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History
Legend has it that lightning struck an area of the Merelani hills in the East African state of Tanzania in 1967, causing the brown zoisite crystals to turn a stunning shade of blue and violet. Some Masai shepherds took the stones and showed them to prospector Manuel D'Souza, who had them tested. The gems then made their way to Tiffany's jewelers in New York City, where they were named tanzanite. Soon after, Tiffany's launched an advertising campaign to celebrate the incredible find.
Characteristics
Tanzanite is a rare blue variety of zoisite found in only one place in the world: Tanzania. Consisting of calcium aluminum silicate, this gemstone has a deep-blue color with hints of purple, which changes to violet and golden brown when turning it in different directions. It is an exceptional gem for jewelry. Not as hard as sapphire, tanzanite rates a 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness and should not be worn during excessive activity.
Metaphysical Properties
In healing practices, tanzanite has been found to increase the body's vitality and aid in cell regeneration. It's been said to increase your "inner light," thereby slowing down the process of aging. Tanzanite is also reputed to increase your imagination, connect you to ancient wisdom and be beneficial during guided visualizations.
Caring for Tanzanite
As a gemstone, tanzanite is available as a necklace, ring or earrings. Because of the difficulty in finding identical pairs of stones, matching sets of tanzanite will come at a high premium. Tanzanite should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, nor should it come into contact with acids.
Interesting Facts
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) named tanzanite the birthstone for December in 2002, making it a gemstone for new beginnings. According to Masai tradition, the color blue is sacred and women blessed with children are honored by wearing blue fabric and beads. Masai chiefs give tanzanite stones to their wives after childbirth to bless the new baby.