December
Turquoise, tanzanite and zircon are the three birthstones for December. Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that ranges from blue to green and often has veins of matrix running through it. The pharaohs and other rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with it. Chinese artisans carved it more than 3,000 years ago. Turquoise was thought to possess many beneficial powers, such as guaranteeing health and good fortune.
Tanzanite may be a relative newcomer to the world of coloured stones, but it was one of the most exciting gem discoveries of the 20th century. Not until 1967, did prospectors locate the primary source of tanzanite; the Merelani Hills. It was eventually named tanzanite in honour of its country of origin.
Zircon has a broad colour palette – red, orange, yellow, brown, green and blue. Colourless zircon is known for its brilliance and flashes of multicoloured light, called fire, which have resulted in centuries of confusion with diamond. During the Middle Ages, this December birthstone was thought to lull one into a deep sleep and scare off evil spirits.
