Tanzanite, Turquoise and Zircon; December's birthstones
December is another month, other than June, with three birthstones. The three birthstones of December are Tanzanite, Turquoise and Zircon.
1. Tanzanite
Tanzanite, a zoisite variety, was one of the most exciting gem discoveries of the 20th century and it is a gem that can only be found in one place on Earth; Tanzania. The color of Tanzanite is often described as "velvety" mostly because of its deep and saturated color, which ranges from a pure rich blue to violet, with blue being the most valuable. Keep in mind that to achieve the beautiful violet blue or blue hues, Tanzanite are almost always heat-treated. Tanzanite promotes happy energy and enhances compassion and love for others.
2. Turquoise
Turquoise has colors ranging from dull grays and yellow to grass greens to a bright, medium-toned, sky blue. Turquoise is judged by three basic qualities; color, texture, and presence/absence of matrix. Color: The most-prized Turquoise color is an even, intense, medium blue. Texture: Finely textured Turquoise has an attractive, waxy luster when polished. Coarser texture has a dull luster after it's polished. Matrix: Though stones with no matrix at all command the highest prices, some buyers actually prefer the presence of matrix if the effect is attractive and balanced. Turquoise embodies power, wisdom, luck and protection. Its powers encourage a sense of emotional balance, peace and serenity.
3. Zircon
Zircon occurs in a rainbow of colors that rivals both tourmaline and sapphire. It is favourited for its wide and varied palette of yellow, green, red, reddish brown, and blue hues. One of the most brilliant non-diamond gems, colorless Zircon was widely used as a lower-cost diamond alternative in the nineteenth century. Do not confuse Zircon (doubly refractive and natural) to Cubic Zirconia (singly refractive and synthetic). Blue zircon which is almost always heat treated, is the most popular color. Zircon helps one to let go of emotional pain, sadness and fear. It also stimulates one to re-evaluate the important things in life and to shed attachment to material things.
