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Top Quality Tanzanite Gemstones
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THE BIRTHSTONE for DECEMBER
Tanzanite
is so hot it is the first gem added to the birthstone list since 1912
The 24th ANNIVERSARY STONE
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MOH's scale of hardness
: 6-1/2 to 7
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Specific Gravity : 3.35
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Refractive Index : 1.691-1.700
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Double Refraction : +0.009
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Tanzanite is known for the exquisite combination of purple
and blue hues, one of the loveliest of gems that was discovered in modern times. Tanzanite,
discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and introduced to the world in 1968, is mined as a greenish yellowish brownish
crystalline material that resembles Andalusite. Tanzanite is basically the Blue variety of "Zoisite",
and mined in Tanzania just below the majestic Mount
Kilamanjaro.
Zoisite was originally used in lamp shades and other ornamental art carved
items. Tiffany's acquired rights to the trade name "Tanzanite".
Tanzanite has been adopted as a December birthstone by the American Gem Trade
Association and shares its last-month-of-the-year membership with turquoise and
zircon. It's affordability and distinctive beauty have earned this gem a status
that rivals Kashmir Blue Sapphire. Tanzanite can be cut to emphasize its
blue or violet color component, so it can resemble the finest royal-blue
sapphire or hint at amethyst purple. This color versatility has endeared this
member of the zoisite family to leading jewelry designers in America, Europe and
Japan. Tanzanite has became a staple gem, and now that supplies show no
sign of letting up, it was deemed as worthy of membership on the birthstone list
as aquamarine and sapphire, the birthstones for March and September. Even
though all the major industry associations agreed that the public would respond
positively to a dynamic new birthstone choice for December, amending the
birthstone list is like amending the Constitution. There must be compelling
reason and wide support. The last time the birthstone list was revised was 1912,
when jewelry industry leaders met to give gems discovered since the formulation
of the traditional list a shot at birthstone status. Alexandrite made the 1912
list, and now that Tanzanite has been given birthstone status it shows the
degree to which this gem is revered by the trade and public alike. Top Gem
Tanzanite is very beautiful and looks great in jewelry.
If you are considering Tanzanite, we
stock the finest gems available in AAA and AAA+ Top Gem colors of rich
deep Intense blue/blue-violet.
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