One of the most fascinating gem discoveries of the 20th century was tanzanite, despite its relative youth in the world of colored stones. In 1962, Tanzanian blue stones were recognized as the mineral zoisite. Prospectors didn’t discover the Merelani Hills as the principal source for this December birthstone until 1967, though. In honor of its native nation, it was subsequently given the name tanzanite. Because of its deep and saturated hue, which varies from a pure rich blue to violet, with the blue being the most costly, the tanzanite birthstone is frequently referred to as “velvety.”
Because Tiffany & Co. thought tanzanite had a broad market, they became the stone’s primary distributor. Tiffany started a significant advertising push to market it in 1968. Tanzanite soon gained popularity due to its striking hues, exceptional clarity, and capability for producing huge cut stones. It is now the jewel for the 24th wedding anniversary in addition to being the birthstone for December.
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When did tanzanite become the birthstone for December?
Since its discovery in 1967, tanzanite has gained enormous popularity and is currently the second-fastest selling colored gemstone after sapphire. The first stone to be included on the official birthstone list since 1912, it was added in 2002 along with zircon and turquoise as the birthstone for the month of December.
Which three stones are December’s birthstones?
Due to its alluring bluish colour, many individuals adore birthstones for the month of December. Turquoise, blue zircon, and tanzanite are the three gemstones for December, and they all feature lovely blue sparkles instead of the conventional Christmas colors of red and green.
Is turquoise or tanzanite the birthstone for December?
Not one, not two, but three lovely birthstones are available in December! Of the three gemstones, turquoise is arguably the most generally accessible, whereas zircons and tanzanites, in particular, are thought to be rarer and hence more expensive in comparison.
Composition and mineral makeup of the December birthstones
The opaque, moderately soft gemstone turquoise is created from worn rock that contains copper elements. Its well-known turquoise color ranges from a deep sky blue to a lighter shade of duck egg blue or green. Tiny brown or black veins can be found in turquoise, and these intrusions from adjacent rock fragments are what cause them to form.
Zircon, which is composed of zirconium silicate, is a fascinating and significant gemstone, but it isn’t very well recognized. Although the two are occasionally mistaken for one another, they are completely different materials. Zircon is a naturally occurring gemstone, whereas Cubic Zirconia is a man-made synthetic substance. Zircon comes in a variety of hues, with blue zirconone of the birthstones for Decemberbeing the most popular.
What is the name of the birthstone for December?
Turquoise is opaque as opposed to translucent, unlike many other gems. Its blue-green hue can range from pale green or greenish gray to sky blue or greenish blue.
Which birthstone for December is rarest?
Only one region of the world is home to tanzanite, a magnificent blue-purple variant of the mineral zoisite. Tanzanite has quickly gained prominence since its comparatively recent discovery and is named for its small geographic origin in Tanzania.
Before this uncommon blue variant of zoisite was discovered in 1967, the mineral had been present for more than 15 years. The blue-purple tint, which varies from light blue to vivid ultramarine with violet overtones, is caused by trace levels of vanadium combined with tremendous heat.
Tanzanite exhibits pleochroism, which allows it to change color according on the angle at which it is seen. To draw attention away from the unwanted brown tones and emphasize the more desirable blue and violet colours, stones must be cut properly.
The majority of tanzanite on the market today has undergone heat treatment to lessen its naturally occurring brown hues and to increase its sapphire-competing blue hues.
Only a small area of Tanzania, close to the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, contains tanzanite. The mines in this area, the majority of which are currently drastically decreasing output, directly affect its price and availability.
Tanzanite is not quite as hard as the sapphire it frequently replaces, measuring only 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Tanzanite is better suited for earrings and pendants rather than rings because of its susceptibility to scratching and abrasion with regular wear.
Even if your birthday is not in December, tanzanite is prized by many due to its deep blue hue and scarcity.
What birthstone falls on December 12th?
Tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise are the birthstones for December. The fortunate people born in this month have a choice of three exquisite blue hues. All of these stones are frequently used in jewelry.
What hue does December represent?
Topaz, the birthstone for December. Blue is the birthstone for December. The traditional birthstone for December is the blue zircon, but there are a number of gemstones that are also said to be symbolic of the month, such as turquoise, blue topaz, and tanzanite.
How many birthstones are there in December?
Zircon, Tanzanite, and turquoise are the three gemstones that are associated with December birthdays. These gemstones all have distinctive blue tones, making them ideal December birthstones for Minnesota’s chilly winters. Zircon comes in a range of hues, but blue is by far the most popular.
What does a birthstone for December mean?
The birthstone of turquoise is thought to symbolize a variety of virtues, such as joy, sincerity, and spirituality. Additionally, it is considered to stand for creativity, peace, and strength. If you were born in December, you may experience rebirth and enjoy wealth in the future.