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The alternate birthstone for December is the blue zircon. Its name is probably derived from the Arabic words "zar" and "gun", meaning "gold" and "color". Zircon was regarded as the amulet protecting one from disease, injury, and insomnia. The gem was also believed to hold magic powers to fight evil spirits. It was prescribed to insomniacs to induce sleep, used as an antidote against poison, and as an aid to digestion. Zircons are believed to help inner peace and to bring out the love and admiration in all people. It was once believed that zircon provided the wearer with wisdom, honor and riches. |
December has two
birthstones, turquoise and zircon.
Turquoise is considered by some to be a symbol of good fortune and success and to bring prosperity to its wearer. Its name is believed to originate
from the French phrase "pierre turquoise" meaning "Turkish stone" because it
came from
Turkish bazaars. It is also considered by some as a love charm. When received as
a gift, the turquoise is a pledge of affection. A change in color
revealed the infidelity of a wife. It was said to have a healing effect on
the eyes and was also an indicator of its owner's health, turning pale in
illness and losing color in death, yet regaining its original beauty in the
hands of a new and healthy owner. Turquoise
is linked to
happiness, fortune and luck and