December’s Birthstones - Tanzanite

The second of December’s birthstones is Tanzanite. 

Tanzanite is a comparatively new stone in gemmology because it was just found in the 1960s in Tanzania.  It is found only in a small area of Tanzania. The American Gem Trade Association nominated it as a December’s birthstone in 2002 when it was recognized as a powerful violet flame crystal which facilitates healing and transformation.  

Tanzanite crystals possess a high vibration level which makes them very precious stones for metaphysical healing. It promotes the development of  psychic powers and accelerated spiritual growth. Tanzanite is believed to have mellowing properties and provide balance in busy, stressful lives.

Although tanzanite is valued for its deep violet-blue color, the fact is that it in reality it has to be heat treated to bring out the blue violet of the natural stone.  The color varies from blue to purple, but the most valuable tanzanites are medium dark in tone, vivid in saturation, and slightly violet blue. 

Tanzanite is renowned for its tendency to trichroism. This means it looks sapphire blue, violet or burgundy depending on the crystal orientation. Natural tanzanite is   a reddish brown in its untreated state and is very rare.  

 Tanzanite was first used as a more affordable sapphire substitute, but it has grown in popularity and now valued for its own beauty and brilliance. It makes fabulous affordable jewellery and is perfect for gifts.

It is interesting to note that TURQUOISE, the oldest gemstone known and TANZANITE the youngest, are both December’s birthstones.

December’s Birthstones - Turquoise

December‘s Birthstones include Turquoise, Tanzanite and Blue Topaz.

Blue turquoise is one of the December’s birthstones. It is rich in wisdom and tradition and has been adopted my many different ancient cultures since at least 6000 BCE. Used for the production of jewelry and idols it was popular with people of the Middle East, Egypt, Persia (Iran), India, the Aztecs in Central America, and the Native American Indians. 

Over the many centuries it has been used to make necklaces, beads, rings, scarabs and was even used in the construction of the Taj Majal. Turquoise is a holy stone revered by American Indians even to this day, who believe that the turquoise is a magic stone providing protection against harm. Turquoise rings, in particular, are believed to keep away the evil spirits. This ancient protective stone protects both horse and rider on long journeys and guarantees success and power to men.   

Turquoise is a symbol of beauty. During the Middle Ages it was used to offer women a sense of happiness and contentment making them more virtuous and loyal. Turquoise is regarded as a love charm as well as a symbol of good fortune, prosperity and success. Turquoise has always been a favorite with royals.

 

The traditional metaphysical properties offered by the turquoise are open communication, protection against all diseases, regeneration, and strengthening. It is used to boost creativity, serenity, spiritual bonding and relieves negative feelings and improves low self-esteem.

Turquoise said to be a master healer. Turquoise can be used to treat diseases of the throat, lungs, asthma, teeth, depression, eye disorders and general infection. It aids the absorption of nutrients and strengthens the body, relaxes the mind and  protects against environmental pollutants.

Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones used in jewellery and idols. Its name   came from the 13th century French expression Pierre tourques which stands for Turkish stone.

Turquoise is a blue stone which ranges in color from a greenish-blue to sky-blue, and its may vary from translucent through to opaque. Turquoise is a still a particular favorite in the American Southwest where the native community design and produce an outstanding array of turquoise jewellery.

 

If cold December gave you birth,
The month of snow and ice and mirth,
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do