Traditionally, a gemstone is associated with each month of the year.
This concept of birthstone gems is believed to date back to the Bible and the Breastplate of Aaron.There were 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel, symbolizing the 12 months of the year and the 12 signs of the zodiac.
There are other origins of birthstones, most notably of Tibetan origin and is over 1,000 years is the Mythical Birthstone List. Also, the Ayurvedic Birthstone List which relates to Ayurvedic Indian medicine is over 1500 years old.
There are many myths and legends that surround birthstones. Some cultures tended to wear the stone in which their birth month was in and other cultures owned a set of 12 birthstones. One set would cover each month of the year and people would wear their birthstones according to the date, regardless of their own date of birth. The thought was it heighten the healing powers if worn in the month of the birthstone.
December
Those born in December are lucky enough to claim three or five birthstones, zircon, blue topaz, turquoise and tanzanite. All three December birthstones feature substantially different looks and qualities, from the vibrant blues of turquoise and tanzanite to zircon’s wide range of hues.
Zircon is the oldest of the three stones to be discovered. Following behind is Turquoise, which dates back as far as 3000 BCE. The youngest is Tanzanite, which wasn’t found until 1967.
Zircon
Unbelievably, zircon is the oldest known material on Earth. The oldest fragment of zircon, found in Australia, formed at a very early stage of our planet. Zircon is also found in numerous places around the world. The folklore surrounding the oldest of the December birthstones developed in the middle ages when the gem began appearing in various religious writings. The stone was believed to protect its owner from harm, death, and poison. The gem is also thought to spiritually ground those in need, and physically treat low self-confidence and poor balance.
Blue Topaz
According to gemstone authorities, the November birthstone name topaz has been derived from Topazios, an Old Greek name given to a small island, known today as Zabargad, in the Red Sea. According to the ancient Greeks, topaz provided them with immense strength and vitality. Individuals in Europe were of the notion that topaz could remove feelings of anger, as well as dark magic spells. Those who lived in India during the last few centuries believed that if they wear topaz above their heart, it will ensure long-term beauty, long life, as well as a high aptitude.
Topaz, which actually symbolizes affection and love, is believed to offer strength, as well as intelligence to anyone who puts it on. Moreover, a gift of blue topaz will convey your love and devotion to that special someone.
Topaz is believed to be quite effective when it comes to manifesting good health and well-being, as well as fixing any specific issues within our bodily systems. Topaz is fantastic for our nervous and digestive system, as well as for stimulating metabolism.
Turquoise
Turquoise is the second oldest December birthstone and the 11th wedding anniversary stone. This stone is actually one of the first gems to ever be discovered. Turquoise was considered a holy stone by ancient cultures and often adorned royal figures and leaders. Most notably, King Tut’s burial mask was jeweled in turquoise.
In most cultures, turquoise was believed to hold protective powers. The stone was often placed on weapons, crowns, jewelry, and buildings. In Native American culture, it was also carved into shapes, which were used as family heirlooms and in rituals.
In addition to protection, the stone was also said to cultivate happiness, health, and harmony. For that reason, turquoise was often gifted to those getting married or celebrating a birthday. The gem was considered anti-inflammatory and detoxifying. Turquoise was used to fight viral infections and ward off depression and anxiety in ancient cultures.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is not only December’s newest birthstone but was also only recently discovered. The stone is said to have formed with the first eruption of Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite being found in the late 1960s, tanzanite did not become one of December’s birthstones until 2002. The American Gem Trade Association named it the third birthstone alongside zircon and turquoise. It is also the 24th wedding anniversary stone.
Healers believe the stone carries both physical and mental soothing and calming properties. It is used to resolve issues of communication and interpersonal qualities.
Lapis
And finally, if you were born in December, Lapis Lazuli is also considered your birthstone. Greeks and Roman society believed that carrying your birthstone in an amulet would protect its wearer and bring good fortune. Egyptians used it to carve powerful talismans known as ‘ The protecting eye’ while Greek and Roman society believed Lapis can help to cure several diseases.
Lapis is one of the most sought after stones in use since man's history began. Its deep, celestial blue remains the symbol of royalty and honor, gods and power, spirit and vision. It is a universal symbol of wisdom and truth.
