Tanzanite

Tanzanite is noted for its remarkably strong trichroism, appearing alternately blue, violet and burgundy depending on crystal orientation. Tanzanite can also appear differently when viewed under different lighting conditions. The blues appear more evident when subjected to fluorescent light and the violet hues can be seen readily when viewed under incandescent illumination. In its rough state Tanzanite is colored a reddish brown to clear, and it requires heat treatment to remove the brownish "veil" and bring out the blue violet of the stone.

The gemstone was given the name 'tanzanite' by Tiffany & Co. after Tanzania, the country in which it was discovered. The scientific name of "blue-violet zoisite" was not thought to be sufficiently consumer friendly by Tiffany's marketing department, who introduced it to the market in 1968. In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association chose tanzanite as a December birthstone, the first change to their birthstone list since 1912.

It is one of the most valuable of all metaphysical crystals for spiritual exploration, bringing together all aspects of communication and psychic power. Its high vibrational energy invites protection and safety in linking with higher realms, and allows for deep profound meditation. It is particularly helpful in uniting the mind and heart, teaching one to live from a compassionate heart with an illumined mind. [Melody, 634][Hall II, 335-336][Simmons, 392]

Tanzanite is blue Zoisite, a calcium aluminum silicate, and forms in prismatic, usually striated crystals, transparent to slightly opaque, and ranges in color from deep ultramarine blue to light violet-blue. The most coveted crystals are a saturated blue with a hint of purple around it. In raw form Tanzanite occurs as blue, purple, brown and yellow. Nearly all Tanzanite is heat-treated to produce the striking violet-blue color and to remove the brownish yellow areas. Its pleochroistic property provides the shift in colors as the crystal is viewed from different perspectives. In artificial light it appears as an amethyst blue. [www.Gemstone.org][www.Gemselect.com]

Tanzanite is relatively rare and costly, occurring in only one place in the world, the Merelani Hills in Tanzania, East Africa. It was discovered in 1967 and is named for its country of origin. It is not especially durable and should be worn with care. It should never be cleaned by ultrasonic methods. [www.Gemstone.org][www.Gemselect.com]

Tanzanite Uses and Purposes - Overview

Tanzanite is an excellent crystal for novices to the exploration of psychic powers, as it is very protective and allows the clairvoyant Brow Chakra to open gradually, preventing psychic impressions from becoming overwhelming. To open the Third Eye and psychic powers, circle a Tanzanite clockwise in the center of the brow, and counterclockwise to close it. [Eason, 221]

As a workplace stone, Tanzanite is calming and soothing. Even a tiny piece is beneficial for overcoming communication difficulties. It is also practical in providing a solution to problems when there seems to be none. It is a good stone for career change. [Eason, 221]

Tanzanite aids in sharing spiritual information and knowledge from a heart-centered perspective, making it an excellent crystal for counselors or others in the position of intellectually interpreting emotional experiences. It also benefits empathetic individuals who form interpretations of emotional information they receive intuitively. [Ahsian, 393]

Worn as jewelry, Tanzanite not only stays within one's auric field and brings one's consciousness to a permanently higher state, but brings the positive self-awakening qualities to others who see its beauty. [Simmons, 392]