For individuals born on the 29th of December, the designated birthstone is tanzanite, a gem that stands apart for its remarkable recent discovery and its captivating, singular color. Unlike gemstones with millennia of human history, tanzanite entered the global gemological consciousness in the latter half of the 20th century, yet it has rapidly secured its place as a cherished and symbolic stone. Its signature hue—a mesmerizing blend of blue and violet—sets it apart from all other blue gemstones, and its limited geographic origin adds a layer of intrigue and value. This article delves into the history, geological formation, gemological properties, symbolic meanings, and practical care of tanzanite, providing a comprehensive overview of this extraordinary December birthstone.
History and Lore: A Modern Discovery with Ancient Roots
Tanzanite’s narrative is unique among birthstones, characterized by a remarkably recent discovery set against a backdrop of local, long-standing awareness. The gem was first formally identified in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. While local Maasai tribes had known of the stone for centuries, attributing its violet hues to the promise of impending rain, its potential as a gemstone was not recognized until this modern discovery by Manuel d’Souza, a tailor and part-time prospector. Initially, the gem was often misidentified as sapphire due to its similar coloration.
The pivotal moment in tanzanite’s ascent to global prominence came from the renowned jewelry house Tiffany & Co. Recognizing the gem’s exceptional beauty and potential, the company named it after its country of origin, Tanzania, and launched an influential marketing campaign. This strategic move established tanzanite as a desirable and sophisticated gemstone, introducing it to an international audience and cementing its status as a modern classic.
The journey of tanzanite to becoming an official birthstone is also a recent development. While turquoise and zircon have historically been the primary birthstones for December, the modern birthstone lists have expanded to include blue topaz and, most notably, tanzanite. Its inclusion reflects its growing popularity and cultural significance, making it a fitting choice for those born on December 29th.
Geological Formation and Sources
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, specifically the blue to violet-blue variety colored by vanadium impurities. Its formation is the result of a unique geological event. The gemstone is found in only one known location in the world: the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. This extreme geographic rarity contributes significantly to its value and allure.
The formation process is believed to be linked to a specific geological event that occurred approximately 585 million years ago, during the late Precambrian period. This event, which involved a tectonic shift and the subsequent metamorphism of limestone, is thought to be responsible for creating the conditions that allowed for the formation of the blue zoisite crystals. The absence of this specific geological event in any other part of the world explains why tanzanite is found exclusively in this single, localized area.
Mining for tanzanite is concentrated in the Merelani Hills, where the gem is extracted from small, family-owned mines as well as larger commercial operations. The limited area of this deposit and the challenges associated with mining in this region underscore the gemstone’s scarcity. As a finite resource, the availability of high-quality tanzanite is expected to diminish over time, further enhancing its value and desirability.
Gemological Properties
Tanzanite possesses a distinct set of physical and optical properties that define its character and influence its use in jewelry. Understanding these properties is essential for both gem enthusiasts and those who own tanzanite jewelry.
Color and Pleochroism: The most celebrated feature of tanzanite is its color. It exhibits a captivating spectrum ranging from deep indigo to vibrant violet-blue hues. This unique coloration is a result of vanadium impurities within the crystal structure. A key gemological characteristic of tanzanite is its strong pleochroism, a property where the gem displays different colors when viewed from different angles. From one direction, it may appear primarily blue, while from another, it may show its violet hues, and sometimes even a reddish-brown tint. This remarkable feature adds depth and dimension to the stone, making each piece uniquely dynamic.
Hardness and Cleavage: On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, tanzanite registers a 6.5 to 7. This hardness is moderate, making it durable enough for most jewelry applications but requiring more care than harder gems like sapphire or diamond (both at 9 on the Mohs scale). More critically, tanzanite possesses perfect cleavage in one direction. Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat planes of weakness within its crystal structure. Perfect cleavage means the stone can be split relatively easily along these planes if struck with sufficient force. This characteristic makes tanzanite susceptible to damage from impact and necessitates careful setting and handling.
