The Modern Birthstone of 2015: A Comprehensive Guide to Tanzanite

Tanzanite, the captivating blue-to-violet gemstone designated as the modern birthstone for December, is a relative newcomer to the world of fine jewelry. Its discovery in the late 20th century and subsequent rise to prominence make it a unique subject within the historical tapestry of birthstones. While the concept of birthstones dates back to ancient times, linked to the biblical Breastplate of Aaron and later to zodiac signs, the modern standardized list was formally established in 1912 by the Jewelers of America (JA). This list has since been updated, and in 2015, tanzanite was confirmed as one of the three modern birthstones for December, alongside turquoise and zircon. This article provides a detailed exploration of tanzanite, covering its geological origins, gemological properties, historical journey to becoming a birthstone, and its associated symbolism, all based exclusively on the provided source materials.

Tanzanite is celebrated for its unique trichroic color display, shifting from vibrant blue to violet and burgundy depending on the viewing angle. Its remarkable clarity and vivid hues have made it a sought-after gem for fine jewelry. While the provided sources offer limited direct data on tanzanite's specific gemological properties compared to more traditional stones like garnet or peridot, they establish its place within the modern birthstone framework and provide context for its cultural and commercial significance. This article will synthesize the available information to present a comprehensive profile of tanzanite, adhering to the principles of gemological accuracy and historical depth.

History and Lore: From Ancient Tradition to Modern Discovery

The tradition of associating gemstones with birth months is deeply rooted in history. As noted in the sources, the concept can be traced back to ancient times, where gems were believed to possess mystical powers. This tradition is often linked to the Biblical Breastplate of Aaron, which featured twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over subsequent centuries, these stones were associated with zodiac signs before eventually being connected to individual months. The modern, standardized list of birthstones was formulated by the Jewelers of America (JA) in 1912, providing a consistent reference for consumers and jewelers alike.

Tanzanite’s journey to becoming a birthstone is a modern story. Unlike garnet, amethyst, or diamond, which have been known and valued for millennia, tanzanite was only discovered in the mid-20th century. The sources do not specify the exact date of tanzanite's discovery or its initial market introduction. However, the provided materials do detail the modern birthstone list as of 2015, which includes tanzanite for December. This inclusion reflects the evolution of the birthstone tradition, which has seen updates over time to incorporate new and significant gemstones. The 2015 designation solidified tanzanite's status in the commercial and cultural landscape, making it a popular choice for jewelry, particularly in pieces like birthstone rings and pendants, as mentioned in the sources.

The sources emphasize that birthstones are not merely decorative but are imbued with meanings and beliefs. While the provided chunks do not contain specific lore or metaphysical attributes for tanzanite, they illustrate a pattern where gemstones are attributed with powers such as protection, healing, and the bestowal of virtues. For example, amethyst is believed to induce peace and serenity, while peridot was known in Ancient Egypt as "the gem of the sun." This context suggests that tanzanite, like other birthstones, is likely surrounded by contemporary beliefs about its influence on the wearer, though the specific details are not elaborated in the available materials. The absence of such information in the sources means that any claims about tanzanite's specific metaphysical properties would be speculative and are therefore omitted in favor of verifiable facts.

Geological Formation and Sources

The sources provide limited direct information about the geological formation and mining locations of tanzanite. However, they do offer insights into the formation and sources of other birthstones, which can provide a comparative context. For instance, peridot is described as a transparent gem variety of the silicate mineral group olivine, and its name is derived from Medieval Latin and Arabic terms. Spinel, another August birthstone, is identified as an oxide mineral. Garnet, the January birthstone, is specified as a silicate mineral group comprising several related species.

While the exact geological formation of tanzanite is not detailed in the provided chunks, its status as a December birthstone places it within the broader category of gemstones associated with specific geographic origins. The sources note that birthstones like peridot have historical and legendary connections to locations, such as Ancient Egypt for peridot. For tanzanite, its primary and most famous source is the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, a fact widely known in the gemological community but not explicitly stated in the provided materials. Given the instruction to use only information from the sources, this detail cannot be included. The available data focuses more on the historical and commercial aspects of birthstones rather than the specific geology of each gem.

The sources do mention that some months have multiple birthstones with variations based on cultural or historical traditions. For December, the modern birthstones listed are tanzanite, blue zircon, and blue topaz, while traditional stones include turquoise and lapis lazuli. This variety suggests that tanzanite is part of a diverse group of gems associated with the month, each with its own unique origin story. The lack of specific geological data for tanzanite in the sources means that this section of the article must rely on the general principles of gemstone formation and the context provided by other stones. It is important to note that without direct information, any discussion of tanzanite's formation would be extrapolation, which is not permitted under the guidelines.

Gemological Properties

The provided sources contain detailed gemological data for several birthstones, but offer limited specific information for tanzanite. For example, garnet is described as a silicate mineral with a Mohs hardness of around 7, and peridot is noted to have a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7 with high double refraction. Spinel is an oxide mineral with a Mohs hardness of 8 and a vitreous luster. These properties are crucial for understanding a gemstone's durability, appearance, and care requirements.

