Birthstones have traditionally been associated with each month of the year. The origin of birthstones dates back to the breastplate of Aaron, which contained 12 gemstones each of which represented the 12 tribes of Israel. The current list originated in 1912, and only one addition has been made since then – the tanzanite was added to December.

A myriad of legends and myths exist around birthstones. They’re believed to have healing powers and therapeutic influence. Legends state that if you wear a gemstone during its assigned month, it’ll reveal special healing powers. For full effects, you should own all 12 and use them throughout the 12 months.

Tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise are December birthstones. All these 3 gemstones are popular for beautiful shades of blue.

TANZANITE

Tanzanite is a special blue variety of the mineral zoisite exclusively found in Tanzania. The discovery of tanzanite dates back to the late 1960s. This blue to violet gem variety of the mineral Zoisite has become a mainstream and popular gemstone. It’s used extensively in jewellery. The name Tanzanite was coined in 1969 by Henry Platt, the vice-president of Tiffany and Co, the famous jewellery company.

Zoisite had been around for over a century and a half before this rare blue variety was found in 1967. The blue colour of the gemstone is caused by the amounts of vanadium, mixed with extreme heat, varying from pale blue to intense ultramarine with violet undertones. Most tanzanites found on today’s market are heat treated with the purpose to minimize the brown colours and to make the blue shades more vividly expressed.

If you’re going to buy tanzanite, you should take into account the same qualities that are associated with diamonds. The most valuable trait of tanzanite is its colour, and those with paler shades aren’t that much expensive. Most faceted tanzanite weighs not more than 5 carats. Tanzanite is gaining more and more in popularity all over the world.

TURQUOISE

Turquoise has been admired since ancient times. This gemstone boasts a distinct colour, which varies from powdery blue to greenish robin’s egg blue. Anything that resembles the astonishing colour of this mineral can be given its name.

As for the word “turquoise,” it originated in the 13th century, stemming from the French expression “Pierre tourques,” which referenced the “Turkish stone” brought to Europe from Turkey.

Ancient Persia or today’s Iran has traditionally been the source of sky blue turquoise. You can also come across another name of this colour – “Persian blue.” Apart from Persia or Iran, Sinai Peninsula in Egypt served as an important historical source as well.

Currently, the United States is the largest turquoise supplier in the world. Turquoise has also been produced in Nevada, New Mexico, California, and Colorado, but Arizona tops the list of the production by value, as well as quality. The stone’s popularity has turned it into a staple in Native American jewellery.

Turquoise is sensitive to direct sunlight, as well as makeup, perfume, and natural oils. The stone is gifted on the 11th wedding anniversary. However, there’s no need to wait for special occasions to present turquoise.

The namesake blue colour of the stone has symbolized for centuries protection, friendship, and happiness. The price of turquoise is usually determined by size, rather than weight. You can find turquoise in a variety of different sizes. Remember that colour is the most important factor.

Turquoise is associated with happiness and good fortune. It’s believed that if you wear an energized turquoise, you can get rid of toxic or poisonous substances from your body, thus curing certain health problems. People with this birthstone are usually characterized as pursuers of what they believe in without paying attention to what others’ opinions. Moreover, they’re thought to achieve what they fight for.

ZIRCON

Zircon is an underrated gem. Don’t confuse it with synthetic cubic zirconia because of the similar names and shared use as diamond simulants. In fact, zircon is a stunning natural gem that can be found in a variety of colors. Since the Middle Ages, people have believed that zircon is great for sleep, can keep evil away, and bring prosperity.

The name “zircon” is thought to have originated from the Persian word “zargun,” which means “gold-coloured.” According to other sources, the name stems from the Arabic “zarkun,” which means “vermillion.” The stone comes in a wide range of colours – spanning red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and brown.

As a rule, Zircon is found in brownish red, which is known for its earth tones. However, the majority of gem-quality stones are heat treated until they lose their colour, turn gold or blue. Impurities can cause zircon get different colours.

If you use radiation, it can break down zircon’s crystal structure. In this stone, which is the earth’s oldest mineral dating back to more than 4.4 billion years, you can find important clues about how our planet was formed. Zircon that has no colour is known as Matura Diamond. It’s brilliant and boasts multicoloured “fire” that can compete with high-quality diamonds.

Zircon has gained enough traction over time because of the different ways it can be cut, of its different sizes and shapes, and since it’s lower-cost as compared to other birthstones.

The stone is found in the earth’s crust and is typical to the most sands and sedimentary deposits, as well as metamorphic rocks and crystallized magma. Zircon has a special chemical makeup that has enabled the stone to survive through the ages of geologic events such as erosion and pressure shifts. People living in the Middle Ages believed that zircon was perfect for sleep, could help people stay away from evil, and make them more prosperous and full of wisdom.

These days, zircon is regarded as a stone that can boost confidence and compassion. Some believe the stone can help people turn their visions into reality and guide them through achieving their goals. Zircon is generally found in Thailand, Cambodia, and southern Vietnam. The stone is extremely popular in the southwestern regions of the United States and is usually worn as part of the Native American’s traditional attire.

Gem collectors love zircon because of its variety of colors. The blue variety of the stone is especially popular among consumers.

The three December birthstones – Tanzanite, Turquoise, Zircon – boast unique characteristics that have made them so much desirable and valuable indeed. If December is your birth month, you can choose one of the many colours of the December birthstone rings to brighten the day of the most special persons and occasions in your life.