The gemstone designated for December 17th is a modern marvel of the mineral kingdom: Tanzanite. Discovered in the mid-20th century, this gemstone has rapidly ascended to become one of the world’s most recognizable and sought-after jewels. Its defining characteristic is a captivating blue-violet hue, a color spectrum that bridges the deep azure of sapphire and the regal purple of amethyst. This unique coloration, combined with a singular geographical origin, establishes Tanzanite as a gemstone of unparalleled rarity and exclusivity.
As a December birthstone, Tanzanite carries a profound legacy of symbolism and metaphysical belief. It is frequently associated with spiritual enlightenment, emotional balance, and the enhancement of communication. Beyond its lore, the stone is prized for its distinctive gemological properties, which require specific knowledge for proper care and maintenance. This article explores the multifaceted nature of Tanzanite, from its geological formation in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to its historical journey into fine jewelry, providing a comprehensive guide for gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and those born in the month of December.
History and Lore: A Gemstone of the Modern Era
The history of Tanzanite is notably brief compared to ancient gems like emerald or ruby, yet its impact on the gemstone industry has been profound. The stone was discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of the Lelatema Mountains, located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This event marked a significant moment in gemology, introducing a new and mesmerizing option for December-born individuals and collectors worldwide. The limited geographical source—restricted to a small mining area in Tanzania—further amplifies its rarity. While many gemstones are mined in multiple locations globally, Tanzanite’s existence is geographically confined, making it a true treasure of a specific region.
The lore and metaphysical beliefs surrounding Tanzanite are largely contemporary, reflecting its recent introduction to the market. Unlike gemstones with centuries of documented history, Tanzanite’s symbolism has been cultivated in the latter half of the 20th century. Spiritual practitioners and gemstone enthusiasts attribute several key qualities to this stone.
Central to its metaphysical profile is the concept of spiritual enlightenment. The deep, calming blue tones of high-quality Tanzanite are said to encourage a connection with higher realms of consciousness. For individuals seeking inner wisdom and spiritual clarity, the stone is viewed as a tool for meditation and introspection. Its color is often described as having a soothing effect on the mind, potentially aiding in the reduction of mental clutter and fostering a state of focused awareness.
Another prominent association is with emotional balance. The vibrant, harmonious hues of Tanzanite are believed to have a stabilizing effect on the emotional body. It is thought to promote a sense of tranquility and poise, helping the wearer navigate complex emotional landscapes with greater ease. This belief positions Tanzanite as a supportive stone for those experiencing stress or emotional turbulence, offering a symbolic anchor of calm.
A third area of significance is communication. Tanzanite is frequently linked to the throat chakra, an energy center associated with speech and self-expression. This alignment suggests that the stone may enhance the wearer’s ability to articulate thoughts and feelings clearly and honestly. In both personal relationships and professional settings, Tanzanite is believed to foster open dialogue and effective communication, making it a meaningful gift for those in fields requiring persuasion, teaching, or leadership.
While these beliefs are popular among modern practitioners, it is important to note that they are not based on ancient historical texts but have developed within the context of contemporary crystal healing and gemstone lore. The stone’s rapid rise to fame, driven by its unique beauty, has allowed for the organic development of this symbolic framework.
Geological Formation and Sources
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, specifically the blue to violet form of the calcium aluminum silicate hydroxide mineral. Its formation is a geological anomaly, resulting from a unique combination of heat, pressure, and chemical elements. The process began approximately 585 million years ago during the Neoproterozoic Era, when the East African Orogeny—the tectonic collision that formed the supercontinent Gondwana—created the conditions for the formation of zoisite crystals.
The specific event that gave rise to Tanzanite’s color was a regional metamorphic event. Heat from a magma intrusion altered the existing mineral composition of the rock, transforming brownish zoisite into the blue-violet variety known as tanzanite. This process, known as thermal metamorphism, is responsible for the gem’s distinctive color zoning, which can be visible under magnification.
The primary and currently the only significant source of gem-quality Tanzanite is the Merelani mining area in northern Tanzania. This region is divided into four blocks, with Block C being the most famous for producing the finest crystals. The mining area is located near the town of Arusha and sits at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The geological conditions that created Tanzanite appear to be confined to this small area, making it one of the most geologically restricted gemstones in the world.
While small amounts of zoisite have been found in other locations, such as Norway, Italy, and the United States, these occurrences do not produce the same vivid blue-violet color that defines Tanzanite. The unique combination of geological factors in Tanzania has, to date, prevented the commercial mining of equivalent material elsewhere. This geographical singularity is a critical factor in the stone’s value and desirability.
