Tanzanite Gemstone Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Tanzanite Gemstone Facts and History
Possibly one of the most unique gemstones on earth and one of the newest naturally occurring gemstones discovered, the Tanzanite Gemstone is a must-have for gem collectors. Unlike gems that have been in use for centuries, Tanzanite has clear records of the time it was discovered.
First discovered by Masai tribesmen on the Merelani Hils, at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro in 1967, they alerted a local prospector, Manuel D’Souza. D’Souza was initially looking for sapphires and knew there was something different about these gemstones with their intense blue-violet color.
The location of the gemstones was near the city of Ashura in Tanzania and D’Souza quickly got permits from the government to mine the site of the gems.
Lab analysis reported that the blue-violet gems were a rare form of zoisite, a type of mineral that can be found in many parts of the world. What makes this zoisite rare and remarkable is its unique color that it can only be found in this one location.
The discovery of the rare gem skyrocketed its demand and value in the Western market. The Tanzanite Gemstones were originally called blue zoisite, however, as a marketing ploy by the jewelry company, Tiffany & Co, blue zoisite was rebranded into Tanzanite, after the country of its location, Tanzania.
Other than its rarity, the deep intense blue color of the Tanzanite Gemstone increases its value. Its rich blue, violet, and grey tones change with the angle the gem is viewed due to a property called pleochroic.
The beautiful deep blue color of the Tanzanite Gemstone is brought out by chromium in the zoisite mineral. Other colored zoisite stones like brown or golden can be artificially transformed into Tanzanite when exposed to high temperatures.
Resistant to scratching and abrasion, Tanzanites have a rating of 6.5 Mohs hardness scale. This unique gem is often a substitute for sapphires and rivals the Big Four gemstones in popularity.
The largest rough Tanzanite Gemstone found was mined on June 24, 2020 by Saniniu Laizer. He found two Tanzanite stones weighing 9.72 kg and 5.1 kg. The Smithsonian Institute is in possession of a rare Tanzanite Catseye of 18.2 carats.
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Tanzanite Gemstone Uses
Tanzanite Gemstones are highly sought-after stones for jewelry. Jewelry around the globe highly prizes the rare gem for its deep blue to violet color. It is also a great substitute for sapphires. Tanzanite gems are highly popular pieces for rings, pendants, earrings, amulets, and bracelets.
Because of its rarity and relatively new discovery, Tanzanite gems are also highly sought after by gem collectors. Its deep blue to purple colors that can shift depending on different angles make for a unique addition to any gem enthusiast’s collection.
Tanzanite gems are amongst the rarest in the world, some say they are even rarer than diamonds. Investors are always on the lookout to purchase Tanzanite gems for investment purposes. Considering that it can only be mined in one location in the world, the gem value is increasing by the day.
New technologies in the optical field are being developed with the use of Tanzanite for its incisive optical properties. However, because of its high cost, industrial usage of the gem is quite limited.
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Tanzanite Gemstone Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
Tanzanite Gemstones are seen as a healing stone meant to boost the immune system. In crystal healing, Tanzanite is said to help with anxiety, migraines, tension, and used to detoxify the body.
When wearing a Tanzanite Gemstone, the full potential of a person can be tapped into, where they are believed to display a burst of creative energy. Tanzanite Gemstones are symbols of being focused, knowing oneself as a person, and authenticity.
Tanzanite is connected with the third-eye chakra and the throat chakra. The stone brings forth the energy of these chakras to help with having clear authentic communication and tapping into our inner self for wisdom.
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Tanzanite Gemstone Symbolism of Different Shapes and Forms
There are little to no other forms of Tanzanite that exist. However, the gemstone is a blue zoisite with different colored zoisites existing around the world. Brown or golden zoisite, in particular, can be treated and transformed into artificial Tanzanite Gemstones when heated.
Zoisite gemstones are believed to symbolize returning to oneself, recentering, and resetting after a distraction.
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Tanzanite Gemstone Symbolism in Different Cultures
Symbolism for the Tanzanite Gemstone in different cultures is quite limited given its considerable recent discovery. However, in several African cultures, the stone became a symbol of prosperity, new beginnings, and luck.
In Feng Shui, having a Tanzanite Gemstone placed in a space can bring out peace and tranquility, and can help people with open communication.
In modern Western cultures, Tanzanite became a symbol of luxury and may be given as a gift for 24th wedding anniversaries.
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Tanzanite Gemstone in Combination with other Gems
Amethyst gemstone is a perfect combination with Tanzanite gems. Both gems are connected with the third eye chakra which can lead to a deeper connection to a higher consciousness, intuition, and serenity.
Similarly, the aquamarine gemstones are also connected with the throat chakra. When combined with Tanzanite, the ability to let go, the flow of communication, and trust are all enhanced.
Tourmaline is another great pairing for Tanzanite. It is a grounding stone that compliments the healing properties that Tanzanite brings. Both stones also enhance creativity and positivity.
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Tanzanite Gemstone Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
Tanzanite Gemstone is the birthstone for the month of December and also connected to the zodiac sign Sagittarius. The Tanzanite stone will help Sagitarrius to find truth, explore, have spiritual awareness, and reconnect with their authentic self to share it with the world.
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Tanzanite Gemstone in Dreams
As a rare gemstone, there are little to no dream interpretations for Tanzanite. However, dreaming about gemstones in general, especially rare ones, means having the aspirations to achieve a comfortable lifestyle, success, and upcoming joyous occasions.
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Tanzanite Gemstone Omens and Superstitions
There is not much superstition surrounding the Tanzanite Gemstone yet. However, in Tanzania, the color blue is seen as giving good health and positive energy to newborns, causing mothers to wear blue gems, beads, or fabric after giving birth.
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Tanzanite Gemstone Mythology and Folklore
According to a local myth, local herders of the Masai tribe found blue to violet gemstones scattered across the grounds of the Merelani Hills after a terrifying lightning storm set fire to the grassland. Some believed them to be Tanzanites.
