For individuals born on December 7th, their birthstone is a gem of extraordinary beauty and relatively recent discovery: Tanzanite. This stunning gemstone, characterized by its captivating blue-violet hues, has rapidly ascended from obscurity to become one of the most celebrated and valuable members of the December birthstone family. While December is unique in offering four official birthstones—Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, and Zircon—Tanzanite holds a distinguished position due to its rarity, unique geological origin, and profound symbolic significance. The following article explores the history, geological formation, gemological properties, and cultural lore of Tanzanite, drawing exclusively from the provided source materials to present a comprehensive overview of this modern classic.
History and Lore
Tanzanite’s history is notably brief compared to ancient gemstones like Turquoise or Zircon, yet its impact has been swift and significant. The gemstone was first discovered in the Merelani Hills of Northern Tanzania in the 1960s. This specific geographic origin is a defining characteristic of the stone, as it is the only known source of this gem on the planet. The discovery is often attributed to a Masai tribesman who, in 1967, found blue crystals near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The gem was subsequently brought to the attention of the international gemological community.
The journey of Tanzanite from a local curiosity to a globally recognized birthstone was facilitated by the gem and jewelry industry. The renowned jewelry company Tiffany & Co. recognized the stone's potential and launched a major marketing campaign in 1968, giving it the name "Tanzanite" after its country of origin. This strategic move helped establish its identity and desirability.
Regarding its status as a birthstone, the official recognition of Tanzanite is a modern development. The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) officially added Tanzanite to the list of birthstones for December in 2002. This addition reflects the evolving nature of birthstone lists, which can be updated to include new discoveries and commercially significant gemstones. The historical origin of the December birthstone list itself dates back to 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers standardized unofficial American birthstones. The list was further updated in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, which added Zircon to December’s list, setting the stage for Tanzanite’s inclusion five decades later.
The symbolism attached to Tanzanite is rich and multifaceted. It is widely regarded as a stone of clarity, spiritual insight, and a connection to higher realms. Those born on December 7th are said to be endowed with the qualities symbolized by Tanzanite, including wisdom, intuition, and a deep understanding of oneself and others. In Maasai folklore, Tanzanite is regarded as a stone of profound spiritual significance, believed to bring good fortune and an enhanced connection to the divine.
Astrologically, Tanzanite is associated with the zodiac sign Sagittarius, which governs those born between November 22 and December 21. Sagittarius is often linked to qualities of exploration, adventure, and intellectual curiosity. It is believed that wearing Tanzanite can amplify these traits and bring balance and harmony to Sagittarian individuals. Furthermore, Tanzanite is considered a stone that fosters mindfulness and encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness. Its deep blue-violet hues are said to stimulate the Throat and Third Eye chakras, aiding in clear communication and enhancing one’s intuitive abilities.
Geological Formation and Sources
Tanzanite’s geological story is as unique as its color. It is a variety of the mineral zoisite, specifically the blue to violet form. The gemstone is formed through a process of metamorphism, where intense heat and pressure alter the original mineral composition. The specific conditions that created Tanzanite are exceptionally rare, which explains why its primary source is so geographically confined.
The only known commercial source of Tanzanite is the Merelani Hills in the Lelatema Mountains of Northern Tanzania. This area, located near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, is the exclusive source of all gem-quality Tanzanite in the world. The limited geographic area of its occurrence makes Tanzanite one of the rarest gemstones, a factor that significantly contributes to its value and exclusivity. Unlike other gemstones that may be mined in multiple countries, Tanzanite’s availability is entirely dependent on a single region, making its supply finite and subject to the challenges of mining in a specific location.
Gemological Properties
Tanzanite possesses a distinct set of gemological characteristics that define its identity and value in the market. Understanding these properties is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and consumers alike.
Color: The most defining feature of Tanzanite is its captivating color, which ranges from a serene blue to a regal violet. The primary hue is often described as a velvety blue with hints of purple, a captivating blend reminiscent of twilight skies. This unique coloration is a direct result of its chemical composition and the presence of trace elements like vanadium. The color is so specific that it has created a new benchmark in the gemstone world, often compared to the finest sapphires but with a distinct violet undertone.
Pleochroism: A key gemological phenomenon exhibited by Tanzanite is pleochroism, where the gemstone displays different colors when viewed from different angles. When observed from one direction, it may appear predominantly blue, while from another, it may show a strong violet or burgundy hue. This attribute adds depth and complexity to Tanzanite, enhancing its allure and making it a gemstone of unparalleled beauty. The ability to display different colors when viewed from various angles adds to its allure, making it a versatile gemstone for jewelry designers.
Hardness: On the Mohs hardness scale, Tanzanite has a hardness of approximately 6 to 7. This makes it a moderately durable gemstone, suitable for jewelry but requiring care to avoid scratches and impacts. Compared to other December birthstones, it is less hard than Blue Topaz (Mohs 8) but comparable to or harder than Turquoise (Mohs 5-6) and some varieties of Zircon (Mohs 6-7.5). Its relative softness means it is best suited for earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings rather than daily-wear items like engagement rings, where durability is paramount.
