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Tanzanite
Facts, Information and Description
In October 2002, Tanzanite was added to the official birthstone list by the American Gem Trade Association as an additional birthstone for December. Tanzanite is the suggested gemstone for the 24th wedding anniversary.
Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, East Africa. As one of the newest and most exotically colored gemstones, Tanzanite is part of the Zoisite mineral species and is only found in East Africa. Tanzanite is very rarely a pure blue and usually exhibits rich purple overtones.
While Tanzanite is often a blue color when first mined, it can also be brown and is routinely heat treated to permanently draw out its exotic bluish-purple color..
Tanzanite is a brittle stone and although it can be worn daily, care should be taken to protect it from knocks, pressure and extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic to clean jewelry with tanzanite.
Folklore, Legend and Healing Properties
Legend says that it was Masai cattle herders that first noticed this stone some 30 years ago after a fire caused by lightening burned areas in Tanzania. The herders noticed that brown Zoisite crystals had turned a deep blue-purple due to the heat from the fire.
Because this is such a new gemstone, there is little folklore or healing properties surrounding this stone.
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