Birthstones by Month Explained December: Turquoise and Tanzanite
December: Turquoise and Tanzanite
December is blessed with two stunning birthstones: turquoise and tanzanite. Each of these gemstones carries unique beauty, symbolism, and healing properties, making them cherished choices for those born in this festive month.
Turquoise
Characteristics
- Color: Turquoise is known for its captivating blue to green hues, often with intricate veining. The most prized turquoise is a robin's egg blue with minimal veining.
- Hardness: Turquoise ranks 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it moderately soft. It requires careful handling to avoid scratches.
- Luster: Turquoise has a waxy to sub-vitreous luster, giving it a unique, earthy glow.
Symbolism and Meaning
- Protection and Healing: Historically, turquoise has been revered as a protective stone, believed to guard against negative forces and bring good fortune.
- Wisdom and Tranquility: Turquoise is associated with wisdom, tranquility, and spiritual grounding. It fosters clear communication and promotes inner peace.
- Friendship and Love: Turquoise is considered a symbol of friendship and unconditional love, strengthening bonds between people.
Healing Properties
- Emotional Healing: Turquoise is thought to stabilize mood swings, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
- Physical Healing: It is believed to benefit the respiratory system, strengthen the immune system, and aid in detoxification.
- Spiritual Healing: Turquoise aligns with the throat chakra, enhancing communication, self-expression, and spiritual growth.
Tanzanite
Characteristics
- Color: Tanzanite ranges from deep blue to violet, with the most valuable stones exhibiting a rich, saturated color. It often displays a beautiful pleochroism, showing different colors when viewed from different angles.
- Hardness: Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for various types of jewelry but requiring careful handling to avoid scratches and chips.
- Luster: Tanzanite has a vitreous (glass-like) luster, giving it a dazzling, brilliant appearance.
Symbolism and Meaning
- Transformation and New Beginnings: Tanzanite is associated with transformation, new beginnings, and spiritual awakening. It is believed to help individuals embrace change and pursue their true purpose.
- Intuition and Insight: Tanzanite enhances intuition, deepens meditation, and fosters a stronger connection to the spiritual realm.
- Calm and Soothing: Tanzanite is known for its calming and soothing properties, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Healing Properties
- Emotional Healing: Tanzanite is thought to alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression, fostering a sense of calm and emotional balance.
- Physical Healing: It is believed to support the immune system, improve detoxification, and promote overall vitality and well-being.
- Spiritual Healing: Tanzanite is associated with the third eye and crown chakras, enhancing spiritual awareness, psychic abilities, and deepening meditation practices.
Conclusion
December's birthstones, turquoise and tanzanite, each offer unique beauty and powerful symbolism. Turquoise, with its captivating blue-green hues, symbolizes protection, wisdom, and friendship, promoting emotional stability and spiritual growth. Tanzanite, with its deep blue to violet shades, symbolizes transformation, intuition, and calm, fostering emotional well-being and spiritual insight. Both gemstones are cherished for their distinct characteristics and make meaningful and vibrant choices for those born in December.
