Blue Zircon – The December Birthstone

THE GEMSTONE: 

Zircon is found in many colors but it is the blue variety that is the December gemstone.  Blue Zircons may contain minute amounts of Uranium.  Blue Zircon is always heat treated to enhance the color.  Zircon is mined in Sri Lanka, Kampuchea, Burma, Australia, and Thailand.  Zircon is relatively soft and brittle with poor wearing qualities, so blue topaz is often substituted for Zircon.  Turquoise is an alternate December birthstone. 

THE LORE:

A flower sprung from the pool of blood left by the slain Greek youth Hyacinth.  The Roman scholar Pliny compared a yet unnamed gemstone to the color of this flower (Roman name Zirconias) and a gemstone was named.  Zircons were thought to induce sleep, promote riches, honor, and wisdom, and to drive away plagues and evil spirits.  Blue Zircon is the Gemstone of the 7^th wedding anniversary.