december birthstone

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The birthstones for December are Tanzanite, Zircon and Turquoise.

Tanzanite is a variety of the zoisite species.

Zircon is a mineral from the nesosilicatesgroup and the name came from the Persian word ‘zargun’, which means ‘golden-coloured.’

Turquoise had many names dating back centuries but became commonly known by its current name in the 16th Century, which originated from the Old French word for ‘Turkish stone,’ a reference to how it arrived in Europe.

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Origin of Tanzanite

Tanzanite, known as the ‘Gemstone of the 20th Century.’

It was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and is found exclusively there and is the location that gives the gem its name.

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About Tanzanite

Tanzanite is not considered very durable due to its measurement of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohshardness scale.

It is a purple to blue coloured stone and the largest cut one is 252.2 carets (Guinness World Records).

The largest rough one was mined in 2005 by TanzaniteOne measuring 16,839 carats weighing 3.38-kilograms.

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About Zircon

Zircon measures 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.

In the Middle Ages zircon was used to assist with sleep disorders.

Hindu poets wrote about the ultimate gift to the gods, the ‘Kalpa Tree’ which was a tree glowing with gemstone fruit with zircon leaves.

Zircon Various Colours

Reddish brown

Yellow

Green

Blue

Grey

Colourless

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Producers of Zircon

Australia is the world’s leading producer.

Brazil

Cambodia

Korea

Madagascar

Mozambique

Vietnam

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Myanmar

Nigeria

Sri Lanka

Tanzania

Thailand

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Zircons were used for centuries by:

Healers

Shamans

Medicine men

And apparently helped those suffering from:

Varicose veins

Blisters

Problems related to testicles

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About Turquoise

Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate mineral of copper and aluminum.

It measures 5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Pueblo, Navajo and Apache tribes used it as amulets with Apaches believing the gem provided the wearer with perfect aim.

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Colours of Turquoise

Blue

Blue-green

Green

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Turquoise is mined in:

Turkey

Mexico

United States

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The pastel shades of this gem made it popular in many ancient cultures, which used it frequently as jewelry and wore it by:

Rulers of ancient Egypt

The Aztecs

The Aztecs wore turquoise with gold, quartz, malachite, jet, jade, coral and shells inlaid into masks, knives and shields.

The Persian

Chinese rulers as far back as the Shang Dynasty.

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Evidence of Turquoise use by:

Egyptians goes back as far as the First Dynasty with the best-known pieces being discovered in Tutankhamen’s tomb.

The Pharaoh’s burial mask contained a high volume of the gem inlaid in it.

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Folklore Points to the Turquoise

This gem is considered one of the oldest protection amulets and was also viewed in many ancient cultures as a symbol of wealth.

A gift of turquoise given to a loved one would bring protection from bad vibes and would bring good fortune.

It was also a symbol of friendship and harmony.

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Healing properties connected to Turquoise

Neutralization of stomach upset

Relief from:

Rheumatism

Gout

Viral infections

Turquoise was also believed to increase growth and strength, relieve pain, cramps and have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.

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