December’s Three Birthstones – 10 Fun Facts!

December birthday folks have three gorgeous birthstones to choose from, all in various shades of blue: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite.

1. Turquoise is found all over the world, and has been prized by cultures from Ancient Egypt, China and the Americas.
2. Tanzanite is also the traditional gift for the 24th wedding anniversary.
3. Tanzanite was discovered in the late 60s in Tanzania, although it was originally identified as zoisite.
4. Zircons are often found near sapphires, and are today most are from Sri Lanka or Australia.
5. Turquoise has long been a favorite of royalty. I can be found in King Tut’s famous mask and in several modern tiaras owned by European royalty.
6. With a hardness between 6 and 7, tanzanites are best worn as earrings or in a pendant. Tanzanite rings are better for special occasions rather than daily wear.
   
7. While blue is most commonly used for December birthstone jewelry, zircons come in a variety of shades and you can pick whichever you want. How lucky!
8. The Apache and several other tribes believed that you could better your aim by attaching a turquoise to your bow or gun.
9. People in the Middle Ages would wear a zircon to encourage a good night’s sleep and to ward off evil spirits that might come in the night.
10. What do these stones all have in common? They can be damaged in a steam or ultrasonic cleaner. Soft scrubbing with warm water and gentle soap is best.

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