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TANZANITE
In 1968 Tiffany & Company started marketing blue-violet zoisite under the name “tanzanite”. Tanzanite was named after the location it is found, Tanzania, by Tiffany & Company.
Tanzanite is the blue to blue-violet to purple variety of zoisite. It gets its color from vanadium and has a color range from blue to violet-blue to purple, periwinkle, lilac, and cornflower blue to deep blue, indigo and violet. Today, the most sought-after color of Tanzanite is a medium dark tone with vivid saturation and slightly violet-blue in coloring. Tanzanite is often heat treated to improve the blue color. This treatment is permanent. The Moh’s hardness of Tanzanite is 6.5 - 7.
Tanzanite can be found in Tanzania. Its discovery in 1967 is attributed to a Maasai tribesman.
In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association added Tanzanite as a birthstone for December. It is the stone for the 8th and 24th Wedding Anniversaries. Tanzanite is associated with the zodiac signs of Sagittarius.
The Maasai legend claims that the ground was struck with a bolt of lightning from the sky and turned all the rocks a shimmering blue. The Maasai tribe gives tanzanite as a gift upon the birth of a baby as a blessing symbolizing health, well-being, and wealth.
Tanzanite has historically been associated with new beginnings, transformation, beauty, intuition, psychic abilities, raising consciousness, dissolve old patterns/habits, health, well-being, and prosperity. It has also been associated with rarity.
Historically speaking, Tanzanite was believed to strengthen the immune system, detoxify blood, and regenerate cells, skin, and hair.
Care:
Avoid sudden or extreme temperature changes. Avoid extreme heat, steam cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners. Clean with a soft brush and warm soapy water and then dry off excess water with a soft cloth.
Tanzanite is the blue to blue-violet to purple variety of zoisite. It gets its color from vanadium and has a color range from blue to violet-blue to purple, periwinkle, lilac, and cornflower blue to deep blue, indigo and violet. Today, the most sought-after color of Tanzanite is a medium dark tone with vivid saturation and slightly violet-blue in coloring. Tanzanite is often heat treated to improve the blue color. This treatment is permanent. The Moh’s hardness of Tanzanite is 6.5 - 7.
Tanzanite can be found in Tanzania. Its discovery in 1967 is attributed to a Maasai tribesman.
In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association added Tanzanite as a birthstone for December. It is the stone for the 8th and 24th Wedding Anniversaries. Tanzanite is associated with the zodiac signs of Sagittarius.
The Maasai legend claims that the ground was struck with a bolt of lightning from the sky and turned all the rocks a shimmering blue. The Maasai tribe gives tanzanite as a gift upon the birth of a baby as a blessing symbolizing health, well-being, and wealth.
Tanzanite has historically been associated with new beginnings, transformation, beauty, intuition, psychic abilities, raising consciousness, dissolve old patterns/habits, health, well-being, and prosperity. It has also been associated with rarity.
Historically speaking, Tanzanite was believed to strengthen the immune system, detoxify blood, and regenerate cells, skin, and hair.
Care:
Avoid sudden or extreme temperature changes. Avoid extreme heat, steam cleaners and ultrasonic cleaners. Clean with a soft brush and warm soapy water and then dry off excess water with a soft cloth.
TOPAZ
There are two beliefs as to where the word “topaz” came from. Some believe that it comes from the Sanskrit word “Tapas”, meaning “fire”; while others believe that it comes from the Greek word “Topazos,” which was a name for a small island in the Red Sea.
Topaz gets its color from trace elements (iron, chromium, titanium, manganese) and has a color range from blue, green, brown, orange, yellow, red, pink, purple, violet, grey, and white (colorless). The special trade names for topaz are: Imperial Topaz (orange body with pinkish undertones) and Sherry Topaz (yellowish-brown or brownish-yellow to orange). Today, the most sought-after color is Imperial topaz. Topaz treatments are heat, irradiation, and surface coating. Mystic Topaz made its debut in 1998 at the Hong Kong Jewelry Fair. Mystic Topaz is created by coating a natural colorless topaz with a fine mist of titanium on its surface. The Moh’s hardness of Topaz is 8.
