Zircon: December’s Affordable Alternative Birthstone
Zircon has long been revered as an affordable alternative to more expensive gemstones, earning its place as the December birthstone. With dazzling brilliance, astounding durability, and remarkable affordability, zircon birthstone jewelry offers sparkle at a fraction of the cost of other stones.
What is the Meaning of Zircon Birthstone?
Zircon is a natural gemstone composed of zirconium silicate. It comes in a variety of colors including blue, yellow, red, and green. The most prized color of zircon is a reddish-orange that resembles the gemstone spinel. Zircon gets its name from the Persian word ‘zargun’ which means ‘gold-colored’. This is fitting given its yellow and golden hues.
The History of Zircon
Zircon stones have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 1500 BC, showing their long history of use as gemstones. The name “zircon” comes from the Persian “zargun” meaning “gold-colored” due to their golden hues. Zircons were once so valuable that they were traded ounce for ounce with gold!
December Birthstone Significance
Zircon, the birthstone for December, holds significant symbolic meanings. Many people believe that it promotes prosperity, honor, and wisdom, making it a perfect gift for those born in December. Healers attribute several health benefits to zircon, claiming it can help alleviate insomnia, allergies, and asthma.
Spiritualists also assert that zircon activates intuition and enhances spiritual awareness, contributing to the gemstone’s valued status.
Zircon Lore and Symbolism
For centuries, people have used zircon as an ornamental stone, and it has gathered some fascinating lore and symbolism. During the Middle Ages, people believed that zircon had the power to induce sleep, protect its wearer from evil spirits, and bring prosperity. The Hindu religion highly values zircon for its healing properties and ability to impart wisdom to those who possess it.
Jewelers designate zircon as one of the official December birthstones alongside turquoise and tanzanite. Society imbues zircon with symbols of innocence, purity, and virtue while attributing it with the power to endow its wearer with wisdom, honor, and wealth. For these reasons, zircon makes the perfect gift for those born in December.
FAQs about December Zircon Birthstone
Blue topaz is the December birthstone and the most popular of the colors available, blue topaz symbolizes honesty, deep emotional attachment, and clarity of feelings.
Turquoise and another famous blue gemstone, lapis lazuli, were the traditional birthstones for December. Today, the more brilliant blue topaz and zircon have become the most popular modern gemstones for December birthdays.
June, October, and November all have two assigned birthstones each, but December has four – more than any other month of the year. Many theories seek to explain why December has multiple birthstones, but some jewelers attribute it to a desire to offer more affordable birthstone options.
The winter blues have nothing on December’s birthstones: tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise. All three of December’s birthstones are best known for their beautiful shades of blue.
Zircon occurs as a brown mineral, which turns blue after heat treatment. Zircon is prized for its brilliance and fire, with a dispersion rating as high as a diamond. The stone can be a vivid blue or sky blue in color when heated. Other colors include green, red, white and honey gold.
Many say that zircon is a gemstone that promotes prudence and discipline, which in turn, yields positive outcomes. In turn, this December birthstone has come to represent happiness, positive energy and spiritual protection.
