cubic zirconia is synthetic. They have different chemical compositions and crystal structures. Zircon is brittle and is more likely to chip than Cubic Zirconia, which is very durable. |
| What are the benefits of wearing Blue Zircon? | Blue Zircon is believed to bring wisdom, confidence, and prosperity. |
| Where can I get reliable information about gemstones? | For expert answers to all your gemstone-related questions, visit WHAT.EDU.VN. Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing accurate and comprehensive information. Contact us at +1 (206) 555-7890 or visit us at 888 Question City Plaza, Seattle, WA 98101, United States. |
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4. Tanzanite: The Pleochroic Gem
4.1. What Is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite, another modern December birthstone, is a richly colored pleochroic gemstone. Its color displays blue and violet, often with purple highlights, depending on the viewing angle. A newcomer to the gemstone market, it was first discovered in 1967. Tanzanite is a variety of the gem species zoisite. Tiffany & Co. named it after its host country, Tanzania. It was officially added as a December birthstone in 2002 and is given to commemorate a 24th wedding anniversary.
4.2. What Color Is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is pleochroic, meaning it shows multiple hues simultaneously. It can appear blue, violet, and purple from different directions. The best tanzanite stones mimic sapphires with a pure or predominantly blue color. Due to pleochroism, the most exceptional stones show isolated flashes of red. The color saturation is more important than a specific hue, with deeper colors being more valuable. Smaller stones are typically less saturated than larger ones.
4.3. Tanzanite Meaning
Tanzanite, discovered relatively recently, lacks a deep historical lore. However, its vibrant color has made it highly popular, rivaling diamond, sapphire, and ruby in demand. The colors themselves have meanings: blue is spiritual, purple is noble, and violet is associated with the Crown Chakra.
4.4. Where Does Tanzanite Come From?
Tanzanite was discovered in 1967 by Masai tribesman Ali Juuyawatu in Tanzania. The Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro remain the only known source of tanzanite. Its supply is limited, making it rarer than diamond, sapphire, and ruby. Experts suggest treasuring tanzanite jewelry as its availability will eventually decrease.
4.5. Is Tanzanite Durable?
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it softer than diamond and sapphire. It can be scratched or chipped, so protective settings are recommended. Clean gently with mild, soapy water and a soft cloth, avoiding ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
4.6. Tanzanite Rings and Jewelry
Tanzanite jewelry is breathtaking, perfect for special occasions. Earrings and pendants are less prone to damage than rings and bracelets. Tanzanite is available at a range of price points. There is no global standard of grading for tanzanite like there is for diamonds. The most common shapes are oval and cushion cuts. The gem is usually heat-treated to enhance its color.
4.7. Tanzanite FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is unique about Tanzanite? | Tanzanite is a pleochroic gemstone found only in Tanzania. |
| Is Tanzanite expensive? | Tanzanite can be more affordable than diamond, sapphire, and ruby. Value depends on color, saturation, cut, and clarity. |
| What does pleochroic mean? | Pleochroic means that the gem can display different colors depending on the viewing angle. Tanzanite can show blue, violet, and purple. |
| Why is Tanzanite rare? | Tanzanite is only found in one location in the world. |
| Where can I find expert guidance on selecting the perfect gemstone? | At WHAT.EDU.VN, we provide free, expert guidance to help you choose the perfect gemstone for any occasion. Our experts are available to answer your questions at +1 (206) 555-7890, or you can visit us at 888 Question City Plaza, Seattle, WA 98101, United States. Additionally, you can visit our website at WHAT.EDU.VN for a consultation. |
| I have questions that aren’t addressed in this article. What is the best way to receive answers to my questions? I need a reliable source that can answer promptly and for free. | You can ask any question for free on WHAT.EDU.VN and receive prompt, accurate answers from our knowledgeable community. |
5. Turquoise: The Stone of Prosperity
5.1. What Is Turquoise?
Turquoise is the traditional December birthstone, presenting as an opaque blue-green mineral. It’s composed of hydrated copper phosphate and aluminum. Turquoise has a triclinic structure and can be waxy, glassy, or dull. Prized for thousands of years, high grades of turquoise are reserved for inlay and carving. Cabochon stones are used for jewelry, but strong settings like bezels are recommended for protection.
5.2. What is the December Birthstone Color?
Turquoise is known for its blue hues, but these can vary from bright blue-green to green to yellowish-green. The stone may also present brown or black spots or streaks.
5.3. What is the Meaning of Turquoise?
The word “turquoise” comes from the French “pierre tourques” or “Turkish stone,” referring to its Turkish origins. First found in Egypt around 4000 BC, it arrived in Europe from Turkish sources around the 13th century. Turquoise symbolizes prosperity, love, and good fortune. It’s believed to boost positive energy, promote happiness, honesty, and spirituality.
5.4. Where Does Turquoise Come From?
Rich deposits of turquoise are found in North America, particularly in Nevada and Arizona. Egypt, Iran, Bulgaria, and China also produce turquoise.
5.5. Is Turquoise Durable?
Turquoise has a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, making it soft for jewelry. However, treatments can stabilize the stone for wear.
5.6. Where Can You Buy Turquoise Jewelry?
Turquoise jewelry is available in retail stores and online from Blue Nile and Angara. Custom designs can be found at CustomMade.
5.7. Turquoise FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Turquoise the traditional birthstone for December? | Yes, Turquoise is the traditional birthstone for December. |
| What makes a Turquoise stone valuable? | Bright blue stones without spots or streaks are most valuable. However, some patterns can be desirable. Green or yellow tones decrease value. |
| I am curious about this stone but would like a more personal touch. | To speak with one of our expert gemologists about your questions, call +1 (206) 555-7890. For additional support, visit us at 888 Question City Plaza, Seattle, WA 98101, United States, or visit WHAT.EDU.VN to explore a variety of gemstones and find answers to frequently asked questions. |
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6. Choosing the Right December Birthstone For You
With four beautiful gemstones to choose from, selecting the perfect December birthstone can feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Blue Topaz: Ideal for those seeking an affordable, versatile, and classic blue gemstone.
- Blue Zircon: A great alternative to diamond, offering brilliance and sparkle at a more accessible price point.
- Tanzanite: Perfect for those who love unique, multi-dimensional colors and appreciate a rare and exotic gem.
- Turquoise: Best for those drawn to earthy, natural tones and the rich history and symbolism of this ancient stone.
7. Need More Help? Ask WHAT.EDU.VN!
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Are you overwhelmed by choices? Do you need personalized recommendations? Don’t hesitate to contact us at what.edu.vn. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is ready to assist you with any questions you have. We are located at 888 Question City Plaza, Seattle, WA 98101, United States. You can also call us at +1 (206) 555-7890 or send us a message on WhatsApp. We are here to provide the answers you seek quickly and easily.
