Discover the Beauty of December Birthstones: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise

A few months capture the imagination like December. It has magical holidays, anchored in magic, alongside its stunning gemstones, Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise, which capture its spirit. Thank goodness these three stunning stones encapsulate all someone born in this month could ever dream of.  In this article, we will discuss the breathtaking hues of tanzanite, its intense bluish-violet colors further complemented by Zircon’s classic luster and Turquoise’s stunning light sky shades alongside their meaning, historical roots, and much more. December can be brought to life with these three timeless gifts, so whether gift hunting or simply interested in jewelry, make sure to read further.

What Makes Tanzanite a Unique December Birthstone?

Tanzanite is an exceptionally rare gemstone endemic to Tanzania, with key deposits bordering Mount Kilimanjaro. It is therefore both striking in color and serves as a birthstone for the month of December. Moreover, tanzanite does have some degree of pleochroism, exhibiting a fascinating shade of blue and violet from differing angles. Due to its beauty, the stone is sought after universally as it symbolizes individuality and uniqueness, which is ideal when considering the significance of December birthstones.

Origins of Tanzanite in Tanzania

Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills, situated near Mount Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania. Even today, this is the sole identifiable place from where tanzanite can be excavated, increasing the uniqueness of its origin, yet simultaneously limiting it. This gemstone took millions of years to form due to continuous geological processes with intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s crust. Its lack of replicability makes it uncommon in former places, making it difficult to find, thus increasing its rarity. This extract is valuable and revered because this exclusivity bestows the stone immense value and importance nearly all over the world.

The Vivid Blue and Violet Hues of Tanzanite Jewelry

The vivid blue and violet colors of tanzanite gemstones arise due to the incorporation of vanadium and the unique crystal structure of the gem. In tanzanite, color change or pleochroism occurs, showing blue, violet, and burgundy depending on the angle of observation. Heat treatment removes the pale hues, leaving only the vibrant shades, resulting in the vivid colors sought after for jewelry pieces. These colors, along with the unique reasoning behind them, give tanzanite immense significance in the market.

Caring for Your Tanzanite Birthstone

Protect from Heat and Sudden Temperature Changes  

• Tanzanite is sensitive to thermal shock, which can lead to cracking or fracturing. Extreme heat and sudden shifts in temperature should be avoided at all costs.  

Warm Water and Mild Soap for Cleaning  

• Soak your tanzanite jewelry to remove dirt with a soft cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners will damage the stone, so only use mild soap combined with warm water.  

Store to Minimize the Risk of Scratches  

• Since tanzanite is relatively moderately hard, it can be scratched rather easily. To prevent scratches from harder gemstones or metals, keep your tanzanite jewelry in a soft pouch or a fabric-lined jewelry box.  

Avoid Contact with Hard Surfaces  

• Be cautious of where you wear tanzanite, especially during impact or abrasion because it makes direct contact with hard surfaces, chipping, or damage to the gemstone is likely.  

Regular Professional Inspections  

• Periodically, take your tanzanite jewelry to a professional jeweler for regular inspections and maintenance. This ensures the settings of the gemstones check and remain secure and aids in early damage detection.

Understanding the Significance of Zircon in December

The Rich History and Meaning of Zircon

Zircon is one of the world’s oldest minerals, dating back over 4 billion years, and holds a prominent place in history and geology. Zircons are specifically diamond-shaped stones of great value. As with all gemstones, Zircon possesses different values and meanings in numerous cultures and civilizations. Traditionally, zircon brings good wealth and prosperity along with wisdom and protection. Zircon provides its wearers with great spiritual virtue, too. Zircon is presently celebrated as a birthstone of December, representing wealth, virtuous living, and clear and rational thinking.

The Allure of Blue Zircon and Colorless Zircon

The value of blue zircon and colorless zircon is in their splendid beauty, historical importance, multifaceted usage in jewelry, as well as brilliance and fire.

