Turquoise - The December Birthstone
The gemstone dedicated to celebrate the birth of those born in December is traditionally turquoise, but in modern times also Tansanite and blue zircon. Its opaque turquoise colour varies from intense green blue to shade of sky blue. During the formation of turquoise stones, a matrix can be created that looks like a veiny, splotchy, or web-like pattern, which makes each stone unique. The most expensive turquoise has no matrix at all.
For the Native Americans, as well as the Tibetans, it is considered a sacred stone and is often used by shamans in rituals and ceremonies. Turquoise has been mined since 3,200 BC and is among the oldest known gemstones. It was worn by Egyptian Pharaohs and adorned the Native Americans’ ceremonial dresses, but its beauty is unmatched and the stone is always seen as fashionable and stylish. It has a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs’ hardness scale and is perfect for everyday wear.
It is linked to mental and spiritual clarity, wealth, wisdom, kindness and even good luck. The word turquoise dates to the 17th century and is derived from the French turquois for "Turkish" because the mineral was first brought to Europe through Turkey, from mines in the historical Khorasan Province of Persia. Turquoise is found in only a few regions in Australia, Chile, China, Mexico and the United States with acidic and copper-rich groundwater that reacts with minerals containing phosphorus and aluminium.
The stone requires special care as it can absorb any liquid. Contact with cosmetic products, perfumes, oils, acids, and other chemicals should be avoided. Because it was formed in a wet environment, it should not be dehydrated or exposed to heat.
Assemble a custom cluster ring with the main turquoise stone and different birthstones on each side and offer it as a birthday gift to someone special born in December. If you would like a personalized piece of birthstone jewellery, please contact us at info@capucinne.com.
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