December, the last month of the year, carries a unique charm with the holiday season, the onset of winter, and the anticipation of a fresh new year. Just as unique is the December birthstone, which is not just one but three beautiful gems: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon. Let's delve into the beauty and history of these fascinating gemstones.
Turquoise: The Ancient Stone
Turquoise, the gemstone known for its distinctive blue-green hue, has been prized as a symbol of wisdom, nobility, and the power of immortality among many ancient cultures. Its name derives from an Old French word for 'Turkish stone', as turquoise was initially brought to Europe from Turkey. Often used in jewelry, this stone is also believed to bring good fortune and success.
The most-prized turquoise color is an even, intense blue. Because the traditional source for this color of turquoise is the Nishapur district of Iran, you'll often hear it described as “Persian blue,” whether or not it was actually mined in Iran.
Tanzanite: The Modern Discovery
Tanzanite is one of the youngest gemstones, discovered only in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, hence its name. Since this is the only place where tanzanite is found, it is actually more rare than diamonds. Known for its exotic deep blue, sometimes with a rich purple hint, tanzanite is a stunning choice for jewelry. This stone is believed to help with spiritual awareness and psychic insight.
One of the most famous tanzanites is the is the 242 carat "Queen of Kilimanjaro". This stunning gem is set in a tiara that resembles a king cobra and is accented with 803 brilliant cut tsavorite garnets and 913 brilliant cut diamonds.
Zircon: The Stone of Virtue
Zircon, not to be confused with cubic zirconia, is a natural mineral. This underrated gem comes in a variety of colors, but the most popular for December is the cool blue. Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on earth, dating back more than 4.4 billion years. In the middle ages, Zircon was said to aid sleep, bring prosperity, promote honor and wisdom, and drive away plagues and evil spirits.
The deep blue/purple hue of tanzanite is truely mesmerizing.