Tanzanite & Turquoise are the birthstones for the month of December
Tanzanite was one of the most exciting gem discoveries of the 20th century. Blue stones emerging from Tanzania were identified as the mineral zoisite in 1962. It was eventually named tanzanite in honor of its country of origin. It is said to inspire joy, encourage compassion and calm the mind.
Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that ranges from blue to green and often has veins of matrix (remnants of the rock in which it formed) running through it. This December birthstone has been cherished for millennia. The pharaohs and other rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with it. Chinese artisans carved it more than 3,000 years ago. Turquoise was thought to possess many beneficial powers, like guaranteeing health and good fortune.