Parameter	Blue Zircon	Colorless Zircon
Color	Vivid blue hues	Transparent, diamond-like
Brilliance	High brilliance	Exceptional brilliance
Fire	Strong dispersion	Multicolored flashes
Hardness	7-7.5 Mohs	6-7.5 Mohs
Origin	Cambodia, Sri Lanka	Sri Lanka, Cambodia
Treatment	Heat-treated	Often untreated
Popularity	Victorian era, modern	Early 1900s, modern
Uses	Jewelry, birthstones	Diamond substitute
Durability	Moderate, brittle	Moderate, brittle
Care	Avoid sunlight, chemicals	Avoid UV, chemicals

How to Choose Zircon Jewelry

Assess the Quality of the Stone  

• Brilliance, clarity, and color saturation are particular attention points on zircon examination. Zircon of high quality would feature a vivid hue, great transparency, and few inclusions.  

Verify the Cut  

• Confirm that the gemstone is well-cut, as this increases its brilliance and fire. With regard to zircon’s reflective properties, its appeal increases if the cut is precise.  

Consider the Color  

• Based on preference, one may select blue, colorless, yellow or brown zircon. Currently, the most popular is blue zircon and colorless is sought after for its resemblance to diamonds.  

Check for Treatment  

• Find out if the zircon underwent treatment with heat to enhance its color. Although this practice is commonplace, understanding gemstones and their value needs awareness of treatment practices and how they inform value as well as maintenance.  

Evaluate the Setting  

• Choose a design that combines strength and beauty, like gold or platinum, to protect the zircon while mounting it. The enduring attractiveness of the jewelry must ensure its durability over time.  

Determine the Size and Carat Weight  

• Pick options suitable for style and budget under a certain weight in carats and size. Value plays a part in a larger being more visually impactful.

Confirm Authenticity

• When buying zarcons, always buy from a trusted jeweler who gives proof of an authentic gemstone so you do not get duped.

Understand the Maintenance Zircon Necessitates

• Having knowledge of zircon’s hardness and care maintenance is important. Due to sitting between 6 to 7.5 on the Moh’s scale, it could suffer from scratches or being damaged if not stored and handled correctly.

When taking into account the points above, you will be able to choose zircon jewelry that align with your preferences, financial capabilities, and standards of quality.

Why Choose Turquoise as a December Birthstone?

Turquoise: The Ancient Gem of Good Fortune

Turquoise has been prized for centuries as a symbol of protection, prosperity, and good fortune. Its unique and striking blue-green color makes it one of the most remarkable birthstones in the modern world. Turquoise has always been significant; in ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Persia, it was prized for its beauty and metaphysical attributes. Even today, it is incredibly popular because of its culturally rich background and deep-rooted associations. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful gemstones a person can own, and is perfect for people born in December who want to combine looks with history.

The Iconic Blue and Green of Turquoise

Turquoise’s characteristic blue-green colors result from its mineral composition of iron, copper, and aluminum. The vivid blue hues are attributed to copper, and greenish hues may appear due to iron. Different coloration, along with distinctive features like veins from other minerals, contributes to the uniqueness of each gemstone and greatly increases its value.

Best Practices for Cleaning Turquoise Jewelry

Use a soft, damp cloth

• The surface of the turquoise should be wiped with a soft cloth dampened with water to remove surface dirt and oil. Ensure that no abrasive materials are used which might scratch this stone.

Avoid harsh chemicals

• Detergents, abrasive cleaning materials and any harsh chemicals should not be used within the proximity of turquoise. These materials will certainly ruin the stone by scratching its surface and consequently, dull its natural shine.

Do not use Ultrasonic Cleaners

• Steam or Ultrasonic cleaners are inappropriate for use with turquoise because the methods’ severity may induce cracking or discoloration of the stone.

Exercise utmost caution

• While cleaning, always exercise utmost care with turquoise since it is a relatively softer stone which is porous, making it easily prone to damage.

Pat dry immediately

• Immediately after cleaning, gently pat the turquoise jewelry dry with a soft, dry cloth. Ensure that no moisture is retained because extended exposure to water can compromise the stone’s structural integrity over time.

Store appropriately after cleaning

• Post cleaning, wrap pottery in a soft cloth or place them in a lined jewelry box. This way, they will be protected from coming into contact with harder gemstones which may scratch them.

