What is the real birthstone for December?
Those born in December are lucky to have a choice of four stunning blue gemstones: Blue Topaz, also called Blue Zircon, Tanzanite, and Turquoise. It is our pleasure to introduce you to the features, meanings, and history of some of these beautiful stones. We have a huge collection of jewelry inspired by these birthstones. Trust us, these birthstones are not only beautiful but also extremely unique. In this article, we will go through each of these birthstones for the ones born in December.
Key Takeaways
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Blue Topaz
Birthstone Month
Blue Topaz is one of the two new birthstones the Jewelers of America assigned in December 2002. This is a mineral that belongs to the silicate family containing aluminum and fluorine; it has a glass-like shine but has an extremely fine cleavage, which means that it is delicate and brittle. This birthstone has a certain glitter and beauty, which has always attracted a huge population of people who were born in December.
Colors and Varieties
- London Blue Topaz: A shade of sapphire blue that is closely associated with the beauty of blue Topaz gemstones as it is probably the deepest blue among them. The name London Blue is inspired by the largest blue topaz stone that was discovered and is currently exhibited at the UK Natural History Museum. This stone has gained fame for a long time. People from all around the globe try ti find the highest quality of London Blue Topaz to bring wish and luck to themselves.
- Swiss Blue Topaz: Intense and transparent light blue without any tints of gray.
- Sky Blue Topaz: Named after a light aqua color often mistaken for aquamarine.
Symbolic Meaning
Blue Topaz is also known as the ‘clarity stone’ that can open up communication and encourage truthful emotions. It is also related to wit, chance, and prosperity.
Durability
Blue Topaz has a Mohs rating of 8, so it is harder than sapphire. But it is somewhat brittle and should not be handled roughly, or it can easily get scratched.
Origins
Blue Topaz was first found on Topazios Island in the Red Sea in Greece. It is currently used in the United States of America, specifically in Texas, Russia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and China.
Blue Zircon
Birthstone Month
Another December birthstone on the list of modern birthstones is Blue Zircon, which resembles diamonds in its brilliance. Zircon is an opaque mineral of zirconium silicate, and it must not be used for cubic zirconia. This particular birthstone has brought a lot of love since its discovery. People love this blue zircon for its unique sheen and shade.
Colors
While most natural zircons may be brown, heating them for about 30 minutes will transform them into stunning blue gems. When it comes to lively blue zircons, the most preferred stones are those that contain a significant green component in their blue.
Symbolic Meaning
Knowledge, confidence, and prosperity are the attributes of Blue Zircon. It also has uses such as guarding against evil spirits, facilitating sleep, and increasing creative power.
Durability
Blue Zircon has a hardness of 7. 5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness- resistant to scratching but rather brittle and should be handled with care, particularly over rings.
Tanzanite
Birthstone Month
Tanzanite is fairly new to the list of available December birthstones; it was discovered in 1967 and was christened after its place of origin, Tanzania. Because of its varied hues of depth and intensity, this stone is often adored and sought after by gem lovers.
Colors and Pleochroism
Tanzanite is byte-gly, which means that it can appear in different colors (blue, violet, and sometimes purple) depending on the direction of the light. Tanzanites with deep blue colorations are considered the finest and, hence, are the most expensive.
Symbolic Meaning
Tanzanite isn’t an old gemstone, but it is adored for its attractiveness and worn as a token to commemorate a 24th year of marriage.
Durability
Tanzanite is less hard than blue topaz and blue zircon; therefore, it can be best used in earrings, pendants, or rings with special protective mounting.
Origins
Tanzanites are mined in only one region in the world, the Merelani Hills in Tanzania, thus making them one of the rarest gemstones in terms of geographical location.
Turquoise
Birthstone Month
Turquoise is one of the traditional birthstones for December. It is one of the oldest gemstones known to humans and has been cherished for centuries for its unique color and beauty. People born in December have loved this stone for its natural tones and deep meaning. Turquoise has a long history of being seen as a symbol of protection, good luck, and wealth.
Colors and Varieties
Turquoise is famous for its beautiful blue-green color. It comes in many shades, from light blue to darker greenish-blue. The best quality turquoise stones are evenly colored without any patches or lines. Some stones might have black or brown veins running through them, which makes them even more unique and interesting.
Symbolic Meaning
Turquoise is known as the "protection stone." People believe it can protect its wearer from harm and bring them good fortune. It’s also thought to have healing powers and is a symbol of wisdom, strength, and friendship. Some even believe that turquoise can help calm the mind and bring peace to those who wear it.
Durability
Turquoise is not as hard as other gemstones like blue topaz or zircon. It has a Mohs hardness rating of 5 to 6, which means it can be scratched more easily. To keep it looking its best, it’s important to take care of turquoise jewelry and not wear it while doing rough work.
Origins
Turquoise has been mined in many parts of the world for thousands of years. Some of the best turquoise stones come from the United States, especially from the southwestern states like Arizona and Nevada. Other sources include Iran, Egypt, and China.
Turquoise’s Beauty and Affordability
Turquoise is a popular choice for people who love nature-inspired colors and unique jewelry. It’s also one of the more affordable birthstones, making it a great option for those who want something beautiful but don’t want to spend too much. Whether in rings, necklaces, or bracelets, turquoise always stands out with its bright and cheerful color.
Symbolic Meaning
Protection, good luck, healing, and friendship.
- Durability : bIt is not as hard as other stones, so it should be worn with care.
- Origins : Found in the U.S., Iran, Egypt, and China.
- Cost : Turquoise is one of the more affordable birthstones, perfect for those on a budget.
Gemstone |
Cost |
Turquoise |
Less expensive |
Blue Topaz |
Less expensive |
Tanzanite |
More expensive |
Blue Zircon |
Medium cost |
How to Choose the Right Birthstone for December?
December is blessed with a colorful and interesting array of birthstones that differ in their meanings and appeal. The birthstones traditionally associated with December are Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Zircon, and Blue Topaz. To decide on the right one, it is necessary to take into account the style, symbolic meaning of the stone, and price.
Turquoise: as its name suggests, the color is blue-green, and it is fitting for those who prefer natural tones in their furniture, accessories, and decor. It is one of the oldest known gemstones and has been considered to possess powers of protecting its owner and bringing fortune. Another unique birthstone, which is tanzanite, is a beautiful blue-purple gemstone that symbolizes transformation and spiritual enlightenment, so this would be perfect for someone who prefers bolder hues with a deeper essence.
It is typically selected for brilliance, and, in this regard, the Blue Zircon is not very far from the real diamond. This also represents wisdom, honor, and wealth, and this may be important to you or the receiver since people with such traits are usually deemed valuable. Finally, the Blue Topaz is the cheapest one with a royal blue hue and a high level of tranquility. Love and communication, so it will be appropriate as a gift for someone who really appreciates close communication of any kind.
Budget is important when choosing a birthstone. Turquoise and Blue Topaz are usually less expensive. Tanzanite costs more because it is rare. Blue Zircon is in the middle; it sparkles like a diamond but is not too pricey.
Conclusion
To sum up, picking the right December birthstone means thinking about what you like, what the stone means, and how much you want to spend. This way, you can choose something that is both pretty and meaningful.
FAQS
1. What is the most affordable December birthstone?
Turquoise and Blue Topaz are the least expensive.
2. Which December birthstone is the rarest?
Tanzanite is the rarest and most expensive.
3. What is the best December birthstone for a bright blue color?
Blue Zircon is bright and shiny blue.