The December Birthstone - Tanzanite

The birthstone for December is the Tanzanite, a striking gemstone admired for its vivid blue-violet colour and unique rarity. Discovered only in the 20th century, Tanzanite has quickly become one of the most sought-after modern gemstones. For those born in December, it symbolises transformation, wisdom, and good fortune.

The December birthstone is the Tanzanite. Unlike many birthstones with ancient histories, Tanzanite is a relatively new discovery. Found exclusively in Tanzania in 1967, it is celebrated for its remarkable colour – a rich blend of blue and violet that shifts in different lighting conditions. Its rarity and beauty have earned it a special place among the official birthstones for December.

Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite and is prized for its unique trichroic property, meaning it can display three different colours – blue, violet, and burgundy – depending on the viewing angle. Most Tanzanite on the market today is heat-treated to enhance its vivid blue tones, making it one of the most distinctive gemstones used in fine jewellery.

With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, Tanzanite is softer than many other gemstones, which means it requires a little extra care when worn in rings or everyday pieces.

Tanzanite is often associated with transformation, clarity, and spiritual growth. It is believed to help balance emotions, inspire creativity, and strengthen intuition. As a relatively new gemstone, it has also come to symbolise new beginnings, making it a meaningful gift for December birthdays and life milestones.

Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania by a Maasai tribesman. Its rarity is unparalleled – the gemstone is found only in this small region of East Africa, making it up to 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. Since its discovery, Tanzanite has gained global popularity, especially after Tiffany & Co. introduced it to the jewellery market in the late 1960s.

Tanzanite’s vivid colour makes it a favourite for statement pieces such as rings, pendants, and earrings. Its blue-violet hue pairs beautifully with both white gold and platinum, as well as yellow gold for a warmer contrast. At Purely Diamonds, our Tanzanite jewellery highlights the unique beauty of this modern gemstone, handcrafted to perfection.

Because Tanzanite is softer than many other gemstones, it needs gentle care to maintain its brilliance. To protect your jewellery:

• Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth – avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
• Remove Tanzanite rings before heavy tasks or sports to prevent scratches or chips.
• Store separately in a soft pouch or lined box to protect it from harder gemstones.

The December birthstone, Tanzanite, is a modern and rare gemstone that embodies transformation, wisdom, and elegance. With its vivid colour and fascinating story, it makes a truly special choice for December birthdays.

Explore our exclusive Tanzanite jewellery to find a piece that captures the magic of this extraordinary gemstone.