December’s birthstones are turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. These gemstones come in a variety of shades from blue to green to purple. The colour of December’s birthstones is significant, as each hue carries a symbolic meaning. In this article, we will explore what gives December’s stones their distinctive colours and what these colours represent.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a blue-green mineral rock composed of copper, aluminium, and phosphorus. It commonly occurs in arid climates where water seeps through copper-rich rocks. The striking blue-green colour of turquoise comes from its copper content. Copper produces shades of blue and green in minerals through a process called idiochromatic colouration. While pure copper shows blue, trace elements can modify the hue towards greenish shades. The amount of copper vs. other elements determines turquoise’s exact tone.
Blue is associated with wisdom, trust, tranquility and good fortune. For December babies born under the Sagittarius and Capricorn zodiac signs, turquoise represents their high ideals. The green tones also connect to growth, resilience and healing.
Zircon
Most zircons are reddish brown, but a rare variety displays bright blue hues. These blue zircons contain trace amounts of radioactive elements like uranium and thorium. Over time, structural damage from radioactivity causes the zircon crystal lattice to absorb blue light. This physical phenomenon produces zircon’s pure blue radiance.
Blue zircon symbolizes honour, virtue and energy. For the spiritual seekers born in December, the gem stands for truth and inspiration. Its brilliant intensity ignites imagination and insight.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite belongs to the mineral species zoisite. In its pure form, zoisite is colourless. Tanzanite’s deep violet-blue colour occurs due to small amounts of vanadium traces. When vanadium-rich zoisite crystals form under specific temperature conditions in Tanzania, heat alters the crystal structure. This reaction causes the gems to absorb red and orange light, transmitting only blue and violet wavelengths.
In Swahili, tanzanite’s country of origin, the colour blue symbolizes life and rebirth. Lighter tanzanite shades represent fidelity and friendship. For December’s expansive adventurers, the gemstone encourages their spirit of discovery. Its meaning bridges the Sagittarius-Capricorn divide.
Conclusions
The colours of December’s birthstones arise from the unique mineral content and structures. Trace elements like copper and vanadium produce turquoise and tanzanite’s blue hues. Radioactive damage gives blue zircon its pure radiance. Beyond scientific explanations, these colours hold symbolic meaning. Blue represents high ideals, spirituality and life itself. Green connects to growth and healing. For Sagittarius and Capricorn, December’s birthstones provide meaning that unites them. Their hues remind them to move forward with vision and renewal. When worn or displayed, December’s stones become a chromatic companion on the journey ahead.
