Tanzanite
Tanzanite is the blue and violet variety of the mineral zoisite that is caused by small amounts of vanadium. It was given its name by Tiffany & Co. after Tanzania, the country in which it was discovered and solely mined. It was decided that its scientific name “blue violet zoisite” was not consumer friendly when it was introduced into the market in 1968. In 2002, the first change to the birthstone list was made since 1912 when tanzanite was chosen as a December representative. It is especially known for having strong trichroism, displaying blue, violet, and burgundy depending on the angle and lighting it is viewed from. Tanzanite is believed to aid in detoxifying the body and improving vitality and stimulate intuition and perception. It is also thought to provide a calming and soothing presence.
Nerd Stuff
- Birthstone Month: December
- Mineral Family: Zoisite
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
- Composition: Calcium aluminum hydroxyl sorosilicate
- Chemical Formula: (Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH))+(Cr,Sr)
- Hardness: 6—6.5
- Luster: Vitreous
- Transparency: Transparent to Translucent
- Color(s): Royal blue, indigo, violet, purple
- Refractive Index: 1.69 to 1.70
- Specific Gravity: 3.10-3.38
Hippie Stuff
Metaphysical Properties
- Physical Benefits: Speeds up recovery, boosts immune system, promotes cell regeneration, detoxifies energies, thoughts, emotions, and blood, relieves pain.
- Psychological Benefits: Boosts self-esteem, calms the mind, promotes cheer, assists in getting free from alcohol addiction.
- Spiritual Benefits: Encourages creativity, aligns chakras, helps find the way to spiritual enlightenment, awakens clairvoyance and telepathy, enhances intuition and communication skills.
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