December’s birthstones, Blue Topaz and Turquoise, are both a refreshing blue color.

Blue Topaz
The word “Topaz” is based in the Sanskrit word “tapas” (meaning fire), and a gift of Blue Topaz is a symbol of love and fidelity. Older civilizations believed that Blue Topaz could cool fires, lowering both physical and emotional temperature–such as placing topaz in a pot of boiling water to cool the heat, or wearing the gem to keep tempers calm and cool. People believed that Blue Topaz had healing properties, assisting with asthma, weak vision, insomnia and even helping to cure insanity.

Blue Topaz is the hardest of the silicate minerals and the blue hue is created when Topaz is heated. The gem comes in three shades of blue, including Sky, Swiss and London Blue. Variations within the elements of Topaz create additional hues,such as pale green, red, yellow and pink.

Topaz is found around the world in countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Pakistan, China and the United States.

Blue Topaz and Diamond Earrings >

Turquoise
Turquoise is also a recognized birthstone for December. This gem was named “Turquoise” because its original European trade route was by way of Turkey. One of the first gems used in jewelry, both American Indians and Tibetans considered Turquoise to be a sacred, enabling wisdom, and mental and spiritual clarity. It is thought to have magical qualities that help to prevent injury and poor health. The Native Americans believe that turquoise co-exists with happiness and joy.

It is primarily mined in Iran and southwestern United States. A gift of turquoise represents friendship and luck.