December Birthstone Information: Tanzanite as Your Gemstone Choice
Discovering the Enchanting World of Tanzanite
Tanzanite, a captivating gemstone discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, has quickly become a beloved addition to the December birthstone collection. Known for its striking violet-blue color, this zoisite variety is prized for its rarity and unique coloration[1][3].
Properties and Care
With a Mohs hardness of about 6 to 7, tanzanite is softer than sapphires (9 on the Mohs scale) and requires careful handling[5]. To preserve its beauty, it is recommended to clean tanzanite gemstone jewelry with mild soap and a soft cloth, avoiding ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as well as exposure to sudden heat or acidic conditions[1][5].
| Gemstone | Hardness (Mohs) | Color Range | Origin | Care & Durability | Value & Rarity | |-------------|-----------------|-------------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Tanzanite | 6 - 7 | Blue-violet to violet | Tanzania (single source)| Delicate; avoid sudden heat, harsh chemicals; gentle cleaning recommended[1][5] | Rare, limited supply; generally affordable compared to sapphire but rarer[1][5] | | Turquoise | 5 - 6 | Blue to greenish-blue | Worldwide (U.S., Iran, etc.) | Porous; avoid chemicals, polishing can reduce natural surface; gentle cleaning only[2] | Common relative to tanzanite; historically significant December birthstone | | Blue Iolite | 7 - 7.5 | Blue to violet-blue | Various (India, Sri Lanka) | More durable than tanzanite; sensitive to heat and chemicals; gentle cleaning advised | Less well-known but valued for pleochroism (color change) | | Sapphire | 9 | Deep blue to violet-blue| Many global sources | Highly durable; can be cleaned with ultrasonic/steam cleaners; suitable for daily wear[5] | Classic, precious gemstone; typically more expensive and durable |
Tanzanite in Jewelry
Tanzanite is best worn in jewelry for occasional wear or set into earrings and necklaces to protect it from damage[6]. The gemstone's popularity in the jewelry trade was boosted by Tiffany & Co., which started selling it in 1968[6]. High-quality tanzanite can appear as a saturated violet-blue or a predominantly violet color, reminiscent of a fine sapphire[6].
Historical and Cultural Significance
Tanzanite was added as a December birthstone in the late 1960s, expanding the traditional association beyond turquoise and lapis lazuli for December[1]. Turquoise remains a beloved ancient December birthstone with spiritual and protective symbolism[2], while sapphire has been esteemed for centuries for its beauty and durability.
Tanzanite offers a unique combination of striking color and rarity, but it must be treated with care, in contrast to the harder and more durable sapphire, or the ancient and porous turquoise. Blue iolite provides an intermediate option with interesting pleochroic properties and moderate durability[4]. Each of these stones holds a different place within December birthstone traditions, appealing to varying tastes and practical considerations.
- Tanzanite is prismatic with a rectangular cross-section and can have striations running parallel to the length of the crystal.
- Tanzanite is susceptible to scratches, abrasions, and bruises due to its relatively low hardness (6.5 on the Mohs scale) and brittle nature.
- Tanzanite was first brought to the Western fine jewellery market by Campbell Bridges.
- Tanzanite is often found as broken fragments, but well-formed crystals are beautiful.
[1] GIA (Gemological Institute of America). (n.d.). Tanzanite. Retrieved from https://www.gia.edu/tanzanite
[2] Gemstone.org. (n.d.). Turquoise. Retrieved from https://www.gemstone.org/2017/06/24/turquoise-gemstone-information-and-meaning/
[3] International Colored Gemstone Association. (n.d.). Tanzanite. Retrieved from https://www.icolorstone.org/gemstones/tanzanite
[4] Mindat.org. (n.d.). Blue Iolite. Retrieved from https://www.mindat.org/min-10842.html
[5] National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. (n.d.). Tanzanite. Retrieved from https://www.najainc.org/gemology/tanzanite
[6] National Jeweler. (2017, December 13). Tanzanite: A Modern Gemstone for December. Retrieved from https://www.nationaljeweler.com/magazine/2017/12/13/tanzanite-a-modern-gemstone-for-december/
- The Gemmology Foundation offers a comprehensive course on the identification, properties, and care of various gemstones, including Tanzanite, to help members understand its unique characteristics and how to preserve its beauty.
- For those interested in expanding their knowledge on Tanzanite, numerous publications are available, delving into its historical and cultural significance, as well as its differences from other gemstones like sapphire, turquoise, and blue iolite.
- To complement their existing jewelry collection, fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts may find workshops on gemstone setting techniques and jewelry design useful, providing an opportunity to create their own Tanzanite earrings or necklaces.
- Home-and-garden lovers might enjoy incorporating Tanzanite into their space through home decorations, such as bookends, vases, or beautifully-crafted tabletop statues, found in the Education-and-Self-Development and Shopping sections of various online platforms.
- As an addition to their birthstone collection, Tanzanite's striking violet-blue color makes it a popular choice for items like pendants, rings, and bracelets discussed in lifestyle and fashion magazines, showcasing the gemstone's enchanting world and the associated lifestyle it brings.
