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December's Capricorn Birthstone: A Talisman of Ambition and Determination

As the final month of the year, December heralds the arrival of Capricorn, a zodiac sign known for its ambition, determination, and practicality. The birthstone associated with this celestial sentinel is the deep, captivating blue of Tanzanite.

Tanzanite: A Stone of Extraordinary Rarity

Tanzanite, a variety of the mineral zoisite, is a captivating gemstone that exudes an ethereal blue hue. Its discovery dates back to the early 1960s in Tanzania, the country that bears its name. With an estimated 0.2% share of the world's gem trade, Tanzanite is one of the rarest and most sought-after gemstones on the planet.

Physical Properties of Tanzanite

Tanzanite's captivating allure lies in its unique physical properties:

Color: Tanzanite's distinctive blue color is attributed to the presence of vanadium impurities.
Clarity: Tanzanite is typically found with inclusions, which can give it a distinctive appearance.
Hardness: With a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale, Tanzanite is relatively durable, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Crystal System: Tanzanite crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system, giving it its characteristic multifaceted appearance.

Metaphysical Attributes of Tanzanite

Beyond its stunning aesthetics, Tanzanite is believed to possess a range of metaphysical properties:

december capricorn birthstone

Spiritual Growth: Tanzanite is said to promote spiritual awakening and expansion of consciousness.
Communication: The gemstone is associated with enhanced communication and self-expression.
Clarity of Thought: Tanzanite is believed to stimulate clear thinking and decision-making.
Protection: Some believe that Tanzanite offers protection against negative energies and emotional turmoil.

Applications of Tanzanite

Tanzanite's striking beauty and metaphysical properties make it a versatile gemstone with various applications:

Jewelry: Tanzanite is primarily used in jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Meditation: The gemstone is used in meditation practices to facilitate spiritual growth and emotional balance.
Energy Healing: Tanzanite is believed to be beneficial in energy healing therapies to promote physical and emotional well-being.
Feng Shui: In Feng Shui, Tanzanite is associated with water energy and is used to promote wealth and prosperity.

Pros and Cons of Tanzanite

Like any gemstone, Tanzanite has both advantages and disadvantages to consider:

December's Capricorn Birthstone: A Talisman of Ambition and Determination

Pros:

Unique Color: Tanzanite's mesmerizing blue hue is unlike any other gemstone.
Rarity: Its scarcity adds to its exclusivity and value.
Metaphysical Properties: Tanzanite's perceived spiritual benefits can be of personal value to some individuals.

Cons:

Tanzanite: A Stone of Extraordinary Rarity

Durability: While durable compared to some gemstones, Tanzanite's hardness makes it less resistant to scratches than certain other stones.
Availability: Tanzanite's rarity can limit its availability and drive up its price.
Clarity: Inclusions in Tanzanite can affect its transparency and brilliance.

How to Choose the Perfect Tanzanite Gemstone

Selecting the perfect Tanzanite gemstone involves considering several factors:

Color:

Color: The most desirable Tanzanite stones have a deep, saturated blue hue.
Clarity: Inclusions can affect the stone's transparency and brilliance.
Carat Weight: The weight of the stone in carats influences its size and price.
Cut: The cut of the Tanzanite determines its shape and brilliance.
Budget: Tanzanite's price varies depending on its quality and size.

Table 1: Comparison of Tanzanite and Similar Gemstones

Gemstone	Color	Clarity	Hardness	Rarity	Metaphysical Properties
Tanzanite	Blue	Inclusions	6.5	Rare	Spiritual Growth, Enhanced Communication
Sapphire	Blue	Clear	9	Moderate	Strength, Wisdom, Protection
Kyanite	Blue	Inclusions	5-7	Abundant	Tranquility, Balance, Dream Recall
Iolite	Violet-blue	Visible Inclusions	7	Moderate	Insight, Intuition, Clarity

Table 2: Different Cuts of Tanzanite and Their Characteristics

Cut	Shape	Brilliance	Durability
Round	Circular	Excellent	Moderate
Oval	Elliptical	Very Good	Moderate
Cushion	Square or Rectangular with Rounded Corners	Good	Moderate
Emerald	Rectangular or Square with Beveled Edges	Good	Good
Princess	Square with Pointed Corners	Very Good	Excellent

Table 3: Tanzanite Market Statistics

Year	Global Tanzanite Production (Carats)	Average Price per Carat (US$)
2018	300,000	$2,500
2019	280,000	$2,300
2020	260,000	$2,100
2021	285,000	$2,400

Table 4: Tips for Caring for Tanzanite Jewelry

Care Tip	Rationale
Store Separately	Prevent scratches from other jewelry.
Clean with Mild Detergent	Use a soft brush and avoid harsh chemicals.
Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaning	This can damage the gemstone.
Keep Away from Heat	Excessive heat can alter the stone's color.
Insure Your Jewelry	Protect your valuable investment against loss or damage.

Conclusion

Tanzanite, the December birthstone for Capricorn, is a captivating gemstone that embodies ambition, determination, and spiritual growth. Its rarity, unique color, and metaphysical properties make it a highly sought-after choice for jewelry, meditation, and energy healing. By understanding the factors that determine the quality and value of Tanzanite, you can choose the perfect gemstone to complement your personal style and spiritual journey. Embrace the celestial energies of Capricorn and let Tanzanite guide you towards your aspirations.