Blue to green in color, turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that frequently has matrix veins (remains of the rock it formed in) running through it. For millennia, people have treasured the birthstone for December. It was used to embellish the pharaohs and other ancient Egyptian kings. It was sculpted by Chinese artists more than 3,000 years ago.
The birthstone of turquoise was believed to have numerous positive properties, such as ensuring health and fortune. It was thought, starting in the 13th century, that it would shatter into numerous pieces as tragedy approached and would shield the wearer from falling (particularly off horses). According to Hindu mystics, seeing a turquoise after viewing the new moon guaranteed incredible fortune.
Native Americans also placed a high value on this birthstone of turquoise. The Apache believed that by traveling to the end of a rainbow, one may find turquoise. Additionally, they thought that securing the birthstone for December to a bow or gun improved one’s marksmanship. The Hopi believed that lizards crawling across the earth generated the jewel, whereas the Pueblo insisted that turquoise’s color came from the sky.
In This Article...
Which three stones are December’s birthstones?
Because of their alluring bluish colour, many individuals adore birthstones for the month of December. Turquoise, blue zircon, and tanzanite are the three gemstones for December, and they all feature lovely blue sparkles instead of the conventional Christmas colors of red and green.
What color is the birthstone for December?
Zircon, Tanzanite, and turquoise are the three gemstones that are associated with December birthdays. These gemstones all have distinctive blue tones, making them ideal December birthstones for Minnesota’s chilly winters. Zircon comes in a range of hues, but blue is by far the most popular.
Are sapphires the birthstone for December?
What stones represent each month’s birth? Garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, alexandrite, ruby, peridot, sapphire, tourmaline, topaz, and blue topaz are the gemstones associated with the months of January through December. Find out more about these well-known gemstones.
Is topaz a birthstone for December?
- Zircon is sometimes used in place of the December birthstone, blue topaz.
- The majority of blue topaz is colorless topaz that has been dyed blue.
- According to the Mohs Scale of Hardness, blue topaz is harder than tanzanite (8 on the scale).
- The three more often marketed types of blue topaz are London blue, Swiss blue, and sky blue.
- In certain regions of the US, China, Mexico, and Russia, topaz is mined and manufactured.
What Does December Birthstone Mean?
The birthstone for December has a variety of profound meanings. Early on in human history, blue topaz served as a symbol of protection, but its significance in modern times has changed and evolved. At this time, blue topaz is a symbol of affection and is frequently presented as a gift. The ideal anniversary gift for couples who have been married for four or 19 years is a blue topaz stone. The Greek word topazion, which means fire, is whence the word topaz gets its phonetic meaning. In addition, many think the term topaz may have come from the now-named St. Johns, an island in Egypt called Topazos.
How Many Birthstones are there for December
One of the biggest numbers of birthstones designated for December (three in total). Even though each stone is unique, they all have the same color of blue. The three gems are tanzanite, blue topaz, and turquoise. The availability, cost, and enduring appeal of the stone are the varying factors that account for December’s several stones.
Is Tanzanite a December Birthstone?
Since being discovered in 1967 on the slopes of the massive Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, East Africa, and given that country’s name by Tiffany & Co., tanzanite has gained enormous popularity and is currently the second-fastest selling colored gemstone after sapphire. The first stone to be included on the official birthstone list since 1912, it was designated as the birthstone for December in 2002.
What is the Birthstone for December?
The blue topaz, which is the birthstone for December, has long been a favorite and popular birthstone choice among people. The topaz was a symbol of protection and a popular stone in many prehistoric cultures. There was a common understanding that this stone was absolutely remarkable that was known in every part of the world, from the Aztecs to the ancient Egyptians. Visit Joseph’s Jewelry to shop our favorite pieces of jewelry that showcase this stunning stone.
What Color is December Birthstone?
The most popular topaz color right now in the jewelry industry is blue. It can be purchased in a wide array of blue hues, from a light, pale blue with a light tone and saturation to a dark, rich blue with a moderate to deep tone and saturation. Two types of processed blue topaz have taken the lead. The terms “Swiss Blue” and “London Blue topaz” refer to them. Swiss Blue is a light-toned, light-to-moderately saturated, vivid blue topaz. Dark blue topaz with a medium to dark tone and saturation is called London Blue.
What birthstone stone is the rarest?
While some birthstones are more accessible than others, precious gemstones in particular are thought to be relatively scarce. However, given that some really expensive stones are not all that rare and vice versa, price tags can be deceiving when it comes to rarity. For instance, although expensive, April’s diamond is less rare than rubies, emeralds, and alexandrite. Speaking of alexandrite, it is now the most expensive and rarest gemstone on the list of birthstones. Additionally extremely rare, black opals are.
Birthstones provide an intriguing way to select jewelry. They enable people to investigate jewels that they might otherwise avoid. However, birthstones are not always what people think they are, so make sure you are buying birthstone jewelry for the right reasons while making your selection.
On December 23, what birthstone is that?
Although not the only month with several recognized birthstones, December has the most birthstones overall. Traditional December birthstones included turquoise and lapis lazuli, another well-known blue gemstone. The most popular modern gemstones for December birthdays nowadays are zircon and the more brilliant blue topaz.
Is topaz pricey?
Like any stone, topaz prices vary according to quality. Nevertheless, a few generalizations are possible. The most popular type of topaz used in jewelry today, blue topaz, has been produced in such large numbers that it is now typically sold for $25 per carat at retail for ring sizes. Larger sizes could cost a little extra. Even though treated blue topaz is widely produced, the price of natural blue topaz has practically decreased to match that of the treated stone.
Blue topaz is created (by irradiation and heat) from colorless topaz, which is offered in sizes up to 100 ct and higher and costs less than $8/ct. The cost of brown topaz is comparable.
Contrarily, valuable topaz, often known as “imperial” topaz, can sell for more than $1000 per carat (ct) in big (10 ct+) proportions. Richly colored topaz with a pink or red hue is the most expensive; its retail price can approach $3500/ct. Over 5 ct. sizes of these are uncommon.
What do birthstones for December look like?
birthstone color for December Turquoise is opaque rather than translucent, unlike many other jewels. Its blue-green hue can range from pale green or greenish gray to sky blue or greenish blue. Bluer stones are more precious and have more copper in them.