Clarity: High-quality Tanzanite is typically eye-clean, meaning it has no visible inclusions to the naked eye. However, like many gemstones, it can contain inclusions such as fingerprints, needles, or color zoning. The clarity of Tanzanite is a significant factor in its value, with cleaner stones commanding higher prices.
Cut: Due to its pleochroism, the cut of a Tanzanite is critical. Gem cutters must orient the stone to maximize its desirable blue or violet color and minimize less desirable hues. Common cuts include oval, cushion, pear, and round brilliant, all designed to enhance the stone's color and brilliance. When set in white gold or platinum, Tanzanite’s rich hues create a striking contrast, elevating the sophistication of the jewelry piece.
Carat Weight: Tanzanite is available in a wide range of sizes, from small accent stones to large, impressive specimens. Because it is relatively less dense than many other gemstones, a one-carat Tanzanite will appear larger than a one-carat sapphire or ruby. This visual impact makes it an attractive option for those seeking a larger-looking stone without the corresponding price tag of a denser gem.
Chemical Composition: Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite, with the chemical formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH). The blue color is caused by trace amounts of vanadium within the crystal structure. When heated, Tanzanite can lose its brownish inclusions and enhance its blue color, a treatment that is widely accepted in the market.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond its physical beauty, Tanzanite is imbued with a rich tapestry of symbolic and metaphysical meanings. These beliefs, drawn from various cultural and spiritual traditions, add a layer of depth to the gemstone's appeal.
As a birthstone for December 7th, Tanzanite is believed to embody characteristics such as clarity of thought, spiritual insight, and a connection to higher realms. It is often associated with wisdom, intuition, and a profound understanding of oneself and others. The gemstone is said to facilitate clear communication, making it a powerful tool for those who seek to express their truth with compassion and confidence.
In Maasai folklore, Tanzanite holds a place of honor. It is regarded as a stone of profound spiritual significance, believed to bring good fortune and an enhanced connection to the divine. This cultural connection reinforces the gemstone’s status as more than just a beautiful object; it is a talisman with deep roots in the land from which it originates.
Metaphysically, Tanzanite is linked to the Throat and Third Eye chakras. Stimulating the Throat chakra is believed to enhance verbal expression and honest communication, while activation of the Third Eye chakra is associated with heightened intuition, spiritual awareness, and the ability to see beyond the physical world. For those born under the sign of Sagittarius, Tanzanite is thought to amplify traits of adventure and curiosity while providing a grounding influence.
Tanzanite is also considered a stone of transformation and mindfulness. It encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and navigate life’s changes with grace and insight. Its deep blue-violet hues are visually soothing and are said to promote a sense of peace and emotional balance.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of Tanzanite jewelry. Given its moderate hardness and lack of cleavage (a tendency to break along flat planes), it requires specific handling to prevent damage.
Cleaning: The safest method for cleaning Tanzanite is with warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft brush. Gently scrub the stone and its setting, then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as the vibrations and heat can potentially damage the stone or loosen the setting. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, should also be avoided, as they can erode the surface of the gemstone or damage any treatments it may have undergone.
Storage: When not worn, Tanzanite jewelry should be stored separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches. A soft pouch or a lined jewelry box with individual compartments is ideal. Given its value and rarity, it is also advisable to keep Tanzanite pieces in a secure location.
Handling: Due to its relative softness, Tanzanite should be protected from hard impacts and abrasive surfaces. It is recommended to remove Tanzanite rings before engaging in activities that could subject the stone to knocks or scratches, such as gardening, sports, or heavy manual work. For everyday wear, Tanzanite is best suited for earrings, pendants, and bracelets, which are less likely to encounter impacts.
Professional Inspection: Periodic inspection by a professional jeweler is recommended, especially for settings that hold Tanzanite in rings. The prongs or bezels can wear over time, potentially risking the loss of the stone. A jeweler can check the integrity of the setting and perform a professional cleaning if necessary.
Conclusion
Tanzanite stands as a remarkable gemstone in the world of birthstones, particularly for those born on December 7th. Its story is one of modern discovery, geological rarity, and captivating beauty. From its exclusive source in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania to its official recognition as a December birthstone in 2002, Tanzanite has carved a unique niche for itself. Its mesmerizing blue-violet color, enhanced by the phenomenon of pleochroism, makes it a favorite among jewelry designers and gem enthusiasts. While its moderate hardness requires careful handling, its symbolic meanings—ranging from spiritual insight to clear communication—add profound value for wearers. As one of the four blue birthstones of December, Tanzanite offers a blend of rarity, elegance, and significance that continues to enchant the world of gemology and fine jewelry.