December Birthstone: Tanzanite Unveiled
**Discovering the Allure of Tanzanite**
Tanzanite, a captivating gemstone known for its rich purple-blue colour, was first brought to the Western fine jewellery market in 1968 by Campbell Bridges. This relative newcomer to the world of gemstones was discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, making it a truly unique find, as it is the only place in the world where tanzanite can be found.
The gemstone's name was coined by Tiffany & Co., who honoured its exclusive origin in Tanzania. Since then, tanzanite has enjoyed steady popularity within the jewellery trade.
**The Fascinating Properties of Tanzanite**
Tanzanite is a member of the zoisite mineral family and is known for its vibrant violetish-blue colour. However, due to a phenomenon called pleochroism, the gemstone can display different colours when viewed from different angles, making it a trichroic gemstone.
Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of about 6 to 7, making it more prone to scratches and damage compared to harder gemstones like diamonds. As a result, it is often cut to maximise its colour and clarity, and it is typically heated to enhance its colour.
**Caring for Tanzanite**
Given its softness and susceptibility to damage, tanzanite requires careful handling. It should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, using a soft brush, and avoided from harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Tanzanite should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching.
Tanzanite is best worn in jewellery for occasional wear or set into earrings and necklaces to protect it from damage. Avoid exposing tanzanite to extreme temperatures or conditions that could cause it to break or fade.
**A Rarity to Cherish**
Although tanzanite is often found as broken fragments, when well-formed, the crystals are beautiful. Tanzanite is beloved for its rich purple-blue colouration and its unique properties make it a prized gem among collectors and gemstone enthusiasts.
Heating tanzanite eliminates the yellow, leaving a dichroic gemstone displaying blue and violet. High-quality tanzanite can be a saturated violet-blue, reminiscent of a fine sapphire, or a more unusual, predominantly violet colour.
The initial slogan related to the sale of tanzanite was "in Tanzania and Tiffany's," reflecting its singular origin and the speed at which Tiffany & Co. took the stone to market. Today, a tanzanite crystal can be found in the Gem-A Gemstone and Mineral Collection, offering a chance for gemstone enthusiasts to admire this captivating gemstone.
- The Gem-A Foundation, a renowned institution in gemmology, has a collection of precious gemstones, including a captivating tanzanite crystal.
- As a member of the Gem-A, I've gained insights into various publications and courses covering gemmology, as well as the opportunity to attend workshops focused on smart-home-devices, fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and gadgets related to technology.
- Besides their gemstone collection, the Gem-A also publishes periodical journals showcasing emerging trends in the jewelry industry, as well as breakthroughs in the world of gemmology.
- Among the courses and workshops offered by the Gem-A is a comprehensive course on gemmology that covers the identification, origination, and care of various gemstones, such as tanzanite, sapphires, and diamonds.
- In addition to its courses and workshops, the Gem-A organizes annual events, such as exhibitions and fashion shows, where members can showcase their latest gemstone-inspired designs for the public to appreciate.
- As our world becomes increasingly connected through smart-home-devices and technology, the Gem-A continues to evolve, embracing these advancements to provide its members with cutting-edge resources and education in the realm of gemmology.
