Birthstone Spotlight: Zircon, Turquoise and Tanzanite of December

turquoise stones

December birthdays have claim to three gemstones: zircon, tanzanite and turquoise. Each of these gemstones carries a unique blue tone making them perfect winter birthstones. Zircon is the only of the three gems that can be found in a variety of colors, but blue and colorless are the overwhelming favorites.

Read a bit about each stone and pick up a breathtaking piece for the Sagittarius or Capricorn in your life.

ZIRCON

The most common color of zircon is dark brown, but it can also be found in black, gray, brown-red, orange, pink, yellow, blue, green, purple, white and colorless. The blue and white forms are usually enhanced by heat treatment.

Zircon is sometimes looked upon as an economical diamond substitute because it comes closer to resembling a diamond than any other natural gemstone, but it is actually quite a valuable gem on its own. Zircon has a strong luster and intense fire that gives it a genuinely eye-catching sparkle. One drawback of the gem is that their color darkens and their luster dulls upon prolonged exposure to sunlight.

zircon stones

TURQUOISE

Turquoise is a highly ornamental stone, regarded for its striking color. The stone is of a blue-green tone normally, but can range from sky blue to apple green.

It is an ancient gemstone that has been highly regarded in many of the world’s civilizations. The Persian and Native American peoples, for example, used turquoise as an ornamental gemstone. It is seen today in a great deal of the southwestern style jewelry of the U.S.

turquoise stones

TANZANITE

Named after the African state of Tanzania, the only place in the world where this gemstone is found, tanzanite was discovered in the late 1960s. The stone exhibits a rich blue color, surrounded by a fine hint of purple – stones that are medium dark in tone and slightly violet blue command premium prices.

Tanzanite was previously less expensive than sapphire and therefore purchased as an alternative to the stone. It has recently increased in popularity and is now valued more for its own beauty and brilliance.

TANZANITE stones

Look over our selection of precious gemstones and select a gift for a December-born loved one or pick up a unique and individual piece just in time for the holidays.

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