What Color Stone Is December

Birthstones and their significance

Photo Credits: colorscombo.com by Ralph Mitchell

The significance of birthstones is worth exploring. December has its own special birthstone. Learn its history and meaning to understand its symbolism. Cultural importance and evolution are part of it. Those born in December can relate to its unique importance.

The history of birthstones

The origin and evolution of the tradition of birthstones span back centuries, with ancient civilizations attributing special significance to certain gemstones based on astrological beliefs. The practice continued to evolve through history, with different cultures associating specific stones with months or zodiac signs. In medieval times, it became popular for Europeans to wear a different gemstone each month as a form of symbolism and protection. Today, birthstones remain a beloved tradition and meaningful gift-giving option for those born in each respective month.

Continuing from the history of birthstones, this tradition is deeply rooted in culture and has evolved over time. From astrology to religion to fashion trends, various factors have contributed to the association of each month with a particular gemstone. However, the modern list of official birthstones was established by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912, starting off as 12 but has since expanded. Birthstones are believed to hold various meanings such as healing properties, bringing good luck or fortune and general symbolism reflecting its color.

It is interesting to note that some months have multiple options for their corresponding birthstone depending on cultural differences or personal preference. For example, December can be associated with turquoise, tanzanite or blue topaz.

Pro Tip: When gifting a piece of jewelry containing a birthstone as a thoughtful present for someone special do not forget to include its meaning and significance!

Deck the halls with shades of blue, December’s birthstone Turquoise is calling for you!

December’s birthstone

Stone that represents the month of December is an eloquent way to personalize one’s jewelry. Each has its unique significance and history. They resonate differently with various individuals based on emotions and beliefs. One can choose from options such as turquoise, tanzanite, zircon, and blue topaz. However, birthstone for December is turquoise, which has a remarkable cultural significance.

Turquoise, the representative stone for December month, is known for its healing properties and metaphysical attributes. It is believed to bring good fortune in life. The stone’s color speaks about the sky’s sanctity and is a reminder of positivity and joyous living. Turquoise balances blood pressure levels and enhances immunity.

An interesting fact about turquoise as December’s birthstone is that it was favored by Aztecs, who discovered large quantities of stones in Mexico during their reigns. They used it for ornamental purpose in mosaics or embedded in ceremonial masks.

In Southern America, Native American tribes wore turquoise as a sign of peace or friendship while allowing them to communicate with the spiritual world. In ancient Persia (now Iran), a belief existed that if a line appeared at the center of the gemstone when put under one’s pillow while sleeping would indicate good luck upon waking up.

My friend gifted me a pair of high-quality turquoise stud earrings on my birthday; since then, this stone has become special to me and given me immense positive energy daily.

Turquoise: the birthstone that’s both gorgeous and low-maintenance, just like your ex.

The December Birthstone: Turquoise

Photo Credits: colorscombo.com by Jordan Roberts

Turquoise is the December birthstone! It’s well-loved for its blue-green hue and special traits. Learn about this gemstone’s hardness, color, and more. You’ll also discover its history and cultural importance across ancient Egypt and Native American jewelry. To keep your turquoise jewelry looking its best, get tips on cleaning and storage. All that you need to know about turquoise is here!

The characteristics of turquoise

Turquoise is one of the popular December birthstones known for its unique features. It is a blue-green stone that has an ancient history and cultural importance.

• Turquoise is a mineral that belongs to the phosphate family, comprising copper, aluminum, and hydroxyl.
• The color of turquoise ranges from blue to green hues with some black or gray striations.
• With its Mohs hardness scale ranking between 5-6, turquoise is softer than many other gemstones and may have hairline fractures due to wear and tear.
• Turquoise also contains a characteristic webbing of veins known as matrix, which adds to its character and uniqueness.

This beautiful stone was also used as currency by Native Americans in the past. It was believed to have healing properties in many cultures and was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians.

It is essential to care for your turquoise jewelry properly as it can be easily scratched or damaged if not handled correctly. Avoid chemicals and high heat exposure when wearing your turquoise piece.

Once there was a famous king who had a vast collection of turquoise stones. One day he noticed two of them had different shades even though they were mined from the same location. Upon further examination, he realized that one stone had more copper than the other one, resulting in a darker shade. He then ordered his miners to look for stones with varying copper levels to add more diversity to his collection.

Turquoise: the birthstone Native Americans and ancient Egyptians agreed on.

The history and cultural significance of turquoise

Turquoise is a gemstone that has been associated with many cultures throughout history. It holds significant cultural meaning and value for many communities, including Native American jewelry makers and Ancient Egyptians. The blue-green color of turquoise symbolizes water, fertility, and protection in various belief systems. The stone was also believed to have healing properties, especially for the eyes and respiratory system.

In ancient times, turquoise was highly sought after for its spiritual significance, as well as its natural beauty. Some civilizations used it as currency or traded it with neighboring territories. In fact, archaeologists have found evidence of turquoise mines dating back thousands of years in places like Iran and the Southwest United States.

Despite its ancient origins and cultural value, turquoise has remained a popular gemstone even today. Many people still believe in the protective power of this stone and wear turquoise jewelry on a regular basis. Its distinctive color makes it a bold choice for any outfit or style preference.

Recently, there has been an increased interest in sustainable sourcing of turquoise due to concerns about mining practices that could damage the natural environment. This shows how our modern appreciation of this gemstone can still connect us to past traditions while acknowledging our responsibility to protect the earth for future generations.

