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A light blue turquoise (turquoise stone) reminiscent of a bright, clear blue sky.
Tanzanite, a rare gemstone found only in Tanzania.
Zircon shines with a brilliance comparable to that of a diamond.
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| Gemstone name | Turquoise | Tanzanite | Zircon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral name | Turquoise | Zoisite | Zircon |
| Japanese name | Turquoise | Scaithite, scouring stone | Hyacinth stone |
| Origin of the name | Derived from the French phrase "Pierre Torcuse," meaning "Turkish stone." | Discovered in Tanzania and named by Tiffany & Co. | The name is derived from the Arabic word "zarkun" (red) or the Persian words "zar" (gold) and "gun" (color). |
| color | Opaque green to blue | Blue to purple | Brown, yellow, orange, red, blue, etc. |
| Mohs hardness | 5-6 | 6-7 | 6-7.5 |
| Place of origin | Iran, the United States, China, etc. | Tanzania | Cambodia, Australia, Sri Lanka, etc. |
| Stone meanings | Good fortune, success, and prosperity | noble, calm, mysterious | Peace and success |
| effect | Mental and physical health Stress reduction | Mental stability Harmony with the surroundings | Sadness Peaceful relationships |
| Maintenance | Wash gently with a soft brush in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. | Wash gently with a soft brush in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. | Wash gently with a soft brush in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. |
| others | Its official name is blue zoisite. It was once considered a substitute for sapphire. | Symbol of the "Stone of Peace" |
December's birthstones are a luxurious three.
First up is turquoise.Famous as a power stoneIt's a familiar gemstone that's often used in accessories.
The second is the legendary gemstone, tanzanite. It was once mistaken for sapphire, but it has a purple-to-bluish tint.pleochroismTanzanite with this characteristic is extremely beautiful.
Finally, there's zircon. It joined the list of birthstones for December in 2021. It comes in many colors,A brilliance comparable to that of a diamond.That's the allure of zircon.
Here are the birthstones for December, so please take a look for reference.
▼Click here to learn more about other birthstones
1.Turquoise
Characteristics of turquoise
The light blue color, reminiscent of a bright, clear blue sky,One of the oldest things to be revered as a gemstone.And apparently, there are records indicating that it was popular in Mesopotamia around 5000 BC.The term "turquoise blue" is also familiar, but it has a color ranging from blue-green to sky-blue, and depending on the origin, some varieties may have a black, reticulated pattern.
Its Japanese name is turquoise, and many people probably think it's mined in Turkey. However, the main sources are Iran, the United States, and China, and it's not mined in Turkey. It's said to have gotten its name because it was brought to Europe by Turkish merchants in the past.
Turquoise is not only the birthstone for December, but also the designated birthstone for the Virgo zodiac sign.
The origin of turquoise
As mentioned earlier, turquoise was spread throughout Europe by Turkish merchants. Its name originates from the French phrase "Pierre Turquoise," meaning "Turkish stone."
The effects of turquoise
The meaning of the stone is"Good fortune, success, and prosperity".
A protective amulet to ward off misfortuneTurquoise has been popular for a long time. It's said to not only bring mental stability but also improve communication.
This gemstone is perfect for those suffering from fatigue and stress, or those who want to improve their relationships.
A protective amulet to ward off misfortuneTurquoise has been popular for a long time. It's said to not only bring mental stability but also improve communication.
This gemstone is perfect for those suffering from fatigue and stress, or those who want to improve their relationships.
Turquoise care
Turquoise is a very soft gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 5-6. Therefore, avoid storing it with other jewelry. Some turquoise stones are waxed to protect them and enhance their shine. Be careful as it is sensitive to high heat and solvents.
After use, wipe with a soft cloth and store. To clean, fill the cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dab a soft brush (a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently wash by tapping.When washing turquoise, avoid scrubbing vigorously, as this can damage the stone or cause the prongs holding it in place to loosen. Instead, gently tap the turquoise while washing. After washing, rinse the turquoise with lukewarm water.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners on turquoise.
After use, wipe with a soft cloth and store. To clean, fill the cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dab a soft brush (a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently wash by tapping.When washing turquoise, avoid scrubbing vigorously, as this can damage the stone or cause the prongs holding it in place to loosen. Instead, gently tap the turquoise while washing. After washing, rinse the turquoise with lukewarm water.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners on turquoise.
