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.
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue
Success will bless whate'er you do.
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
ReplyDeleteOh thanks, Kyra. I will check it out! Gremlins maybe!!
DeleteI love the name Tanzanite - your right, it would make a perfect birthstone unicorn name. There is something magical about it.
ReplyDeletePerfect for a magical unicorn!
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteMy eldest and my hubby are Diamonds they may be plain but don't forget they can also be priceless!
DeleteAnything purple has to be good!
ReplyDeleteFound in Tanzania? Well, the name makes sense then!
ReplyDeleteYou can see where the idea came from!
DeleteTanzanite is a beautiful stone!
ReplyDeleteOoh, 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. :)
ReplyDeleteDon't forget Topaz can be all shades of firey golds and ambers! Rubies are lovely too it's similar to mine the garnet.
DeleteI hadn't even heard of this gem before. Sounds beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThey are very pretty :)
ReplyDeleteBirthstones rule. That's what this one book told me. :)
ReplyDelete