December Birthstones: Turquoise Meaning & Healing Energy
People born in December are associated with three powerful and vibrant birthstones:
- Precious Gem: Tanzanite
- Common Gem: Turquoise
- Additional Gem: Blue Zircon
These gemstones symbolize wisdom, protection, and spiritual growth, offering insight, prosperity, and emotional balance to those who wear or work with them.
1. Tanzanite – The Precious Birthstone of December
1.1 Overview and Meaning
Tanzanite is the traditional and precious birthstone for December, symbolizing spiritual transformation, intuition, and higher consciousness. This stunning blue-violet gemstone is renowned for its depth of color and rarity, found only in Tanzania’s Merelani Hills.
1.2 History and Mythology
- Tanzanite was discovered in 1967 and named after Tanzania, its only known source.
- It is believed to be a stone of transformation, helping individuals connect with higher realms and deep spiritual wisdom.
- Tanzanite is sometimes called the “stone of magic”, enhancing intuition, meditation, and spiritual insight.
- Due to its limited availability, Tanzanite is considered a rarer and more valuable alternative to Sapphire.
1.3 Healing and Metaphysical Properties
✅ Spiritual Awakening – Enhances intuition, meditation, and deep insight.
✅ Emotional Healing – Helps release stress, anxiety, and emotional blockages.
✅ Transformation & Higher Purpose – Encourages personal growth and self-discovery.
✅ Chakra Connection – Strongly linked to the Third Eye and Crown Chakras, supporting higher consciousness and wisdom.
1.4 Variations and Colors
Tanzanite displays deep blue to violet hues, with some stones showing a color-shifting effect under different lighting.
1.5 Uses and Jewelry
- Tanzanite is commonly used in rings, earrings, and pendants, admired for its vibrant color and unique brilliance.
- It is often gifted for 24th wedding anniversaries, symbolizing deep love and connection.
- Spiritual practitioners use Tanzanite in meditation and energy work to enhance psychic abilities.
2. Turquoise – The Common Birthstone of December
2.1 Overview and Meaning
Turquoise is the common or alternative December birthstone, known for its protective and healing energy. This vibrant blue-green gemstone has been used for thousands of years as a talisman for strength, wisdom, and good fortune.
2.2 History and Mythology
- The name Turquoise comes from the French word turquois, meaning “Turkish stone”, as it was originally brought to Europe through Turkey.
- Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans considered Turquoise a sacred stone of protection.
- Tibetan monks and shamans have used Turquoise for spiritual guidance and connecting to higher realms.
- Many cultures believed Turquoise changed color to warn the wearer of danger or illness.
2.3 Healing and Metaphysical Properties
✅ Protection & Strength – Shields against negative energy and misfortune.
✅ Communication & Truth – Encourages honest self-expression and inner wisdom.
✅ Healing & Balance – Promotes physical and emotional well-being.
✅ Chakra Connection – Associated with the Throat and Heart Chakras, aiding clear communication and emotional harmony.
2.4 Variations and Colors
Turquoise ranges from sky-blue to blue-green, often with black or brown veining patterns.
2.5 Uses and Jewelry
- Turquoise is commonly used in bohemian and Native American jewelry, often set in silver.
- It is a popular stone for spiritual and protection amulets.
- Many people wear Turquoise for its calming and grounding properties.
3. Blue Zircon – The Additional Birthstone of December
3.1 Overview and Meaning
Blue Zircon is an additional December birthstone, valued for its brilliant clarity and grounding energy. This vibrant blue gemstone enhances mental clarity, confidence, and spiritual wisdom.
3.2 History and Mythology
- The name Zircon comes from the Persian word zargun, meaning “gold-colored”, though it occurs in many hues.
- Ancient Hindu texts reference Zircon as a stone of enlightenment and prosperity.
- During the Middle Ages, Zircon was worn to ward off evil spirits and promote restful sleep.
- Many cultures believed Blue Zircon held celestial energy, connecting it to the heavens.
3.3 Healing and Metaphysical Properties
✅ Mental Clarity & Focus – Enhances decision-making and problem-solving.
✅ Confidence & Strength – Boosts self-esteem and personal power.
✅ Spiritual Protection – Shields against negative influences and energy blockages.
✅ Chakra Connection – Linked to the Throat and Root Chakras, promoting grounding and self-expression.
3.4 Variations and Colors
Zircon comes in blue, gold, green, and colorless varieties, with Blue Zircon being the most valued for December.
3.5 Uses and Jewelry
- Blue Zircon is often set in rings, earrings, and pendants, admired for its diamond-like brilliance.
- It is a popular stone for confidence-building and manifestation rituals.
- Many people use Blue Zircon in meditation and energy healing for clarity and insight.
4. Comparing Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Blue Zircon
Feature | Tanzanite (Precious Birthstone) | Turquoise (Common Birthstone) | Blue Zircon (Additional Birthstone) |
---|---|---|---|
Color | Deep blue-violet, color-changing | Sky-blue to blue-green | Bright blue, diamond-like brilliance |
Symbolism | Transformation, intuition, spiritual awakening | Protection, wisdom, healing | Mental clarity, confidence, grounding |
Chakra Association | Third Eye & Crown Chakras | Throat & Heart Chakras | Throat & Root Chakras |
Energy Type | Mystical, high-frequency, uplifting | Earthy, protective, balancing | Strong, radiant, empowering |
Metaphysical Use | Psychic development, meditation, enlightenment | Protection, emotional healing, communication | Focus, manifestation, personal strength |
Common Uses | Fine jewelry, spiritual attunement | Amulets, spiritual and cultural jewelry | High-end jewelry, energy healing tools |
5. Care and Maintenance of December Birthstones
5.1 How to Cleanse and Charge Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Blue Zircon
- Water Cleansing: Tanzanite should not be soaked in water, while Turquoise and Blue Zircon can be rinsed briefly.
- Sunlight Charging: Avoid direct sunlight for Tanzanite and Turquoise, as their colors may fade. Blue Zircon can handle short sun exposure.
- Moonlight Charging: All three stones benefit from charging under a full moon for spiritual renewal.
- Smudging: Use sage, palo santo, or incense smoke to cleanse their energy.
- Selenite or Quartz Charging: Placing them on a selenite plate or near clear quartz amplifies their properties.
6. Conclusion
December’s birthstones—Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Blue Zircon—offer protection, wisdom, and spiritual insight. Whether choosing the rare and mystical Tanzanite, the grounding and protective Turquoise, or the brilliant and confident Blue Zircon, each gemstone provides unique benefits for emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.