December Birthstones: The Blues Bros.

December is a joyous month full of festivities, gift-giving, and of course, birthstones. Birthstones associated with this month are turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite, all of which are beautiful and unique gems.

These are definitely the winter blues that you want. Each of these stones has its own unique properties and characteristics, making them the perfect gifts for December babies.

Related: The History of Birthstones

Turquoise

Turquoise has been used in jewelry for an incredibly long time. The earliest discoveries of turquoise used in jewelry were found in Egypt and are over 6,000 years old. The beautiful robin’s egg color has been prized and traded throughout history in places all around the world.

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Where is Turquoise Found?

Turquoise is most commonly mined in the U.S. states of Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, as well as in China, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. Arizona and Nevada are the two most important sources of turquoise in the U.S., producing both high-quality and large quantities of gem-grade material.

The famous blue-green turquoise from the robin’s egg blue to the bright sky blue color is found in Arizona and Nevada. The Chinese variety is found mostly in the province of Hubei, and is known for its robin’s egg blue color.

In Mexico, turquoise is mined in Chihuahua, Oaxaca, Sonora, and Zacatecas, and is characterized by its deep blue-green color. Peru, Chile, and Bolivia are the major producers of turquoise in South America. The turquoise from these countries tends to be greenish in color, with a more muted blue color.

Types of Turquoise

Natural untreated turquoise is a rare and highly sought-after variety of gemstone, featuring a pure and untreated composition.

This type of turquoise occurs in nature with the same properties as when it was mined. This type of turquoise has not been treated with any chemicals, dyes, or other treatments. As a result, it has a unique and highly sought-after appearance.

Natural stabilized turquoise is a type of turquoise that has been treated to improve its color, strength, and durability. It is created by treating natural turquoise with a combination of epoxy resin, wax, or chemicals. This process helps to protect the stone, making it suitable for use in jewelry and other decorative pieces.

Natural stabilized turquoise is often used in place of natural turquoise because it is more durable and less likely to discolor or fracture over time. The treatment process helps to maintain the beauty and color of the stone while improving its strength and durability. Natural stabilized turquoise is also often more affordable than untreated natural turquoise, making it a popular choice for jewelry makers.

Composite turquoise is made from small pieces of turquoise that have been bonded with a polymer to make larger blocks of material. This method creates attractive pieces of turquoise and is considerably cheaper than the previous two natural types.

Dyed turquoise is turquoise that has been colored to look like it is a different color. This is done to create a color that makes the turquoise look far more valuable than it really is.

Zircon

Zircon is a mineral composed of zirconium silicate and is one of the oldest minerals on Earth. It is commonly referred to as a "gemstone," but it is not a true gemstone. It is found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and is one of the most common minerals in the crust of the Earth.

Zircon is used in jewelry, particularly in engagement rings and other stone settings. It is often cut in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be colorless, yellow, blue, green, red, orange, or brown. Its hardness and durability make it a popular choice for jewelry applications.

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Where is Zircon Found?

Zircon is found in many different types of rock and sediment, including granite, basalt, rhyolite, gneiss, schist, and pegmatite. It is also found in beach and river sands, as well as in metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. It is mined in Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Russia, India, and the United States.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a beautiful and rare gemstone that was discovered in Tanzania in the late 1960s. It is a blue to violet-blue gemstone that is prized for its color, clarity and brilliance. Tanzanite is a member of the zoisite mineral family and is believed to be a thousand times rarer than a diamond. It is considered to be the most valuable of all colored gemstones.

Tanzanite is cut and polished in a variety of shapes such as round, oval, pear, cushion, emerald, marquise, and more. Its most desirable color is a deep sapphire blue, although it can also come in shades of purple, violet, and lavender. The gemstone is often heat-treated to enhance its color and clarity.

Tanzanite is an excellent choice for jewelry due to its beauty and rarity. It is often set in rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and necklaces. It looks great when combined with diamonds, as the pairing of the two stones creates a striking.

Where is Tanzanite Found?

Tanzanite is found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. The area is protected, and the government has imposed strict regulations to prevent over-mining. Tanzanite is found in a small area of only four square miles, and the mines are very deep and narrow.

The gemstone is found in pockets of brown and gray rock, which are then carefully mined and sorted. The tanzanite gemstones are then cut, polished, and sold on the international market.

Final Thoughts on the December Birthstones

With three different beautiful birthstones to choose from, December babies will love feeling these December blues!

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