The meaning behind December's birthstone: Tanzanite
Tanzanite may be a relative newcomer…
to the world of colored stones, but it was one of the most exciting gem discoveries of the 20th century. Blue stones emerging from Tanzania were identified as the mineral zoisite in 1962. Not until 1967, though, did prospectors locate the primary source for this December birthstone: the Merelani Hills. It was eventually named tanzanite in honor of its country of origin. The tanzanite birthstone is often described as “velvety,” mostly because of its deep and saturated color, which ranges from a pure rich blue to violet, with the blue considered most valuable.
Today, it is not only a December birthstone, but it is also the gem for the 24th wedding anniversary.
Tanzanite on the market today…
comes from the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. This is the only place on earth where tanzanite is mined commercially. Grass-covered hillsides, scrub brush, rocky soil and an occasional tree form the local landscape. In major operations there, thousands of workers recover tanzanite from mines dug over a 100 meters (more than 300 feet) deep into the earth. North of the mines tower the snow-covered slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
At 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness…
Tanzanite is resistant to the effects of normal heat, light and common chemicals.
Be careful though, the stone may crack if exposed to very high temperatures or sudden temperature changes, and it abrades easily. It can be attacked by hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids.
Most tanzanite begins as brownish zoisite that is heat treated to produce the blue to violet hues that characterize this December birthstones. The resulting color is permanent, and there are no additional durability concerns.
Warm, soapy water is the best way to clean this stone. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are never recommended for tanzanite.
Tanzanite is best set in earrings or pendants. we wouldn’t recommend it for daily wear in a ring setting, a protective mounting and some care this stone can be an attractive special-occasion jewel.