If you were born in the month of December you have not one, not two, but three birthstones! Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon are the birthstones represent the month of December. Each of these gemstones have beautiful blue hues – no matter which one you choose they will be a wonderful take on the month of December! Let’s dive into each of these three gemstones so you can choose which one works best for you.
December’s Birthstones – Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
Tanzanite was first discovered in the 60s so it’s a relatively new gemstone, but one that quickly rose in popularity. Tanzanite is currently only mined in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania and miners typically dig over 300 feet into the earth of find this gemstone. This birthstone rates between a 6 and 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, which means it’s resistant to the effects of heat and light, but it can abrade or crack easily so is not meant to be worn as everyday jewelry.
Turquoise has been a cherished gemstone for millennia and was first carved by Chinese artisans more than 3,000 years ago. This gemstone is semi-translucent to opaque and ranges from blue to green and has various types of veining. Many thought this birthstone possessed beneficial powers and good fortune. Turquoise has been mined in the Nishapur district of Iran for over 1,000 years, while China is the world’s largest producer of this birthstone. This gemstone rates between a 5 and 6 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and can easily be damaged by acids and certain chemicals. Turquoise should never be cleaned with steam or ultrasonic cleaners.
Zircon can be found in an array of colors, but is mostly known for its beautiful blue hue. Sri Lanka is one of the largest place for mining of zircon. Australia also produces Zircon in a range of colors. This gemstone ranges between a 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. It is not suggested for this gemstone to be exposed to heat or prolonged exposure to bright light as it can change its color. It is also not recommended to wear this gemstone daily or in rough condition.
Now that you know a bit more about all three gemstones, you can choose which one you think fits your personality! Visit us at Sylvan's Jewelers to find your perfect birthstone piece today!