It's December (can you believe it) and 'tis the season to be merry. With a new month comes new beginnings. We're kicking off the start of our new month with the birthstones of the month. If you're a December baby then this blog post is just for you. December has three (3) birthstones namely, zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite. The one thing that the December birthstones all have in common is that they're all blue, although zircon comes in a variety of colors, the blue zircon is the color most associated with December. Let's dive into what each birthstone has to offer to help you decide which of the three is your favorite birthstone of December.
Zircon
Often confused with cubic zirconia, zircon is natural and is one of the oldest rocks found in the world, an estimated 4 billion years old to be exact, and is surprisingly older than diamond.
Where is zircon on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness?
Zircon is a 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Meaning that the stone is quite hard and can be used in jewelry for everyday use.
What color is zircon?
Zircon comes in a wide variety of colors. Zircon is available in red, pink, orange, grey, purple, and of course blue. Blue zircon is often shopped when it comes to jewelry. Although, bear in mind that blue zircon has been heat treated to make it blue. Stear away from keeping your heated blue zircon under the sun for too long as the blue can fade. Natural zircon that is unheated is rare and extremely valuable.
Where is zircon mined?
Zircon is mined throughout the world including the United States, Canada, Russia, and the Middle East.
Zircon Myth: In the middle ages, zircon was believed to promote sleep, reduce nightmares, promote honor and wisdom, and drive away evil spirits.
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Turquoise
Turquoise just like zircon, is considered to be an old stone and it is believed to have been the oldest stone mined specifically for the use of jewelry.
Where is turquoise on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness?
Turquoise is a 5 or 6 on the Mohs scale. Therefore, turquoise is not the strongest stone on the market so you may want to wear your turquoise jewelry with caution.
What color is turquoise?
Turquoise comes in a range of blue to green colors. Please be aware when shopping for turquoise, is that some turquoise has been dyed and man-made so be aware that you aren't paying more for turquoise than its true value.
Where is turquoise mined?
Turquoise is found in its natural state in places with dry climates around the world. Turquoise can be mined in the United States, Mexico, Iran, Chile, and China.
Turquoise Myth: Native Americans wore turquoise because they believed it protected them against evil. Persians believed that it guarded against ill will.
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Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively new birthstone compared to zircon and turquoise. Tanzanite was discovered in 1967 and at first sight thought they'd discovered sapphire. But when they realized it was another type of gemstone, Tiffany & Co. bought the rights to market it throughout the world.
Where is tanzanite on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness?
Tanzanite is a 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. Tanzanite may be hard and can be used in occasional jewelry but just be aware that tanzanite cleaves easily.
What color is tanzanite?
When mined, tanzanite is brown and thereafter it is treated to bring out those rich blue, red and purple colors that we as consumers are used to seeing.
Where is tanzanite mined?
Tanzanite is only mined in northern Tanzania and is said to be one of the rarest gemstones on Earth.
Tanzanite Myth: Tanzanite is said to strengthen the immune system; regenerate cells, skin, and hair; and detoxify blood.
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Are you a December baby? If so, which of these three birthstones are your utmost favorite and/ or least favorite? Do you have any December birthstone jewelry to show off? Let us know in the comments section below.
Written by Bianca Mac Donald
