December Birthstone

No one really knows why December has 3 (some say 4) birthstones! We're going to review Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon.

Turquoise - Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque stone which forms by groundwater percolating through alkali copper rich rocks and forms very close to the surface.

Turquoise has been cherished for millennia and many ancient rulers adorned themselves with it. Being a softer stone many, especially the Chinese, like to carve turquoise. Chinese artisans have been carving turquoise for over 3000 years.

Tanzanite - Tanzanite is a relatively new to the gemstone world but it's one of the most exciting finds of recent times. The blue stones initially found in 1962 were finally sourced in 1967 and mining was able to begin. Named Tanzanite in honor of the country in which this small deposit is located.

Tanzanite has a deep and saturated color which ranges from a deep rich blue to violet with blue being the most valuable.

Zircon - Zircon is Decembers 3rd official birthstone and the source of its name is argued about by scholars. Zircon can come in a wide array of colors with a wild metallic rainbow fire within which has made colorless zircon easily mistaken for diamond.

Zircon was once thought to scare aware evil spirits. The Victorians favored blue zircon with its metallic sparkle.

Since you read this far, the 4th disputed birthstone is blue topaz.