Clarity and Transparency: Tanzanite is typically found as a transparent to translucent stone. High-quality tanzanite is valued for its high clarity, with inclusions being less common than in many other gemstones. However, like all natural gems, most tanzanite will have some degree of internal features, which can help gemologists identify its natural origin.
Cut and Carat Weight: Tanzanite’s color and clarity make it an excellent candidate for a variety of cuts. It is often faceted to maximize its brilliance and to showcase its pleochroic color play. Common cuts include oval, cushion, pear, and round brilliant. Larger faceted stones are more common with tanzanite than with many other gemstones, allowing for impressive statement pieces in jewelry.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Tanzanite is imbued with a rich tapestry of symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs, which have evolved alongside its rise in popularity. For those born on December 29th, it is believed to carry diverse symbolic meanings that make it a cherished personal stone.
Spiritual Growth and Enlightenment: Tanzanite is strongly associated with spiritual growth, enlightenment, and a deep sense of tranquility. It is thought to stimulate the throat chakra and the third eye chakra, which are energy centers associated with communication, intuition, and a profound connection to one’s inner self. The deep blue tones of the gem are symbolically linked to wisdom, clarity, and insight, offering wearers a sense of calm and emotional balance.
Transformation and Manifestation: A central theme in tanzanite’s symbolism is transformation. It is often regarded as a stone of change and manifestation, believed to help individuals navigate life’s transitions and manifest their desires. Its alluring hue, which represents a journey from darkness to light, is seen as a symbolic companion for those seeking personal growth and positive transformation. As a December birthstone, tanzanite is thought to bestow wisdom, protection, and new beginnings upon those born in the month.
Jewelry and Versatility
Tanzanite’s exquisite color and inherent rarity make it an ideal choice for exquisite jewelry pieces. Its versatility allows craftsmen to create stunning designs that complement various styles and preferences, from classic to contemporary.
For individuals born on December 29th, tanzanite jewelry serves as more than a mere accessory; it holds personal significance and a deep connection to their birth date. Rings adorned with tanzanite gemstones are especially popular, symbolizing eternity and a continuous cycle of growth and transformation. Pendant necklaces featuring tanzanite often serve as a reminder of inner strength and spiritual evolution. Earrings showcasing tanzanite’s mesmerizing color are a popular choice, adding elegance and a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. The vibrant blue-violet hues of tanzanite effortlessly elevate both formal and casual looks, making it a versatile addition to any jewelry collection.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and integrity of tanzanite jewelry, given its moderate hardness and perfect cleavage. The following guidelines are recommended to ensure the longevity of this precious gemstone.
Avoid Harsh Treatments: Tanzanite should be protected from exposure to harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners. These cleaning methods can damage the stone, potentially causing fractures or discoloration due to its sensitivity to heat and chemicals.
Recommended Cleaning Method: The safest and most effective way to clean tanzanite is with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Gently scrub the gemstone to remove any accumulated dirt or grime, then rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. After rinsing, dry the jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Practical Precautions: It is advisable to remove tanzanite jewelry before engaging in strenuous activities, such as sports or heavy manual work, to prevent impact damage. Similarly, it should be removed before using harsh cleaning products or gardening, where exposure to chemicals or abrasives is likely. To prevent scratches, store tanzanite jewelry separately from other gemstones and harder metals. Regular professional inspection and cleaning by a qualified jeweler are recommended to check the security of settings and maintain the gemstone’s brilliance.
Conclusion
Tanzanite stands as a remarkable and distinctive addition to the December birthstone family. Its recent discovery in the 1960s, unique geological origin in a single location in Tanzania, captivating blue-violet coloration, and growing symbolic significance have quickly established it as a highly sought-after gemstone. For those born on December 29th, tanzanite offers a beautiful and meaningful connection to the month, embodying themes of transformation, intuition, and the promise of new beginnings. Its limited availability and increasing popularity ensure that tanzanite will remain a treasured gem for generations to come, a testament to the enduring wonder found in the natural world.