Hojudo also carries turquoise jewelry. Please be sure to check out the Hojudo website.
▼Turquoise jewelry is available here
2.Tanzanite
Characteristics of Tanzanite
Tanzanite, a new gemstone discovered in Tanzania just half a century ago. It is a type of zoisite and its official name isBlue ZoisiteHowever, only blue to bluish-purple tanzanite mined in Tanzania is called "tanzanite."However, tanzanite is only mined in limited areas,High rarityIt is expected that mining volumes will decrease in the future.
Another appealing aspect of tanzanite is its pleochroism. It appears blue in sunlight and purple under candlelight, allowing you to enjoy the changing colors.
Among them, tanzanite, which is a deep blue color rather than purple and exhibits strong pleochroism, is traded at high prices.
The origin of tanzanite
Named Tanzanite after the "Tanzanian night" because its colors resemble the changing hues of the sky from dusk to night over Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, it's famously known that Tiffany & Co. was the one who coined the name. Thanks in part to the promotion by this popular jeweler, it quickly became a highly sought-after gemstone.
The effects of tanzanite
The meaning of the stone is "noble, calm, mysterious".
Suppress your heightened emotions,Helping to make calm judgmentsTanzanite is said to enhance creativity and imagination.
This gemstone is perfect for people who are easily emotional or those who work in creative fields.
Suppress your heightened emotions,Helping to make calm judgmentsTanzanite is said to enhance creativity and imagination.
This gemstone is perfect for people who are easily emotional or those who work in creative fields.
Tanzanite care
With a Mohs hardness of 6-7.5, it is a relatively soft gemstone and is easily damaged by impact.
Therefore, when storing it, be sure to keep it separate from other jewelry.
After use, wipe with a soft cloth and store. To clean, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the tanzanite. Avoid scrubbing, as this can scratch the tanzanite or loosen the prongs holding it in place. The key is to dab it gently. After washing, rinse the tanzanite with lukewarm water. We do not recommend using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners.
Therefore, when storing it, be sure to keep it separate from other jewelry.
After use, wipe with a soft cloth and store. To clean, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the tanzanite. Avoid scrubbing, as this can scratch the tanzanite or loosen the prongs holding it in place. The key is to dab it gently. After washing, rinse the tanzanite with lukewarm water. We do not recommend using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners.
Hojudo offers a wide selection of tanzanite jewelry. Please be sure to check out the Hojudo website.
▼Tanzanite jewelry is available here
3.Zircon
Characteristics of Zircon
"Is zircon the same as cubic zirconia, a diamond substitute?"... It's a stone that's often misunderstood, but zircon is a genuine natural stone. Cubic zirconia's main ingredient is a substance called zirconia, and because its name is similar to zircon, it's often confused with it. However, they are completely different substances. Zircon is considered to be the oldest mineral on Earth.The oldest ones are 4.4 billion years old.Or something like that.
The appeal of zircon lies in its high refractive index, fire, and rich colors. Its Japanese name is "Hyacinth Stone," a fitting name given to the hyacinth flower, which comes in many colors. Highly transparent and vibrant blue and red zircons are highly valued.
The origin of zircon
The name originates from the Arabic word "zarkun" (red) or the Persian words "zar" (gold) and "gun" (color). The name itself suggests that the animal possesses many colors, including red and gold.
The effects of zircon
The meaning of the stone is "Peace and success".
Zircon is a symbol of "peace." It brings tranquility to its owner.It calms you down.It has the effect of removing sadness and creating peaceful relationships. This gemstone is recommended for people with strong emotional fluctuations or those who desire spiritual growth.
Zircon is a symbol of "peace." It brings tranquility to its owner.It calms you down.It has the effect of removing sadness and creating peaceful relationships. This gemstone is recommended for people with strong emotional fluctuations or those who desire spiritual growth.
Zircon care
Zircon has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, so it is a stone with a certain degree of hardness. However, it is softer than diamonds and sapphires, so avoid storing it with other jewelry as much as possible. After use, wipe it with a soft cloth before storing. To clean it, put lukewarm water in a cup and add a little neutral detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the zircon. The key is to dab it, as scrubbing it vigorously can scratch the zircon or loosen the prongs holding it. After washing, rinse the zircon with lukewarm water. Note that we do not recommend using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners.
Hojudo offers a wide selection of zircon jewelry.Please be sure to check out Hojudo's website as well.
▼Click here for zircon jewelry