
December birthday folks have three gorgeous birthstones to choose from, all in various shades of blue: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite.
- Turquoise is found all over the world, and has been prized by cultures from Ancient Egypt, China and the Americas.
- Tanzanite is also the traditional gift for the 24th wedding anniversary.
- Tanzanite was discovered in the late 60s in Tanzania, although it was originally identified as zoisite.
- Zircons are often found near sapphires, and are today most are from Sri Lanka or Australia.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- The Apache and several other tribes believed that you could better your aim by attaching a turquoise to your bow or gun.
- 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.
- 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.