| For those with a December birthday, a birthstone | | | | between 5- 6. |
| is always a perfect and safe choice for a gift, | | | | Another December birthstone would be the zircon |
| specially if one is left clueless as to what the | | | | which could be mistaken for a diamond due to its |
| celebrator would want or need for a present. | | | | luster and fire. Generally, zircon is in hues of |
| Birthstones are actually precious and semi-precious | | | | browns and greens. However, it can be |
| stones which have been associated with birth | | | | heat-treated to attain a beautiful blue or golden |
| dates for centuries. They come in varying colors, | | | | hue. |
| textures, sizes and shapes. | | | | Blue topaz is another modern December |
| Different cultures assign specific gemstones for | | | | birthstone. Topaz, the hardest of silicate minerals, |
| each month based on the zodiac until there came | | | | came from the Sanskrit word "tapas" which |
| a time when a specific gemstone was assigned | | | | literally means fire and symbolizes love and fidelity. |
| for each of the month. Different cultures have | | | | It is believed to possess healing powers. When in |
| different sets of twelve semi-precious and | | | | its pure form, Topaz appears colorless. However, |
| precious stones. Although the choice of stones to | | | | with minor treatments, it can turn into a variety |
| represent each month differ from culture to | | | | of colors such as pink, red, green, yellow and blue. |
| culture, one thing is certain- wearing birthstones | | | | This mineral can be mostly found in Sri Lanka, |
| effectively bring good luck and health. Some even | | | | Pakistan, China, Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico and the |
| believe that these stones have "powers". | | | | United States. |
| Birthstones, as a tradition, is deeply embedded in | | | | Less popular December birthstones would be the |
| modern culture and birthstone jewelry is widely | | | | tanzanite, lapis or lapiz lasuli, ruby, onyx and |
| gaining popularity nowadays. | | | | chrysoprase. |
| However, here in the United States, there is not a | | | | When shopping for birthstones, make sure it is |
| single gemstone for a particular month. In fact, | | | | the real thing. There are many categories of |
| there are numerous birthstones for each of the | | | | gemstones. They are either called genuine, natural, |
| twelve months! And so, choosing a December | | | | synthetic, simulated, treated or a combination of |
| birthstone, for one, will not prove to be a very | | | | these. A genuine gemstone is real. If a genuine |
| easy task. | | | | gemstone is in the same state it was found, it is |
| Turquoise may be the most popular of all the | | | | called a natural gemstone. |
| December birthstones, owing to its value and | | | | On the other hand, the chemical characteristics of |
| unique color. Often referred to as the modern | | | | some gemstones can be reproduced in |
| December birthstone, turquoise actually happens | | | | laboratories. These are called synthetic |
| to be one of the most valuable non-transparent | | | | gemstones. Synthetic gemstones cost less than |
| minerals often used in making jewelry. | | | | natural gemstones. Those who are made to look |
| Its value was first discovered by Egyptians in | | | | like genuine stones in color and texture, but are |
| 6000 BC. Turquoise is considered sacred by the | | | | actually made of a different material, are called |
| North American Indians and Tibetans. These | | | | imitation stones. |
| stones are used in rituals and ceremonies | | | | Remember that birthstones of low quality, when |
| officiated by shamans because it is believed to | | | | treated, can look like stones of high quality due to |
| promote spiritual and mental clarity. These stones | | | | enhanced color and clarity. |
| are also believed to enhance one's trust, | | | | Read as much as you can about birthstones |
| understanding, kindness and wisdom. | | | | before making a purchase and compare prices. |
| Although turquoise literally means stone of Turkey | | | | Comprehensive information that you will need are |
| in French, turquoise of finest quality are sourced | | | | available on the internet. |
| from Iran. However, high-grade stones can also | | | | Ask for a jeweler or gemologist you trust to |
| be found in the southwestern parts of United | | | | guide you in assessing and evaluating the quality |
| States such as in Arizona and New Mexico. | | | | of birthstones you are going to buy. Genuine |
| Turquoise of poor quality is often dyed or applied | | | | natural birthstones, in particular, are expensive |
| with coatings of various resins. | | | | investments and extra caution must be taken in |
| Turquoise usually come in hues of green blue and | | | | purchasing them. |
| light sky blue. Hardness of turquoise stones is | | | | |