Blue Topaz gets its color from iron and has a color range from pale blue to sky blue to London blue to indigo. Today, the most sought-after color of blue topaz today is the Swiss and London blue topaz. Blue Topaz treatments are irradiation and heat, and they are permanent. “Swiss Blue” and “London Blue” Topaz are trade names for specific shades of treated blue topaz. Swiss Blue has a bright, vivid, electric blue color with a light tone and light to moderate saturation and can sometimes look like aquamarine color-wise. London Blue is a dark blue topaz with a moderate to dark tone and saturation. The name for “London blue” Topaz came from it being first created in London in the early 19th century. Natural blue topaz was rare and very expensive.
Topaz can be found in Brazil (Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto), Japan (Takayama, Tanokamiyama), Russia (Ural Mountains, Siberia), Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Namibia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Scotland (Cairngorm Mountains, especially Ben a Buird), Germany, Australia, India, Zimbabwe, and the United States of America (California, Colorado, Utah).
Topaz is a traditional birthstone for November. In 1912 the National Association of Jeweler’s made yellow-hued Topaz, as well as Imperial Topaz, one of the birthstones for November. Imperial Topaz is the stone for the 23rd Wedding Anniversary. Topaz is associated with the zodiac signs of Scorpio and Sagittarius. In 1912 the National Association of Jeweler’s recognized Blue Topaz an alternate birthstone for December. It is the stone for the 4th Wedding Anniversary. Blue Topaz is associated with the zodiac signs of Sagittarius, Aries, and Leo.
Ancient Egyptians believed that yellow-hued topaz provided protection for its wearer. Ancient Romans believed that it protected the wearer from poison. Ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength (mental, physical), serenity, empathy, and warmth. In India, topaz was believed to assure long life, intelligence, and beauty.
From the 1300s to the 1600s Renaissance Europeans believed topaz could break magic spells and dispel anger. In 19th century Russia, imperial topaz ownership was highly restricted to the use of the royal family only.
Topaz has historically been associated with long life, longevity, strength, fidelity, faithfulness, loyalty, friendship, joy, splendor, beauty, truth, empathy, forgiveness, good fortune, intelligence, protection, wisdom, serenity, healing, and divine power.
Blue Topaz has historically been associated with relaxation, stress reduction, increased creativity, and communication skills. It is also said to bring good luck, fortune, creativity, and spiritual growth. In modern times, it’s a symbol of serenity and grace and brings friendship and romance. It was believed to prevent anger and instability.
Care:
High heat and sudden temperature changes can cause internal breaks. Prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight may cause fading in some yellow-to-brown gemstones. It may be slightly affected by some chemicals. Do not use steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Clean with a soft, dry cloth or warm soapy water. Store in a cool, dry place.
Mystic Topaz, only use warm soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleaners and buffing wheels. Warm water with mild soap and a very soft-bristled brush. Avoid using steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Avoid extreme heat and direct sunlight as this can cause the topaz to lose its color. Avoid wearing in a pool or salt water.
London Blue Topaz: clean with a soft, dry cloth or warm soapy water. Keep away from chemicals, heat, and light. Store in a cool, dry place.
TOURMALINE
The origin of the word Tourmaline is uncertain. It is believed to come from the Sinhalese word “turamali” which means “mixed colored stones”.
Tourmaline is a group of mineral species. It gets its color from a variety of minerals depending upon the color of the tourmaline. Green tourmaline gets its color from chromium. Tourmaline has a color range which includes colorless, green, blue, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, brown, black, bi- or multi-colored, and color-change. Rubellite is the trade name for tourmaline that is red in both daylight and incandescent light, however, some will call any strong colored pink to red tourmaline this. Indicolite is the trade name for shades of blue tourmaline. Paraiba tourmaline is the rarest and most expensive tourmaline. Black tourmaline goes by the mineralogical name Schorl. Today, the most sought-after color of Tourmaline is pink, specifically a vivid magenta color. Tourmaline treatments are heat, irradiation, and sometimes fracture filling. Irradiation is common in tourmaline in shades of red, pink, and purple. The Moh’s hardness of Tourmaline is 7 to 7.5.
