December Birthstones

Tanzanite was added to the list of December birthstones in 2002.  The color is blue with rich purple overtones. The stone is very strong in pleochroism which means that is shows different colors when looked at along different axes. It shows colors of blue-purple, red-purple, and green-yellow. The
bigger the stone the deeper the color.  In its natural state it is a brownish color.  It is heat that actually brings out the color we all love in this stone. The stone is very brittle and care must be taken
if you own a piece of jewelry with this beautiful stone.  Be careful when knocking it around.  Extreme temperatures are not good for it either.  Never use an ultrasonic home unit to clean the stone.  Many
purchase this stone in place of sapphire because it is usually less expensive.  Tanzanite is associated with good luck, contentment, and understanding. 

The only source for the stone is in East Africa.  It was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967.  The legend is that cattle farmers noticed that all of the brownish colored stones had turned to a purplish blue color after a bad storm.  Lightening had caused a fire and the heat caused the stone to turn this color. 

Turquoise is a very old stone mined by early Egyptians.  It was used in some of the very first pieces of jewelry.  The tomb of Queen Zer of Ancient Egypt was excavated and a turquoise bracelet was found on her wrist.  It is thought to be one of the oldest pieces of jewelry ever found.  The word turquoise means Turkish stone.  It comes from as far away as Iran to as close as Arizona and New Mexico.  Its color varies from a really light blue to a greenish blue.  It is porous and relatively soft with a 5 rating on the Mohs scale. 

Turquoise is thought to have magical powers.  It is a very sacred stone to the North American
Indians.    The Indians believed it helped them in battles and was also part of religious ceremonies as well.  It has been used toprotect horse riders from falling off their horses and used by pilots to bring them good luck while flying.  It is associated with good luck, healing, spiritual wellness, trust, and kindness.