Monday 3 December 2012

December Birthstones


Happy December everyone and welcome to the countdown to the festivities!
As most of you probably know if you have been following for a while I have written a children’s series set around birthstones and their symbolism. Each month I like to tell you a bit about the particular birthstone I feature in my story and post a short extract. Eleven of the twelve stories feature the listed ‘traditional’ birthstone for that month but December is the month I veer off slightly! Well it is Christmas I’m allowed to be a little different aren’t I? For December I focus on one of the ‘modern’ gems, the Tanzanite.

Why did I do this? Well a couple of reasons really. Firstly, I Love, Love, Love the Tanzanite and its bluey/purpley colour. It is so pretty and so me! (Sadly it isn’t my birthstone). Secondly, I thought Tanzanite made an excellent name for a Birthstone Unicorn. In the story I sometimes shorten it to Tanzy and it fits the story perfectly. Check out this link to meet her or click the tab above
As its name might suggest, Tanzanite was first found in Tanzania in 1967. It is relatively new to the official birthstone list having only found its way on in 2002 where it joined the traditional gem Turquoise and other more modern additions, the Blue Zircon and Blue Topaz. But I personally feel it is a wonderful addition and its colour unique.

As Tanzanite is such a new addition there are few myths or legends surrounding it so I have used some of the associations with the traditional turquoise to weave into the story. More details in the side bar on these.

Finally, here is the verse from the traditional Gregorian Birthstone Poem, enjoy!

If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue
Success will bless whate'er you do.

 Do you have a favourite gemstone? Is it your birthstone, traditional or modern?

 

 

 

15 comments:

  1. I tried to read your story but I got a message that said my account may not have permission to access the link. :( But I will try again later! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh thanks, Kyra. I will check it out! Gremlins maybe!!

      Delete
  2. I love the name Tanzanite - your right, it would make a perfect birthstone unicorn name. There is something magical about it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I remember I used to LOVE gemstones when I was younger... fascinated with them! Though I was always sad that the diamond was my birthstone, because it wasn't as fun as the others!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My eldest and my hubby are Diamonds they may be plain but don't forget they can also be priceless!

      Delete
  4. Anything purple has to be good!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Found in Tanzania? Well, the name makes sense then!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ooh, sounds pretty! I'm stuck w/ugly Topaz! Too bad we don't get to pick our birthstones. But I love my daughters, which is Ruby. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't forget Topaz can be all shades of firey golds and ambers! Rubies are lovely too it's similar to mine the garnet.

      Delete
  7. I hadn't even heard of this gem before. Sounds beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Birthstones rule. That's what this one book told me. :)

    ReplyDelete

I love reading your comments, thank you for taking the time to visit and interact but please note I have disabled anonymous comments due to too much spam!