Tourmaline can be found in Brazil, Afghanistan, Pakistan, East Africa, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, the Soviet Union, and in the United States of America (California, Maine, New Hampshire).
In 1912 the National Association of Jeweler’s made Tourmaline the birthstone for October. Most often it is Pink Tourmaline that is used for the October birthstone. It is the stone for the 8th Wedding Anniversary. Tourmaline is associated with the zodiac signs of Libra and Scorpio.
When tourmaline is heated or pressed at one end it becomes electrically charged and can attract or repel light-weight, non-metallic materials such as ash, dust, or small bits of paper.
Tourmaline, in general, has historically been associated with protection, love, connection, compassion, and healing.
Pink Tourmaline has been associated with love, compassion, kindness, happiness, joy, relaxation, emotional healing, and passion.
Care:
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and sudden temperature changes to prevent fracturing. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Ultrasonic is risky. Clean gently with mild soap and water using a soft brush or cloth. Store it in a soft pouch, or box, away from other jewelry that can scratch or damage the tourmaline. Do not sore in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
TURQUOISE
Turquoise comes from the French expression “pierre tourques”, or “Turkish stone”, and originated in the 13th century. Ancient Egyptians called turquoise “mefkat”, which means “joy” and “delight”.
Turquoise gets its color from copper, aluminum, zinc, and iron and has a color range in shades of blue to green. The presence of iron gives it a greenish hue whereas zinc causes more of a yellowish hue. Its color can change over time due to body oils and other moisture absorbed into the stone. Today, the most sought-after color of Turquoise is Robin's Egg Blue, Sky Blue, or Persian Blue. Turquoise treatments are wax, dye, and stabilization. The Moh’s hardness of Turquoise is 5 - 6.
Turquoise can be found in Iran, China, Mexico, Middle East, Kazakhstan, and United States of America. Ancient Egyptians mined Turquoise (in the Sinai region) around 5500 BCE.
Turquoise is a traditional birthstone for December. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers named turquoise as one of the birthstones for December. It is the stone for the 11th Wedding Anniversary. Turquoise is associated with the zodiac signs of Sagittarius.
Turquoise is believed to be the world’s oldest gem material. Turquoise has been used for centuries around the world in ceremonies and can be found in burial sites. It was discovered in burial sites in western Iran that date back to 7000 BCE. Ancient China carved turquoise 3000 years ago. Ancient Egyptians considered turquoise a holy stone that brings good luck, fertility, vegetation, joy, delight, and improved a warrior’s accuracy. Turquoise was associated with the goddess Hathor (also called the lady, or the mistress, of turquoise). The Ancient Egyptians fashioned it into amulets, beads, and other such small objects.
Native American tribes in the USA used it as a ceremonial gem, jewelry, amulets, and as exchange. To some Native American tribes, it symbolized the god of the sky. Many regarded turquoise as a spiritual stone that connects one with the sky and Earth. The Apache believed a turquoise stone could be found at the end of a rainbow. The Apache’s attached it to their bow or firearm to increase their accuracy. They considered it a good luck charm. Apache shamans possess this stone if they are authentic and because they believe it is effective against evil spirits. The Navajo believe that turquoise is a piece of the sky that has fallen to Earth for its inhabitants. The Navajo use it along with coral to pray for rain. By throwing turquoise into water or air it would help one connect, in prayer, to the Creator of rain or the Wind Spirits. The goddess Estsanatlehi appeared to humankind as a drop of turquoise or a turquoise woman. The name Estsanatlehi means ‘changing woman’, and which refers to the way turquoise changes color according to its environment. Turquoise is considered a good luck charm and was central to many of their spiritual observances and traditions.
In Tibet turquoise guarantees health, good fortune, protection from evil, and protected children from falling. It is the national gem of Tibet. Believed to be spiritual and connected with the sky and the Earth.
