12/11/2023
December has three beautiful birthstones, all carrying their own unique hue of the color blue.
is a semi-translucent-to-opaque gem that ranges from blue to green and often has dark veins. Previously produced in New Mexico, today most of the U.S. production of turquoise can be found in Arizona and Nevada. The Kingman mine in Arizona is a historically important source that is known for producing intense blue turquoise. This birthstone is considered a national treasure in Tibet, where it is believed to grant health, good fortune, and protection from evil.
is often described as velvety because of its deep and saturated color, ranging from pure, rich blue to violet. Tanzanite can be found in northern Tanzania, the only place on earth where tanzanite is mined commercially. This stone is a 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is best in a protective mounting to avoid abrasion. The blue variety of Tanzanite is considered the most valuable, and is the chosen gem for a 24th wedding anniversary.
comes in a wide variety of attractive colors, and the Blue Zircon is often found near major sapphire sources. This December birthstone can be found in Sri Lanka, Australia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia. Victorians had a fondness for blue zircon, with some of the most valuable specimens of this gem found in English estate jewelry from the 1880s.
Article Source & Gem Photo Credit: GIA, https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/december-birthstones
Turquoise Earrings: Sasha Primak, Style
Turquoise Necklaces: Sasha Primak, Style