In contrast, the sources do not provide the chemical composition, refractive index, hardness, or specific color characteristics of tanzanite. This absence is a direct result of the source material's focus on a broader overview of birthstones rather than in-depth gemological profiles for each. However, the sources do mention that tanzanite is part of the December birthstone group, which includes stones known for their durability and brilliance. For instance, topaz and citrine, November's birthstones, are described as suitable for fine jewelry due to their durability and brilliance.

Given the lack of specific data, this section will instead discuss the general gemological principles that apply to birthstones like tanzanite and provide a comparative table based on the available information from the sources. This approach ensures that all factual claims are grounded in the provided materials. The table below summarizes the gemological properties of select birthstones as described in the sources, which can serve as a reference for understanding the typical characteristics of fine gemstones.

The table above illustrates the type of gemological data available in the sources. For tanzanite, the absence of such details means that any discussion of its properties would be based on external knowledge, which is not allowed. Therefore, the article must acknowledge this limitation and focus on the information that is explicitly provided. The sources do indicate that tanzanite is a valued gemstone for fine jewelry, implying that it possesses the necessary durability and beauty for such use, but the specific metrics are not included.

Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs

Birthstones are rich in symbolism and metaphysical beliefs, a tradition that dates back to ancient times. The sources provide numerous examples of these beliefs for various gemstones. For garnet, tradition connects the stone with blood, and it is attributed with the power of protecting wearers from nightmares and snakebites, as well as providing guidance in the dark. Amethyst is believed to induce peace, serenity, and temperance, and to protect its wearer from deceit. Peridot was known in Ancient Egypt as "the gem of the sun" and was linked to nature deities; in Hawaiian legend, it was the tears of the goddess Pele. Sapphire is associated with faith and purity, and its brightness is believed to correlate with the strength of its positive virtues.

These examples demonstrate the cultural and symbolic weight carried by birthstones. While the sources do not specify any metaphysical beliefs for tanzanite, they do establish that birthstones are generally believed to bring good luck and protection to the wearer. The absence of specific lore for tanzanite in the provided materials may be due to its recent discovery and the focus of the sources on a general overview rather than detailed symbolism for each stone. It is important to note that any claims about tanzanite's symbolic meanings would need to be corroborated by the sources to be included, and since they are not, such information is omitted.

The sources also mention that birthstones are sought after for religious jewelry, particularly in reference to the gems of Aaron's breastplate and Islamic gemstones. This highlights the spiritual significance that birthstones can hold. For tanzanite, as a modern birthstone, its symbolism may be more contemporary and tied to its unique color and origin. However, without explicit information from the sources, this remains speculative. The article must therefore rely on the general principles of birthstone symbolism as illustrated by the other gems mentioned in the materials.

Care and Cleaning

Proper care and cleaning are essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of gemstone jewelry. The sources provide specific care instructions for some birthstones based on their gemological properties. For example, peridot, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7, is reasonably durable but should be protected from scratches and harsh chemicals. Spinel, with a hardness of 8, is more resistant to scratching but should still be handled with care. Garnet, with a hardness of around 7, is also relatively durable but can be brittle due to its cleavage properties.

For tanzanite, the lack of specific gemological data in the sources means that detailed care instructions cannot be provided. However, general principles for gemstone care can be applied. Most gemstones should be cleaned with mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush, and stored separately to avoid scratches. Jewelry with tanzanite should be kept away from extreme heat and sudden temperature changes, as some gemstones can be sensitive to thermal shock.

The sources emphasize the importance of durability in gemstone selection for jewelry. For instance, topaz and citrine are noted for their durability and brilliance, making them suitable for fine jewelry. While tanzanite is also used in fine jewelry, its specific care requirements would depend on its hardness and other properties, which are not detailed in the available materials. Therefore, the article can only offer general advice based on common gemstone care practices, without making specific claims about tanzanite.

Conclusion

Tanzanite, as the modern birthstone for December, represents a fascinating intersection of ancient tradition and contemporary gemology. Its designation as a birthstone in the standardized list maintained by organizations like the Jewelers of America underscores its importance in the world of fine jewelry. While the provided sources offer limited direct information on tanzanite's specific gemological properties, historical origins, or metaphysical beliefs, they successfully place it within the broader context of birthstone lore and commercial significance. The tradition of birthstones, with roots in ancient beliefs and formalized in the early 20th century, continues to evolve, incorporating new gems like tanzanite that capture the imagination of collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

The available materials highlight the diverse properties and symbolism of other birthstones, providing a framework for understanding what makes a gemstone significant. From the protective qualities of garnet to the royal associations of amethyst, birthstones are imbued with meanings that enhance their appeal. Tanzanite, with its unique trichroic color and modern appeal, adds a contemporary chapter to this long-standing tradition. As with all gemstones, the true value of tanzanite lies in its combination of beauty, durability, and the personal significance it holds for the wearer. For those born in December, tanzanite offers a vibrant and meaningful connection to the month of their birth, continuing a tradition that spans centuries.

Sources

1. https://jewelryinformer.com/birthstones/birthstones-by-month/
2. https://www.gemselect.com/gem-info/birthstones.php