Perform regular checks

• Perform checks to ensure that none of the gemstones have loose settings or visible wear. Seek out a professional jeweler for upkeep work to ensure it retains optimal working conditions.

The Fascinating World of December's Birthstones

An Overview of the Three Birthstones for December

Like turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite are the two other birthstones associated with the month of December, bringing the total to three.  

• Maximally treasured for centuries as a mark of insight, protection, and prosperity, turquoise is a soft stone that can be easily damaged, requiring special care when handled. It is also highly regarded for its sparkling blue and green shades.  
• Along with its impressive shades, zircon boasts sharp clarity along with captivating scintillation which makes it one of the most popular gemstones sought out for in December. It is also highly misidentified as a synthetic stone which does add onto its array.  
• Tanzanite, the last birthstone associated with December, is strikingly known for its violet-blue colors which is coupled beautifully with its scarcity. Its rapid gain in popularity is largely due to how it is captivating and stunningly gorgeous while being rare.  

Born in December, individuals get to noisily admire the characteristics in which these stones merge, making it easy to match their emotions or styles.

Differences and Similarities Among December Birthstones

While having different sources, rarity, characteristics, and other factors, the garnet gemstones of December—tanzanite, turquoise, zircon, and blue topaz—maintain strikingly similar blue shades.

Parameter	Tanzanite	Turquoise	Zircon	Blue Topaz
Color	Blue-violet	Blue-green	Blue, others	Sky, Swiss, London blue
Hardness	6-7 (Mohs)	5-6 (Mohs)	6.5-7.5 (Mohs)	8 (Mohs)
Origin	Tanzania	USA, Iran	Global	Heat-treated
Rarity	Very rare	Common	Oldest mineral	Common
Symbolism	Wisdom, calm	Luck, protection	Positivity	Love, fortune
Treatment	Heat-treated	Stabilized	Heat-treated	Heat-treated
Uses	Jewelry	Jewelry	Jewelry	Jewelry

Styling Tips with Birthstone Jewelry

Neutral pairings enhance elegance

• Accessories like necklaces or earrings featuring turquoise and tanzanite gemstones look best with monochrome outfits. These stones truly shine when juxtaposed with gray, white, or beige clothing, which allows these stones' resilience to steal the show.  

Focus on bold statement accessories

• A birthstone necklace or a cocktail ring with a bold colored stone pairs well with minimalistic outfits. These accessories, when styled on ensemble with little to no additional jewelry exude poise and ease, giving effortless sophistication. 

Wear jewelry of matching tones

• Pendants and bracelets can be adorned together in either silver or white gold to emphasize the cool tones of these stones. This layering enhances the beauty of both the birthstones and the jewelry, as the metals do not overshadow the pieces.  

Add spice to monochromatic fits  

• An all-black ensemble highlights blue and violet tones brilliantly. Vivid and tasteful addition of earrings or bangles featuring these colored birthstones provides a striking addition any monochrome looks.  

Accessorize According To The Season  

• Cozier outfits for the winter also extends to adding deeper colors to one’s wardrobe. Decemer birthstones knit beautifully with these winter fashions making them an ideal accessory for a subtle but elegant pop of grace throughout the season.

How to Care for Your December Birthstone Jewelry

General Tips for Caring for December Birthstone Jewelry

Avoid harsh Chemicals

• As with all other birthstones, the December birthstone jewelry is to be kept away from strong household cleaners, perfumes and hair products which can scratch or dull the stone's shine.

Keep Jewelry Clean

• A soft, damp cloth or mild soap solution can be used to clean jewelry set with delicate stones. These soft fabrics, combined with cool water, make the perfect cleaning solution while not risking any abrasiveness.

Store With Care

• Jewelry set with delicate stones is best stored in soft padded boxes a piece at a time so as to avoid scratches due to contact with each other.

Avoid Strenuous Activities

• Jewelry should be removed prior to partaking in physically demanding activities in order to protect them from incurring heavy impacts which can potentially crack, break or scratch the surface.

