December’s birthstone, blue topaz, is cool, chic, and a perfect way to light up the holiday season…and every day after! This gemstone is as meaningful as it is beautiful, and versatile too.
Read on to learn everything from its symbolism to how to style it and get yours today. Because whether or not you were born in December, you’re gonna want one of these gorgeous gemstone pieces.
What Is December’s Birthstone?
December, similar to other months of the year, actually has multiple birthstones. However, the most popular, or at least our favorite, is blue topaz. This beautiful gemstone is made up of aluminum and fluorine and known for its beautiful blue hues.
The Symbolism and Meaning of Topaz
Similar to other birthstones and gemstones, blue topaz is brimming with beautiful symbolism. Originally thought to bring protection, this gemstone is now also thought to bring love and affection and is often given as a symbol of one’s love.
Unique to blue topaz, it is also associated with the fourth wedding anniversary. But it doesn’t stop here, blue topaz is also thought to help with insomnia, indigestion, and in ancient times failing, eyesight.
Have you lost your creative edge or motivation? Well, many believe blue topaz can help with this too!
What Color is the December Birthstone?
Blue topaz is, you guessed it, blue. This birthstone comes in shades from light blue to dark, and is commonly sold in three different shades known as London blue, Swiss blue, and sky blue, with the first two being the most popular.
This gemstone is incredibly rare and is frequently created by heating a topaz stone in its natural, colorless state, and using trace elements to give it that beautiful blue hue.
A Brief History of the December Birthstone
December’s birthstone can be found throughout history. Multiple ancient civilizations prized blue topaz for its protective properties, including the Aztecs and ancient Egyptians, who thought the gemstone could help prevent injuries and other illnesses.
Understanding Topaz’s Sensitivity and Fragility
The December birthstone is quite durable, ranking 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This durability makes it a great choice for jewelry, particularly jewelry you wear on a frequent basis. However, blue topaz is hard yet brittle, and some color variations like London blue are more easily scratched, so you should still be careful.
Practical Tips for Cleaning and Preserving Topaz Jewelry
Blue topaz is hard yet sensitive, so it is important to care for it and clean it properly. Follow these tips below to keep your December birthstone pieces shining all year long.
- Store it separately from other pieces in original, soft, & protective packaging
- Store it away from strong sunlight & high temperatures
- Avoid using harsh cleaners
- Wash in warm, soapy water
- Clean gentle with a soft bristle brush
- Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth
What Are the Other December Birthstones?
December is unique when it comes to birthstones because it has so many! While blue topaz may be your favorite (it’s certainly ours!), there are others to choose from including blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise.
Blue Zircon
First of all, blue zircon is not cubic zirconia, despite the similarities in their names. Blue zircon is one of the oldest gemstones ever discovered. The sparkle and shine of blue zircon have been compared to that of diamonds.
This gemstone is also available in multiple colors, but it is the blue variety that is a birthstone for December. This gemstone is thought to bring good luck and positivity.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite became a birthstone for December in 2002 after being discovered decades earlier in Tanzania. This gemstone is named for the country where it was first found and is increasingly popular in jewelry today. It is associated with tranquility and compassion.
Turquoise
Deriving its name from the French word for Turkish, because French traders purchased the stone from Turkish traders, this gemstone is on the softer side, rating a 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale. This gemstone is thought to bring good luck, friendship, and patience, and was even used in ancient healing practices.
FAQs
What is the actual birthstone for December?
December has four birthstones. Blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise. It is one of the few months to have so many birthstones.
What is the origin of blue topaz?
Blue topaz was discovered in the 1960s in Brazil by British explorer Max Ostro.
Why does December have four birthstones?
It is not known exactly why December has so many birthstones. It is most commonly believed that it was to add more affordable options.
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