Unearthing Tanzanite’s Hidden Wonders
This rare and mesmerizing gemstone, a proud member of the zoisite mineral family, calls northern Tanzania near Mount Kilimanjaro its exclusive home. Its journey began in the late 1960s when Manuel d’Souza, a tailor with a knack for gold prospecting, stumbled upon it. Tiffany & Co. quickly catapulted tanzanite to fame, and it’s been stealing hearts ever since.
Origin and Discovery
Tanzanite’s tale starts in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. When Manuel d’Souza first saw these dazzling stones, he thought he’d hit a sapphire jackpot. Little did he know, he had discovered a new gem. The magic behind tanzanite’s stunning blue is thanks to trace amounts of vanadium nestled within its crystal structure. Fun fact: when tanzanite is first unearthed, it’s a modest brownish color. Only after a bit of heat treatment does it reveal its true, vibrant blue and violet glory.
Unique Properties
Here’s a cool trick: tanzanite is pleochroic, which means it can show off different colors depending on the angle you view it from. In its raw form, it flaunts shades of blue, violet, and even a hint of burgundy. Once heat-treated, those beautiful blues and violets take center stage, making it a jewel to behold. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, tanzanite is softer than heavyweights like sapphires and diamonds. This softness means it’s best suited for jewelry that avoids the rough and tumble of daily wear—think elegant earrings and pendants.
The Meaning and Energy of Tanzanite
Tanzanite isn’t just a pretty face; it’s got soul, too. This gemstone is a powerhouse for your throat, third eye, crown, and Etheric Chakras. It’s like a cosmic alignment tool, helping you connect your mind, heart, and soul into one harmonious being. Wearing or working with tanzanite encourages you to speak with compassion and wisdom, blending heartfelt words with the clarity of an expanded mind.
Described by many as a self-awakening stone, tanzanite is your guide to spiritual activation. It challenges you to become the best version of yourself and elevates your consciousness to new heights. Need a truth serum? Tanzanite is your go-to, helping you live a life steeped in honesty. It sheds the layers of deception we sometimes wrap ourselves in, transforming our interactions and relationships.
Tanzanite’s magic lies in its ability to cleanse negativity, arguments, and old grudges. It connects the heart to the throat, ensuring that your words are always constructive and kind. This makes it the perfect companion during disagreements, especially with loved ones, softening your words and helping you choose the right tone.