The mining process itself is challenging. Tanzanite is typically found in alluvial deposits, meaning it has been weathered from its host rock and transported by water. Miners often dig through layers of soil and rock to reach the gravel beds where crystals are located. The rough crystals are then carefully extracted and sorted, with the finest specimens being selected for cutting. The yield of gem-quality material from the rough is relatively low, further contributing to the stone’s rarity.
Gemological Properties
Tanzanite’s appeal is not solely based on its color and rarity; its physical and optical properties also make it a unique gemstone. Understanding these characteristics is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and consumers alike, particularly when it comes to evaluating quality and ensuring proper care.
Color: The most defining property of Tanzanite is its color, which ranges from pure blue to violetish blue. The color is pleochroic, meaning it displays different colors when viewed from different crystal directions. Typically, Tanzanite shows blue, violet, and reddish tones depending on the orientation. The most valuable stones exhibit a deep, saturated violetish blue, often described as “ultramarine.” The color is also strongly influenced by heat treatment; most rough Tanzanite is heat-treated to remove brownish components and enhance the blue-violet hue, a standard and accepted practice in the industry.
Hardness: On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, Tanzanite is rated between 6 and 7. This places it in the category of moderately hard gemstones, suitable for jewelry but requiring more care than harder stones like sapphire (Mohs 9) or diamond (Mohs 10). Its hardness means it can be scratched by substances with a higher rating, such as quartz (Mohs 7) or topaz (Mohs 8). Therefore, it is not ideal for daily-wear rings or bracelets that might encounter hard surfaces, but it is perfectly suitable for earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings.
Crystal Structure and Cleavage: Tanzanite belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system. A critical property to note is its perfect cleavage in one direction. Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat planes of weakness in its crystal structure. For Tanzanite, this means it can split or chip if struck with sufficient force along that plane. This characteristic requires careful cutting and setting to avoid placing stress on the cleavage plane. Jewelers must orient the stone in settings that protect it from impact, which is another reason why it is more commonly used in protected jewelry designs.
Refractive Index and Specific Gravity: Tanzanite has a refractive index ranging from 1.690 to 1.700, with a birefringence of 0.008 to 0.010. These optical properties contribute to its brilliance and fire when properly cut. Its specific gravity (a measure of density compared to water) ranges from 3.30 to 3.38. These figures are standard for the zoisite mineral group and are used in gemological identification.
Clarity and Inclusions: Like many gemstones, Tanzanite is typically found with inclusions. Common inclusions in Tanzanite can include needle-like crystals, fingerprint-like fluid inclusions, and stress cracks. The presence and visibility of these inclusions affect the stone’s clarity grade and, consequently, its value. High-quality Tanzanite is characterized by good transparency and minimal visible inclusions to the naked eye. However, some inclusions are accepted and can even serve as indicators of the stone’s natural origin.
To summarize the key gemological properties, the following table presents a concise overview:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Zoisite (Calcium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide) |
| Color | Blue to violet, often pleochroic (blue, violet, red) |
| Mohs Hardness | 6 - 7 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Cleavage | Perfect in one direction |
| Refractive Index | 1.690 - 1.700 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.30 - 3.38 |
| Common Treatments | Heat treatment to enhance color |
| Primary Source | Merelani Hills, Tanzania |
This combination of properties makes Tanzanite a distinctive gemstone with specific handling requirements. Its moderate hardness and perfect cleavage necessitate protective settings and mindful wear, while its unique color and optical characteristics make it a standout in any jewelry collection.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
As previously introduced, Tanzanite’s symbolic meanings are largely modern, having been established since its discovery. These beliefs draw on the stone’s visual characteristics—its calming blue color and its association with the throat chakra—to build a framework of spiritual and emotional significance.
Spiritual Enlightenment: The deep blue of Tanzanite is often linked to the higher mind and spiritual awareness. In many traditions, blue is the color of truth, wisdom, and the divine. Practitioners believe that meditating with Tanzanite or wearing it as jewelry can facilitate a connection to one’s inner self and to higher states of consciousness. It is thought to open the mind to new ideas and perspectives, making it a stone for those on a quest for knowledge or spiritual growth.
Emotional Balance and Tranquility: The stone’s color is inherently calming. In color psychology, blue is associated with stability, trust, and relaxation. This has translated into the belief that Tanzanite can soothe the emotional body, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of peace. It is often recommended for individuals who feel emotionally overwhelmed or who struggle with stress, as it is believed to help bring emotions into a balanced state.
