
Perhaps the most difficult part of choosing a birthstone gift for someone celebrating a December birthday, is trying to decide which one you want to buy. December birthstones are zircon, Turquoise, Tanzanite, Lapis Lazuli and blue topaz. It is all a matter of personal taste.
Each of the stones has it’s special qualities. The turquoise has become very valuable and is becoming rare. It is a very soft stone with a hardness of about 6.This makes this beautiful opaque stone very vulnerable to damage. It is also a porous stone and caution needs to be used if you are wearing a ring and are subject to putting your hands in water.
Turquoise truly leans towards elaborate necklaces and earrings. Often combined with other stones and crystals it is a startling site to find gracefully draped around your neck. On the other hand, there are mens belt buckles made in the southwest out of turquoise.
Originally brought to Europe from Turkey in the 16th century, it is now more commonly found in Iran and the United States. The southwestern region of the United States, New Mexico and Arizona, are known for their production of turquoise jewelry. The American Indians held it in great esteem as a religious symbol that was used during many ceremonies amidst their people.
While once mined vigorously, the turquoise mining has become a small mining operation, that uses no huge excavating tools. Often it is a seasonal mining job. There is a large amount that is also found in the large copper mines as a by product.
Another blue stone, the blue topaz, is also considered a modern birthstone for the month of December. It is a lot harder than the turquoise and has become very popular in jewelry for that reason. It can be combined with diamonds, crystal, zircon or other complimentary stones to give it a very luxurious look.
Birthstone jewelry of this stone is considered an eloquent symbol of fidelity and love. It also has been said that it will change the temperature of boiling water as well as calming tempers. Fortunately it is not said that it cools the feelings of love.
The stone of Humor, Wisdom and Prosperity is the zircon. It is available in blue, colorless or gold. It has been used over the years as a substitute for diamonds as it has been more affordable and yet still holds the luster. The latest fake diamonds, the cubic zirconia, has replace the zircon in many applications. The range of colors is very wide. Because it can be yellow, green, blue, red, brown, orange or colorless, it has been duping many as different gem stones.
The zircon is one of the bible stones. It exists in the breastplate of Aaron but not called zircon, rather it is ligure.
Although treated to enrich colors they can fade. Exposure to sunlight may be able to return it to it’s original color. The stone is hard, but brittle. Some caution needs to be used in it’s wearing.
As you begin your shopping for the perfect gift, don’t forget the beautiful birthstone dolls that are also available. Any of these December stones will make a great addition to a persons wardrobe for many years.