December birthstone

The birthstone for December is turquoise, turquoise is the modern December birthstone and the accepted gem for the fifth and eleventh wedding anniversaries. The term Turquoise comes from a degeneration of "Turkish". So named because it was initially brought to Europe by way of Turkey, this stone is one of the first gems to be used in jewelry. And the color is present in the coasts of Turkey. Teal, blue-green, and aqua are all synonyms of turquoise.

The birthstone for December is turquoise. Highly valued by the ancient Chinese and the Aztecs, turquoise jewelry was widely thought to prevent injury, especially from falling. Representing happiness, usually seen as a holy stone associated with happiness and luck. A gift of Turquoise represents friendship and luck.

The color is, of course, turquoise, but this color actually varies from very green blue to light sky blue shades. The finest and most expensive stones are flawless and sky blue.

Color is noted next to birth stone name

Modern Birthstone - Blue Topaz (Blue), Turquoise (Blue)
Traditional Birthstone - Zircon (White, Clear), Turquoise (Blue), Lapis Lazuli (Blue)
Mystical Birthstone - Onyx (Black)
Ayurvedic Birthstone - Ruby (Red)

Turquoise is a valuable mineral and is one of the most valuable non-transparent minerals used in the jewelry trade. It has been mined by early Egyptians since at least 6000 BC. Most specimens are cryptocrystalline, meaning that the crystals can only be seen by a microscope. The finest turquoise comes from Iran but is challenged by some southwestern United States specimens. Poorer quality turquoise is often dyed or color stabilized with coatings of various resins. Hardness of the stone ranges between 5 - 6. The color can change with exposure to skin oils if the stone has not been stabilized and therefore, jewelry should be wiped clean to deter this.

Diamonds and Gemstone Collection | Turquoise Jewelry

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