Leave it to December to outshine the rest of the year when it comes to birthstones. December honors four birthstones, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, and Blue Zircon. Turquoise is also considered a December birthstone, but for our purposes we’ll focus on Topaz, Tanzanite and Zircon, each offering a dazzling spectrum of blue hues, each with its own unique history and cultural significance. Let’s explore the captivating stories behind these gemstones.
Blue Topaz: A Sky-Blue Wonder
Blue Topaz is celebrated for its serene sky-blue hues, and has been cherished since the Middle Ages. Topaz derives its name from the ancient Greek island of Topazios, though funnily enough the stones from this location were likely not topaz. The modern popularity of blue topaz arose in the 20th century, aided by advancements in heat and irradiation treatments that enhance the stone’s natural color.
Blue Topaz is often called the “stone of clarity and communication.” It is believed to enhance concentration, stimulate self-expression, and promote emotional balance. Its calming energies align with the throat chakra, supporting effective communication and self-confidence.
Blue Topaz is most commonly found in Brazil and Sri Lanka. A few natural blue topaz gems have been found in the Texas.
Tanzanite: A Rare Gem from Africa
Discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, Tanzanite is a newcomer to the world of gemstones. Its deep violet-blue hues captivated jewelers and collectors, leading to its designation as a December birthstone in 2002. Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite and is found exclusively near Mount Kilimanjaro in the Merelani Hills, making it a rare and precious stone.
Tanzanite is regarded as a “stone of transformation.” It is thought to stimulate intuition, deepen meditation, and facilitate spiritual growth. Its unique trichroism (displaying blue, violet, and burgundy tones) symbolizes balance and alignment between the heart and mind.
Blue Zircon: An Ancient Beauty
Blue Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some specimens dating back 4.4 billion years. Revered in Victorian-era jewelry, it has regained popularity for its brilliant sparkle and rich blue hues.
Blue Zircon is associated with grounding and protection. It is believed to enhance mental clarity, encourage prosperity, and foster a sense of inner peace. Its luminous quality resonates with the third eye chakra, supporting intuition and insight.
Blue Zircon is most commonly found in Cambodia, with rich deposits near the Ratanakiri region. You can also find Blue Zircon in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Australia, and Tanzania.
Celebrating December Birthstones
All of December’s birthstones capture the cool, tranquil essence of winter through their stunning blue hues. Whether you’re drawn to the celestial charm of Blue Topaz, the exotic allure of Tanzanite, or the ancient elegance of Blue Zircon, these gemstones offer a blend of beauty, history, and metaphysical depth.
If you’d like to see our collection of Blue Topaz, Tanzanite and Blue Zircon, come to our showroom in Old Town Lafayette!
