The History of December's Birthstone

Birthstones can be found in necklaces or earrings and are given as birthday presents. Yet, many people are not aware of the long developing history, dating back to 2000 B.C. for each gem. If you were born in December, you are very lucky because you have a choice of three gems: blue topaz, turquoise and tanzanite; and traditionally speaking, you may also add lapis lazuli and zircon to the list.

History of Birthstones

Birthstones may be traced back to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Bible in the book of Exodus. The Breastplate was a religious garment set with 12 gemstones that represented the 12 tribes of Israel. These special stones later became interwoven with the 12 signs of zodiac, which linked with the 12 months of the calendar year and thus became birthstones.

The idea of each person wearing a gemstone corresponding to their birth month is a modern idea that traces its origin to 18th-century Poland, with the arrival of Jewish gem traders.

The modern list of birthstones was created in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (Jewelers of America) in the USA.

History of December Birthstones

It was not until 2002 that the Jewelers of America added tanzanite as the last gem of the birthstones, thus solidifying the list of birthstones.

While the history of gemstones began with religious and ceremonial significance, it has now culminated into a business. In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) released the statement: "We see the addition of tanzanite for December as a way to build business. Any step that helps retailers sell more jewelry is a good one."

Turquoise

The most traditional of December birthstones, turquoise has been mined since 3000 B.C. in Sinai, Egypt. The name is from the French word meaning "Turkish," since it was transported to Europe through Turkey during the Crusades. This gem was worn on the turban and was often surrounded by pearls and protected these men against their enemies.

Turquoise typically represents wealth and well-being, supports luck and love and protects its wearers. Throughout history, various cultures wore this gem to protect them from evil. For example, the Azetcs in Mexico decorated their ceremonial masks with this stone to give thanks to their gods for protection, while the Indians of North America donned this gem to demonstrate the connection between sky and the sea. In the United States, many cowboys wore this gem to protect them from falling off a horse. Today, many wear this gemstone to protect them from depression.

High-quality turquoise is rarer than diamonds and other precious gems, and most of the turquoise on the market is actually medium-grade (it rates 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale) and is fortified with plastic or acrylic to strengthen it. As a precaution, this gem should not be subjected to heat and bright light, and should be cleaned with a soft cloth.

Blue Topaz

The name "topaz" is said to be derived from the Sanskrit word for "fire"; however, the fire in blue topaz is cool and muted. Many have said that the blue topaz resembles a blue sky or fire in solid ice.

Topaz's long history dates back to at least 2,000 years and is one of the gemstones which is the foundation of the 12 gates to the New Jerusalem found in the Book of Revelation. This gem protects against enemies and is a symbol of beauty.

To the Greeks, this gem represents truth, loyalty and prosperity and protected its wearer from misfortune and sudden death. In mysticism, this gem offers a cooling, styptic and appetizing effect. It dispels anger, nightmares and sadness. Others have stated that a woman wearing this gem will become fertile, and men will be more attractive.

Topaz is one of the harder gems (8 on the Mohs scale) and has a high refractive index. The gem is mainly mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and China.

Tanzanite

In 2002, tanzanite officially became one of the three birthstones of December. This gem was discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, East Africa. More specifically, this gem was found in the Merelani Hills near Arusha, thus making it one of the few gemstones found in Africa. The gem has risen in popularity over the years due to its exclusivity of origin because, as of yet, Tanzania is the only place that has this gem.

The gem's color falls on the spectrum somewhere between azure and amethyst, somehow making it both cool and warm. Depending on the angle you look at the gemstone, it may appear blue, purple or even brownish-yellow. Many jewelers have heated the gem approximately 500 degrees to get rid of the brownish-yellow color, thus allowing the blue color to brighten.

The stone is relatively soft (6 to 7 on the Mohs scale) and should be worn with caution. As a precaution, do not place this gem in an ultrasonic bath for cleaning or bring it into contact with acids.

Since this gem is relatively new, this one of the few birthstones that does not have a long history folklore behind it. As many jewelers stated, this is the gem of the 20th century.

Lapis Lazuli

Unlike tanzanite, lapis lazuli has a rich history. This gem is one of the first birthstones to be worn as jewelry and worked on. Archeologists have found this deep blue gemstone in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome, dating all the way back to the fourth century B.C.

This gem was first mined in northern Afghanistan over 6,000 years ago near the city of Ur. In the Middle East this gem is regarded as holy, and having magical powers. Even Alexander the Great was mesmerized by this gem. He brought it to Europe and named it ultramarine, which means "beyond the sea."

This gemstone received its meaning from two different languages: the Latin lais, which means stone, and the Arabic azula, which means blue. While the name is very simple (blue stone) it became one of the most expensive gems to own throughout history, up until 1834 once science caught up and now can be produced synthetically. Many painters would ground up the powder and manufacture various paints.

This stone means friendship and truth. It is said that whoever wears this stone will be authentic, give their opinion openly to others and have harmonious relationships.

This gem is fairly soft on the Mohs scale (5 to 6) and is sensitive to high temperatures and household chemicals.

Zircon

Zircon is one of the only December birthstones whose history can be traced back to Aaron's Breastplate. This gem can be found in the third row, under the tribe of Ephraim. Hindu poets believed this gem was a gift from the gods from the Kalpa Tree. Today, this gem is mined in Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Australia and Sri Lanka.

Zircon comes from the Persian word "zargun," which means "gold-colored." As you can see from the name, this gemstone comes in many different colors. Many purchase the gem colorless because it looks similar to a diamond. Others have purchased this gem in a green, yellow, brown, orange and dark red color.

It is said that this gem is known to aid in sleep, promote honor and wisdom and bring prosperity to the owner.

A 7.5 on the Mohs scale, it is the heaviest of all the birthstones, but do not let the strength of this gem fool you. A person should wrap this stone in paper after you are done wearing it because it is susceptible to abrasions and chipping.

References

• Jewelers of America
• Gem Select
• International Colored Gemstone Association