December Birthstone Turquoise
This gemstone, which is a favorite among Hollywood stars such as Cameron Diaz, registers a six on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means it is not as hard as many other gemstones, which is why it is often dyed and treated with resins to make the stone harder. The jewel is found in all kinds of jewelry including rings, necklaces and bracelets. Birthstones: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - DecemberCheap December Birthstone Jewelry |
The turquoise is the birthstone of December and the gem of choice for the fifth and eleventh wedding anniversaries. This valuable mineral is non-transparent, which means you can't see through it. The turquoise, which is a hydrous copper aluminum sulfate, is available in every shade between the colors of blue and green. The Native Americans ascribe spiritual power to the gem, which can be found in the American Southwest as well as in Australia, Iran, Afghanistan and locations all over the Middle East.
In fact, the gem was first brought to Europe by Turkish traders. The semi-precious jewel was mined for millennia by the Egyptians and can be dated back as far as 6,000 B.C.E. Turquoise is believed to calm the mind and relax tension in the body. It is supposed to soothe the emotions and reduce stress. The Native Americans often carve the stone in animal shapes which represent different divinities. These shapes would then be left on the burial sites to guard the dead. They also believe that the gem can ward off illness. When given as a gift, it is supposed to bring happiness and riches to the recipient. Warriors often attached turquoise to their bows and arrows to ensure that their shots hit the desired target.