December Birthstone: Tanzanite & Turquoise
Tanzanite, Silver, Hallmarked
December has in fact three birthstones for it’s month, but we will be focusing on Tanzanite and Turquoise with their mesmerising hues of blue, greens and violet colour palettes. The tanzanite is named after the African state Tanzania, which is also the only place on earth where it is found and is considered by many to be rarer than diamonds! Although due to the calcium aluminium silicate and is not very hard. It has a rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Moh’s scale.
This stunning gemstone ranges in colour from pale lavender with light blue hues to an incredibly rich velvety cornflower blue with vivid violet/ purple hues. Spiritually, Tanzanite stimulates the throat chakra, third-eye chakra, and crown chakra. It activates our psychic abilities and vibratory rate, facilitating communication with the higher spiritual dimensions. Tanzanite is a stone of transformation that can help dissolve old patterns of disease and karma.
Emotionally, Tanzanite is believed to breakdown negativity turning it to the positive side. You might use it to dispel laziness or idleness. It helps with the perfect balance of personal power and actualisation. Physically, it can also boost the immune system, detoxify and regenerate cells and tissues. This fascinating gemstone formed over 500 years ago under extreme geological conditions considered to be totally unique and only found within a very small area surrounding Kilimanjaro.
Tanzanite, Silver - Bespoke commission
Turquoise is other the birthstone for December, making it the birthstone for the astrological signs of both Sagittarius and Capricorn. It is also the planetary stone for Aquarius. This December birthstone is created as water moves through porous rock. The minerals are dissolved, such as copper, aluminium and iron. Over a long time, these minerals accumulate in pores and cracks to form deposits of the material we know as Turquoise. The colour of the stone varies depending on the amount iron and copper present.
The stunning turquoise derives its name from the country Turkey, where it was first encountered by the Crusaders. For many cultures it was a stone that offered protection against black magic and was worn as an amulet on journeys. Turquoise is said to colour change to warn those who carry it of impending danger. The turquoise birthstone is said to represent a host of positive personality traits, including happiness, honesty and spirituality. It’s also said to represent strength, serenity and creativity.
Turquoise is perhaps the oldest stone in man’s history, the talisman of kings, shamans and warriors. It is a stone of protection. As a crystal for travel, Turquoise protects you and your possessions against theft, loss or attack, and helps prevent accidents and falls. Historically Native Americans believed that turquoise would bring rich harvests in the form of rain, while ancient Persians believed that if you could see the reflection of a new moon on the surface of a turquoise stone. This captivating sea-green birthstone, represents wisdom, tranquility, good fortune and hope. Ancient people believed in its profound power as well as its tranquil energy, and its association with enduring love.
Spiritually turquoise helps us recognise the self-imposed causes of our own fate and the subsequent consequences. This means turquoise makes us aware that we are really the creators of our own luck. Emotionally turquoise balances extreme fluctuations of mood and dissolve the tendency to apathy and self pity. It’s also refreshes us when tired, downcast or exhausted, and protects us from sensitivity to outside influences. Mentally turquoise bestows inner calm but enables us to be wide awake, lively and ready to act. It encourages good intuition and foresight. Physically turquoise neutralises over acidity alleviating rheumatism, gout, stomach problems and viral infections. It increases growth, muscular strength, creation of warmth, the ability to regenerate, brain activity and sensory perception, as well as alleviating pain and cramps and has detoxifying effects.
Turquoise should be worn over the thymus gland or solar plexus or applied near the affected areas of the body. It stimulates and harmonises the Throat Chakra, making it easier to articulate and bring forth one’s deepest wisdom. This December birthstone is one that is “earth-grounding” and is valuable in preventing one from losing touch with the conscious mind during deep meditations.