December birthstone

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Tanzanite, Zircon & Turquoise

December Birthstone

The birthstones for December are Tanzanite, Zircon and Turquoise.

Tanzanite is a variety of the zoisite species. Zircon is a mineral from the nesosilicates group and

the name came from the Persian word ‘zargun’, which means ‘golden-coloured.’

Turquoise had many names dating back centuries but became commonly known by its current name in the 16th Century, which originated from the Old French word for ‘Turkish stone,’ a reference to how it arrived in Europe.



Origin of Tanzanite Tanzanite, known as the ‘Gemstone of

the 20th Century.’ It was first discovered in Tanzania in

1967 and is found exclusively there and is the location that gives the gem its name.


About Tanzanite Tanzanite is not considered very durable

due to its measurement of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.

It is a purple to blue coloured stone and the largest cut one is 252.2 carets (Guinness World Records)

The largest rough one was mined in 2005 by TanzaniteOne measuring 16,839 carats weighing 3.38-kilograms.


About Zircon Zircon measures 7.5 on the Mohs

hardness scale. In the Middle Ages zircon was used to

assist with sleep disorders. Hindu poets wrote about the ultimate gift

to the gods, the ‘Kalpa Tree’ which was a tree glowing with gemstone fruit with zircon leaves.

Zircon Various Colours Reddish brown Yellow Green Blue Grey Colourless


Producers of Zircon Australia is the world’s leading producer. Brazil Cambodia Korea Madagascar Mozambique Vietnam


Myanmar Nigeria Sri Lanka Tanzania Thailand


Zircons were used for centuries by: Healers Shamans Medicine men

And apparently helped those suffering from:

Varicose veins Blisters Problems related to testicles


About Turquoise Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate

mineral of copper and aluminum. It measures 5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness

scale. Pueblo, Navajo and Apache tribes used

it as amulets with Apaches believing the gem provided the wearer with perfect aim.


Colours of Turquoise Blue Blue-green Green


Turquoise is mined in: Turkey Mexico United States


The pastel shades of this gem made it popular in many ancient cultures, which used it frequently as jewelry and wore it by:

Rulers of ancient Egypt The Aztecs

The Aztecs wore turquoise with gold, quartz, malachite, jet, jade, coral and shells inlaid into masks, knives and shields.

The Persian Chinese rulers as far back as the

Shang Dynasty


Evidence of Turquoise use by: Egyptians goes back as far as the First

Dynasty with the best-known pieces being discovered in Tutankhamen’s tomb.

The Pharaoh’s burial mask contained a high volume of the gem inlaid in it.


Folklore Points to the Turquoise This gem is considered one of the

oldest protection amulets and was also viewed in many ancient cultures as a symbol of wealth.

A gift of turquoise given to a loved one would bring protection from bad vibes and would bring good fortune.

It was also a symbol of friendship and harmony.


Healing properties connected to Turquoise

Neutralization of stomach upset Relief from:

Rheumatism Gout Viral infections

Turquoise was also believed to increase growth and strength, relieve pain, cramps and have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.


Tanzanite, Zircon & Turquoise

December Birthstone

December birthstone

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