Tanzanite

December’s birthstone is Tanzanite, symbolizing happiness and relief from worries. Tanzanite is said to link the mind and the heart giving one the ability to speak the truth. It is also said that Tanzanite calms an overactive mind.

Tanzanite is named after the only place on the planet where it can be found – Tanzania, East Africa.

Tanzanite is known as a stone of transformation as its colour shifts from lilac-blue to deep violet depending on the light.
 

Birthstone
December

Colour
The deep blue of the tanzanite runs from ultramarine blue to light violet-blue.

Hardness
6.5-7 (1 softest – 10 hardest)

Care
Tanzanites have fair to poor toughness and a property called cleavage, which tends to break when struck. While tanzanite is not as hard or as tough as a stone like sapphire, it still can be worn in all types of jewelry with proper precautions against rough wearing or hard blows.

Cleaning
Warm, soapy water is always safe. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are never recommended for tanzanite.

Famous Tanzanite Gemstone
Queen of Kilimanjaro weighing in at 242 carats, and set in a gold tiara with 803 garnets and 913 diamonds.