Communication and Self-Expression: The link to the throat chakra is a cornerstone of Tanzanite’s metaphysical profile. The throat chakra is the center of communication, allowing for the expression of thoughts, feelings, and truths. Tanzanite is believed to clear blockages in this energy center, enabling more authentic and effective communication. This makes it a popular stone for public speakers, writers, teachers, and anyone who wishes to improve their ability to express themselves clearly and confidently.
Intuition and Psychic Abilities: Some modern sources also associate Tanzanite with enhanced intuition and psychic development. Its ability to stimulate the third eye chakra (located in the center of the forehead) is cited as a reason for this. By promoting mental clarity and focus, it is believed to help individuals access their intuitive insights and psychic perceptions more readily.
It is crucial to approach these metaphysical beliefs with an understanding of their cultural context. They are not supported by scientific evidence but are part of a long-standing human tradition of attributing symbolic and healing properties to minerals and crystals. For many, these beliefs add a layer of personal meaning and intention to the act of wearing or collecting gemstones.
Care and Cleaning
Given Tanzanite’s gemological properties—specifically its moderate hardness and perfect cleavage—proper care is essential to maintain its beauty and integrity. With the right knowledge, Tanzanite jewelry can be enjoyed for a lifetime.
Cleaning: - Method: The safest way to clean Tanzanite is with warm, soapy water and a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles). Gently scrub the stone, paying attention to the back and any settings where dirt can accumulate. - Rinse and Dry: Rinse thoroughly under clean running water to remove all soap residue, which can leave a film. Dry the jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth. - Ultrasonic and Steam Cleaners: Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on Tanzanite. The vibrations from an ultrasonic cleaner can exacerbate existing inclusions or even cause the stone to fracture along its cleavage plane. Steam cleaners use high heat and pressure, which can also damage the stone or loosen its setting. - Chemicals: Avoid all harsh chemicals, including household cleaners, bleach, and chlorine (found in pools and spas). These can damage the stone’s surface and potentially alter its color over time.
Storage: - Separation: Always store Tanzanite jewelry separately from other jewelry pieces. Because it has a hardness of only 6-7, it can be scratched by harder gemstones like sapphire, ruby, and diamond. It can also scratch softer stones. Use a soft-lined jewelry box or individual pouches for each piece. - Protection: Given its perfect cleavage, protect Tanzanite from sharp blows and hard impacts. Remove jewelry before engaging in activities like sports, gardening, or heavy lifting.
Wearing Considerations: - Jewelry Type: Due to its cleavage and moderate hardness, Tanzanite is best suited for jewelry that is less likely to receive hard impacts. This makes it an excellent choice for pendants, earrings, and occasional-wear rings. For rings intended for daily wear, a protective setting (such as a bezel setting) is highly recommended over a prong setting, which leaves the stone more vulnerable. - Lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle when choosing Tanzanite jewelry. If you lead an active lifestyle or work with your hands, a pendant or earrings may be a more practical choice than a ring.
By following these care guidelines, the owner of a Tanzanite gemstone can ensure it remains as vibrant and beautiful as the day it was cut, preserving its value and symbolic significance for generations.
Conclusion
Tanzanite stands as a remarkable testament to the diversity and wonder of the mineral world. Its journey from the unique geological conditions of the Merelani Hills in Tanzania to its status as a celebrated December birthstone is a story of modern discovery and rapid cultural adoption. The gem’s captivating blue-violet hue, a color born from ancient geological events, offers a visual experience unlike any other gemstone, bridging the worlds of sapphire and amethyst.
While its history is brief, its significance is multifaceted. As a symbol, it carries meanings of spiritual clarity, emotional tranquility, and effective communication, beliefs that resonate with those seeking personal growth and connection. Its gemological profile, characterized by its distinct color, moderate hardness, and perfect cleavage, requires informed care but rewards the owner with unparalleled beauty. The stone’s extreme geographical rarity further underscores its value, making each piece a tangible connection to a specific corner of our planet.
For those born in December, and for gemstone enthusiasts worldwide, Tanzanite represents more than a mere adornment. It is a modern classic, a gemstone whose rarity and unique characteristics ensure its place in the pantheon of cherished jewels. Whether admired for its scientific properties, its symbolic meanings, or its sheer aesthetic appeal, Tanzanite continues to captivate and inspire, a brilliant blue-violet legacy born from the foothills of a majestic mountain.