The Ancient Mayans and Aztecs associated turquoise with healing properties and good fortune. Aztecs offered turquoise at the temple of Matlalcueye, the goddess of fertility and protection. As a funerary custom turquoise fragments were placed in distinguished chiefs mouths.
Turquoise has historically been associated with rain, sky, protection, healing, good fortune, prosperity, good health, peace, uncluttering the mind, ease stress, friendship, happiness, getting rid of bad habits, and seeing one’s life from a higher perspective. It was attached to warriors swords, bows, and firearms to improve accuracy.
Care: Turquoise gets its color from copper, aluminum, zinc, and iron and has a color range in shades of blue to green. The presence of iron gives it a greenish hue whereas zinc causes more of a yellowish hue. Its color can change over time due to body oils and other moisture absorbed into the stone. Today, the most sought-after color of Turquoise is Robin's Egg Blue, Sky Blue, or Persian Blue. Turquoise treatments are wax, dye, and stabilization. The Moh’s hardness of Turquoise is 5 - 6.
Turquoise can be found in Iran, China, Mexico, Middle East, Kazakhstan, and United States of America. Ancient Egyptians mined Turquoise (in the Sinai region) around 5500 BCE.
Turquoise is a traditional birthstone for December. In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers named turquoise as one of the birthstones for December. It is the stone for the 11th Wedding Anniversary. Turquoise is associated with the zodiac signs of Sagittarius.
Turquoise is believed to be the world’s oldest gem material. Turquoise has been used for centuries around the world in ceremonies and can be found in burial sites. It was discovered in burial sites in western Iran that date back to 7000 BCE. Ancient China carved turquoise 3000 years ago. Ancient Egyptians considered turquoise a holy stone that brings good luck, fertility, vegetation, joy, delight, and improved a warrior’s accuracy. Turquoise was associated with the goddess Hathor (also called the lady, or the mistress, of turquoise). The Ancient Egyptians fashioned it into amulets, beads, and other such small objects.
Native American tribes in the USA used it as a ceremonial gem, jewelry, amulets, and as exchange. To some Native American tribes, it symbolized the god of the sky. Many regarded turquoise as a spiritual stone that connects one with the sky and Earth. The Apache believed a turquoise stone could be found at the end of a rainbow. The Apache’s attached it to their bow or firearm to increase their accuracy. They considered it a good luck charm. Apache shamans possess this stone if they are authentic and because they believe it is effective against evil spirits. The Navajo believe that turquoise is a piece of the sky that has fallen to Earth for its inhabitants. The Navajo use it along with coral to pray for rain. By throwing turquoise into water or air it would help one connect, in prayer, to the Creator of rain or the Wind Spirits. The goddess Estsanatlehi appeared to humankind as a drop of turquoise or a turquoise woman. The name Estsanatlehi means ‘changing woman’, and which refers to the way turquoise changes color according to its environment. Turquoise is considered a good luck charm and was central to many of their spiritual observances and traditions.
In Tibet turquoise guarantees health, good fortune, protection from evil, and protected children from falling. It is the national gem of Tibet. Believed to be spiritual and connected with the sky and the Earth.
The Ancient Mayans and Aztecs associated turquoise with healing properties and good fortune. Aztecs offered turquoise at the temple of Matlalcueye, the goddess of fertility and protection. As a funerary custom turquoise fragments were placed in distinguished chiefs mouths.
Turquoise has historically been associated with rain, sky, protection, healing, good fortune, prosperity, good health, peace, uncluttering the mind, ease stress, friendship, happiness, getting rid of bad habits, and seeing one’s life from a higher perspective. It was attached to warriors swords, bows, and firearms to improve accuracy.
Avoid high heat, oils, grease, perfume, chemicals, and extreme temperate changes. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners. Use warm soapy water on a very soft cloth to clean and immediately dry with a soft cloth. Handle with care as it scratches easily and can be fragile; store it in a cool, stable, dry place apart from other jewelry when possible.