Scheduled Visits to the Jeweler

• In the event that the settings have been loosened and the stones are not secured within their optimal positioning, then timely professional checks, inspections, and detailed cleanings from a skilled jeweler are required to maintain the condition of gemstone pieces.

Avoid Intense Temperatures

• Rock jewelry is not to be exposed to extreme cold or hot heat nor sudden changes in temperature as these can cause damage to the stone.

Remove while Swimming

• Do not wear December birthstone jewelry while soaking, showering, or swimming as these activities expose the jewelry to water for lengthy durations which can tarnish metal coatings or weaken certain settings.

Preserving the Lustre of Tanzanite and Zircon

Store Properly

• For optimum preservation of their luster, tanzanite and zircon jewelry’s brilliance should be stored in a separate soft, padded box or a compartment lined with fabrics to avoid scratches.

Clean Gently

• For cleaning purposes, a soft cloth dampened with water or warm, soapy water will suffice. Strong chemicals and harsh, rough materials that could scratch the surface will damage the stones or the mounting metals.

Avoid Impact

• Tanzanite and zircon are both prone to scratches and chips. Do not wear them during physically demanding activities or activities that involve contact with rough surfaces.

Following these steps will significantly enhance the durability and brilliance of your tanzanite and zircon jewelry.

Protecting the Finish on Turquoise is known as a jewel

Being a soft gemstone, turquoise is easily scratched and damaged. To protect its surface, avoid exposing turquoise to harsh chemicals, including cleaning products, perfumes, and lotions. Store turquoise jewelry in soft pouches or boxes to avoid contact with other harder surfaces that may scratch them. Gently clean turquoise with a soft damp cloth without soaking it in water which can weaken its structure. By limiting turquoise's exposure to damaging elements, you can preserve its beauty over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the two birthstones of December?

A: The turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite all are December birthstones. All three stones carry rich value in history along with unique colors for a person born in December.

Q: What does the Tanzanite gemstone represent? 

A: Tanzanite is a form of zoisite and is well-known for its bluish and purple color blend. For a person born in December, it is appealing due to it's reputation as the gem of spiritual awakening and transformation.

Q: What is the significance of Zircon?

A: Zircon is considered a natural gemstone which is used widely for its boasting refractive properties. With a number of colors available, the blue color is the most common as it is used as a birthstone zircon for December.

Q: What are the special features of Turquoise? 

A: Along with the gemstone’s blue and green colors, turquoise has a lot of symbolic meanings, which add to its being a treasured December gem. With the symbol of protection, turquoise is valued traditionally and has a great history to it.

Q: What steps should one take to maintain Zircon jewelry properly?

A: One should maintain Zircon jewelry by cleaning them with a soft brush combined with warm, soapy water. Zircon’s luster will remain untarnished if harsh chemicals are refrained from.  

Q: Does historical craftsmanship include any types of Turquoise?  

A: Yes, turquoise was utilized as an ornament by ancient civilizations due to its vivid blue turquoise hue. Furthermore, it is also famous for its turquoise necklace made by historical figures like Cartier which illustrates why it is cherished for so long.  

Q: In what ways do Zircon and Tanzanite differ from each other?

A: While both pieces of jewellery display various shades of blue, the blue color in zircon is notable while the bluish purple of tanzanite is appreciated for the boldest depth and richness; offering striking visual appeal that caters to opposing likings on gemstones.

Q: Why is Turquoise particularly important from some locations over others?  

A: Some areas hold great value, such as the American Southwest, as they are well-known for the quality of their turquoise and its distinctive color. These areas stand as top producers of turquoise gemstones, adding to its desirability in the gem industry.

Q: Can the December birthstones be incorporated together in jewelry?  

A: Indeed, incorporating the December birthstones Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise can enhance the visual splendor of jewelry such as necklaces and rings by showcasing the remarkable gemstones associated with the month of December.

Reference Sources

1. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) - December Birthstones: Here, you will find in-depth information concerning the history, attributes, and maintenance of December's birthstones which are tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon.
2. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) - Birthstones Overview: This educational resource contains detailed coverage on each month's corresponding birthstone alongside information regarding its importance and history.
3. Tanzanite
4. Zircon
5. Turquoise

 

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