Tanzanite, a captivating blue-violet gemstone, holds a unique position among birthstones as a remarkably recent discovery. Officially crowned the birthstone of December in 2002 by the American Gem Trade Association, alongside turquoise and zircon, its story is one of rapid recognition and enduring allure. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of this “gemstone of a generation,” drawing exclusively from available sources.
A Recent Discovery with Ancient Roots
Unlike many birthstones steeped in centuries of lore, tanzanite’s documented history is relatively brief. It was first identified in 1962 as the mineral zoisite, but its primary source was not located until 1967 in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. While the formal naming of the gem occurred later, the story of its discovery is interwoven with local tradition. Accounts suggest a Maasai herdsman initially unearthed the stone, and while a local prospector, Manuel de Souza, is often credited with the find, the Maasai tribe rightfully deserves recognition for the initial discovery.
Before its official recognition, the Maasai people already valued tanzanite, presenting it to women during or after childbirth as a symbol of celebration and a blessing for long life, strength, luck, and prosperity. This practice demonstrates an inherent understanding of the stone’s perceived protective and positive qualities, predating its formal acknowledgement by the wider world. The gem was named by Tiffany & Co., who were captivated by its rich trichroic properties and chose to honor its Tanzanian origin.
Geological Formation and Exclusive Origins
The rarity of tanzanite stems from its incredibly specific geological formation. Sources confirm that the unique conditions required for its creation exist only in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. No other commercial source of tanzanite is known to exist globally. The gem is found within a relatively small area, making it exceptionally rare. Mining operations in the region involve digging over 100 meters deep into the earth, amidst a landscape of grass-covered hillsides and rocky soil, shadowed by the snow-covered slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The origin story also includes a local tale of lightning striking the grassland, heating a deposit of brown zoisite and transforming it into the rich blue tanzanite. While a romanticized account, it highlights the unique circumstances surrounding the gem’s formation.
Gemological Properties: A Trichroic Treasure
Tanzanite is a blue variety of the mineral zoisite, a calcium aluminum silicate. It is renowned for its striking pleochroism – the ability to display different colors when viewed from different angles. More specifically, it exhibits trichroism, displaying three distinct colors: blue, violet, and burgundy. This unique optical property contributes significantly to its allure.
The gem is often described as “velvety” due to its deep and saturated color, with the purest blue hues being the most valuable. The color can vary depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. While tanzanite’s hardness isn’t explicitly stated in the provided sources, its relative rarity and the care taken in its cutting and polishing suggest it requires careful handling.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism surrounding tanzanite blends ancestral beliefs with modern interpretations. Traditionally, birthstones were chosen for the perceived powers of their rare gems, offering protection, fortune, serenity, and happiness to the wearer. Tanzanite is associated with healing, protection, and self-transformation. Some believe it can activate the throat, third-eye, and crown chakras, facilitating psychic abilities and communication with higher dimensions.
The gem’s association with December, a month often filled with gatherings and celebrations, further enhances its symbolic connection to joy and prosperity. Gifting tanzanite is seen not merely as presenting a gemstone, but as offering happiness, prosperity, and protection to the recipient.
Care and Cleaning
While specific care instructions are not detailed in the provided sources, the gem’s description as requiring careful cutting and polishing suggests a degree of fragility. Further research would be needed to provide detailed cleaning and maintenance advice.
Conclusion
Tanzanite stands as a remarkable addition to the world of gemstones and the lineage of December birthstones. Its recent discovery, coupled with its exclusive origin in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, contributes to its exceptional rarity and desirability. From its roots in Maasai tradition to its modern recognition by Tiffany & Co. and the American Gem Trade Association, tanzanite embodies a captivating blend of history, geology, and cultural significance. As a symbol of transformation, protection, and prosperity, it continues to enchant gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry lovers alike, solidifying its place as the “gemstone of a generation.”