Keep your turquoise jewelry shiny and new with proper cleaning and storage techniques.

How to care for your turquoise jewelry

To maintain the longevity of your turquoise jewelry, it is essential to follow proper care instructions. Here’s a four-step guide to help you ensure the longevity of your December birthstone jewelry.

1. Cleaning: Gently wipe the surface of your turquoise jewelry with a soft cloth or brush dipped in warm water and mild soap. Do not submerge the stone in water and never use ultrasonic cleaners or steamers.
2. Drying: After cleaning, wipe your turquoise jewelry dry with a clean towel. It is important to let it air dry for 24 hours before storing it.
3. Storage: Place your turquoise jewelry in separate compartments or bags to avoid scratching from other pieces of jewelry or materials. Keep them away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and moisture.
4. Regular Maintenance: Check your turquoise jewelry regularly for any loose settings or damage to the stone. Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals like hairspray, perfume, and lotions.

Turquoise is a porous stone that absorbs oils and chemicals easily; thus, cleaning and storage are crucial for its maintenance.

Did you know that synthetic turquoise requires different care than natural turquoise due to its composition? Synthetic turquoise has plasticizers that can cause discoloration when exposed to strong sunlight or heat; hence they require special care instructions.

A friend purchased a beautiful vintage ring adorned with stunning blue-green Turquoise gemstone on her recent trip abroad but damaged it due to improper handling during transit. Taking care of precious gems like Turquoise fashion accessories can be incredibly simple yet challenging when ignored under poor circumstances.

Don’t settle for just turquoise, explore the blue-hued wonders of tanzanite, zircon, and blue topaz as perfect options for December birthstones.

Other options for December Birthstones

Photo Credits: colorscombo.com by Gregory Williams

If you’re looking for different December birthstone options, consider tanzanite, zircon, and blue topaz. Each has their own unique characteristics and beauty. Let’s take a closer look at them!

• Tanzanite comes in both blue and traditional colors.
• Zircon comes in blue and is used for birthstones.
• And blue topaz is the birthstone of choice, as well as a popular jewelry option.

Tanzanite

With a deep blue hue, Tanzanite is a rare and precious gemstone often used as December’s birthstone. The only known Tanzanite deposits are found in Tanzania, making it a unique and highly sought-after stone. Tanzanite is known for its pleochroism, meaning it exhibits different colors when viewed from different angles. Its vivid blue color has earned it the nickname “the gemstone of the 20th century.”

In addition to its striking appearance, Tanzanite also has spiritual significance to some cultures. It is believed to promote spiritual growth, balance emotions, and enhance intuition. As a birthstone for December, Tanzanite symbolizes wisdom and prosperity.

Fun fact: In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association added tanzanite to the official list of December birthstones alongside turquoise and blue topaz.

Pro Tip: To care for your blue tanzanite jewelry, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. Also, be sure to clean it regularly with mild detergent and warm water to maintain its luster.

Zircon is as blue as your mood when you forget your loved one’s December birthday.

Zircon

Blue Zircon as a Perfect December Birthstone Alternative

A sparkling blue zircon gemstone is a fantastic alternative to Turquoise as the birthstone of December. Blue Zircon, a rare and valuable stone, is known for its vibrant blue hues, making it a perfect choice for those who adore the color blue. Its name comes from the Persian word “zargun,” which means “gold-colored.” The stone can range in color from deep blue to a lighter sky-blue tint and often has an intense shine when polished.

Blue zircon is recognized as December’s modern alternative birthstone, offering an exquisite balance between beauty and durability. It’s said to symbolize wisdom and prosperity, providing positive energy to the wearer. With its high refractive index, Blue Zircon sparkles brilliantly like a diamond.

The unique properties of blue zircon make it easy to identify – typically being confused with cheaper stones like Cubic Zirconia or Topaz. It can withstand heat treatment without discoloring or losing its brilliance and is also resistant to scratches – making it an ideal gem for daily wear.

Pro Tip: A piece of jewelry made with Blue Zircon should be cleaned with mild soap and water using a soft brush rather than ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals as they may damage the stone.

Blue Topaz: the perfect birthstone for December babies who prefer their ice in gemstone form.

Blue Topaz

Blue topaz jewelry is available in various styles, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The gemstone pairs well with silver or white gold alloys to give the perfect look. One can choose from different shades of blue, from light sky blue to dark sapphire blue.

Apart from being a beautiful gemstone, blue topaz has been associated with numerous benefits, including healing powers and increased mental clarity. Wearing it can help one communicate more effectively and engage in productive conversations.

For those looking to purchase blue topaz jewelry or any other type of birthstone jewelry, it is essential to keep certain things in mind. Verify the quality of the gemstone before buying it and store it properly to avoid discoloration.

FAQs about What Color Stone Is December

What is the color stone for December?

The color stone for December is turquoise.

Is turquoise the only birthstone for December?

No, there are actually three birthstones for December; turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.

What is the meaning of the turquoise stone?

The turquoise stone is said to represent friendship, tranquility, and good fortune.

What is the meaning of the tanzanite stone?

The tanzanite stone is said to represent spiritual awareness, insight, and communication.

What is the meaning of the zircon stone?

The zircon stone is said to represent inner strength, wisdom, and honor.

Can I wear all three birthstones for December together?

Yes, you can wear all three birthstones for December together as they complement each other well and create a beautiful look.