The Gemstones |
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Tanzanite
Tanzanite, a form of Zoisite, was discovered in 1967 and has only ever been found in East Africa, making it quite rare. Tanzanite can be blue, though the best stones are a bright blue-violet, and it became the official birthstone for the month of December in 2002. It is somewhat brittle, so care must be taken when wearing it.
Masai legend has it that this stone was discovered after a lightning storm set fire to the savannah, turning an exposed patch of brown Zoisite crystals into luxurious Tanzanite. The stone is therefore often heat-treated to intensify the colour, but can be found naturally as well.
The Masai tribes also consider Tanzanite to be the stone of birth, and it has become tradition for a Masai man to present this stone to his wife on the birth of their first child – a tradition which has since spread to the Western World as well.
Tiger's Eye
Tiger's Eye is characterised by its silky bands of dark and golden brown, which are layered in such a way as to reflect light from the inside of the stone: a property known as chatoyance. This property helps the stone to resemble the eye of the tiger, for which is is named.
Considered one of the grounding stones, Tiger's Eye is believed to work to release anxieties and fears and to lend objectivity to the emotions so that challenges can be dealt with more logically. Tiger's Eye is also believed to enhance its wearer's willpower and self-confidence, and to guard against illusion.
Roman soldiers believed this stone offered protection to travellers, and wore it as a talisman against curses in general, and especially against the 'evil eye'.
Borealis Design uses yellow and red Tiger's Eye.
Blue Topaz
Usually found in volcanic rock, the word ‘topaz’ comes from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘fire'. Topaz comes in many colours: most commonly golden yellow or blue, and is the traditional birthstone for the month of November.
A highly empathetic stone, Blue Topaz is said to soften and heal hardened hearts by promoting understanding and compassion, while also protecting the soft-hearted from taking too much pain on themselves. It is considered a stone of great positive energies: it attracts abundance and love and encourages kindness, while also acting as an excellent motivator to help its wearer find the best path to their goals.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline comes in a wide variety of colours, including green, pink and black. When warmed, Tourmaline becomes electrically charged: a property known as pyroelectricity. In general, all colours of this stone are said to help the wearer break free of limited thinking and see the past in a new light.
Borealis Jewellery Design uses black and pink tourmaline.
Turquoise
Turquoise, the modern birthstone for the month of December, was revered by Native Americans who believed it would protect its wearer from falling from a horse. Much 'turquoise' sold today is imitation, as genuine, good-quality Turquoise is both expensive and quite delicate. Be careful to keep these stones away from chlorine or bleach.
Due to its high copper content, Turquoise is an excellent conductor, and is believed to offer a powerful energy channel which can be used to 'connect' to other people through enhanced communication, or simply to realign the energy centres within the wearer's own body.